Skoda adds hybrid variant to second generation Kodiaq

Skoda has presented the second generation of its SUV model Kodiaq. The new edition of the Kodiaq will also be launched as a part-time electric vehicle for the first time. Skoda has now revealed the first concrete data on the further developed PHEV drive for Volkswagen’s MQB.

When the core brand Volkswagen itself published pictures of the new Tiguan generation a few days ago, only some general facts were mentioned, but hardly any values. Beyond the 100-kilometre electric range, it was only confirmed that AC charging would be faster and DC charging would be standard. On the basis of this information, we had assumed that a battery in the range of 25 kWh would be installed.

The Skoda announcement now reveals that the plug-in hybrid variant Kodiaq iV offers a system power of 150 kW and comes with a 25.7 kWh battery, which is supposed to allow more than 100 kilometres of pure electric driving. The battery can be recharged at wall box charging stations and AC charging points with 11 kW power. The new Kodiaq iV supports DC charging with a charging power of up to 50 kW. The combustion engine part of the PHEV powertrain is provided by a 110 kW petrol engine with 1.5 litres displacement including 6-speed DSG. This is the new generation of the EA211 evo2 engine family. It operates in the efficient Miller cycle and uses turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.

Previously, the MQB-based plug-in hybrids combined a 1.4-litre petrol engine (115 kW) with an 85 kW electric motor to produce a 180 kW drive. However, the battery, which was only 13 kWh at the time, was only sufficient for a purely electric WLTP range of around 50 kilometres (depending on the model). Why the system output is now lower is not clear from the Skoda announcement – it is also unclear whether this is currently the only output level or whether a more powerful PHEV version will follow.

What is clear, however, is that, as in the new Tiguan, the manual gearbox has also become obsolete in the Kodiaq. “In addition to the Kodiaq iV, Škoda offers a pair each of modern and efficient diesel and petrol engines, all of which are exclusively mated to a 7-speed DSG,” the company wrote. Skod also confirmed that the second generation will be 61 millimetres longer than the familiar Kodiaq at 4.76 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.79 metres. The additional length benefits the interior and luggage compartment volume: With up to 910 litres, the load compartment holds 75 litres more than before. However, the Czech VW brand has not yet revealed the final design, only photos of camouflaged vehicles have been published.

“The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Škoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kickstarted our SUV campaign. With its powerful and crystalline design language, spacious interior and excellent value for money, it attracted many new customers and won renowned international awards,” says Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer. “The second generation has all the prerequisites – including a plug-in hybrid version – to add another great chapter to this success story.”

skoda-storyboard.com, skoda-storyboard.com (press map)