New Škoda Kodiaq gets bolder design, more space and first-ever plug-in hybrid
Škoda has revealed its new Kodiaq large SUV, which gains overhauled design, new technology and its first-ever plug-in hybrid for 2024.
The first generation launched in 2016, playing a crucial role in the brand’s growth, and the new arrival, due early 2024, will continue its legacy.
The incoming plug-in hybrid version will be big news for fleets. Also seen in the new Tiguan sister model from Volkswagen revealed last month, it teams up a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor on the front axle and a 25.7kWh battery, giving an electric range of more than 62 miles (100km), which puts the Kodiaq iV PHEV in the 8% BiK bracket for 2023-4 and 2024-5.
The battery supports AC recharging at 11kW from wallboxes and charging points and can be charged at up to 50kW at DC fast-charging stations.
The engine line-up also features two diesel and two petrol engines. The petrol units include a 150hp 1.5-litre mild hybrid – marking a first for the Kodiaq – plus a 204hp 2.0-litre engine with all-wheel drive.
The diesels come with a 2.0-litre engine developing 150hp and 193hp, the latter again with all-wheel drive.
All powertrains come with a DSG automatic transmission as standard; six-speed for the PHEV and seven-speed for the pure combustion engines.
Built on an updated version of the MQB platform also used for the Tiguan, the new Kodiaq is slightly longer than before, giving increased passenger space. Headroom for the third-row passengers in the seven-seat version is up by 15mm. Boot space is also greater, rising by 75 litres for the five-seat model to 910 litres with the rear seats up and up by 40 litres to 2,105 litres with the back row folded down.
The seven-seater now holds 340 litres behind the third row of seats, 70 more than before, and 845 litres with the third-row seats folded down, up 80 litres. Its maximum cargo capacity now stands at 2,035 litres, an increase of 30 litres. The Kodiaq iV PHEV meanwhile offers luggage capacity of 745 litres.
Exterior design has been overhauled, introducing the first elements of the brand’s new Modern Solid design language and premiering a front grille with horizontal light strip, large alloy wheels from 17 to 20 inches and squared-off wheel arches along with a solid rear bumper to give a more rugged look. It also gets latest technologies such as new-generation full LED matrix headlights.
The interior also features a new concept along with a focus on sustainable materials. The infotainment display is now free-standing, with a screen size of up to 13 inches. A head-up display is optionally available for the first time. The gear selector lever is now mounted on the steering column and Škoda Smart Dials debut, combining haptic controls with a 32mm digital display to provide access to vehicle and infotainment functions. Four USB-C ports with an output of 45W are available while a Phone Box debuts and enables inductive charging of two smartphones at 15W and includes a cooling function. Ergo seats with a pneumatic massage function are available as an option.
The all-new Kodiaq also gets a new range structure with specific ‘Design Selections’, as already seen in the Enyaq, and optional packages.
Other new premieres include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) suspension control package while latest assistance systems include Turn Assist, which helps prevent accidents when turning at junctions, Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist, which enables parking via an app. Previous systems, such as Side Assist and Emergency Assist, now come with extended functionality.
The first-generation Kodiaq has sold some 841,900 units to 60 markets worldwide.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
