Skoda has been teasing the new Kodiaq for a painfully long time now, but it is finally here. Part of a long-needed update, the 2024 Kodiaq comes complete with an all-encompassing set of updates that includes not just the interior and exterior design but the features and an all-new powertrain as well. (Image: Skoda)
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While not revolutionary, the design changes are an evolution of the current-generation Skoda Kodiaq. At the front, Skoda retains the signature butterfly grille, but flanking it now are a set of very sharp looking split LED headlamps. Speaking of the headlamps, the Kodiaq now gets Skoda’s second-generation matrix LED tech. The company says the headlamps have 50 percent more light elements allowing for a brightness bump of nearly 15 percent. On the top-spec Sportline trim, these headlights come standard along with a light bar running horizontally over the grille. The bumper lower down has been tweaked as well with black cladding taking over the lowest portion of the car. (Image: Skoda)
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In profile, the changes are a little more subtle. There is a new set of alloys available in a range of sizes from 17 inches to 20 inches and the window line now tapers mildly upwards after the C pillar. Over at the back, more changes can be seen. Almost all new cars seem to be sporting a red light bar and the Kodiaq is no different. The tail lamps themselves have also been refreshed and the roof spoiler paired with creases in the tailgate give the SUV sportier styling. The bumper lower down has also been tweaked with a muscular unit complete with silver garnishing. (Image: Skoda)
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The Kodiaq measures 4,758 mm in length, 1,864 mm in width and 1,659 mm in height. When compared to the current-gen model, the height may have gone up, but surprisingly the width and height have reduced. The wheelbase, however, remains intact at 2,971 mm. (Image: Skoda)
Stepping inside, you see an all-new cabin layout. A chunky new multi-layered dashboard takes over the front with the highlight of the car in the centre, a swanky new 12.9-inch infotainment screen. Lower down, Skoda has adopted something of a hybrid design for the HVAC controls. Three 1.25-inch screens now sit inside knobs just below the central AC vents. The two outer dials control the cabin temperature and heat ventilation and heating for either the passenger side or the driver side while the knob in the centre can be modified to adjust other functions like fan speed, infotainment system volume, air direction and smart air conditioning. (Image: Skoda)
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There’s nothing else below that as the gear selector that used to sit on the centre console has been moved to a stick behind the steering wheel. This has freed up space for more storage now. Behind the steering wheel is a new 10.25-inch driver’s display complete with an optional head-up display. (Image: Skoda)
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Now of course, these are not all the features. There are four USB-C ports that supply 45W of power all over the SUV plus an additional 15W USB-C port built into the internal rear-view mirror. There is also a wireless phone charger in the storage space under the HVAC controls. The infotainment system comes complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as a 9-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker Canton audio setup. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats and ambient lighting. (Image: Skoda)
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Safety has been taken care of by a bunch of Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) functions. These include emergency autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and parking assist. The car gets up to nine airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist and electronic stability control, among others. (Image: Skoda)
Powering the new Kodiaq are a slew of engine choices including both mild and plug-in hybrid variants. We start off with the mild-hybrid tech paired to a 1.5-litre TSI petrol. This produces 150 hp of maximum power, gets the company’s active cylinder tech to shut off cylinders for better fuel efficiency, as well as brake regeneration. Mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic, this variant is available exclusively as a front-wheel-drive model. (Image: Skoda)
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Next in line is a 204 hp-producing 2-litre TSI petrol mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic and all-wheel-drive tech. Then you have a 2-litre TDI diesel. Now, this variant gets both front-wheel-drive (150 hp) and all-wheel-drive (193 hp) options. Regardless of the variant you choose, you still have only one 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. (Image: Skoda)
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Finally, there is the Kodiaq iV which pairs a 1.5-litre TSI to a plug-in hybrid system. Drawing power from both a petrol engine and a 25 kW battery pack, the system provides a combined maximum power output of 204 hp. This variant is available exclusively with a 6-speed DSG transmission sending power to all four wheels. According to Skoda, the Kodiaq iV can run a total of 100 km on only electricity. When exhausted, the battery pack can be charged using either an 11 kW home AC charger or a 50 kW DC fast-charging station. Because of the plug-in hybrid system, the Kodiaq iV’s boot space has been reduced to 745 litres compared to 910 litres in the standard 5-seat model. However, the infotainment system in this variant also gets a few more features to make searching for charging points easier. (Image: Skoda)
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As of now, the Skoda Kodiaq has only been unveiled and is expected to go on sale in Europe sometime next year. India, on the other hand can expect the Kodiaq towards the latter half of 2024 with only the petrol powertrain on offer. Expect prices to rise significantly higher than the current-gen Kodiaq. For context, the current prices range between Rs 38.50 lakh and Rs 41.94 lakh. Competition for the Skoda Kodiaq in India come from the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross, Toyota Fortuner and the Jeep Meridian. (Image: Skoda)
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