New-gen Skoda Kodiaq: Exciting New Features & Upgrades Revealed!

The next-generation Skoda Kodiaq will launch in India in May 2025 after its worldwide unveil. The flagship of the Czech carmaker will enter with some nice updates related to aesthetics, technology, and performance.

With competition from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, Volkswagen Tiguan, and MG Gloster, Skoda, in the meantime, loaded more features and an elegant driving experience in the new Kodiaq.

An in-depth overview of the new-gen Kodiaq covers the exterior, interior, features, powertrain, pricing, and even competition.

1. Exterior Design: More Premium and Bold

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq boasts the same proud SUV stance while renewing it with modern styling updates. The butterfly grille continues to anchor the front end, but with newer updates that make it look sharper and far more sophisticated.

Key Design Updates:

• New Split LED Headlamps: The updated Matrix LED headlights grant better visibility.
• Redesigned Front Bumper: With a honeycomb mesh grille now giving a sportier appeal.
• More Intense Bonnet Character Lines: Further enhance the bold character of the SUV.
• C-Shaped Connected LED Taillights: Slimmer rear lights get a new light signature.
• New Alloy Wheel Options: Offered in 19-inch and 20-inch designs.
• Tapered Roofline: Aids in aerodynamics while presenting a strong SUV appearance.
• Updated Rear Bumper: Projects added muscularity pointing toward the Kodiaq.

With the dimensions now made slightly larger, the new-gen Kodiaq measures 59mm longer than before while retaining a stout stance.

2. Interior: More Tech and Luxury

The cabin of the new-gen Kodiaq is thoroughly redesigned with technology, comfort, and sustainability in focus.

Major Interior Updates:

• Bigger 13-inch Touchscreen Display: Displays a freestanding design.
• 10.25-inch Digital Driver’s Display: A customizable instrument cluster.
• Physical ‘Smart Dials’ for Climate Control: New rotary dials for climate control have built-in digital displays for easy access.
• New Two-Spoke Steering Wheel: Carries Skoda’s latest steering design.
• Shift-by-Wire Gear Selector: Moves to the steering column freeing the center console.
• Premium Upholstery: Cabin made from sustainable materials for an eco-friendly interior.
• Optional Head-Up Display (HUD): This is the first time HUD will be found in Kodiaq.
• Ambient Lighting: Multi-color ambient lighting to set different moods inside the SUV.

Furthermore, the new Kodiaq also has an advantage in terms of space and practicality, offering increased legroom and better storage.

3. Features & Technology: Enhanced for 2025

A lengthy list of premium features adorns the new Kodiaq, ensuring it retains the gold-standard status as one of the feature-packed SUVs in this segment.

Notable Features:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Four USB-C Charging Ports
• 15-watt Wireless Charging for Two Smartphones
• 14-speaker Premium Audio System
• Massage Seats for Front Row
• Ventilated and Heated Seats
• Rear Passenger Sun-Blinds
• Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Smartphone Connectivity (Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto)
• Electric Tailgate for Easy Access to Boot

AI Integration works in granting Skoda voice assistance, thus enhancing the ease of hands-free control over various functions.

4. Safety & Driver Assistance: Best in Class

It is built on an MQB EVO platform, which offers much more safety features and rigidity improvements.

Key Safety Features:

• 9 airbags (including side and curtain bags)
• 360-degree camera
• Front & rear parking sensors
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Assist & Hill Descent Control
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Traffic Sign Recognition

The new Kodiaq has also achieved a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

5. Powertrain & Performance: Focused on Petrol

Globally, the new Kodiaq is available in a myriad of powertrain options like petrol, diesel, and hybrid. But in India, Skoda is most likely to bring the 2.0L turbo-petrol variant into the launch fold.

Engine Specification:

Expected Performance:

• 0-100 km/h in about 8 seconds.
• Top speed: ~200 km/h.
• Fuel efficiency: ~12-14 km/l.

Adjustable suspension settings for ride comfort are typically offered in the new-gen Kodiaq with Dynamic Chassis Control.

6. Expected Price & Rivals

The new Kodiaq is expected to be priced between ₹45-55 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant and features.

Rivals:

• Toyota Fortuner
• Jeep Meridian
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• MG Gloster
• Hyundai Tucson (Top Variant)

The new-gen Kodiaq shall thus capture all attention in the full-size SUV segment and will surely pose a juicy competition to many.

7. Final Word: Should You Go for New Skoda Kodiaq?

The new-gen Kodiaq is the quintessential marriage of luxury, technology, and performance. It is a buy that will enthrall buyers looking for an SUV with an abundance of features and space.

Pros:

✔️ Premium and Modern Design
✔️ Advanced Technology & Features
✔️ Powerful 2.0L Turbo-Petrol Engine
✔️ High Safety Ratings & ADAS
✔️ Spacious 7-Seater Cabin

Cons:

❌ Diesel Variant Not Available in India
❌ Prices Expected to be Higher than Older Versions

If you are after an SUV offering a balanced ethos of performance on-road and off-road, safety, and luxury, the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is surely a worthy contender.

