There isn’t much left to the imagination about the forthcoming next-generation Skoda Kodiaq flagship SUV, as the carmaker reveals sketches of the exterior design.
The new Skoda Kodiaq is set to be fully revealed on October 4 – and it’s expected to hit Australia around mid-2024.
Outside, the Kodiaq has an evolutionary design with a number of similar body creases to the current. There’s a slight up-kick of the belt line aft of the C-pillar.
Other exterior design features include squared-off wheel arches, available Matrix LED headlights, and C-shaped tail lights that are connected by a light bar. The alloy wheels will range from 17- to 20-inches in diameter.
The new Kodiaq is expected to move to the newer MQB Evo architecture like the latest Octavia.
The length of the large SUV has increased by 61mm, while the third row offers an additional 15mm of headroom for 920mm in total.
Its revised measurements are quoted at 4758mm long, 1864mm wide, and 1657mm tall with a 2791mm wheelbase.
Skoda recently detailed both the Kodiaq and Superb‘s interior, which look almost identical.
In the middle of the dashboard are three large rotary dials centred with 32mm digital push-button control screens that sit below the air vents to provide a variety of functions.
Skoda says these ‘Smart Dials’ will combine haptic and digital controls for climate, seat heating, volume, driving modes, air conditioning, and map zoom functions.
Directly behind the steering wheel is a 10-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, while a head-up display showing safety messages and speed can be projected onto the windscreen above the steering wheel.
The automatic gear selector has been moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the centre console for extra storage.
Atop the centre stack is a 13-inch free-standing infotainment screen.
Fast 15W wireless phone charging is available within a cooling phone box that sits below the rotary dials – the Kodiaq gets spots for two devices.
The company has also released information on the Kodiaq’s powertrain line-up.
Skoda will offer five powertrain options for the Kodiaq in Europe, including 48V mild-hybrid and the nameplate’s first plug-in hybrid options, alongside traditional petrol and diesel variants.
The entry-level 1.5 TSI turbo petrol engine boasts a fuel-saving 48V mild-hybrid system and produces 110kW of 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 a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry – both designed to maximise fuel efficiency.
Further, the mild-hybrid also comes with the Volkswagen Group’s latest active cylinder technology, which can shut down up to two cylinders under low engine load to reduce fuel consumption.
A higher-spec 2.0 TSI with 150kW will also be available with standard all-wheel drive. Both 1.5 TSI mHEV and 2.0 TSI engine variants are fitted as standard with seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Skoda will also offer a pair of turbo-diesel options in Europe, but it’s unclear whether they are on the cards for Australia given the brand no longer sells diesels here.
Two versions of the VW Group’s 2.0 TDI four-cylinder oiler will be available, one with 110kW and FWD, and a more powerful 142kW tune with all-wheel drive. Again, a seven-speed DSG is standard fitment for both.
Finally, the plug-in hybrid powertrain – which has been ruled out for Australia – teams the base 110kW 1.5 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and 25.7kWh battery pack, quoting a system power output of 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 kilometres” per charge, and supports 50kW DC fast charging.
The Czech carmaker has introduced a whole suite of safety technologies including Crew Protect Assist, which automatically closes the windows and panoramic roof as well as activates the hazard lights and tightens the front seatbelts in the event of an emergency.
There’s also Emergency Assist, which provides drivers who may experience a medical episode with additional driving assistance to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and alert surrounding drivers.
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-centre 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 manufactured 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) in converting the production line for the new model.
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