Skoda has released a new wave of details for the next generation Kodiaq SUVwhich will be larger than the current model and offer a range of electric powertrains – including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a range of 100km.
The second-generation Kodiaq will offer four engine options in Europe, including mild hybrid and plug-in options – a first for the nameplate that sparked Skoda’s foray into the SUV market.
Skoda says it will reveal the Kodiaq in full between September and November 2023, with European deliveries likely to begin before the end of the year. It is expected to launch in Australia around mid-2024.
“We have had no major delays in the new car at all. It’s just the normal homologation lead time we have, so six to nine months should be enough – and then we’re here,” Skoda Australia managing director Michael Irmer said. Car Expert.
Skoda will offer five powertrain options for the Kodiaq in Europe, including the aforementioned 48V MHEV and PHEV options, alongside traditional petrol and diesel variants.
Initial stage 1.5 TSI The turbo petrol engine has a 48V mild hybrid system that saves fuel and produces 110kW power.
Both the 1.5 TSI mHEV and 1.5 TSI iV plug-in hybrid (more below) run the more efficient Miller cycle and feature turbochargers with variable turbine geometry – both designed to maximize fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, the mild hybrid also comes with Volkswagen Group’s latest active cylinder technology, which can switch off up to two cylinders under low engine load to reduce fuel consumption.
Higher specifications 2.0 TSI by 150kW will also be available with standard all-wheel drive. Both the 1.5 TSI mHEV and 2.0 TSI engine variants are fitted as standard with a seven-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission.
Skoda will also offer a pair of turbo-diesel options in Europe, but it’s unclear if that’s in the cards for Australia.
Two versions of the VW Group 2.0 TDI four-cylinder oil will be available, one with 110kW and FWD, along with more powerful ones 142kW tuned with all-wheel drive. Again, a seven-speed DSG is standard equipment for both.
Finally, the plug-in hybrid powertrain – which has been ruled out for Australia – combines the base 110kW 1.5 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and 25.7kWh battery pack, quoting the system’s power output as much 150kW. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG auto.
Skoda says the new Kodiaq iV can travel “more than 100 kilometers” per charge, and supports 50kW DC fast charging.
The Kodiaq’s design has been refreshed inside and out – although the images supplied only show the exterior of the pre-production prototype in disguise.
Skoda will offer wheels ranging from 17- to 20-inch diameters with a choice of seven designs. Matrix LED headlights will also be available.
Its new “sculptural” design language allows for signature split-level headlights, a more prominent front grille that may offer glowing edges like the Enyaq electric vehicle, and a new sharp crease just below the window line.
The Kodiaq will also include a new generation of adaptive chassis control (DCC) – VW-speak for adaptive dampers.
The new Kodiaq is expected to shift to the newer MQB Evo architecture like the latest Octavia.
The large SUV’s length has increased by 61mm, while an extra 15mm of headroom features in the third row.
The revised measures are quoted at 4758mm long, 1864mm wide, and 1657mm high with a 2791mm wheelbase. Headroom in the third row now 920mm.
Inside, the Kodiaq will offer a new 12.9-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, along with an optional head-up display and a combination of physical and digital buttons.
The available dual phone case allows cooling and fast charging for two phones at the same time.
Skoda has introduced a whole range of safety technologies including Crew Protect Assist – which automatically closes the windows and panoramic roof and activates the hazard lights and tightens the front seat belts in the event of an emergency.
As well as Emergency Assistance, which provides drivers who may be experiencing a medical episode, additional driving assistance to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and alert drivers around.
Up to nine airbags will be offered depending on market and specification – including dual front, front side, rear side and curtain airbags in addition to a front center inflator.
A new remote parking feature will also be offered from 2024, allowing the vehicle to park autonomously in tight parking spaces via a smartphone app.
The Kodiaq will be produced alongside the existing Karoq at the company’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic, with Skoda investing around 12 million euros (~A$19.5 million) to convert the production line for the new Kodiaq.
In 2022, the Kodiaq is Skoda’s second most popular SUV worldwide. In Australia, the brand registered 1555 units, with Skoda Australia boss Michael Irmer saying the majority of Kodiaq sales were attributed to the flagship Kodiaq RS performance variant.
Although Australia will miss out on the new Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid, Skoda plans to enter electric vehicles first from next year, with the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe EV arriving in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Stay tuned Car Expert for our coverage of the all-new Kodiaq reveal in the coming months.
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