The much-awaited 2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift has finally been launched in the Indian market. The new 7-seater SUV is offered in 3 variants – Style, Sportline and Laurin & Klement – priced at Rs 34.99 lakh, Rs 35.99 lakh and Rs 37.49 lakh respectively. Bookings for the SUV have also been started, while deliveries will commence from January 14, 2022.
Production of the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq has already been started at the brand’s Aurangabad facility. For people not in the know, Skoda had discontinued the Kodiaq in April 2020 due to new emission norms. The new model misses out on diesel engine option, and is only offered in petrol version.
Design Changes – the updated Kodiaq was introduced globally in 2021. The India-spec model shares all the changes offered on the international-spec model. It comes with a more upright bonnet and revised front grille, re-styled headlamps with new LED DRL signatures and updated front bumper. The SUV retains the overall side profile; except for the new set of alloys. At the back, the SUV gets slightly revised tail-lights and bumper.
Interior – the new Kodiaq interior looks largely identical to the previous model. However, it now comes with a newly styled two-spoke steering wheel. This is Skoda’s new steering wheel that we have already seen on the Superb, Octavia and the Kushaq. It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control system, ambient lighting, etc.
The 2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Octavia and the Superb. This engine churns out 190PS of power and 320Nm of torque. A 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox sending the power to all-4 wheels come as standard.
The Skoda Kodiaq won’t have a direct rival in the Indian market. However, Jeep will launch the 7-seater Compass – likely to be called the Jeep Meridian – in the mid-2022. At this price tag, the Kodiaq could impact the sales of the Volkswagen Tiguan & the petrol powered Toyota Fortuner.
