The Skoda Kodiaq is due for a mid-life refresh, and the Czech brand has offered an early look at the updated model ahead of a global reveal on April 13, 2021.
Skoda Australia says it ‘hopes’ to have the revised Kodiaq range in local showrooms before the end of 2021, though exact timing is not confirmed. The Australian introduction could be drawn out to the first quarter of 2022.
It’s expected updated versions of the current powertrain line-up will be offered globally.
Currently, just the 132kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 176kW 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel are available in Australia.
Reports from overseas seem to have confirmed the Kodiaq RS’s twin-turbocharged diesel has been axed from production as of the end of 2020.
CarExpert understands the refreshed Kodiaq RS will instead use the 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
It’s unclear how this heart transplant will impact performance.
The current diesel-powered Kodiaq RS can sprint from 0-100 in 7.0 seconds while the Octavia RS wagon hits triple figures from a standstill in 6.7 seconds, though it has a 350kg weight advantage over the current Kodiaq RS.
Using the updated VW Tiguan range as a guide also, we could see the 147kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel form part of the Australian range.
All models in Australia should feature all-wheel drive and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Previewed in a trio of teaser sketches, the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq will get a revised front end with slimmer headlights, a more upright grille (nabbed from the new Octavia), and a redesigned front bumper with a wider intake, L-shaped elements and an aluminium-look trim insert.
Out back, the LED tail lights have likewise been thinned out, and retain the company’s trademark crystalline design elements and C-shaped signature.
Skoda has been tight-lipped on the rest of the upgrades, though it has indicated “technological enhancements” will be included as part of the update, likely pertaining to enhanced driver assistance and infotainment technologies.
One of these will likely be Matrix LED headlights for higher grades, in addition to the latest VW Group MIB3 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also expect an enhanced driver tech suite, with proper semi-autonomous highway driving ability.
Further details should come to hand following the updated Kodiaq’s reveal on April 13, European time.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest, and let us know what you think of the updated design in the comments below.
