The Skoda Kodiaq has not only been the biggest car in Skoda's lineup since the first generation model was launched in 2017, but it's also been one of the Czech brand's biggest success stories, with 850,000 sales in seven years.
Second generation
Now, the second generation Kodiaq is coming to Irish shores, with a starting price of €53,670. That's a big price for a big car, but Skoda is aiming to pack the new Kodiaq with value to soften the blow.
For a start, it's physically bigger - 61mm longer for a total of 4,758mm - and has a bigger boot - up by 75 litres compared to the old one, which was hardly short of boot space. In spite of that, the Kodiaq is also a little more aerodynamically efficient, with a drag coefficient of just 0.282.
Smart Dials
On the outside you'll find new LED lights and light strips, and a dark chrome finish for the bright work. Inside, there's a new 13-inch infotainment screen and Skoda's new 'Smart Dials' controls - rotary switches, proper physical ones, that can manage the climate control or on-screen menus depending on what you need.
There's also more storage space in the centre console, thanks to the shifter being moved to the steering column for the standard automatic gearbox.
Once again, the Kodaiq's entry-level engine will be the 150hp TSI turbo petrol, but this now comes with mild-hybrid assistance as standard. There's also, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid Kodiaq, with the potential for a 100km electric range on a full charge of its battery.
Diesel still the choice
Even so, Skoda Ireland says that 96 per cent of Irish Kodiaq buyers go for diesel power, so the 150hp and 193hp 4x4 diesel variants will remain big sellers. Want lower CO2? Skoda suggests using HVO diesel instead.
John Donegan, Brand Director, Skoda Ireland, commented: "The Kodiaq first went on sale in Ireland in 2017 and became an instant success, finding 11,500 happy homes over a six-year sales period. It received a light cosmetic facelift in 2021 and even outsold the Octavia model the following year. The Kodiaq has always remained in high demand and, even with the new model on the horizon, there are very few unallocated current generation Kodiaqs available for immediate purchase. Therefore, I would advise interested customers to discuss the next generation Kodiaq with their local dealer at their earliest convenience."
That €53,670 gets you the basic 150hp front-drive diesel, while if you want a plug-in hybrid that'll be €57,590. The PHEV model will be the only five-seat Kodiaq - the battery takes up the space needed for the folding third row - as all of the rest of the lineup comes with seven seats as standard.