Škoda Kodiaq: Second generation available with even wider powertrain range including plug-in-hybrid

With the second generation of the Kodiaq, Škoda has further improved its globally successful large SUV. It now comes with a more distinctive design and even more space, especially for passengers in the third seat row. In addition, the second generation of the Kodiaq is marked by a new interior concept featuring a touchscreen display measuring up to 12.9 inches, a gearshift lever on the steering column, manual and digital controls and a tidy, well-organised centre console. The engine roster includes two petrol and two diesel engines ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 204 hp (150 kW) as well as a plug-in hybrid version – a first for the Kodiaq. This offers an electric range of more than 62 miles (100 kilometres). The safety equipment is once again state-of-the-art, boasting for example second-generation full LED Matrix headlights and even more advanced assistance systems. Also on board: new Simply Clever features, such as a rear storage compartment with a cup holder and a dual Phone Box that provides cooling and simultaneous charging for two mobile phones.

Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto, says: “The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Škoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kickstarted our SUV campaign. With its powerful and crystalline design language, spacious interior and excellent value for money, it attracted many new customers and won renowned international awards. The second generation has all the prerequisites – including a plug-in hybrid version – to add another great chapter to this success story.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “Improving a vehicle as popular as the Kodiaq is always a challenge. Nevertheless, we further sharpened the look while keeping the distinctive elements of our SUV design language. In addition, the new Kodiaq offers even more interior space and will take safety, technology and versatility to the next level. With the plug-in hybrid version, we are also adding a new powertrain offering more than 100 kilometres of electric range to the portfolio.”

More power, new technologies and greater sustainability

The second-generation Kodiaq is characterised by an even more sophisticated design, the use of sustainable materials and innovative technologies such as second-generation full LED Matrix headlights. Its two petrol and two diesel engines range from 150 hp (110 kW) to 204 hp (150 kW). The 2.0 TDI with 193 hp (142 kW) and the 2.0 TSI with 204 hp (150 kW) come with all-wheel drive as standard. The Kodiaq iV, the first plug-in hybrid in this model series, also offers a total power output of 204 hp (150 kW). It has an electric range of more than 62 miles (100 kilometres). The highlight is the entry-level 1.5 TSI petrol engine with 150 hp (110 kW), which marks the debut of mild-hybrid technology in the Kodiaq. Both hybrid engines are part of the latest generation of EA 211 evo2 engines. They run on the fuel-efficient Miller cycle and feature a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The 1.5 TSI with mild-hybrid technology also comes with latest-generation active cylinder technology (ACT+).

The Kodiaq – the model that kickstarted Škoda’s SUV campaign

As the first model in Škoda’s successful SUV campaign, the Kodiaq brought the brand’s crystalline design language to the SUV category in 2016. At the same time, it established the typical nomenclature that all subsequent Škoda SUVs with internal combustion engines followed: their name starts with a “K” and ends with a “q”. A superb amount of space for up to seven passengers and advanced technology quickly made the Kodiaq one of the most successful models in Škoda’s global portfolio. It has sold almost 792,000 units in a total of 60 countries to date. In 2018, the Kodiaq vRS was the first SUV to join the brand’s sporty RS family. The most important markets for Škoda’s large SUV are China with 160,000 units sold by the end of 2022 and Germany with 114,200 units. Next come the UK and the Czech Republic at 47,200 and 42,400 units respectively. It has therefore contributed greatly to Škoda’s successful development on the international markets and has received excellent feedback from customers as well as from experts and the motoring press: to date, the model has collected more than 40 international awards. In November 2016, British car magazine TopGear named it the world’s “Best Car for Big Families”. This was followed by “Car of the Year” awards in the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria, as well as several “SUV of the Year” awards in various categories from British, Chinese, French and Indian media. In total, the Kodiaq won Auto Bild Allrad’s “All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year” title four times in its biggest European market, Germany. The German Auto Test magazine also awarded it the title of “Best Tested Import Vehicle” in 2017. In addition, it won the renowned Red Dot Award for outstanding product design in 2017.

