Facelifted Skoda Kodiaq Spotted In India Ahead Of 2021 Launch

• The model spotted seems to be the ‘Sportline’ trim that gets a blacked-out front grille.

• Design updates include a new lighting setup, a wider front grille, and new alloy wheels.

• The cabin gets new dashboard stitching, ergonomic ventilated seats, footwell LED ambient lighting, and an updated 12-speaker CANTON audio system.

• The India-spec model will be powered by the 190PS 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine.

• Will rival the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace, Citroen C5 Aircross, Toyota Fortuner, and Ford Endeavour.  

We haven’t seen the Skoda Kodiaq in India since its 2.0-litre TDI diesel was discontinued in April 2020 during the transition to BS6 emission norms. The facelifted SUV unveiled globally in April this year was spotted recently in the country, indicating an imminent launch. 

The model snapped here is the Kodiaq’s ‘Sportline’ trim, which comes with a wider, blacked-out front grille, a redone bonnet, slimmer LED matrix headlights with a tasteful crystalline effect, and a wider central air intake with L-shaped elements. Other changes include a new range of 18-20-inch alloy wheels, a beltline that blends nicely with the new clamshell bonnet, slimmer taillights, and a longer roof lip spoiler.

Look inside, and you’ll find a three-spoke steering wheel, which is optional in the Sportline and RS trims. Overall, the cabin is largely similar to the pre-facelift model except for the new decorative stitching on the dashboard, front door inserts, and door panels. 

New features come in the form of footwell LED ambient lighting with 10 colour options, a 12-speaker CANTON sound system (instead of the 10-speaker setup previously), and optional ergonomic ventilated seats with heating and massage functions. Features that have been retained include the three-zone-climate control, panoramic sunroof, and electric seats with memory function. 

While the Kodiaq sold abroad gets multiple petrol and diesel powertrains, the India-spec model will be powered by the same 190PS/320Nm 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine as the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace. It is paired with a 7-speed DSG that drives all four wheels. 

 

Skoda Auto India’s Director of Sales, Service and Marketing, Zac Hollis, confirmed earlier that the facelifted India-spec Kodiaq will remain a completely-knocked-down (CKD) unit. Expect prices to start from Rs 33 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will take on the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace, Citroen C5 Aircross, Ford Endeavour, and the Toyota Fortuner petrol.  

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