The Skoda Kodiaq, the Czech brand’s flagship SUV, has entered its second generation with a global debut today, October 4, 2023. The new model promises to offer more space, comfort, efficiency, and technology than its predecessor, which was launched in 2016 and received a facelift in 2021. Here are some of the highlights of the 2024 Skoda Kodiaq:
Design
The new Kodiaq features an evolutionary design that retains the familiar silhouette and proportions of the first-gen model, but with some subtle changes. The front end has a slightly flatter bonnet with a concave center, a wider grille with vertical slats, and sharper headlights with matrix LED technology. The rear end has flatter and wider taillights that extend onto the tailgate, which has a more pronounced spoiler. The new Kodiaq also has prominent air curtains in the front bumper and redesigned mirrors on the doors for improved aerodynamics. The new model is 61 mm longer than the outgoing one, but the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2791 mm.
Interior
A completely new interior and a new set of controls are included with the new Koda Kodiaq. 13 inches is the maximum size of its free-standing infotainment screen. The new koda Smart Dials are placed below the infotainment screen and offer rapid access to several car features. A head-up display is an option to go along with the 10-inch Virtual Cockpit in Koda’s big SUV, which is a first. As a result of the selector lever being located on the steering column, the redesigned central console has a neat, organised appearance.
Fast charging for laptops, tablets, and smartphones is made possible by four USB-C connections with a 45 W output. A Phone Box with a cooling function that supports 15 W of inductive charging for two smartphones is also making its SKoda debut. There is an option for ergo seats that have a pneumatic massage feature. The Kodiaq now offers Design Selections made from a variety of environmentally friendly materials. In addition, the new SUV is constantly connected and provides a wide range of internet mobile services and infotainment apps.
A new feature is the temperature control menu, which offers one, user-configurable Heaters button for easy access to all heating options for the seats, steering wheel, windscreen, and rear window. It will soon be accessible for the second-generation Kodiaq. Optional pneumatic massage features for ergo chairs are offered. Each has ten air cushions that can be configured with a variety of strength levels and time settings using the infotainment menu or controls on the seat. Additionally, the Kodiaq includes an optional Phone Box with a cooling function for simultaneous 15 W inductive fast charging of two cellphones.
Engines
The new Kodiaq offers a range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants. The petrol options include a 1.5-liter TSI with mild-hybrid technology that produces 150 hp and a 2.0-liter TSI that produces 204 hp. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The diesel options include a 2.0-liter TDI that produces either 150 hp or 193 hp, depending on the configuration. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid option is a first for the Skoda SUV lineup and combines a 1.5-liter TSI engine with an electric motor that produces a combined output of 204 hp. The plug-in hybrid variant has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It also has a 25.7-kWh battery pack that enables an electric range of over 100 km.
Technology
The new Kodiaq comes with various advanced driver assistance systems and safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, park assist, emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, and multi-collision brake.
A constant internet connection on the Kodiaq enables several mobile online services via SKoda Connect, easy “over the air” updates, and online route planning. For the brand-new Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid, special features include Plug & Charge, Remote Charging, Remote Air Conditioning, and Departure Planner.
As a part of Infotainment Online and Care Connect,SKoda Connect offers features like Proactive Service and Remote Access. Weather, News, Traffic, Calendar, Offers, and Pay to Park infotainment apps are all included. Online functions on demand make it simple to add navigation, ACC, more colours and functions for the ambient lighting, and high beam control.
The new model also has an improved suspension system that offers better comfort and handling, as well as different driving modes that adjust the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension settings according to the road conditions and driver preferences.
Kodiaq Sportline
The current top model of the second generation of the sizable Koda SUV is the Kodiaq Sportline. Top LED Matrix headlights and an automatic tailboard are among its extensive standard features. Numerous glossy black accents that now cover the D-pillar distinguish the appearance.
The Sportline’s special 19-inch alloy wheels have a polished anthracite finish, while the front and rear aprons, side skirts, and other body-color accents do not. Sporty black with metal-look trim components predominates inside the Sportline Design Selection.
All of the model series’ available powertrains, including the Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid drive, are available for the Kodiaq Sportline.
The new Skoda Kodiaq is expected to go on sale in Europe in early 2024, followed by other markets later in the year. The prices and specifications for different markets will be announced closer to the launch date. The new model will compete with other midsize SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, and Nissan X-Trail.