New Simply Clever features – it’s the Kodiaq way

The first generation of the Kodiaq already featured many of Škoda’s Simply Clever ideas. In 2016, for example, it introduced door edge protection and an electric child safety lock for the rear doors. The second generation now boasts a bevy of new features: a new cooled dual Phone Box allows two mobile phones to be charged at the same time with an increased charging power of 15 W. Making its Kodiaq debut is a rear storage compartment with a cup holder on the central tunnel as well as a display cleaner for the touchscreen displays. The umbrella and ice scraper are now made of sustainable materials.

Exterior and interior: Sculptural design, even more space and a new interior concept

• The seven-seat SUV grows in length by over six centimetres, for an even more spacious interior
• Clever combination of manual and digital controls for intuitive operation
• Introducing 12.9-inch touchscreen and head-up display

Škoda has refined the powerful and emotional design of its Kodiaq SUV. With a 61-millimetre increase in length and a further increase in wheelbase, the second generation offers even more space for up to seven occupants and additional headroom in the optional third seat row. Exterior highlights include the sculptural front end, squared-off wheel arches and second-generation full LED Matrix headlights. The completely redesigned interior is defined by the 12.9-inch central display, a tidy, well-organised centre console and a combination of manual and digital controls for intuitive operation.

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design, says: “The new Kodiaq looks even more distinctive, dynamic and powerful than its predecessor. We have taken the essence of our characteristic Škoda SUV design language to the next level and sharpened it even further. On top of that we have implemented a new interior concept featuring a clever combination of manual and digital controls for an even more intuitive and comfortable driving experience.”

Powerful appearance and second-generation full LED Matrix headlights

A sculptural front end, squared-off wheel arches and large wheels measuring 17 to 20 inches in diameter emphasise the powerful appearance of the second Kodiaq generation. At 4,758 millimetres in length, the new Kodiaq surpasses its predecessor by 61 millimetres. In the seven-seat version, passengers in the third seat row now have 15 millimetres more headroom, at 920 millimetres. Luggage capacity remains generous – 340 to 845 litres for the seven-seater and 910 litres for the five-seater. The new Kodiaq features sculpted full LED Matrix headlights, enhanced with the addition of a coloured crystalline element called Crystallinium. Reminiscent of coloured crystal glass, this accentuates the headlights’ contours, adding a touch of elegance and extra visual appeal.

Completely redesigned interior and new Simply Clever features

The second-generation Kodiaq comes with a completely redesigned interior. The gearshift lever is now located on the steering column, a Škoda first. This makes for a particularly neat and uncluttered centre console. The new central touchscreen display measures 12.9 inches. Furthermore, customers can now order a head-up display to complement the 10,25-inch Virtual Cockpit. The second-generation Kodiaq is marked by a clever combination of manual and digital controls. Making its debut in the Kodiaq is a rear storage compartment on the central tunnel with a cup holder for the rear passengers. There is also a display cleaner for the touchscreen displays. The second seat row can be moved, and a flexible element in the luggage compartment keeps things tidy. In addition, the large SUV comes with familiar features like door edge protectors and the iconic umbrella in the driver’s door.

Dimensions* (compared to the current model)

* Preliminary data.
** Applies to the seven-seater.

Powertrains: Introducing hybrid technology with more than 62 miles of electric range to Škoda’s SUV portfolio

• Modern and highly efficient petrol and diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid
• 1.5 TSI entry-level engine with mild-hybrid technology, DSG for all models
• Outputs ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 204 hp (150 kW)
• Modern engines combined with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

The second-generation Škoda Kodiaq offers an even wider range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the new Kodiaq iV. This version delivers a system output of 204 hp (150 kW) and an all-electric range of more than 62 miles (100 kilometres). In addition, two diesel and two petrol engines are available, with outputs ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 204 hp (150 kW). The entry-level 1.5 TSI petrol version also marks the debut of mild-hybrid technology in the Kodiaq model series. Two versions come with all-wheel drive, and all new Kodiaq models are equipped with DSG automatic transmission as standard.

Plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of more than 62 miles (100 kilometres)

The second Kodiaq generation sees Škoda offering a plug-in hybrid version of its large SUV for the first time. In the Kodiaq iV, a 150 hp (110 kW) 1.5 TSI and an electric motor join forces to develop a system output of 204 hp (150 kW), which is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed DSG. A 25.7 kWh high-voltage battery provides an all-electric range of more than 62 miles (100 kilometres). It supports AC recharging at 11 kW from wallboxes and charging points. The battery can be replenished even faster at DC fast-charging stations, at rates of up to 50 kW.

Mild-hybrid technology for the entry level

In addition to the Kodiaq iV, Škoda offers a pair each of modern and efficient diesel and petrol engines, all of which are exclusively mated to a 7-speed DSG. The two 2.0 TDI units produce 150 hp (110 kW) and 193 hp (142 kW) respectively. The highlight is the 1.5 TSI entry-level petrol engine with 150 hp (110 kW), which marks the debut of mild-hybrid technology in the Kodiaq. Both hybrid engines are part of the latest generation of EA 211 evo2 engines. They run on the fuel-efficient Miller cycle and feature a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The 1.5 TSI with mild-hybrid technology also comes with latest-generation active cylinder technology (ACT+). The more powerful 2.0 TSI petrol unit delivers 204 hp (150 kW). The 193 hp (142 kW) TDI and 204 hp (150 kW) TSI engines are equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, and all five powertrains meet the Euro 6e emissions standard.

Powertrains overview

* Combined maximum power output (combustion engine and electric motor).

Safety and connectivity: Comprehensive state-of-the-art assistance systems, debut of parking via app

• Škoda’s large SUV comes with numerous assistance systems and up to nine airbags
• Remote Parking Assist to debut in this model series in 2024
• Travel Assist includes Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist

For the second model generation, Škoda has raised the safety level of the Kodiaq even higher and further improved some of its numerous assistance systems. Examples of this include the Emergency Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Available for the first time in the Kodiaq is the new Remote Parking Assist, which will debut next year and enable remote parking using an app. In addition, there are up to nine airbags protecting the occupants, for the best possible passive safety.

Advanced assistance systems for even more safety

The second-generation Kodiaq offers state-of-the-art active and passive safety. Up to nine airbags protect the passengers. In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, head airbags and a central airbag between the front seats are all included as standard. Side airbags for the rear seats are available as an option, as are the enhanced Crew Protect Assist and Emergency Assist. As soon as sensors detect emergency or panic braking or an imminent collision – this now includes impending rear-end collisions – Crew Protect Assist automatically closes windows and, where applicable, the panoramic roof; it also activates the hazard warning lights and tightens the front seat belts. Emergency Assist reduces the risk of an accident should the driver no longer be able to control the vehicle – for example, due to a medical emergency. If the system detects such a situation, it takes over lane control, switches on the hazard warning lights and applies the brakes to bring the vehicle to a gentle stop. Part of the optional Travel Assist is Traffic Jam Assist, which combines Predictive Cruise Control with the functions of the Adaptive Lane Assist. It enables automatic starting, braking and steering in congested traffic up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) by adapting to the movements of the surrounding vehicles.

Remote parking from outside the vehicle

The new Remote Park Assist will be available for the second-generation Kodiaq in 2024. It allows the SUV to be manoeuvred into tight parking spaces from outside the vehicle using a smartphone app. The vehicle and smartphone communicate via Bluetooth over a distance of up to five metres. The Kodiaq can be moved forwards and backwards in a straight line using the smartphone as a remote control. During the parking manoeuvre, the system can detect approaching objects and pedestrians and prevent collisions automatically.

SOURCE: Škoda