The next-generation Skoda Kodiaq SUV has been spied during testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its reveal in the northern hemisphere autumn (September to November).
This particular Kodiaq prototype has a similar amount of black-and-white camouflage as the example recently shown in “official” spy photos at the Arctic Circle.
The overall design of the new Kodiaq appears to be evolutionary, with similar proportions and a roofline that looks much the same.
It appears to have a more prominent, upright grille, as well as a slimmer split-level lighting signature. Down back, the tail lights also have a new look.
There’s less of a sharp crease down the side than before, in a nod to last year’s Vision 7S concept which previewed the brand’s new Modern Solid design language.
No spy photos of the Kodiaq’s interior have been released yet, though we expect a more tablet-style touchscreen to feature.
As recently reported, the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq is due in Australia sometime around the second quarter of 2024.
The new Kodiaq is expected to move to the newer MQB Evo architecture like the latest Octavia. It will also offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the first time, though it’s confirmed to not be coming to Australia.
Skoda Australia managing director Michael Irmer recently told CarExpert that PHEVs are a “bridging technology” and that the “ship has sailed” for Australia, with the brand choosing to jump straight to electric vehicles (EVs).
The Kodiaq will be manufactured alongside the existing Karoq at the company’s Kvasiny plant in Czechia, with Skoda investing around 12 million euros (~A$19.5 million) in converting the production line for the new Kodiaq.
With Skoda moving production of the Superb to Bratislava, Slovakia there will be additional production capacity of 150,000 units for the two SUVs in total. The Karoq is set to be supplanted by the electric Elroq, due in 2024.
Skoda claims it will be able to produce up to 410 Kodiaqs every day.
The carmaker claims it has produced over 800,000 Kodiaqs since its global premiere in September 2016. These have been manufactured in Czechia, Ukraine, China and India, as well as Russia until early 2022.
Click an image to view the full gallery.
MORE: Everything Skoda Kodiaq
