2022 Skoda Kodiaq debuts, might come to UAE

Despite its lukewarm presence in the Middle East, the Skoda Kodiaq is an international success for the brand, with its presence in more than 60 countries. To keep it fresh in the midst of increasing demand for crossovers, Skoda gives it a nip and tuck for the new year.

The design of the new Skoda Kodiaq may look similar to the existing one but it has its own facets. In typical Skoda fashion, the new Kodiaq brings in only slight changes to the face consisting of a new hood, a more plumb grill and optional matrix LED headlamps. It rides on wheels ranging in size from 17-inches to 20 inches. The hotter Kodiaq RS now gets 20-inch wheels with plastic aero shields. The changes are not merely cosmetic as they improve the aerodynamics of the crossover.

Optional ergonomic seats are offered with the Kodiaq, wrapped in perforated leather. They get a massaging function along with regular tidbits like electrical adjustment and heating. There is also an option for eco seats, covered in recycled eco-friendly material. The steering wheel is now a two-spoke unit, as seen in other Skodas. The infotainment system gets an update in the form of 2 additional speakers (now with 10-speakers), a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch touchscreen.

Skoda is in the process of trimming diesels down, and the Kodiaq is losing out on its main oil-burner powerplant. The twin-turbodiesel available in many markets is heading out, after warming its seat for the 2.0-litre TSI engine from the Octavia RS. It churns out 245 hp and is hooked up to a seven-speed DSG. A detuned 2.0-litre TSI is also a part of the lineup, with 190 hp. There will be a smaller 1.5-litre TSI for the base models, with 150 hp and a manual gearbox. The only diesel motor in the portfolio is the 2.0-litre TDI Evo engine, with either 150 hp or 200 hp.

The Skoda Kodiaq is a practical crossover with a classy design that can stand out from the otherwise monotonous crowd. With Skoda’s limited presence in our region, spotting one is going to be a hard task, and it remains to be seen if the facelift version is offered in the UAE and other GCC countries as a 2022 model.