There’s no doubt that the wait for the latest iteration of the Skoda Kodiaq has been a long one with plenty of teasers and design sketches released. Well, that wait is finally over as the carmaker has debuted the 2024 Kodiaq in markets abroad and it’s gotten quite an evolution over its predecessor.
On the outside, it is very much a familiar Kodiaq design, but the carmaker has gone for an evolutionary approach in styling. New for the three-row SUV is a larger illuminated butterfly grille, sleeker and meaner-looking headlamps, a reworked front bumper, smoother character lines and sharper LED tail lamps. It’s also 61mm longer than before and gets wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
Inside is where the bigger overhaul is present as the Kodiaq looks more upmarket while boasting a fairly minimalist cabin layout. Grabbing all the attention is the new 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a head-up display. There are neat dials below the AC vents and there’s also physical buttons that do multiple functions for various climate controls and infotainment duties.
Interestingly, with the gear shift selector being moved to the steering column, the centre console is more practical with more storage spaces. Key features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, ventilated and heated front seats, a wireless phone charging box capable of accommodating two phones, four USB-C ports and an optional 14-speaker Canton sound system.
Buyers are left spoilt for choice when it comes to the kind of powertrain options you get under the hood. It includes a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid, 204PS 2.0-litre TSI, a 2.0-litre TDI in 150PS and 193PS states of tune, and a 204PS 1.5-litre plug-in-hybrid engine. The plug-in-hybrid option gets a 25.7kWh battery pack that helps offer an all-electric range of over 100km. In terms of transmission options, there’s a 7-speed DSG for all engine options aside from the plug-in-hybrid unit which utilises a 6-speed DSG. Also, the 2.0-litre TSI, the 193PS 2.0-litre TDI and the plug-in-hybrid trim get an all-wheel drivetrain.
With the debut of the 2024 Skoda Kodiaq in markets abroad, we should expect an India debut sometime around 2024. It will rekindle its rivalry against the Citroen C5 Aircross, Jeep Meridian, the Toyota Fortuner and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
