Plug-in and mild hybrid variants join versions with update of current petrol.

ELECTRIFICATION and new technology are coming to the second generation of a historic strong seller for Skoda here, the Kodiaq.

Set to debut in Europe between September and November this year, with early 2024 timing probable for New Zealand - though this has yet to be confirmed - the car is now in the final stages of development.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is core to the New Zealand line-up is being uprated to 150kW, from 132kW presently, and will remain paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels.

Also thought to be on Skoda NZ’s wishlist are the new-to-type hybrid choices.

Entry-level, front-wheel-drive variants run a 110kW mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, which runs on the Miller cycle with a variable turbine geometry turbocharger and cylinder deactivation.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid Kodiaq iV that combines the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, a 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a 150kW total system output.

Skoda says this drivetrain will deliver an all-electric driving range of "more than 100 kilometres", with 11kW AC and 50kW DC maximum charge rates.

The car bases on the VW Group’s MQB Evo underpinning and has the latest dynamic chassis control system, with twin-valve dampers for improved ride comfort and handling.

Skoda has yet to share images of the interior, but has confirmed the new model will go to a column-mounted gear selector and a "combination of manual and digital controls”. Ut also takes a larger 12.9-inch infotainment system.

Technology includes emergency assist, traffic jam assist and automatic remote parking. Up to nine airbags configure, including front-centre and optional rear-side. The occupant protection system will now automatically close the windows and tighten the seatbelts for potential rear-end collisions.

The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2791mm, with overall length growing by 61mm. It retains the same height and width as before. 

Interior room increases. The second-row seats can be moved and adjusted for back angle and passengers in the third row achieve a 15mm increase in headroom.

Luggage capacity has expanded by 70 litres to 340 litres with all seats in place and 845 litres with the third-row down, an increase of 80 litres.

Pop-out door protectors and an umbrella in the driver's door are carry-over ‘simply clever’ involvements, but Skoda has delivered some additional ingredients, one being a display cleaner to rid the touchscreen of fingerprints. The upholstery and floor mats are made from sustainable materials and even the famous ice scraper, still in the fuel filler cap, is made from recycled plastics.

The new Kodiaq has a relative in the Volkswagen Tayron, the seven-seatt version of the new third-genration VW Tiguan, replacing the Tiguan Allspace.