Conclusion

With fresh design, new tech, and a powerful powertrain, the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq is poised to be a potent rival in the premium SUV space. Be it a family SUV or a stylish city cruiser, the Kodiaq offers it all.

🚘 Expected India Launch: May 2025
💰 Estimated Price: ₹45-55 lakh (ex-showroom)
🏁 Competitors: Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, VW Tiguan, MG Gloster

Stay tuned for more updates as Skoda officially unveils the India-spec Kodiaq!

F.A.Q: 2025-Generation Skoda Kodiaq

1. When will the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq be officially launched in India?

The Kodiaq will be launched in India in May 2025. Local assembly of the SUV has been confirmed by Skoda to start in March 2025. It will be launched within a few weeks after that, and deliveries will probably begin by mid-2025.

2. What would be the expected price range for the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq in India?

The expected price range for the new-gen Skoda Kodiaq in India would be between ₹45 and 55 lakh (ex-showroom). The final price will vary based on the chosen variant and optional features. It is expected that the new model will hold a higher price tag than the current one due to its premium upgrades and additional features, which start from ₹39.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the existing model.

3. What is the speed of the new Skoda Kodiaq?

It is expected that 2025 Skoda Kodiaq with 2.0L turbo-petrol engine is expected to achieve a top speed of around 200 km/h. The performance-oriented RS variant, which is available in the international markets, is capable of going beyond 220 km/h; however, its confirmation for India is still awaited.

4. How fast will the new Skoda Kodiaq go from 0-100?

Expected time to 100 km/h for the new-gen Kodiaq with the help of a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine is around 8 seconds. This time may vary a little depending upon the variations AWD vs. FWD and road conditions. The higher power-rated RS model completes its 0-100 km/h dash in just about 6.4 seconds internationally.

5. Will we see the new Kodiaq in diesel for Indian consumers?

Not really, diesel versions of the Kodiaq do not seem likely to be offered in India. The Kodiaq available globally comes with diesel and hybrid options, whereas the India-spec Kodiaq is expected to be offered only as a petrol one powered by a 2.0 turbo-petrol engine. Skoda dropped diesel engines from its lineup in India since these could never meet the strict BS6 emission norms and, of late, there seems a shift in preference from diesel to petrol and hybrid powertrains.

6. Is Skoda going to introduce hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions for the 2025 Kodiaq in India?

The Kodiaqs being sold in Europe include the PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) alternatives alongside petrol/diesel variants; however, its confirmation for India is still awaited. With hybrid SUV segments gaining increasing momentum in the Indian market, Skoda may ponder increasing their agenda for PHEVs, but the frontrunner in the Indian market will remain the Kodiaq based on the 2.0L turbo-petrol engine.

7. What are the expectations for fuel economy for the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq?

The fuel economy expectation of the new-gen Skoda Kodiaq under standard driving conditions is expected to be around 12-14 km/l. However, the actual mileage during real-time may vary based on individual driving behavior, types of terrain, and traffic. The AWD could have a negligible effect in area of mileage calculating due to its increase in power distribution.

8. How different has the new Kodiaq become in driving compared to the existing version?

The 2025 Kodiaq comes with several mechanical and technological improvements for better driving dynamics.

• Improved Ride Comfort: The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) permits suspension settings to be altered.
• Improved Handling: A longer wheelbase and adjusted steering response weigh up to increased stability.
• More Cabin Space: The new interior layout has improved legroom and headroom.
• Shift-By-Wire Gear Selector: The gear selector’s migration to the steering column has unlocked valuable real estate in the center console.

All in all, these changes mean the new-gen Kodiaq offers more refinement and drive comfort as well as engagement.

9. In the big picture, how new Kodiaq will differ from heavyweights like the Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian?

While aggressively competing, the Fortuner and Jeep Meridian present some serious challenges, but the new-gen Skoda Kodiaq distinguishes itself in:

✔ More Premium Cabin: The high-quality interior, touchscreen, and digital driver’s cluster of the Kodiaq feel more upscale.
✔ Better Ride Comfort: The Kodiaq is far more comfortable with DCC suspension, unlike the Fortuner’s body-on-frame construction.
✔ Advanced Safety Features: The Kodiaq boasts ADAS features that are far more advanced than the Fortuner’s.
✔ Better Fuel-Efficiency Turbo-Petrol Engine: The petrol engine in the Fortuner is not very economical as compared to Kodiaq’s 2.0L TSI unit.
✔ No Diesel Engine Option: New Kodiaq does not offer a diesel engine unlike Fortuner and Meridian.

10. When can I book the new Skoda Kodiaq in India?

While there have been no official announcements yet, it is expected that the dealers will start taking pre-orders for the new Kodiaq by March 2025. Interested customers can register their interest through the official Skoda website or even visit a dealership for more details. Deliveries are likely to begin in mid-2025.

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