The second-generation Skodia Kodiaq is a decisive step up. The car has become even bigger, carries premium looks, features hybrid technology for the first time, and introduces sustainable interior materials. Twinned to the recently unveiled Volkswagen Tiguan, the model paves the way for a more modern Skoda.

The dimensions and styling make clear that Kodiaq is taking things to the next level. As the first model from the family designed around the ‘Modern Solid’ philosophy, the SUV is 6,1 centimeters longer (4,76 meters), while the width is 1,86 meters and the height is 1,66 meters.

More legroom

The Czech is considerably larger than the Tiguan, which measures 4,54 meters and can be ordered as a five or a seven-seater – just like the first generation but now with more legroom in all places. The wheelbase is a generous 2 791 meters, while cargo space has grown by a significant 70 liters in seven-seat configuration and 75 liters with two seats less.

The bold and sturdy design, which debuts the brand’s new logo, seems to tell otherwise, but with a Cd of 0.28, aerodynamics are on par with the sleeker-looking Tiguan. Thanks to the swoopy roofline, active shutters in the radiator grille, and meticulously crafted bumpers. The square wheel arches and the two-headed front lights are very noticeable.

Three rotary controls

Inside, the Kodiaq shares its interior with the upcoming 2024 Superb. It’s a significant evolution next to the first generation, presented seven years ago, thanks to a digital instrument cluster of more than ten inches and a central infotainment screen, which doesn’t feature the annoying sliding controls from the Volkswagen Group’s products, available in two sizes. Three rotary controls with color displays – two for climate and the middle one for general functions –  must bring ergonimics ‘back to a new normal’.

The new Kodiaq also offers two ecological choices besides the conventional luxury and sports lines. It serves as an example that these days, even the famous umbrella and the ice scraper, hidden in the filler cap, are made from sustainable materials.

The eco interiors also feature 100% recycled polyester or 40% natural wool fabrics. Skoda offers ergonomic seats with massage for long-distance comfort, which is also available in the bigger models from Volkswagen.

Wide range of drivelines

Under the hood, the engines benefit from electrification, which is entirely unaccounted for in the first generation. But the new MQB Evo platform offers everything, from pure combustion engines on diesel and gasoline to a full-fledged PHEV.

Kodiaq iV mates a 1.5-litre gasoline engine to a beefy battery pack of 25.7 kWh, promising a class-leading zero-emission range of 100 kilometers. It’s Volkswagen’s most modern pluggable combustion engine, with specifications similar to the Tiguan. It can fast-charge at 50 kW.

Other engines available at launch are a 1.5 TSI gasoline engine with 150 hp, mild hybrid and cylinder deactivation technology, a 2.0 TSI with 204 hp, and two 2.0 TDI diesel engines with 150 or 193 hp. The more powerful models have four-wheel drive, and a DSG automatic transmission is standard on every model.

Finally, the new Kodiaq features the latest driving assistance technology, with side assist spotting rear traffic 20 meters sooner than before (90 meters), traffic sign-related cruise control, autonomous driving at speeds up to 60 km/hour, and app-controlled automated parking, to name the most important ones.