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The next generation of Skoda’s largest SUV is due in Australian showrooms in nine to 12 months from now with new technology and a larger body.
The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat family SUV has been previewed ahead of its Australian arrival in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June).
Due to be unveiled in Europe between September and November 2023, the second-generation Kodiaq will gain a larger body for more interior space, new technology, and a range of more efficient petrol and diesel engines.
Specific details for Australia are not due to be confirmed until closer to launch next year, however Skoda Australia has confirmed the plug-in hybrid option new for the second-generation Kodiaq won’t be available locally.
The new Kodiaq measures 4758mm long, 1864mm wide and 1657mm tall, sitting on a 2791mm wheelbase – 61mm longer overall and 24mm taller than the current model, but identical in wheelbase and, oddly, 18mm narrower.
Skoda says passengers in the third seating row of the new Kodiaq have 15mm more headroom, while boot space in the seven-seat model has risen to 340 litres with all rows of seats in place (up from 270L), and 845L with the third row folded (up from 765L).
The design of the new Kodiaq – previewed under camouflage for the time being – is smoother and cleaner than the current model, with sharper matrix LED headlights (which include coloured crystalline accents), and wheel sizes from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.
Inside there will be a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from 9.2 inches today) and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, both derived from the latest Volkswagen Tiguan that is due for unveiling at a similar time to the Skoda.
A head-up display is now available, along with a steering column-mounted gear shift lever (opening up space in the centre console), a storage area on the rear centre transmission tunnel, and dual wireless charging pads that can cool the smartphones on them.
There remain a number of so-called “Simply Clever” design touches typical of Skoda cars – including door edge protectors, an umbrella in the driver’s door, an ice scraper, and a “display cleaner” for the touchscreens.
Available engines in Europe at launch will include two petrols, two diesels, and a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid – the latter a first for the Kodiaq.
Most likely for Australia is the more powerful of the two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder developing 150kW – up from 132kW quoted by a similar 2.0-litre engine in the Skoda Kodiaq in Australia.
It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
There is no sign of a new Skoda Kodiaq RS, though it may still be planned to arrive at a later date – as it did in the previous-generation range.
Europe will be offered a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and front-wheel drive, and two versions of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch auto: 110kW with front-wheel drive, and 142kW with all-wheel drive.
Not planned for Australia is the plug-in hybrid, which combines a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor, six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive for a combined output of 150kW.
A 25.7kWh battery pack is claimed to deliver up to 100 kilometres of electric driving range. This battery can be recharged at up to 11kW on an AC home wallbox, or 50kW at a DC public fast-charge station.
Available advanced safety technology will include semi-autonomous driving in traffic at speeds of less than 60km/h – which can automate steering, braking and accelerating within the lane – and a remote parking assist function allowing the car to be manoeuvred forwards and backwards into parking spaces from a smartphone app while standing outside the vehicle.
The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq is due to be unveiled later this year, ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June).
Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.
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