2024 Skoda Kodiaq spearheads big product assault in Australia

Skoda Australia is set for a busy 2024, starting with the introduction of an all-new Kodiaq seven-seat SUV early in the year, and a new Superb towards the end of the year – bookending the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, the Enyaq SUV.

This follows the brand’s announcement that it intends to introduce four completely new electric vehicles by 2026, as well as mid-life ‘refresh’ treatment to several existing models throughout 2024.

Despite this comprehensive focus on introducing an all-new electric-vehicle range, Skoda says it will continue to advance its combustion-engined models “well in the 2030s” according to Skoda Australia brand director Michael Irmer, seeing that not all markets need to comply to the same emissions legislation.

First up will be the second-generation Kodiaq, which will be unveiled later this year before arriving in Australia during the second quarter of 2024.

Like the existing model, it will continue to straddle the medium and large SUV categories in size since buyers greatly appreciate its combination of seven-seat space inside a relatively compact body – meaning almost identical dimensions to the first-gen Kodiaq that launched here in 2016.

Currently, the RS model accounts for between 40 and 50 percent of Australian Kodiaq sales – despite being supply constrained – so expect a strong high-end model mix and premium technology and features in the all-new 2024 version.

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2024 Skoda Superb teaser

The same applies to the Superb large car, where the 206kW AWD flagship accounts for up to 75 percent of Australian volume.

This despite the fact that the car itself is approaching eight years old – a situation that may see the existing range trimmed to just the 206TSI models before being replaced by an all-new model next year.

While the fourth-generation Superb will launch in Europe during the second quarter of 2024, Australia will have to wait until the end of the year because our preferred engine won’t initially be available.

Cementing its position at the top of Skoda’s passenger-car line-up, Mr Irmer confirmed that our new Superb will be marketed as a premium car with the top-spec engine – “this is a flagship, so no base models” he said.

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In a similar fashion to the Kodiaq, the new-gen Superb will maintain its existing sizing and will continue to be offered in ‘liftback’ sedan and wagon styles.

Also on the horizon for Skoda Australia in 2024 will be a mid-life refresh of the Karoq SUV, followed by similar makeovers for the Kamiq small SUV and Scala small hatch.

As for the potential of introducing range-topping Laurin & Klement versions of other Skoda models, Mr Irmer said that Skoda Australia will test the waters with the Enyaq L&K first before making a decision.

“I think [the Laurin & Klement trim level] will really resonate with Australian buyers and help the Skoda brand’s further evolution – positioning itself higher with the new design language too”, he said.