KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda Kodiaq facelift to potentially reintroduce diesel engine
- Skoda currently does not offer diesel mill in its entire portfolio
- Launch expected in mid 2025
In a major turn of events, four years after Skoda put the diesel mills to rest, the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq facelift could possibly re-introduce the oil burner, albeit with a catch as they are studying its viability for the Indian market. This comes straight from the Skoda India Brand Director and looks like a very probable event. Let's look at everything that the official dialogue reveals, but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to get all the latest buzz in and around the automotive world.
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2025 Skoda Kodiaq Facelift: A Diesel Skoda After 4 Years?
The India-bound Skoda Kodiaq facelift is already available overseas and was unveiled last year. While it offers diverse powertrain options internationally, considering the India strategy, it was expected to debut with just its existing 2.0-litre petrol mill. However, in a recent interview, Mr. Petr Janeba, Skoda India Brand Director confirmed that they are mulling over the Kodiaq diesel for the Indian market. However, this comes with a catch which will have a significant impact.
Skoda India brand director Petr Janeba discussed the potential reintroduction of diesel models in their portfolio, suggesting that it could be done in limited quantitieslikely between 100 to 200 units. Janeba highlighted the significant decline in demand for diesel vehicles in several states, making it impractical to import large volumes of Kodiaq diesel into India or initiate local assembly. While there is still demand in specific regions, overall interest continues to decrease, influencing their strategic decisions regarding diesel offerings.
Continuing, he said, "The new Kodiaq will initially feature the 2.0 TSI EA888 third-generation engine, similar to our current offerings. If we decide to introduce the diesel variant, it would be brought in as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). This approach may lead to pricing differences and consequently lower sales volumes, likely around 100 to 200 cars annually. Our priority is first launching the locally assembled Kodiaq in India. Once established, we may explore introducing the diesel variant as well."
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Powertrain Details
The new Kodiaq is available overseas with a 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine offering two configurations: 147.5 bhp and 360 Nm of torque for the two-wheel drive version, and 190 bhp and 400 Nm of torque for the four-wheel drive model, both paired with a DSG automatic transmission. Skoda has confirmed that the Indian launch of the new Kodiaq in mid-2025 will introduce it as a petrol-only model, featuring the EA888 four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generating 188 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, coupled with a DSG automatic gearbox.
While its launch has been confirmed for mid-2025, it will continue to rival other premium SUVs like MG Gloster, Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, and others. Currently, the Kodiaq is priced at Rs. 39.99 lakhs, but you can expect a hike with the updated model.
Verdict
With these new details emerging straight from offcial channels, the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq could finally enter the major league and stake its claim for the limelight. One of the major hiccups it faced was the missing diesel mill, however, if thing comes through, you might witness a lot more of this highly capable SUV on the roads as compared to now.
