Published: 21 June 2023
► Second-generation seven-seat Skoda incoming
► Petrol, diesel and hybrid models on sale in 2024
► Styling to be evolutionary, not revolutionary
It’s going to be a busy 2024 for Skoda. Not only is its electric car range going to expand beyond the oh-so competent Enyaq iV, but its flagship lineup is about to be refreshed – with both the Superb and Kodiaq being replaced by all-new models. On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about the next ‘Skodiaq,’ from powertrain details to spy shots.
As used as we are to heralding all-new electric SUVs on an almost-daily basis, it’s almost a surprise to be ushering in Skoda’s petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered next range-topping SUV. But its arrival marks a useful tiying up of the firm’s output, unifying production of its larger SUV models on to a single production line.
So, the next-generation Kodiaq will roll off Skoda’s Kvasiny production line alongside the Karoq. The first pilot production vehicles are already being produced, while series production will commence next year. The current model is is built alongside the Suporb, but the next-generation of that model will be moving to Bratislava, freeing up production capacity for more Kodiaqs and Karoqs.
We’ve already seen the new Kodiaq in body-in-white form, but our spy photos (taken where else but the Nurburgring) give us an even better clue as to what to expect. And the verdict? it’s no radical departure from what came before. As shown in our spy shots and the official pictures supplied by Skoda, the new Kodiaq is slightly less angular and upright than before, but the key features appear not to have changed that much, with something of a Volvo XC60 vibe about them.
Expect a sleeker, higher-quality interior, though. Following on from the welcoming Enyaq iV, expect extensive use of fabrics on the dash and a choice of lighter, more tactile trims, giving it a more (dare we say it) premium feel than before. That places it on a par with the Superb as the firm’s flagship car, and the potential for this model to smash through the £50k barrier for the first time.
Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, says: ‘As is typical for Skoda, we are once again using existing infrastructure while cleverly integrating new technologies. At the same time, we have also successfully redistributed and optimised our model production and were thus able to free up additional capacity.’
As the first of the K-something-q generation of Skoda SUVs, the Kodiaq was an important car for its maker. Launched in 2016, it set the style for the entire model range, and since then, more than 800,000 of these seven seaters have been built. Production was centred in the Czech Republic, but Kodiaqs also rolled out of Ukraine, China, India and – until early 2022 – Russia.
It’s been a moneyspinner for Skoda, and unsurpisingly, the firm is keen not to rock the boat by building something radical or different. And that means electric. For its flagship SUVs, it maintains separation between EV and ICE, with the Enyaq iV supposedly covering off demand for larger electric Skodas.
It’s going to be powered by the same range of Volkswagen Group EA211-Evo and EA888 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrols and EA288 2.0-litre TDIs as before – but with modifications bringing them into line with the latest emissions regulations. As well as that, both mild- and plug-in hybrid versions join the range, with power units shared with the popular Octavia iV, and rated up to 242bhp.
Expect to see the new Kodiaq hit UK showrooms early in 2024, with the model range expected to start from around £35,000, with the vRS range-topper joining the line-up later from £50,000.
By Keith Adams
Devout classic Citroen enthusiast, walking car encyclopedia, and long-time contributor to CAR
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