Goodbye BiTDI, hello TSI.
Skoda’s largest SUV has been given a facelift to avoid a midlife crisis. The Kodiaq was launched in 2016 and has been sold in over 60 countries. There have been more than 600,000. This includes the sporty-looking Kodiaq GT, which is only available in China. The SUV’s mid-size size is available in both five- and seven-seat versions. It has been a huge success for the Czech brand.
If you aren’t familiar with the Kodiaq, it can be difficult to identify any cosmetic changes. The hood has been redesigned and the front grille is more upright. The headlights have slimmer bezels and matrix LED technology as an optional option. After modifying the bumpers and installing an optional spoiler on the roof, the Kodiaq has become a little more aerodynamic. The SUV’s facelifted trim levels allow for a variety of 17- to 20 inch wheels. Some of these have been upgraded to reduce drag. The new 20-inch polished wheels in metallic black are used by the high-performance Kodiaq RS. They also come with aero plastic shields. To give customers more options, we are launching additional wheels that were previously unavailable.
The new facelift includes optional leather-wrapped ergonomic seats. These seats have a massage function, heating and electric adjustment, and come with a perforated leather interior. Eco seats can be found on some trim levels, while the base model has new fabric upholstery. This is not a BMW Style trim level. However, the optional M Package offers leather and fabric upholstery.
Kodiaq will get the two-spoke steering wheel that we have seen on other Skoda models. It also has more sophisticated LED ambient lighting. The updated Canton sound system features ten speakers instead of the eight previously installed. It also includes a trunk-mounted subwoofer and the latest digital instrument cluster measuring 10.25 inches.
The Kodiaq RS’ twin-turbodiesel engine is being retired, as previously reported. The 2.0-liter TSI engine found in the Octavia RS will replace it in the three-row SUV. It has 245 horsepower, or 5 hp less than the BiTDI. The 60-kilogram (132 lb) lighter vehicle is also available with the new seven-speed DSG, which has been reduced by another 5.2 kg (11.4 Lb).
Skoda does not disclose the power of the gasoline engine, but it produces 370 Newton-meters (273 poundfeet in the TSI-powered Octavia RS). This number, if it is carried over to the Kodiaq-RS facelift will represent a substantial drop in torque from the diesel’s 500 Nm (369lb-ft).
The other engines available include a 1.5-liter TSI with 150 hp for the base front-wheel-drive-only Kodiaq, which is going to be the only version with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2.0 TDI Evo, which has either 150 hp (or 200 hp) is available with a beefier 190-hp 2. TSI engine. Buyers can choose between a seven-speed DSG or an optional all-wheel drive depending on their powertrain choice.
The Skoda Kodiaq facelift was unveiled today. It will be available in Europe starting July.