Skoda Auto presented the second generation of the Kodiaq. It takes sustainability and efficiency to the next level and comes with a new interior concept. The all-new Kodiaq features a 13-inch infotainment display, innovative Skoda Smart Dials with haptic controls and a new range structure with Design Selections.
Its five powertrains offering outputs from 110 kW (150 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp) now also include a plug-in hybrid version – a first for the Kodiaq – with an electric range of more than 100 kilometres.
Also making their debuts are the latest generations of the LED Matrix headlights and the Dynamic Chassis Control system. To date, 841,900 Kodiaqs have been produced and have found customers in 60 markets worldwide. The series has also won more than 40 international awards since 2016.
Second generation offers new design, greater sustainability and new technologies
On the exterior, the advanced TOP LED Matrix headlights immediately catch the eye, while in the interior, recycled textiles and leather originating from an eco-friendly tanning process reflect the brand’s clear focus on sustainability. In addition to the new range structure with specific Design Selections and optional packages, the Kodiaq also features a new interior concept. The infotainment display is now free-standing, with a screen diagonal of up to 13 inches. A head-up display is optionally available for the first time.
The selector lever is now mounted on the steering column, which lends the centre console a very clean and tidy look. The new Skoda Smart Dials are a first for Skoda. They combine haptic controls with a 32‑millimetre digital display, providing intuitive, easy and customisable access to numerous vehicle and infotainment functions. The new Phone Box enables inductive charging of two smartphones at a time, delivering 15 W of power and also cooling the devices during the charging process.
Kodiaq iV uses the latest plug-in hybrid powertrain
Skoda is using the latest iteration of its plug-in hybrid powertrain to electrify the second Kodiaq generation. It features a 110 kW (150 hp) 1.5 TSI which, together with an electric motor, delivers a system output of 150 kW (204 hp), transmitted to the front wheels via a 6‑speed DSG. The new high-voltage battery enables a purely electric range of more than 100 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.
Charging at up to 11 kW on wallboxes and AC charging points as well as 50 kW at DC fast-charging points ensures rapid replenishment of the battery at home or on the road. Energy is also recuperated during braking. Despite the large battery, the Kodiaq iV offers a generous luggage capacity of 745 litres. The infotainment system includes numerous functions specific to the plug-in hybrid version – to make searches for charging stations particularly easy, for example.
Premiere for the new DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control
The second-generation Kodiaq is optionally available with the new DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control. This new version uses two independently controlled valves to separate the suspension’s rebound and compression stages. Previously, both functions were controlled by a shared valve. The new generation enables faster damping adjustment and a wider range of damping characteristics. Drivers and passengers will notice the difference in the form of faster responses, enhanced driving dynamics and increased comfort. Ground clearance with DCC Plus remains the same as with the standard suspension.
Intelligent new assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort
New assistance systems in the second-generation Kodiaq increase safety and comfort for drivers and passengers. Among these features are Turn Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, Crossroad Assist, Exit Warning, Automated Emergency Braking – pedestrian rear, and Intelligent Park Assist with the additional options Trained Parking and Remote Parking. Turn Assist responds with a warning and, where appropriate, automatic braking if there is a vehicle approaching when turning in the face of oncoming traffic.
Collision Avoidance Assist automatically enhances steering movements during sudden evasive manoeuvres. Crossroad Assist uses radar sensors and the front camera to warn of crossing traffic, cyclists or pedestrians when pulling out of a driveway or blind exit. Where appropriate, it triggers visual and acoustic warnings and then automatically applies the brakes. Exit Warning provides a visual warning in the exterior mirror as well as a warning sound when the door is opened while traffic is approaching from behind. It has a range of 35 metres and covers an angle of 120 degrees.
Remote parking from outside the vehicle
The new Intelligent Park Assist can automatically park the Kodiaq in end-on and parallel parking spaces. It now also controls the vehicle’s speed in addition to the steering, and stops automatically if the system detects an obstacle. At the rear, this is taken care of by the new Automated Emergency Braking – pedestrian rear, which will be available for the Kodiaq in 2024.While the previous Manoeuvre Assist relied exclusively on the sensors at the rear to analyse the vehicle’s surroundings, the new system adds images from the Rear View Camera, which is now also connected to the Trailer Assist function for an even better detection of pedestrians and children.
The new Trained Parking and Remote Parking options offer more parking convenience. With the Trained Parking assistant, drivers can record the approach to up to five favourite parking spaces, over a distance of 50 metres. If the vehicle recognises one of these parking spaces, it is able to automatically perform the parking manoeuvre from memory. The driver can start this manoeuvre in the vehicle using the infotainment menu or even from outside, via the app. The Remote Parking assistant, which is required for app‑controlled parking, can also be used to direct the vehicle into parking spaces not stored in the system from up to five metres away, with the driver controlling the process via a smartphone. It will be available for the second-generation Kodiaq in 2024. All parking assistants are part of the Assisted Drive Plus package, along with the Area View function now offering improved image resolution and ease of use.
Improved Side Assist and Travel Assist
With the latest version of Side Assist, the detection range for vehicles coming from behind increases from 70 to 90 metres for more safety, for example on motorways. This is due to more powerful radar sensors positioned in the corners of the bumpers. Front Assist now also features anticipatory cyclist protection. The improved Travel Assist offers enhanced visualisation of other nearby vehicles in the Virtual Cockpit and head-up display. In the Assisted Drive package, Travel Assist includes Adaptive Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Working in concert with the navigation system, this anticipates bends, junctions and roundabouts. The maximum speed permitted at any time is acquired from the Intelligent Speed Assist, which uses the latest version of the Traffic Sign Recognition assistant and adapts the speed to upcoming restrictions in a timely manner, without using the brakes.
Traffic Jam Assist combines the functions of Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Lane Assist. It enables automatic starting, braking and steering in congested traffic at speeds of up to 60 km/h by keeping track of the movements of nearby vehicles. Crew Protect Assist automatically closes open windows and, if necessary, the panoramic roof. It also activates the hazard warning lights and tightens the front seat belts as soon as sensors detect emergency or panic braking, or an imminent collision at the front, side or rear. Emergency Assist reduces the risk of an accident if the driver is no longer able to control the vehicle, for example due to a medical emergency. If the system detects such a situation, it takes over lane control, switches on the hazard warning lights and begins to gently brake the vehicle to a standstill. Then the latest-generation system automatically unlocks the doors, switches on the interior lights and activates eCall several seconds after the vehicle has come to a stop.
Up to nine airbags protect the occupants
The second-generation Kodiaq comes with up to nine airbags. In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags for the front seats, head airbags and a central airbag between the driver and front passenger are already included as standard. Side airbags for the second row of seats are available as an option.
