2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift unveiled, India launch by July

The mid-cycle refresh of the Skoda Kodiaq brings it in line with Skoda's new design language, and carries updated interiors, but most importantly we're told the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift will be launched in India by July, just months after this global unveil. Of course, we were expecting the Kodiaq to make a return to the Indian market with a 2.0-litre TSI engine earlier (delayed due to the pandemic) but the wait has paid off it seems. The updates to the Kodiaq include a subtly revised front end, the addition of adaptive LED Matrix headlights, and a slightly more technical-looking rear end, apart from a switch to the Skoda twin-spoke steering wheel inside, and minor changes to the trim used. That said, we expect the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq to be priced between Rs 34-38 lakh ex-showroom when it goes on sale by July this year. 

Diving into the details, the headlights, while also adopting the adaptive LED Matrix technology, carry a new design, tapering towards the edges of the redesigned Skoda grille, necessitating a new hood as well, and overall giving the Kodiaq a marginally more aggressive face. A new variant, the Kodiaq Sportline, has been added to the mix for the first time, and bridges the gap between the Laurin & Klement and the sportier Kodiaq RS variants with the grille finished in gloss black instead of chrome/gloss black, and sharper looking front bumpers.

Around the rear, the crystalline-look of the LED tail lights is made to look a little more three-dimensional, now incorporating a kink at the bottom edge that's filled in by the redesigned rear bumper. The lower edge of the bumper accommodates different faux exhaust cutouts depending on the variant, going up to what appears to be real exhaust tips on the range-topping Kodiaq RS. New alloy wheel designs are also available, going up to 20-inches on the RS. 

Inside, the twin-spoke Skoda steering wheel is most evident, though Skoda's freshened up the Kodiaq's cabin with new trim, more contrast stitching and 'enhanced LED ambient lighting'. Available for the first time are ventilated and massage seats, while the Canton audio system gains a couple of extra speakers for a total of 10. Additionally, an enhanced Crew Protect Assist adds in radar sensors at the rear to help mitigate a rear-end collision. 

Skoda Kodiaq range from left to right, the RS, Sportline, L&K and base variants

As reported earlier, the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq will be available in India with the 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 190PS/320Nm, and mated to a 7-speed DSG, though Skoda India hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility of a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Internationally, the Kodiaq is available with a choice of 1.5-litre TSI (150PS), 2.0 TDI (150PS or 200PS), 2.0 TSI (190PS) and 2.0 TSI (245PS), the latter replacing the previous 2.0 TDI bi-turbo in the Kodiaq RS.