After numerous teasers, announcements, and a design study, Skoda is finally giving a full look at the second generation of the Kodiaq. And while we may not have expected it beforehand, the flagship SUV has changed quite a bit.
Starting with the new design, through changed dimensions, more space on board for people and luggage, right up to a completely new interior. Under the hood, the entire drive range is being updated and a new plug-in hybrid version with a range of 100 km in pure electric mode is being introduced. But there are also classic petrol and diesel engines with mild hybrids.
No wonder, after all, the Czech SUV is closely related to the new edition of the VW Tiguan. The new Kodiaq will also come onto the market in the second quarter of 2024. The currently unknown prices will probably also be communicated by then.
The exterior: dimensions and design
The Skoda Kodiaq has grown in all dimensions: it has become 61 millimeters longer and is now 4.75 meters long. It is also 1.84 meters wide (without mirrors), 1.66 meters high, and has an increased wheelbase of 2.79 meters, which benefits the spaciousness and luggage capacity.
The design has also changed significantly compared to the previous generation. The Skoda logo stands out at the front, which has been reused here and is positioned in a matt finish on the hood above the large hexagonal radiator grille. This can even be illuminated if desired. As with its fully electric brother Enyaq iV.
Below that is a narrow, side-to-side air intake and two small vertical slats on the sides. Everything has been optimized in terms of aerodynamics (the drag coefficient has dropped to 0.28) and cooling. The exterior mirrors have been changed, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, the wheels have an aerodynamic design and there is also a small roof spoiler.
The headlights are divided: the low beam at the top, and the LED matrix module at the bottom, which has 50 percent more light segments compared to before and offers 15 percent more light output. The latter is an optional extra; it is only standard in the top version “Sportline”.
The taillights are also made of full LED and have an animated welcome function and dynamic indicators. The profile is determined by large 17 to 20-inch wheels and trapezoidal wheel arches.
New Skoda Kodiaq interior: trunk, space, and technology
Just like the previous generation, Skoda’s new SUV can be configured as a seven-seater. The passengers in the third row should now have more space for their heads and knees. The luggage compartment has grown by 75 liters to a total volume of 910 liters.
With the second row folded down it is even 2,105 liters. In the seven-seat variant, however, the volume increases from 340 liters behind the third row of seats (845 when only five of the seven seats are used) to 2,035 liters. Full of space.
From the driver’s seat, the first thing you notice is the 10-inch screen behind the steering wheel and the 13-inch infotainment system. The design of the dashboard has become a little more straight and tidy.
The Kodiaq is now operated almost exclusively via infotainment. Except the air conditioning, for which some space was reserved in the center console. The unit consists of buttons and knobs with small screens in the middle.
For the first time on a Skoda, the DSG selector lever is also mounted on the steering column, maximizing space on the center tunnel. (Greetings from the new Tiguan…) There is also a new head-up display and five USB-C charging sockets as standard – three at the front and two at the rear. A plate for induction charging of smartphones is also on board. All systems are connected, and recycled upholstery materials are available for the seats and dashboard.
The drives: petrol, diesel, hybrid
The new Skoda Kodiaq comes onto the market with a diverse range of engines. At the top of the range is the plug-in hybrid, which combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and achieves a system output of 204 hp. In this case, the drive is via front-wheel drive. Everything is controlled by a 6-speed DSG. According to the information, the new Kodiaq can travel over 100 kilometers in pure electric mode, relying on an onboard charger with 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC.
Other engines available include two petrol and two diesel engines, all of which are coupled to a 7-speed DSG as standard. As with the new VW Passat and the upcoming Tiguan, there is no manual gear shift.
The 150 hp mild-hybrid petrol engine 1.5 TSI is the first in the model range to be equipped with a 48-volt belt starter and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The two diesel variants each the 2.0 TDI, which can score 150 or 193 hp. The more powerful version can be combined with all-wheel drive.
The coordination with electronically controlled shock absorbers, which rely on the new DCCPlus Dynamic Chassis Control system with double valves, which we were already able to experience in a pre-series test, is very interesting. The equipment also includes all the latest driver assistance systems.
