Skoda is making a serious impact in the crossover market. We couldn’t imagine the Czech carmaker to be on par with leading companies from the US, Japan, and Germany. Well, cooperation with VW is giving results, and quality borrowed from a new partner is visible. Also, the carmaker is not stopping. They develop the entire crossover lineup. While we expect Polar SUV and watching the future with Vision X, the company is preparing the first vehicle with electric support for a petrol engine. It should be 2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid.
Nevertheless, this move is showing a serious intention to compete on the US market. Hybrids are the future in the car industry. Everything is moving to a total electrification, so we are not surprised by this decision. On the other hand, Skoda has a strong support from Volkswagen. It will be obvious when we compare 2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid vs VW Atlas.
2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid as a VW’s Trojan horse
Diesel engines are having a hard time on the major market in the world. Thanks to VW, every diesel model is suffering. But also, this company’s reputation is dropping, so the changes have to happen sooner or later. Skoda is a Volkswagen with a different name. It might have no such reputation, but Germans are predicting that Czech carmaker could have better chances from the fresh start.
So, the 2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid is their Trojan horse. Well, we must say that Volkswagen is still present on the US market. Their vehicles still very popular. But, the scandal definitely affected their reputation. Experts and fans are looking different at everything wearing VW badge. On the other hand, Skoda is a rookie. Few models that made it to the major league are very reliable. Buyers love to see the same quality for lower prices, and the Czech company is the right thing Volkswagen needs.
2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid Drivetrain
The base petrol unit for Kodiaq is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder drivetrain. An alternative comes with a 2.0-liter inline-4. The first one has two different setups for the output of 125 or 150 hp. On the other hand, larger displacement delivers more energy, 180 hp. It could be used as the engine in the hybrid.
On the other hand, Skoda released official plan of hybridizing their flagship model, Superb sedan. This car will pair 1.4-liter powertrain, also used by Kodiaq crossover, to produce around 215 hp. The electric engine, in this case, is 85 kW unit with an output of 115 hp. In the combination with 2.0 engine, the system would definitely go up to 250 hp. Of course, there are improvements in fuel economy, but there is no closer info about this boost.
2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid Release Date
The 2019 Skoda Kodiaq Hybrid will come somewhere next year. We cannot predict the exact release date, and the company is still quiet about it. But, since the Superb is already announced, fans can expect the first crossover soon after it. VW and Skoda won’t rush. But, the growing popularity of the nameplate and SUV segment are pushing them to speed up the development.
