The Skoda Kodiaq facelift finally has a launch date in India – January 10. Unofficial bookings for the facelifted Kodiaq have already commenced at select Skoda dealerships, with deliveries slated to begin from January 14. The Kodiaq is making a comeback in our market after a nearly two-year hiatus when it was discontinued in April 2020 following Skoda's decision to pull the plug on its diesel line-up during the transition to BS6.
The mid-life facelift on the Kodiaq was globally introduced in April and brought with it updated styling, more tech and, most importantly, a change of heart.
- Styling updates on the new Kodiaq include revised grille, headlamps and new bumpers
- Interior likely to get virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster
- Kodiaq facelift will be powered by a sole 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI engine
Skoda Kodiaq facelift: exterior design
Given that this is only a mid-life facelift, cosmetic updates on the new Kodiaq are quite minimal. Up front, the Kodiaq gets a new, more upright grille, an elevated bonnet, revised headlamps with new LED Daytime Running Lamp signatures, and a slightly revised front bumper. At the rear, similarly, the tail-lamps and bumper have been tweaked slightly.
There are no changes to the profile of the SUV, although it is expected to get a new design for the alloy wheels. Skoda is also expected to bring the Sportline trim of the Kodiaq this time that gets several blacked-out elements in place of chrome trims on the standard car. A similar treatment is also meted out to the Superb in India.
Skoda Kodiaq facelift: interior and features
On the inside, too, the basic layout and design of the dashboard remains similar to the pre-facelift model. However, a notable update could be Skoda’s new two-spoke steering wheel, now seen on all Skoda models, including the Superb, Octavia, Kushaq and the upcoming Slavia. There could be other changes to the upholstery and trim elements as well. As before, the Kodiaq will continue to be offered with three-rows of seating. The Sportline variant could come with all-black interiors.
In terms of features, the new Kodiaq is expected to be generously kitted out, just like its predecessor. That means it will continue with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with updated software, 10.25-inch virtual cockpit instrument cluster, ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, hands-free parking, front and rear parking sensors, nine airbags and more. Globally, the Kodiaq facelift also gets a larger 9.2-inch infotainment screen as an optional extra, although it remains to be seen if it’s offered on the India-spec model.
Skoda Kodiaq facelift: engine and gearbox
The most notable update on the Kodiaq facelift is its change of heart. The pre-facelift Kodiaq was available with a sole 150hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, but adhering to Skoda’s petrol-only line-up, the new Kodiaq will also be petrol-powered. Under the hood, the Kodiaq will get a 190hp, 320Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. In fact, we are already familiar with this engine, as it’s offered on both the Superb and the Octavia. As before, the engine will come mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive being standard fit.
Skoda Kodiaq facelift: expected price and rivals
Being a petrol-powered, three-row monocoque SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq will not have any direct rival in the market upon launch, until the arrival of the three-row Jeep Meridian later next year. However, it could be compared to the likes of other premium SUVs, such as the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan facelift and the diesel-powered Citroen C5 Aircross. Expect a step up in the prices as well, costing upwards of Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom).
What are your thoughts on the new Kodiaq and its switch to becoming a petrol-only SUV? Let us know in the comments below.
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