EXCLUSIVE: New Skoda Kodiaq Makes Spy Shot Debut In India

Quick Highlights 

• New-gen Skoda Kodiaq makes spy shot debut in India. 
• Exterior styling is more evolutionary rather than ground breaking. 
• Inside, gets a new dashboard with a large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 
• Internationally, the Kodiaq gets multiple engine options, including mild-hybrid, turbo-petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. 

We have exclusively spotted the new Skoda Kodiaq testing in India without camouflage for the first time on the Mumbai - Pune expressway. The flagship 7-seater SUV from Skoda has got a generation update in October 2023 and packs in evolutionary styling, a brand new cabin and plentiful features addition. 

Without further ado, let’s see what we can discern from these latest spy shots. 

Skoda Kodiaq Exterior 

The new Skoda Kodiaq boasts an evolutionary exterior design when compared to the outgoing model. 

The familiar ‘Butterfly” grille now takes a bit more real estate up front and if that isn’t enough, gets a sleek light bar to scream attention. This is flanked by a pair of LED headlights that are sharper and sleeker, with the fog lamps placed right below it. The bumper styling is also new, featuring sharper lines and keen eyed viewers will notice the presence of a radar, indicating this test mule is equipped with ADAS. 

Coming to the side, the Kodiaq looks familiar to the outgoing model as the silhouette design is largely similar. That said, the new alloys add a breath of fresh air, while the silver trim on the C-pillar gives the roof a floating effect. At the rear, you get new LED tail lamps with a ‘C’ motif and an updated rear bumper design. 

Skoda Kodiaq Interior 

The interior of the new India-spec Skoda Kodiaq is yet to be snapped. However, based on the international model, the new-gen model gets a brand new dashboard design with a humongous 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system being the centrepiece. Thankfully, there are physical knobs or “Smart Dials”  as Skoda calls to control various functions such as the climate control, drive modes  and infotainment duties. 

The lower centre console is also now more practical with more storage space as the gear selector is now mounted on the steering column. 

Skoda Kodiaq Features Onboard 

In terms of equipment, the new Kodiaq comes packing a lot, including a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display,  wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, a branded sound system, ventilated and heated front seats and a powered tailgate. 

The safety of the occupants is taken care of by up to 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and ADAS. 

Skoda Kodiaq Engine Options 

Internationally, the new Skoda Kodiaq is offered with a plethora of engine choices, including a mild-hybrid, turbo-petrol, diesel and even a plug-in hybrid option. But for India, we suspect Skoda might continue with the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine without any sort of electrification. Here’s a look at the engine specifications of the new Skoda Kodiaq:

	1.5-litre TSI Mild-hybrid	2-litre TSI	2-litre TDI	1.5-litre Plug-in Hybrid
Power (PS)	150PS	204PS	153PS/204PS	204PS
Transmission Option	7-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	6-speed
Transmission Option	Front-wheel drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive

Skoda Kodiaq India Launch 

If the new Kodiaq is green lit for an India launch, you can expect it to be introduced sometime in 2025. That’s because Skoda earlier said that the only new model for India in 2024 would be the Enyaq iV electric SUV. 

Considering all the feature and tech updates, one can expect the new Kodiaq to command a premium over the current model, which is priced from Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It will renew its rivalry with the Jeep Meridian, Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster.