Škoda’s facelifted Kodiaq joins the brand’s blue light fleet.

Škoda’s facelifted Kodiaq joins the brand’s blue light fleet

Škoda’s updated SUV is set to continue its role on the frontline, delivering critical care and support for those in need.

In addition to a new look, the facelifted Kodiaq – which is priced from £28,185 OTR – comes with an updated engine range. All five powerplants are now part of the Volkswagen Group’s latest EVO range. Both diesel engines (150PS and 200PS) feature an innovative ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, while the new 2.0 TSI 245PS petrol engine fitted to the new Kodiaq vRS is significantly lighter than the twin-turbo diesel unit it replaces.

The new engines also have the potential to deliver lower running costs for emergency service fleets. For example, the Kodiaq’s petrol engines are more efficient than their predecessors thanks to an injection pressure of up to 350 bar that ensures lower hydraulic losses and a reduced fuel delivery rate. Equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), the 1.5 TSI automatically shuts down two cylinders when engine load is low, reducing fuel consumption further.

New Kodiaq offers a wide range of engines that can be specified with four-wheel-drive. The new range-topping vRS model, for example, combines a 245PS turbocharged petrol engine with DSG and four-wheel-drive.

Ground clearance is 192 mm for all four-wheel-drive models (193mm for 2WD variants) while arrival and departure angles of 19.1 and 15.8 degrees respectively (19.0 and 15.1 for seven-seater model) mean that the Kodiaq is perfectly at home off the beaten track.

he new model introduces a range of improved assistance systems and safety features, as well as nine airbags, while Travel Assist incorporates five assistance systems, including Predictive Cruise Control, Adaptive Lane Assist and an improved version of Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Kodiaq’s boot means that the transportation of vital life-saving emergency equipment such as oxygen tanks, ventilators and other essential equipment is possible.

The new Kodiaq range can also be specified with the brand’s bespoke emergency service conversion treatment. This includes 360-degree lighting and a full integration of the emergency services’ communication platform within ŠKODA’s existing infotainment touchscreen.