Czech carmaker Škoda Auto has finally revealed the facelifted version of the Kodiaq SUV in the global market. The mid-life update brings several cosmetic changes, more features, and new powertrain options.
2021 Skoda Kodiaq Facelift – Exterior
Compared to the pre-facelift model, the updated Kodiaq looks quite sportier thanks to its redesigned bonnet, wider grille, and shaper bumper with broader air intakes & L-shaped elements that look like air curtains. It also gets a new-&-slimmer LED headlamp that will come with an optional matrix function (available for the 1st time).
The side profile comprises a new range of 18 to 20-inch aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels. At the back, it gets a longer roof lip spoiler in gloss black, newly designed bumpers with aluminium-look trim, and refreshed LED taillights following crystalline design language.
The brand has also offered the sportier RS trim, which will come with black design elements, aerodynamically designed model-specific bumpers, 20-inch RS badging on the front grille & tailgate, 20-inch Sagittarius alloy wheels in metallic black, and a reflector strip spanning the entire width of the vehicle.
Skoda Kodiaq Facelift – Interior
Inside the cabin, the changes are more decorative; however, the dashboard layout looks relatively similar to the pre-facelift model save for the two-spoke steering wheel and latest-generation touchscreen infotainment system with the screen measuring from 6.5-inches to 9.2-inches. The 2021 Kodiaq gets decorative strips and contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels, which will be different for all the trims. It also gets optional ergonomic ventilated & heated seats for the driver & front passenger with a massage function.
Another change is the upgraded 575 watts CANTON sound system that will now come with 10 speakers instead of the previous 8 units. The two new speakers are located in the front door panels and are framed by a circular chrome trim. Besides this, the brand has now also extended the LED ambient lighting to the footwell with 10 colour options.
The other notable features of the premium Kodiaq SUV includes MySkoda connected car tech with remote functions, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable seats with memory function, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, gesture control for infotainment, Apple Carplay & Android Auto smartphone connectivity along with mirror link function, and many more.
Skoda Kodiaq Facelift – Engine
In the global market, the updated Skoda Kodiaq will be available with two diesel and three petrol engines from the EVO generation. The petrol units consist of a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (for entry-level model), a 245PS 2.0-litre TSI Biturbo (for RS trim), and a 190PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol (for other trims). The diesel engine options, on the other hand, comprises a 150PS 2.0-litre TDI and a 200PS 2.0-litre TDI Biturbo unit.
As far as the transmission options are concerned, the 1.5-litre petrol will be available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. The 2.0-litre TSI and TDI units will get a 7-speed DSG as standard. There will also be options for front and all-wheel-drivetrain for different powertrains.
The Indian-spec facelifted Kodiaq is likely to be offered with the 190PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine only that will come paired to a 7-speed DSG transmission with all-wheel-drivetrain.
When it will be launched in India?
Skoda Auto India’s Director of Sales, Service, and Marketing, Zac Hollis, has confirmed that the India-spec model will continue to be a completely-knocked-down (CKD) unit and will be arrived in the second half of this year. Expect the updated Kodiaq to demand a premium of around Rs 50,000 over the previous model, which was priced between Rs 35.36 lakh to Rs 36.77 lakh (ex-showroom India) before its discontinuation from the Indian market. On the arrival to Indian shores, it will continue to rival the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Alturas G4, and MG Gloster.
In the other news, the Skoda will launch the new-gen Octavia in April 2021, followed by the first made-for-India SUV, the Skoda Kushaq in June 2021.
