Shortly after Skoda’s official affirmation {that a} new era of the Kodiaq will debut within the second half of 2023, our spy photographers caught the primary mule of the SUV testing in Europe. Whereas the most important portion of the bodywork comes from the present Kodiaq, the mule sports activities a redesigned entrance finish, whereas hiding its revised underpinnings.

The primary-gen Kodiaq was initially launched in 2016, spearheading Skoda’s new period. Even supposing the flagship SUV acquired a facelift in 2021, the automaker determined to introduce a brand new, second era in late 2023. It will most definitely take the Kodiaq till the top of combustion engines, or till Skoda naturally turns into an EV-only model.

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The mule seems to be like a facelift of the present Kodiaq, since it’s sharing the bodywork and options camouflage on the entrance and rear ends. Nevertheless, this might change within the close to future, when production-bodied prototypes will begin roaming the streets. Nonetheless, we don’t count on the design to alter that a lot, no less than when it comes to the general footprint and the SUV proportions, because the styling cues and the inside tech will probably be noticeably upgraded.

The entrance finish of the mule is roofed however we are able to see a bigger grille, revised headlights, and a brand new bumper with slimmer aspect intakes. An identical remedy has been spied on prototypes of the soon-to-be facelifted Scala, Kamiq, and Octavia, in addition to on the Excellent. This means that Skoda’s ICE-powered fashions will acquire an developed household look that’s not as radical because the automaker’s EVs. The latter will look extra just like the lately unveiled Skoda Imaginative and prescient 7S idea, which launched the Czech model’s future design language.

Skoda hasn’t talked a lot in regards to the technical side of the second-gen Kodiaq, however we suspect it’ll experience on an upgraded model of the present fashions’ MQB structure. In any case, the identical platform will probably be utilized by the brand new era of the Excellent that can debut subsequent 12 months, alongside the VW Passat.

When it comes to powertrains, we count on a renewed give attention to electrification for improved effectivity. The vary will embody the lately up to date mild-hybrid 1.5 TSI Evo2 which produces 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), however may also be out there in further energy outputs sooner or later. VW Group has confirmed {that a} plug-in hybrid system with the 1.5 TSI Evo2 and electrical motors will produce as much as a mixed 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). We shouldn’t additionally rule out the potential for a mild-hybrid 2.0 TDI diesel, in addition to the smaller mild-hybrid 1.0 TSI petrol which will probably be up to date to adjust to the stricter emission rules.

We’ll be taught extra in regards to the next-gen Skoda Kodiaq within the subsequent twelve months as we strategy its official debut. Within the gallery beneath, you may see the mule testing alongside the facelifted Kamiq and the next-gen Excellent.

Picture Credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops