New Skoda Kodiaq SUV breaks cover

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq, which is the Czech brand's flagship SUV, has just been revealed. This comes just a few weeks after sibling brand Volkswagen unveiled the new Tiguan, with which the Kodiaq shares its MQB-Evo platform. However, the parallels are all hidden beneath the skin, with the Kodiaq adopting its own distinctive new look in line with Skoda's new-era design ethos.

• More space than before
• Offered with a 10- or 13-inch infotainment unit 
• Gets multiple powertrain options 

New Skoda Kodiaq design and exterior

The new Kodiaq is the first production car to be styled with elements from the 'Modern Solid' philosophy previewed by last year's Vision 7S concept, which gives it a more overtly rugged and utilitarian look than its predecessor.

Highlights of the refresh include squared-off wheel arches, a prominent hexagonal grille, a heavily sculpted bonnet and model badging in a new corporate font. The makeover is capped off by Skoda's clean new logo, which makes its first appearance on a production car. There is also the option of an LED light strip running across the front end, which brings it in line with its electric Enyaq sibling. 

The design overhaul accompanies an increase in overall dimensions. Measuring 61mm longer than its predecessor and with a wheelbase of 2,791mm, the new Kodiaq offers more space for each passenger while boosting the boot capacity. 

Skoda claims passengers in the optional third row of seats now have 920mm of headroom, and even behind the rearmost seats, luggage capacity is pegged at 340 litres, a 70-litre increase. The five-seat car benefits from a 75-litre boost to offer 910 litres with the rear seats in place. 

New Skoda Kodiaq interior and features 

Meanwhile, the cockpit area, revealed last month and largely shared with the upcoming Skoda Superb, plays host to a redesigned control suite. There is a 10-inch digital information display, an optional head-up display and a new free-standing touchscreen, measuring either 10- or 13-inch for control of most vehicle functions. However, Skoda points to three new physical 'smart dials' ahead of the centre console as the headline introduction for the new Kodiaq's cabin. 

The outer two rotary knobs, each housing a 32mm colour display, are used to adjust the full suite of climate controls for the driver and passenger, while the middle one can be configured to control the infotainment volume, driving modes, map zoom or air conditioning. 

The interior can be specified in one of four simple 'design selection' packages 'Loft', 'Lounge' and two variations of sustainability-themed 'Ecosuite' – and each has been conceived with an eye on reducing the Kodiaq's environmental footprint.

New Skoda Kodiaq powertrains

The new Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 204hp. It has a substantial claimed EV-only range of more than 100km from its 25.7kWh under-boot battery, with the ability to charge at up to 50kW at public chargers.

Pure-combustion engines are available in the form of two turbocharged four-cylinder diesel or petrol engines, with outputs ranging between 150hp and 204hp, each paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the most powerful of each engine comes with four-wheel drive as standard.

The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol engine, driving the front wheels, is equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology and cylinder-deactivation technology for reduced consumption while cruising. However, Skoda has yet to reveal any official MPG or emissions figures.

It comes as standard with a raft of equipment that's optional further down the line-up, including the Kodiaq's new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) suspension control package, which features twin-valve dampers for improved dynamics, refinement and a wide range of available suspension modes. 

New Skoda Kodiaq India launch

Skoda will get the new Kodiaq to India towards the end of 2024, although there's no confirmation on what powertrain configuration it will get. The model is currently on sale in India in its first generation with a petrol engine and is priced from Rs 38.5 lakh to Rs 41.95 lakh. It rivals the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster and Jeep Meridian.