Skoda Auto at the 15th edition of the Auto Expo 2020 showcased the brand’s flagship SUV in India, the Skoda Kodiaq in its BS6 turbo-petrol avatar which was scheduled to be launched in the Indian market this year. But according to the brand’s social media accounts and a reply from Zac Hollis, Director – Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, it is safe to speculate that the launch schedule could have been delayed to early 2021.
The delays in bringing the Skoda Kodiaq BS6 petrol could be due to the COVID-19 situation which has disrupted the supply chain system around the world. The Skoda Kodiaq diesel option has been temporarily discontinued as the brand did not upgrade the diesel engine to BS6 standards, instead, Skoda, Volkswagen and Audi as a group plan to focus on petrol engines.
The Czech brand showcased the Skoda Kodiaq TSI at the Auto Expo 2020 which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol motor which makes 190 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In its BS4 diesel avatar the Skoda Kodiaq was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel engine that used to produces 150 PS of power and 340 Nm of torque coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Apart from the updated powertrain, the Skoda Kodiaq is expected to mild updates such as a new digital instruments cluster, a new touchscreen infotainment system with latest generation telematics, and is likely to retain features from the outgoing model such as LED ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, 12 way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, 360-degree camera etc.
The Skoda Kodiaq TSI is also likely to feature full-LED adaptive headlight with automatic levelling and curve, LED day time running lights, LED tail lights with crystalline effect, electric opening and closing boot lid with virtual boot release pedal, alloy wheels and chrome bits on the top-spec Laurin & Klement trim.
The Skoda Kodiaq TSI (petrol) will be imported into the country via the CKD (Completely Knocked-Down) route. It is also being speculated that a performance-oriented ‘RS’ version of the Skoda Kodiaq TSI will also be introduced in the Indian market but the Kodiaq RS is likely to come via the CBU (Completely Built-Up Unit) route.