Skoda’s flagship SUV is back with sharper looks, more tech and a new heart.
After a brief hiatus, the Kodiaq is back in India in an updated avatar. The changes, at first, might not seem drastic, but there have been some serious revisions, especially under the bonnet.
2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift exterior changes
A closer look will reveal the revamped face that now gets new LED projector headlamps housed in sleeker looking headlamp pods. Low down, the bumper has been updated as well, and the famous ‘butterfly grille’, laden with chrome, has been reshaped slightly.
Revised bumper, sharper tail-lamps help identify this as the facelift from the rear.
Over to the side, the cuts and creases on the body give plenty of dynamism, and adding to it are the alloy wheels that see no change to the design, but now have a dual-tone paint scheme.
At the rear, the bumpers are revised, like on the front, and the tail-lamps are sharper and get dynamic turn indicators. That aside, the overall design is minimalistic and uncluttered.
2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift interior and features
On the inside, the changes again are subtle, but noticeable. The Kodiaq now gets the two-spoke steering wheel like the one seen on the Octavia, Superb and Kushaq, and screen-based digital dials that are highly customisable. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster has five options for displays and gives you all the info you would want. Next is the inclusion of wireless charging along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8-inch touchscreen, like before, is slick and responsive, and with this update, also gets in-built navigation. That might not seem useful when you have smartphone connectivity, but it is a handy feature to have when you run out of cell towers.
New two-spoke steering the most noticeable change inside.
Other bits like soft-touch plastics and a fantastic sense of space are as before. The panoramic sunroof certainly helps the cabin ambience and the seats up front are comfy and broad too. They also come with a memory function and electric adjust, but on this update, Skoda has also loaded them up with heating and cooling functions.
Front passengers get individual climate zones, heated and cooled seats.
And lastly, the new Kodiaq also gets a 625-watt, 12-speaker Canton audio system that replaces the earlier 10-speaker set-up.
2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift space and practicality
At the rear, space is plenty just as before, as there has been no revision to the dimensions. You get lots of legroom and headroom and you can also recline the backrest and slide the seat base for added comfort and greater third row space. A Kodiaq highlight is the nap package for the top L&K trim, which gets you neck support for the rear seats, and makes for a perfect snooze setting when paired with the sunblinds. The centre tunnel isn’t too large, which means the passenger seated in the middle can be comfortable. There is also a third climate zone for the rear and plenty of storage spaces.
The third row is a huge pulling point on the Kodiaq and even though space isn’t suitable for taller adults, it is good enough for children over short trips. Fold the seats away and you also get a cavernous boot that is hugely practical.
2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift engine, gearbox and dynamics
Finally, the other massive change on the Kodiaq is one that you can’t see. The Kodiaq is no longer a diesel SUV and under the bonnet now is a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that makes 190hp and 320Nm. The older car was criticised for being a tad underpowered, but this new engine is sure to solve that issue. Mated to it is a 7-speed DSG (dual clutch auto) gearbox that transfers power to all four wheels. You also get drive modes – Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual – and even an off-road mode that adjusts the electronics to comfortably get you over a tricky patch of road. The power seems to be plenty, at least on paper, as Skoda claims a 0-100kph time of 7.8sec.
2.0 TSI puts out 190hp and 320Nm.
However, what enthusiasts will like even more is that this new version of the Kodiaq also gets DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), or adaptive suspension. What that means is that on a set of twisties, the dampers can be adjusted via the drive mode. In Comfort, they will be soft and offer a supple ride, while in Sport they will firm up, reducing body movements. How effective is it? We will only find out once we get behind the wheel.
Kodiaq now gets adaptive dampers; drive modes adjust stiffness.
2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift price, variants and rivals
The updated Kodiaq is available in three variants – Style, Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K) – and has been launched at a price range of Rs 34.99 lakh-37.49 lakh (ex-showroom). While it has no direct rival, it goes up against the likes of the VW Tiguan, the Citroen C5 Aircross and even the Toyota Fortuner.
Is the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq petrol the best premium seven-seat family SUV around? Or would you pick something else? Let us know in the comments below.
Also see:
Skoda hopes to sell 70,000 cars in 2022
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