Second-generation family SUV promises plug-in efficiency and even greater practicality On sale March 2024 Price £37,000 (est)
Lawrence Cheung lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com
SKODA’S FIRST SUV quickly made a strong name for itself; the original Kodiaq combined a classy interior with seven-seat versatility and great value for money, wrapped up in a fashionably chunky shape. Now, a new generation is on the way that promises to build on those virtues, while offering a revised range of engines designed to improve efficiency.
With production beginning early next year, the Kodiaq will continue to share parts with other family SUVs from the VW Group, including the Volkswagen Tiguan. We’ll have to wait until later this year for prices, trims and standard kit to be confirmed, but we know that racier-looking SportLine models will be offered alongside the more restrained regular trims, and a hot vRS version is likely to arrive later.
At launch, there will be two petrol and two diesel engine options, with the more powerful variants fitted with four-wheel drive. And because 97% of first-gen Kodiaqs were ordered with the smooth-shifting DSG automatic gearbox, it’s now standard on all versions.
The entry-level engine is still a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, but it now uses mild hybrid electrical assistance to bolster performance and fuel economy. It’s also quieter under acceleration and smoother when the engine switches to its fuel-saving two-cylinder mode. Performance is adequate rather than sparkling; for those who need more grunt, a 201bhp 2.0-litre petrol will also be offered.
There’s also a pair of 2.0-litre diesels, developing 148bhp and 190bhp. The former is front-wheel drive only and provides a muscular power delivery from low speeds; it feels more flexible when the car is packed with occupants and luggage than the 148bhp petrol. As a long-distance cruiser or a regular tow car, it makes sense.
The top-tier 190bhp diesel is offered only with four-wheel drive, but while it’s a bit quicker against the clock, it doesn’t really feel that way and isn’t as enthusiastic to be revved. It’s slightly quieter, though, and – perhaps more importantly – it’s the only engine expected to be offered in combination with seven seats.
There won’t be a ‘regular’ hybrid, but a plug-in hybrid will arrive in summer 2024. It’ll combine a petrol engine, an electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery, the latter being big enough for an official all-electric range of 62 miles and bringing an 8% company car tax rating.
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