2021 Skoda Kodiaq teased again, global debut soon

KUALA LUMPUR: After releasing the first design sketches of the facelifted Skoda Kodiaq SUV last month, the Czech automaker now rolled out a teaser video that reveals some of its upgrades. The 20-second clip previews the revamped SUV in a dark background, with a special focus on the new headlights and tail lights. The new teaser also revealed that the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq world premiere will happen on April 13, 2021.

The upcoming update is said to be the biggest for Skoda's flagship SUV since its introduction in 2016, thus it seems to give the SUV a new look, extra technology, and new powertrains. From the teaser video and design sketches, we can gather that the new Kodiaq will have a more upright front grille, a restyled bonnet, a tweaked front bumper, and a bigger central air intake with L-shaped trim below the fog lights. 

The headlights and tail lights are now slimmer, the latter also gets the brand’s new signature crystalline pattern as seen on the recently unveiled Kushaq. The spy shots show off ‘Skoda’ lettering in the middle of the tailgate where the brand’s logo used to sit in the previous version.

Inside, the Kodiaq facelift’s big cabin is set to follow the pattern seen on the new Kamiq and the new-gen Octavia, which means we can expect a more advanced 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre that will have a touch slider, voice and gesture control, and new app-based features. Other expected interior bits are virtual cockpit digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay and Android auto wireless support, and a head-up display. In terms of safety, it is likely to have ten airbags, traffic jam assist, emergency assist, and so on.

Significant changes are also expected under the bonnet, where the SUV may get a plug-in hybrid engine just like the Octavia and Superb. Also, the high-performance RS trim is also likely to get a 2.0-litre TSI unit by ditching the twin-turbo diesel engine. 

Set to rival against the new Kia Sorento and the recently unveiled Peugeot 5008 facelift, the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq will go on sale later this year after next week’s global reveal.

Also read: All-new Skoda Fabia features, specs, and other details out