A facelifted version of the Skoda Kodiaq will be revealed on 13 April, marking the most significant update so far for the popular large SUV since its launch in 2016
Skoda has confirmed that the Kodiaq will receive an updated look and new technology, and has issued some teaser sketches of its revised Peugeot 5008 rival.
We’ve known that a mid-life update for the Kodiaq has been brewing for a while now – prototype versions of the facelifted seven-seater were spied as long ago as mid 2019. However, while masked-off development cars could only leave the model’s design changes to the imagination, these new teaser sketches reveal the extent of the updates.
The Kodiaq’s front end has been redesigned, with a more upright and imposing look, plus a new front fascia that represents the biggest change. The new grille is flatter and is joined by new headlights – slimmer than before and positioned above the fog lamps. A new lower section to the front apron features a wide air intake running the width of the car.
At the rear, the new tail lights are a more intricate shape than before and are slimmer too, with the brand’s trademark crystalline pattern throughout the lens more prominent.
Skoda hasn’t revealed anything about the new Kodiaq’s interior, but some of the ‘technological enhancements’ promised by the brand will likely translate to some new cabin technologies alongside updated driver assistance features.
This will likely include inheriting the current Octavia’s latest-generation infotainment technology, as well as its more advanced safety features.
As for engines, the current line-up of TSI petrol and TDI diesel models will continue. The range currently opens with a 110kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, while Skoda also offers a 2.0-litre 140kW option and two 2.0-litre turbodiesels with 110kW and 147kW – the more powerful petrol and both diesels are also offered with four-wheel drive.
Towards the end of 2020 the high-performance Kodiaq vRS derivative was removed from sale owing to ever tightening emissions regulations, but it is tipped to return as part of the mid-life update with a new powertrain.
Skoda will do away with the pre-facelift model’s 177kW twin-turbocharged diesel unit in favour of a petrol engine, most likely the 180kW 2.0-litre TSI unit used in the brand’s latest Octavia vRS performance model.
As for a hybrid option, Auto Express understands that there are no plans to fit the facelifted Kodiaq with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Skoda has ample choice here, however – it has deployed the VW Group’s 1.4-litre petrol plug-in drivetrain on the Superb with 160kW, and in the new 180kW plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia vRS, so the technology exists within the company, should it become more appealing or customer demand warrants the addition of this model.
James Brodie