Article from Unsealed 4×4.

The updated version of ŠKODA‘s award winning Kodiaq SUV reaches showrooms late this year followed by brand’s halo model – the Kodiaq RS – early in the New Year.

Kodiaq’s 2017 arrival heralded ŠKODA’s evolution as a mainstream auto brand in Australia. It immediately won praise, a number of awards and has been the brand’s best-selling model. “Since the Kodiaq was introduced in 2017 and the first Kodiaq RS in 2019, ŠKODA has built a range of SUVs, including Kamiq and Karoq, which have brought our challenger brand to greater attention,” ŠKODA Australia Director Michael Irmer said.

“Kodiaq has significantly contributed to the brand’s perception in Australia and has brought all the attributes of a ŠKODA into the large SUV category. It is a fully family functional seven-seat capable SUV with class-leading drivetrains and, of course, the array of Simply Clever features that always set ŠKODA apart.”

The Kodiaq comes in three grades, all with four-wheel drive and highly responsive turbo petrol engines and generous standard specification: Kodiaq Style, Sportline and, of course, the RS. Style and Sportline feature a familiar 132kW/320Nm unit. The most marked change in this respect is the RS.

The previous Kodiaq RS ran a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel. The renewed version runs a 180kW/370Nm 2.0 turbo petrol-driven through a 7-speed DSG transmission and all four wheels.

“As has been demonstrated overseas since the release of the new RS, the saving in weight from the diesel and the free-revving nature of the petrol engine lend the new version what we believe to be even more enjoyable driving capabilities,” Mr Irmer says.

Standard specification over the pre-existing range:

KODIAQ Style 4×4

• New exterior design
• Animated indicators in rear
• Luggage Nets
• Welcome lights – SKODA logo
• New dashboard décor
• Scout elements in lower part of front & rear bumper
• Front grille in chrome look

KODIAQ SportLine 4×4

• Full Matrix LED headlights with AFS
• Animated indicators in rear
• Luggage Nets
• Welcome lights – SKODA logo

KODIAQ RS 4×4

• New petrol engine: 2.0TSI 180kW
• Full Matrix LED headlights with AFS
• New 20″ SAGITTARIUS alloy wheels
• Leather seats with ventilation in front
• Space saving spare wheel
• Animated indicators in rear
• Luggage Nets
• Welcome lights – SKODA logo

All new ŠKODAs come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and choice of three or five-year service packs.