Revamp of the KODIAQ: roughly four years after ŠKODA launched the first model in its SUV campaign, the carmaker has now upgraded the globally successful KODIAQ. The Czech brand has further developed the emotive design of the KODIAQ, which can also be ordered as a 7-seater, and improved its aerodynamics. For the first time, the range of options for this large ŠKODA SUV includes innovative full-LED Matrix headlights. The sporty range-topping KODIAQ RS has not only had a visual makeover but has also been given a new, more powerful TSI engine. The updated KODIAQ will be available from July 2021.
As a result of a further refined ŠKODA design language, the KODIAQ presents as even more emotive and self-assured. The upgrade will be available from July 2021. The Active, Ambition and Style trims will come with aluminium-effect detail on the front and rear apron, lending the SUV even more off-road styling. The restyled front with an elevated bonnet and the redesigned, more upright ŠKODA grille reinforce the KODIAQ’s bold appearance. The Czech carmaker’s large SUV features LED headlights as standard and, for the first time, can be equipped with full LED Matrix headlights. New alloy wheels measuring up to 20 inches further enhance the car’s dynamic and striking look. Special Aero wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and the new gloss black rear spoiler and finlets on the sides of the rear window all reduce drag. The KODIAQ RS now features a distinct, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper.
ŠKODA takes the look and feel of the KODIAQ’s interior to a new level by providing it with new decorative strips, additional contrasting stitching and enhanced LED ambient lighting functions. For the first time, the range of options for the large SUV includes ergonomic, perforated leather seats with multiway electric seat adjustment, ventilation and massage function. The optional Eco seats available for the Ambition and Style trim levels come with high-quality seat covers made of vegan, recycled materials. The CANTON sound system is another optional extra now offering ten speakers instead of the previous eight, in addition to the central speaker in the dashboard and the subwoofer in the boot.
The Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25-inch display and four different layouts is available as an option for most models but comes as standard for the KODIAQ RS. Drivers of both the RS and the KODIAQ SPORTLINE have an additional layout to choose from, the Sport layout. The range of assistance systems now also features an enhanced version of Crew Protect Assist. This new variant has additional radar sensors at the rear to respond to vehicles that pose a risk for a rear-end collision.
The sporty top-of-the-range KODIAQ RS has not only been provided with a visual makeover but also with a new engine. The 2.0 TSI petrol engine comes from Volkswagen Group’s EVO generation and has a power output of 180 kW (245 PS), making it 4 kW (5 PS) more powerful than the predecessor’s biturbo diesel. At the same time, this engine is more than 60 kg lighter than the TDI. Together with the new 7-speed DSG, which is 5.2 kg lighter, this power unit’s performance is even better. The two other petrol engines, the 1.5 TSI producing 110 kW (150 PS) and the 2.0 TSI with an output of 140 kW (190 PS), as well as the 2.0 TDIs delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS), also come from Volkswagen Group’s latest EVO generation.
The launch of the KODIAQ marked the start of ŠKODA’s highly successful SUV campaign in 2016. With its striking, emotive design language, high-quality workmanship and outstanding value for money, it immediately won over customers, automotive experts and the trade press alike. The exceptional amount of space this SUV offers, at an overall length of 4.70 m, is particularly impressive. With the optional fold-out third row of seats, the KODIAQ can accommodate up to seven occupants. Alternatively, with the rear seats folded down, the boot can hold 2,065 l of luggage.
Production of the KODIAQ started in 2016, at ŠKODA’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic. As part of the brand’s SUV campaign, the carmaker invested the equivalent of over 290 million euros in modernising this site by 2018, turning it into a centre of excellence for SUV production. To meet the huge international demand for the KODIAQ, ŠKODA also set up production lines for its large SUV in China, India and Russia in the subsequent years. By the end of March 2021, more than 600,000 KODIAQs have rolled off the assembly lines worldwide.
