Skoda’s Toyota Fortuner-Rivaling 7 Seat SUV: Launch Timeline Revealed
The Kodiaq may not have managed to amass monumental sales numbers in India, but it sure has carved out a space for itself in the market. Many consider it as a more sophisticated rival to the Toyota Fortuner. Skoda is finally gearing up to bring the second-generation Kodiaq to the Indian market. This move comes almost 1.5 years after the SUV made its global debut. The Czech manufacturer had showcased the second-generation Kodiaq at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, where it got sizeable public interest. We expect the SUV to launch in India by April this year.
Second-Generation Kodiaq Will Take The CKD Route!
From what we know yet, the new Kodiaq will come as CKD units. The assembly will be done at Skoda’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra. Skoda India’s brand director Petr Janeba told Acko Drive that the local assembly of the second generation Kodiaq will start witn the petrol four-wheel drive (4WD) automatic variants, towards the end of February this year. The customer deliveries can be expected towards the end of April.
This doesn’t mean that the new Kodiaq could have limited variants on sale. Reports suggest that three different specs are currently being considered for India, and the petrol automatic 4WD is just one of them! Plus, there will be both five-seater and seven-seater versions.
The New Kodiaq Might Have A Diesel Engine!
Another thing to be expected on the new generation is the return of the diesel engine. It’s been some time since Skoda-Volkswagen took diesels off the table. The first-generation Kodiaq used to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (which produces 201 bhp and 320 Nm) till recently, with an output of 190 bhp and 320 Nm.
However, we now see signs of diesel engines coming back to the Skoda lineup. The brand showcased a diesel-powered Superb at the Bharat Mobility Expo. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is being considered for the sedan and if things go well, it would make its way to the Kodiaq as well.
On the SUV, the diesel engine could come in two different states of tune. These could produce 148 bhp/ 360 Nm and 190 bhp/ 400 Nm. Both petrol and diesel engines will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and have 4WD as well.
New Generation Kodiaq: Design And Interior Changes
The new Kodiaq will have significant exterior and interior upgrades over the previous model. The SUV would come with a completely new front fascia. It will have sleeker LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, Skoda’s new grille design, and a reworked front bumper. There will be a new set of aeroblade-style alloy wheels as well. The windows are larger than what you used to get on the predecessor. The silhouette, however, remains unchanged at large. The rear end gets new wraparound LED taillights and a refreshed front bumper.
Inside the cabin, expect a bigger 13-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, new air conditioning vents, three knobs for automatic climate control, a wireless charger, a two-spoke steering wheel and premium leather upholstery among other features.
The New Kodiaq Could Cost More!
Due to the changes that have gone into it, the second-generation Kodiaq will have a higher ex-showroom price than the outgoing model. Currently, the SUV has an ex-showroom price of Rs 40.99 lakh. Closer to the new model’s launch, the outgoing SUV could get attractive discounts and offers as well. So, keep a watch if you’re planning to get one.