2021 Skoda Kodiaq unveiled, India-launch in Q3 2021
This mid-life update brings the Kodiaq’s design in line with the rest of the Skoda line-up. Expected to be launched in India in the July-September period, the refreshed Kodiaq will come with a turbo petrol motor
By autoX Editorial
This mid-life update brings the Kodiaq’s design in line with the rest of the Skoda line-up. Expected to be launched in India in the July-September period, the refreshed Kodiaq will come with a turbo petrol motor.
After several teaser images and videos, Skoda has finally taken the wraps off the refreshed Kodiaq. This upgrade brings the full-size SUV in line with the rest of the Skoda range. Just like the Octavia and the Kushaq, the Kodiaq sports a sharper and more upright new grille at the front and a slightly reworked bonnet. The headlights are now sleeker and, for the first time, are the LED Matrix kind. Larger intakes on the bumper make the Kodiaq look wider and sportier than before. Just like the pre-facelift model, here, too, the shoulder line blends well with the clamshell bonnet and continues right until the taillights. Internationally, the Kodiaq will be offered with 18-inch and 20-inch alloy options – the India-spec models are likely to continue with 18-inch wheels. Around the back, the taillights have been marginally redesigned as well.
The interior of the Kodiaq also gets some mild updates. Just like the Superb, the Kodiaq too will get a two-spoke steering wheel. Skoda claims that the 2021 Kodiaq has been fitted with more ergonomic seats, which are not just electrically adjustable but also ventilated. The Ambition and Style trims sold internationally also get the optional seats made from recycled materials. Select variants of the Kodiaq will come with a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit. The central touchscreen continues to be an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit, while a 9.0-inch unit can be had as an optional extra. Highlight features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mirror Link, and connected tech, based on an in-built e-sim.
In the international market, the Kodiaq will come with two diesel and three petrol engine options. Skoda will offer the 2.0-litre TDI in two states of tune – 148bhp and 197bhp – both of which may not go on sale in India. There’s also a smaller 1.5-litre TSI petrol, which the Kodiaq shares with the smaller Karoq, but this one too will not make its way to our shores. Powering the India-spec Kodiaq will be a 2.0-litre TSI – the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan All-space and the upcoming Tiguan – which produces 188bhp and 320Nm. The power is transmitted via a 7-speed DSG unit, which works in union with an all-wheel-drive system.
Skoda has also taken the wraps off the Kodiaq RS. While the outgoing RS was powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, the new one is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI, which develops 242bhp. Skoda is unlikely to bring the Kodiaq RS to India.
Expect the 2021 Kodiaq facelift to be launched in the Indian market in the third quarter of the calendar year after the Octavia and the Kushaq. The Kodiaq will continue to sit at the top of the Skoda line-up and will be priced around the Rs 35 lakh mark. The Kodiaq will lock horns with the Volkswagen Tiguan All-space, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and the likes.
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