Kodiaq’s fresh look revealed

Mid-life update here toward year-end will ask RS fans to alter their fuel preference.

ASIDE from the obvious styling tweaks, Skoda’s biggest selling vehicle in New Zealand, the Kodiaq, seems also set to have a change of heart in respect to a variant that has a strong Kiwi following.

A mid-life facelift revealed overnight and set to hit NZ by late year delivers modest exterior alterations including new lights, more high-tech options, the possibility to upgrade the cabin further … and a petrol engine for the top-of-the range Kodiaq RS in place of the old diesel.

The present car’s 180kW/500Nm diesel engine has been usurped for a 182kW 2.0 TSI petrol unit. Conjecture – yet to be clarified by Skoda – that this is the same engine as in the Golf GTI, which means it might make only 370Nm of torque. Skoda says the petrol-powered Kodiaq RS is lighter by some 60kg in the nose, which should help its performance and dynamics, despite the torque deficit.

Two diesels and three other petrol powerplants, though surprisingly, none in a hybrid configuration, are also listed for the updated car, though which of these will be sold in NZ has not been shared.

Diesel power is by the new 'Evo' version of the Volkswagen Group's 2.0 TDI four-cylinder engine using twin-dosing to reduce NOx emissions. It's always paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic and can be had in 111kW or 150kW states of tune. The latter can only be had with four-wheel drive.

Europe’s entry-level petrol Kodiaq takes a turbocharged 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine making 112kW, married to a six-speed manual gearbox or DSG auto. The 141kW 2.0-litre TSI alternative gets the DSG transmission and four-wheel drive as standard.

Complementing the more prominent grille up front is a new, higher-up bonnet, redesigned bumpers and slimmer LED headlights. The latter are standard, while the Kodiaq can be fitted with full LED Matrix headlights as an option for the first time.

There are new LED tail lights too, most of the range getting 'dynamic' indicators. A slight restyling of the back bumper has been applied and there's a new gloss black roof spoiler fitted across the range, too. There are also a few new alloy wheel designs to freshen things up, measuring up to 20 inches.

The RS and Sportline looks are broadly similar, the RS getting the same black detailing theme, but has its own design of bumpers, exhaust outlets and 20-inch wheels.

The interior has not undergone much visual change, but there’s more than meets the eye beyond some trim changes and new steering wheels.

Skoda has fitted the new Kodiaq with the Volkswagen Group's latest infotainment software and hardware, with a built-in eSIM and 'over the air' updates. The central touchscreen measures 8.0- or 9.2 inches across the diagonal, there are USB-C ports for device charging and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display (called Virtual Cockpit) can be fitted. The LED ambient lighting has also been extended and the Canton sound system has been upgraded.

Ergonomic seats upholstered in perforated leather are a new option. They can be heated and ventilated, have electrical adjustment and a massage function. 'Eco' seats are offered in the midrange models featuring recycled materials Skoda labels as vegan.

Street Smart for Skoda

Young driver training programme will involve Czech brand’s cars.

ONCE was Holden, now another brand with strong ‘everyman’ credential has stepped in to keep the faith.

That’s the story with Street Smart, with announcement today that the hands-on driver training programme that is helping young Kiwi drivers to stay safe on New Zealand roads, with ardent support from former V8 Supercars driver, four times Bathurst winner and road safety advocate Greg Murphy, is now backed by Skoda.

The agreement will see Skoda cars being used on the day-long driver training courses that aim to reduce accidents and fatalities, means that the Czech brand now has another Holden holding – it also, of course, has just taken the massive police patrol car contract that the Australian brand fed for years.

“Road Safety is important to Skoda. We do everything we can to keep our drivers safe by providing advanced safety technologies in our cars, that should both actively prevent accidents and protect occupants in case of an emergency; but we also want to contribute to individual driver safety,” explains Rodney Gillard (pictured), general manager for Skoda New Zealand.

 “That’s why this new partnership with Street Smart is so exciting for us.”

Street Smart is a world-class best practice cognitive based driver programme. Created in 2018 in conjunction with well-known road safety expert Peter Sheppard and tested and fine-tuned by Murphy, who continues as a programme ambassador, the programme has already equipped more than 1300 young drivers with the tools needed to safely drive on our roads, be more aware and prepared.

Skoda will supply vehicles for use within the multiple exercises that participants will be part of.

These are designed to give young drivers a chance to experience the latest technology and vehicle safety innovations that are available and also gain understanding the capability of their own cars, and how different cars respond in different situations, Gillard says

The involvement is immediate. Street Smart’s first events this year are being held in the April school holidays at venues across the country.