Facelifted, India-bound 2021 Skoda Kodiaq SUV: What has changed

Skoda is revamping their portfolio for India. They have already launched the Octavia and the Kushaq in the Indian market. They will be showcasing the new Slavia mid-size sedan in December. However, there will also be launching the facelift of the Kodiaq before the Slavia. Here, is a video that shows us what all major changes will the new 2021 Kodiaq bring.

The design of the Kodiaq is updated now slightly. Up-front, there are now new slimmer LED headlamps with full Matrix headlights. Skoda’s butterfly grille is now longer and the bumper is also new. The SUV is also now more aerodynamic and the bonnet is also now more muscular.

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq to dump diesel, go petrol-only: Launch in Q3 2021

At the side, there are 20-inch alloy wheels that are newly designed. However, we think that considering the bad conditions of our roads, Skoda would drop down the size of the alloy wheels in favour of the ride quality. They also come with air covers that can help in reducing drag. The rear spoiler is now longer and looks more sporty than before. Skoda has also redesigned the rear LED tail lamps.

Then there are the seats which are also new. They are now perforated and come ventilation as well as massaging function. Skoda now also has Eco seats which are made using vegan and recycled materials. However, we do not think if the Eco seats will make their way to India.

The steering wheel is also new and is a two-spoke unit just like we have seen on the new Octavia. Other features include a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system will be connected to a premium sound system from Canton. It comes with 10 speakers and a have a power output of 625 Watts. There is also a 10.25-inch driver’s display that will show all the vital information to the driver and will be configurable.

Engine

The previous Kodiaq was offered with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that used to produce 148 bhp of max power and 340 Nm of peak torque. However, the new one would come with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 189 bhp of max power and 320 Nm of peak torque. It will come mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox which will transfer the power to all the four wheels.

There is also a vRS variant that gets the same 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine but it produces 245 PS of max power. There is also a 2.0-litre diesel engine available in two tunes. The lower tune produces 150 PS while the more powerful one produces 200 PS. Having said that Skoda will not bring the vRS and the diesel engines to India.

Dimensions

The Kodiaq facelift measures 4,697 mm in length and has a width of 1,882 mm. It will have a boot space of 835-litres which is quite good. If you want to store extra stuff then you can fold down the rear seats to open up an even larger boot space of 2,065-litres.

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