2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift breaks cover

KUALA LUMPUR: Ever since its inception in 2016, the Kodiaq SUV has been a hot seller for Skoda all over the world. Now to keep it in pace with the growing number of SUV rivals, the Czech brand has given it a mid-life update. And the most happening part is that the Skoda Kodiaq RS has made a comeback for 2021 with a new powerplant under the hood. So, before further ado, let’s get into the details.

In terms of exterior design, tweaks are subtle, and few, most of them concentrated on the front fascia. The new front has a restyled bonnet, grille, and bumper helping the SUV look sharper and bigger. The new larger grille is flanked by slimmer LED Matrix headlamps. At the back, the revamped SUV gets a glossy black larger roof spoiler lending it a more athletic appeal. Also new at the rear are redesigned bumper and LED tail lights.

Set to arrive in four versions - Standard, Lauren & Klement, Sportline, and RS, it gets subtle designing tweaks on the exterior, mainly including wheels and bumper. A unique styling element seen on the Kodiaq RS back is a reflective strip running across the width.

Getting inside, here the facelifted Kodiaq retains the same dashboard layout featuring the brand’s advanced infotainment system with a touchscreen display of up to 9.2-inch. iI also gets new ergonomic seats with ventilation and massage functions and Skoda’s latest two-spoke multi-function steering wheel (three-spoke in the RS trim).

Other than these, it continues to be equipped with the same features list, comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, multi-zone climate control, and Canton audio system with two more speakers than before.

On the power front, Skoda will offer the new Kodiaq with a choice of three petrol and two diesel options. However, the sport Kodiaq RS is fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit delivering a maximum power of 245 PS. Paired with a seven-speed DSG, this unit is 60 kg lighter than the earlier bi-turbo 2.0-liter diesel.

The new Skoda Kodiaq facelifted version is slated to go on sale in Europe by July 2021.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq SUV breaks the cover ahead of launch in India