What comes to your mind when someone says - Toyota Fortuner: swag, rule-the-road attitude, Jeep Meridian: elongated Compass? Skoda Kodiaq: noble , sophistacated. Well, despite Kodiaqs' appeal, it did not find a potential fan following as the Fortuners'. However, now, Kodiaq will have a distinctive charm, not just with its looks and features but also with a new PHEV power unit. The absence of diesel cars from the brand's offerings in India necessitates the provision of PHEV options to entice modern buyers. In addition, it has a new appearance that aligns with Skoda's updated design philosophy. Interiors are updated, features are now upgraded, and a lot more has been undergone to make a car more enticing.
The second-gen Skoda Kodiaq gets a redesigned look, wherein the front now gets a new re-shaped bonnet and hexagonal grille. It will also come with a new Skoda logo badging. There is also a provision to opt for optional full-LED Matrix headlights. The new bits on the sides are squared-off wheel arches and the alloy wheels (size not revealed ). The rear gets a new C-shaped tail lamp with a Skoda name badging in between. The length has gone up by 6cm, whereas the wheelbase and width remain unchanged. The design is not only updated in terms of looks but also in terms of aerodynamics. The new Kodiaq has a drag coefficient of just 0.282.
The second-gen Kodiaq has a new interior layout. It now gets a 13-inch infotainment screen and a 10-inch instrument cluster. There is also a HUD unit, but only as an option. The gear selector for the automatic-only transmission has been relocated from the centre console to the steering column. Below the infotainment screen, there are physical dials for all HVAC controls. These are smart dials which can also have haptic feedback. In terms of features, it gets all the bells and whistles, including the ADAS tech, wherein Adaptive Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control work in conjunction with the navigation system to anticipate turns and junctions. There is also a remote parking function, which can be accessed via an app. The vehicle's saved parking manoeuvre function allows for automatic or app-guided parking, with up to five manoeuvres memorised. In terms of airbags, it gets up to nine airbags and also an optional side curtain airbags. The feature list includes the Canton audio system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and AppleCarPlay, ambient lighting, and climate control, to name a few.
The biggest talking point in this segment is the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Skoda Kodiaq can be had in a plug-in-hybrid option, wherein the 25.7kWh can deliver an electric range of around 100km. The battery can also be charged via a DC fast charger. The PHEV version gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor that can deliver a maximum power output of 201bhp. We wish India would also get a PHEV model, but it seems highly unlikely to me, as the cost of the SUV will be quite amplified. There are two TDI diesel engines available, with capacities of 2.0-litres, that can generate 148 or 190 horsepower, depending on the choice made. India will most likely get a 2.0-litre petrol TSI engine that produces 201bhp and sends power to all wheels. There is also a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a mild-hybrid setup that produces 148 bhp of power. Except for the PHEV version, all other engine comes mated with a 7-speed DSG unit.
The car is expected to launch early next year.
To read more about the current-gen Skoda Kodiaq , click here.
