Updated Skoda Kodiaq here in Q4 from $51,990 d/a

SKODA Australia has revealed the updated pricing and specification for its MY22 Kodiaq large-SUV range with the Czech family hauler now donning a new look, more standard equipment and a new petrol engine for the flagship RS.

Now brandishing a sticker price of $48,540 plus on-road costs, the base model – now known as the Style – has risen by $2150 compared to the outgoing model, however the premium is offset somewhat by the $51,990 driveaway price.

It’s a similar story with the mid-range Sportline which has increased by $3050 to $53,340 before costs, but can be had for $56,990 driveaway.

The range-topping RS variant breaks this mould in being $1450 cheaper than its predecessor – $67,440 vs $68,890 – and brandishing a driveaway price of $73,990.

Almost all of the price reduction of the RS can be attributed to its new petrol power plant, which, as previously reported, has been lifted straight out of the Octavia RS sports sedan.

Compared to the now defunct twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine it replaces, the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol mill is marginally up on power – 176kW vs 180kW – but significantly down on torque – 500Nm vs 380Nm – however Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer says its lighter weight and more rev-happy nature will more than compensate.

“As has been demonstrated overseas since the release of the new RS, the saving in weight from the diesel and the freer revving nature of the petrol engine lend the new version what we believe to be even more enjoyable driving capabilities,” he said.

Skoda still hasn’t confirmed a 0-100km/h time for its new hot high-rider, however the same engine propels the smaller but front-wheel-drive Octavia RS from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds.

For reference, the old TDI RS completed the industry standard dash in 7.0 seconds flat.

As for the other variants, power also comes courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol mill, albeit one developing a lesser 132kW/320Nm.

Transmission duties in all variants are taken care of by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with drive sent to all four wheels.

As covered in April, the new Kodiaq has been given a more rugged look for 2022 courtesy of a higher bonnet line, more upright grille, tweaked bumpers and a set of new slimline LED head- and tail-lights, blacked-out spoilers front and rear as well as redesigned alloy wheels measuring either 19 or 20-inches in diameter, depending on the variant.

While most of the Style and Sportline’s standard kit has been carried across unchanged, there are a few new additions which go some way in justifying their price increases.

The new additions common between the two include dynamic rear indicators, luggage nets and Skoda emblem welcome lights while the Sportline also scores adaptive full matrix LED headlights.

The Style meanwhile picks up more rugged ‘Scout’ trim elements in its bumpers and a new dashboard décor.

All of these changes have been added to the RS too, as well as ventilated leather front seats.

Other standard equipment highlights include adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control (RS get tri-zone), advanced keyless entry, automatic tailgate, adjustable second row seating, light assist with rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, ambient lighting, virtual cockpit and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto accessed via a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

“Since the Kodiaq was introduced in 2017 and the first Kodiaq RS in 2019, Skoda has built a range of SUVs, including Kamiq and Karoq, which have brought our challenger brand to greater attention,” Mr Irmer said.

“Kodiaq has significantly contributed to the brand's perception in Australia and has brought all the attributes of a Skoda into the large SUV category. 

“It is a fully family-functional seven seat capable SUV with class-leading drivetrains and, of course, the array of ‘Simply Clever’ features that always set Skoda apart.”

Skoda Australia has sold 1385 Kodiaqs so far this year ending July 31, accounting for 2.0 per cent of the packed sub-$70,000 large SUV segment.

2022 Skoda Kodiaq driveaway pricing