Skoda Kodiaq 140TDI diesel added to Australian range

Three months after launching in Australia, the diesel-powered Skoda Kodiaq 140TDI has been added to the local range. Kicking off from $48,990 plus on-road costs, the Kodiaq diesel uses the same 140kW 2.0-litre unit from the Volkswagen Tiguan, and should bolster the range in a segment where diesel is the preferred fuel.

Just three months in from its launch and with 195 sales under its belt, the Kodiaq is already proving to be one of the highest selling Skoda models. Its 56 sales in July 2017 were more than one eighth of overall Skoda sales in Australia, and with a long wait list already in existence, the Kodiaq is sure to get more popular as more are delivered to customers.

The 140TDI drivetrain is featured in both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat ranges, as well as the Skoda Superb. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 140kW of power and a stout 400Nm of torque, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive. Skoda claims fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km vs the petrol Kodiaq 132TSI’s 7.6L/100km.

Skoda has also taken the opportunity to upgrade the Kodiaq’s equipment list, with the same 9.2-inch infotainment system from the Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf and updated Superb with gesture control and DAB+ digital radio now standard equipment.

A new ‘sleep pack’ is now standard equipment as well, with adjustable headrests with winged ends to adjust to occupants’ heads – much like on an aeroplane.

Priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs, the Kodiaq 140TDI is priced a full $6,000 more than the 132TSI – that is despite the diesel receiving no extra equipment compared to its petrol-powered brother.

As before, two main option packages are available for both Kodiaq models – both of which Skoda says are ordered on most Kodiaqs sold. A $2,500 Tech Pack adds a premium Canton sound system, adaptive dampers and driving modes, a foot-operated electric tailgate, automated parallel and 90-degree parking and a steering element to the autonomous emergency braking.

A $4,900 Luxury Package adds significantly more equipment, with perforated black or ivory leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane assist, a 360-degree parking camera, tri-zone climate control, traffic jam assist, emergency assist and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. A panoramic glass roof is also available for $1,900.

The Skoda Kodiaq 140TDI is on sale now, and will reach local dealerships by Christmas of this year.

2018 Skoda Kodiaq pricing (plus on-road costs):
132TSI petrol AWD: $42,990
140TDI diesel AWD: $48,990

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for the latest Skoda news and reviews. You can read our Skoda Kodiaq review here.