The new Skoda Kodiaq – named for the largest brown bear and a legend in the brand’s formidable line-up – has seen significant upgrades for 2022, which should see it reprise the success of the model’s first launch here in 2017.

With Skoda now a well-established brand in New Zealand, the success of the new Kodiaq is well, perhaps not a sure-fire thing, but it will certainly boost figures for the Skoda brand.
There is a resurge of interest in seven-seat SUVs with three market players in triple digit registrations for the month of November and these command considerably higher prices than Skoda’s entry level Kodiaq.
This bodes well for the Kodiaq which comes to us in the familiar specification grades of Ambition, Style, Sportline and RS with the top-of-the-line RS taking on a new TSI – turbocharged stratified injected – lightweight, high-power, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.   
The hero 2.0 TSI petrol engine found in the RS has seen power output upgraded to 180kW and has spent some time at the Czech version of Jenny Craig, losing over 60kg in mass to provide better performance.
It was obviously a ‘twofer’’ at the weight clinic, since the Kodiaq’s new 7-speed DSG transmission has also lost 5.2kg, making the whole package considerably lighter and therefore, more fuel efficient.
Kodiaq offers one 2WD entry model; Ambition, and 4x4 drivetrains for the remaining three model grades: Style, Sportline and RS – all with various power and torque outputs.
But there is more to the 2022 Kodiaq than the mechanical underpinnings. Visually, the front grille is more upright contributing to a much stronger, purposeful face framed by newly designed – and in the case of the Sportline and RS models – LED Matrix headlights.
Around the back we see the subtle addition of dynamic rear indicators and the prominent Skoda badgework we are used to seeing on the likes of the current model Superb and Octavia models.
Inside, the Kodiaq has seen considerably more improvement, adopting features befitting a contemporary and comfortable SUV – and one with performance aspirations in the line-up.
As well as the cosmetic enhancements of new decorative strips, additional contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels, and the LED ambient lighting, Kodiaq now offers ergonomic, perforated-leather seats with multiway electric seat adjustment, ventilation and massage function.
And this is just the start. The interior upgrades extend to include adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, advanced keyless entry, automatic tailgate, adjustable second row seating, light assist with rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, virtual cockpit and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto accessed via a touchscreen infotainment system.
In fact, there are two infotainment systems available, depending on model: the BOLERO system with its 8-inch touchscreen is standard with Ambition ‘spec while Style, Sportline and RS models get the COLUMBUS model with its 9.2-inch touchscreen.
All Kodiaq models offer multifunction steering wheels; a two-spoke leather wheel for Ambition and Style grades while Sportline and RS take three-spoke sports leather heated wheels with shifting paddles.   
And for the Sportline and RS models, the three-spoke wheel is the human interface for the progressive steering which is an optional feature for Style variants.
The progressive steering system improves handling and agility and is only part of the Kodiaq’s driver assistance package, which includes Front Assist and Lane Assist as standard across the range along with Crew Protect Assist – a preventive protection system which closes side windows to leave only a 5cm gap, shuts the roof window, and tightens seatbelts.