The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq SUV is due to be unveiled in early October, but that hasn’t stopped the Czech brand from giving us a sneak peak of the all-new interior.
The next generation of our Large SUV of the Year will feature physical climate control dials, sustainable materials and the Czech brand’s signature ‘Simply Clever’ touches.
It appears that Skoda has combined the simplicity and functionality of the current Kodiaq’s interior with the more modern, tech-centric design of the all-electric Enyaq iV’s cabin. At the heart of the new Kodiaq interior is a 13-inch free-standing touchscreen, below which you’ll find the Skoda’s new ‘Smart Dials’ that are also going to feature in the latest Skoda Superb.
Each dial houses a 32 millimetre display, with the outer two dedicated to cabin temperature, plus heating and cooling for the driver and front passenger seat. Meanwhile the central dial can be used to adjust the volume, fan speed, or even the drive mode.
Other new additions for forthcoming Kodiaq include a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit driver’s display that can be complemented with a head-up display. The gear selector has also been moved from the centre console to the steering column, with its usual spot now taken up by a wireless charging pad large enough for two smartphones, according to Skoda.
The next Kodiaq will also feature an umbrella and handy ice scraper in the driver’s door, and like the Enyaq will be offered with a choice of interior design schemes: Loft, Lounge, or ecoSuite in Black or Cognac. The textiles used on selector models will be made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, while the leather in others is to be produced using an eco-friendly tanning process.
Although the outgoing Kodiaq was launched way back in 2016, it’s still one of our favourite family cars, with the seven-seat SUV garnering popularity for its practicality and strong range of powertrains.
The range of powertrains is set to expand with the new Kodiaq, however, as it’ll be available with plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid power. These, along with the new tech and some fresh styling, should allow the Kodiaq to continue rivalling key competitors in the large SUV class, such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe – heavily updated versions of which have been unveiled. Other rivals include the Nissan X-Trail, VW Tiguan Allspace and SEAT Taracco.
We’ve also caught the next-generation Kodiaq testing as well. Our spy images suggest it will have an evolutionary style that features familiar elements brought right up to date alongside Skoda’s latest design language that will feature on the firm’s new range of electric vehicles such as the Enyaq and upcoming Elroq.
Classic Skoda SUV details like the two-piece headlights are instantly visible, with a more upright grille and the signature bonnet dip looking more assertive and less sleek than on the current generation. The body appears to retain the previous car’s basic silhouette, with the roofline staying high all the way back to the tailgate to ensure sufficient headroom for passengers in the third row. The rear lights also look much slimmer and are mounted higher up.
The big changes for the Kodiaq will be focused on its underpinnings. The current Kodiaq sits on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A2 platform – the same used by all the group’s family SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Tarraco. However, we expect the next-generation model to move onto the more recent MQB Evo platform, which is used by the current VW Golf, Cupra Formentor, and Skoda Octavia, as well as the upcoming third-generation Tiguan.
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Skoda has now confirmed that it will offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the new Kodiaq from launch, featuring the same mechanicals as the upcoming VW Tiguan. This will be sold alongside a range of mild-hybrid and diesel and petrol variants, too, but a full-electric variant is off the cards because the MQB Evo platform does not support pure-EV powertrains.
The new Kodiaq will almost certainly be the last offered with regular petrol and diesel engines, as the VW Group, like the entire industry, prepares for widespread electrification.
Skoda says we can expect a full reveal of the new Kodiaq in early October 2023, while the upcoming fourth-generation Superb is on track to make its world debut in November. Both models will share the same production line in Kvasiny, Czech Republic. The current Kodiaq starts from £34,760 and we expect a slight increase on pricing for the second-generation model.
Now check out our list of the best family cars to buy now…
