Five years after it took its first steps in the field of SUVs, Skoda has just announced the restyling and other new features of the Kodiaq, the vehicle that inaugurated that era and which has been followed by other models with the characteristic q, the Karoq, and Kamiq. This update will begin to be marketed in May, and the first units will arrive in Spain at the end of July.
Beyond the design tweaks, the new Kodiaq receives aerodynamic improvements and can incorporate matrix-led headlights. Also, the top-of-the-range RS sports version has not only been visually renewed but also fitted with a new, more powerful TSI engine that reaches 245 horsepower.
In words that the CEO of Skoda, Thomas Schäfer, has pronounced in an online event: “The Kodiaq was a before and an after for us. It was the first model in our SUV campaign, and it opened up an entirely new and rapidly growing vehicle segment. Our clients and the international sectoral press appreciate the typical qualities of the brand both in this and in the rest of our models: value for money, a lot of space, and a complete range of equipment. Now we have further refined the specifications of our large SUV, offering, even more, safety and comfort with new equipment, such as the full LED headlights and ergonomic seats. “
Starting in the summer, the revamped Czech SUV will be available in Active, Ambition, and Style trim levels, as well as L&K, Sportline, and RS variants. Those will feature aluminum-effect details on the front and rear apron for a more off-road style.
The Kodiaq incorporates LED headlights as standard and, for the first time -as has already been said-, it can equip matrix LED headlights. New alloy wheels up to 20 inches further enhance the car’s dynamic and powerful appearance. Special Aero rims, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new glossy black rear spoiler, and fins on the sides of the rear window reduce aerodynamic drag. For its part, the RS version now sports a specifically designed front bumper.
In the engine chapter, the options consist of two diesel engines and three gasoline engines of the latest Evo generation that offer powers of between 150 and 245 hp. The first two emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) thanks to the application of a sophisticated double-dose exhaust gas treatment. The entry-level 1.5 TSI is the only variant available with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, while all others come standard with a seven-speed DSG transmission. All-wheel drive also comes standard on all 190 hp or higher variants.
An even more performance Kodiaq RS
The 2.0 TSI engine in the Kodiaq RS now produces 245 horsepower and consequently offers better performance. It features glossy black body trims and new 20-inch Sagittarius alloy wheels and features full-led Matrix headlights as standard. The combination of black sports seats with red accent stitching and door panels in the same color with black diamond stitching is the most distinctive feature of the interior.
As before, the large SUV of the Volkswagen Group firm can accommodate up to seven people thanks to an optional third row of seats. Ventilated ergonomic seats, which include a massage function, are available as an option for the driver and front passenger, which is a first in the range of this manufacturer. LED ambient lighting now has more functions.
The Kodiaq incorporates advanced infotainment systems with DAB technology, Laura’s digital voice assistant, and a wide range of online solutions, including radio channels. There are three teams – Bolero, Amundsen, and Columbus – that comes from the third generation of the modular information and entertainment platform of the Volkswagen Group and that are always connected through an integrated eSIM. Finally, the model can now carry a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit.
