The Skoda Kodiaq Is All Set To Get A Facelift

• Facelifted Kodiaq spotted testing in the Czech Republic.
• Gets a redesigned grille, LED headlamps, and alloy wheels.
• Interior likely to remain similar to the existing model, except for different colours and upholsteries.
• Could be offered with petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines.

The Skoda Kodiaq has been off the shelves for a while now as its 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine hasn’t been upgraded to meet BS6 emission standards. That said, Skoda’s flagship SUV is set to make a comeback by mid-2021 with a BS6-compliant 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. It could be based on the facelifted model that was spotted testing in the Czech Republic for the first time. 

Since it’s a facelift, most of the changes have been made to the front and the rear. The butterfly grille is slightly wider and lower while new LED headlamps come with redone DRLs. The small fog lamps, which sit below the headlamps, have been retained. At the rear, the Kodiaq will feature split LED tail lamps, possibly with redesigned internals. Except for the different alloy wheels, the silhouette remains unchanged. 

Besides the new colours and upholstery finishes, the interior layout of the facelifted Kodiaq could be similar to the outgoing model. However, the infotainment is likely to be an updated unit with connected car tech. Apart from that, the feature list could be the same as the existing model.  

The facelifted Kodiaq is likely to come with petrol, diesel and even hybrid engine options in the Czech Republic. For the Indian market though, it could utilise the sole 190PS 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that does duty in the Tiguan Allspace. The engine drives all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.   

The facelifted Kodiaq is likely to make its global debut by early-2021. The India launch of the Kodiaq TSI, which could be based on the facelifted model, is expected by Q2 2021. Prices may be similar to that of its cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, at around Rs 33 lakh (ex-showroom). It also rivals the Honda CR-V and full-size SUVs such as the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, and MG Gloster.

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