Updated Kodiaq now from $52,990 driveaway

SKODA has updated its three-variant Kodiaq range for 2022. The (now all-petrol) seven-seat SUV line-up includes all-wheel-drive across the board, alongside newly introduced stylistic and technological features.

Available in Style, Sportline and RS guises, the Kodiaq range is priced from $52,990 drive-away. Previously, the Kodiaq line started from $48,540 plus on-road costs; Skoda Australia says the national drive-away offer demonstrates the Czech Republic-based brand’s commitment to offering value for money in a segment where average prices now hover close to $60,000.

Rivals to the Kodiaq that have matching specification and drivelines include the Mazda CX-8 Touring AWD (from $53,790), Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD (from $57,490), Nissan Pathfinder ST-L AWD (from $59,140) and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD (from $60,850).

Kodaiq Style and Sportline variants continue to be powered by a 2.0-litre cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 132kW/320Nm, while the flagship RS adopts a 180kW/370Nm version of the same unit, which has effectively replaced the previous variant’s twin-turbocharged diesel mill.

In 132TSI format, the Kodaiq is said to have a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds and an average fuel economy figure of 8.2 litres per 100km, while the now lighter (-58kg) RS variant lowers the time of the 0-100km/h dash to just 6.6 seconds and, remarkably, fuel efficiency to 7.5L/100km.

All Kodiaq variants put power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.

The interior of the revised Kodiaq range includes generous front- and second-row passenger accommodation and a 765-litre cargo area in five-seat mode. Curtain airbags are provided for all three rows, while LED headlights and scrolling indicators are now standard across the range.

The MY22 Skoda Kodiaq is identified by a new-look fascia with distinctive grille and bumper design, new alloy wheels, and revised tail-lights.

It also offers new puddle lights (that display the Skoda logo), a 9.2-inch infotainment array with native satellite navigation, Virtual Cockpit digitised instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless device charging, keyless entry and push-button ignition, adaptive cruise control, and a powered tailgate – all as standard.

Options for the Kodiaq Style include adaptive chassis control, Matrix LED headlights, active seatbelts, a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, tablet holder, sleep package (adjustable rear-seat headrests), front ventilated seats and three-zone climate control.

RS variants up the ante with 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control, drive-mode selection, performance monitor and progressive rate steering.

All Kodaiq variants are backed by a seven-year transferable service package, which is available from $2700 and includes roadside assistance. Skoda continues to back its passenger vehicle range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The Skoda Kodiaq competes in the Large SUV under $70k segment in the Australian market. Just 95 examples of the model have been sold to date this year, placing the Kodiaq well behind the majority of its rivals. The segment is dominated by Mazda CX-9 (1199 unit sales), Toyota Kluger (936), Mazda CX-8 (780), Kia Sorento (560) and Hyundai Santa Fe (468).

The MY22 Skoda Kodiaq range is available now.

2022 Skoda Kodiaq pricing*:

Style 132TSI AWD (a)            $52,990    (prev. $48,540 +ORCs)

Sportline 132TSI AWD (a)        $57,990    (prev. $53,340 +ORCs)

RS 180TSI AWD (a)            $74,990    (prev. $67,440 +ORCs)

*National drive-away price.