Skoda Kodiaq diesel and Rapid hatch 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Skoda has announced it has consolidated its Rapid small hatch range into a single automatic 92TSI variant, while announcing a diesel-powered version of its Kodiaq SUV due in Australia by Christmas.

The Rapid range has been trimmed from four variants to one, dropping the 81TSI engine and combining the Ambition and Monte Carlo model grades for a single level of spec priced from $23,990 driveaway.

The changes to the Rapid are on the back of the mid-life facelift that was revealed in February that ushers in minor tweaks to the headlight design.

Standard spec on the Rapid includes 17-inch black Savio wheels, extended glass tailgate, privacy glass, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, black side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, rearview camera, rear parking sensors and front assist with city emergency brake.

The sole powertrain is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 92kW/200Nm, teamed exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Skoda has sold 246 examples of the Rapid to the end of July this year, a 25.5 per cent increase over the 296 it managed to the same point last year.

Meanwhile the Kodiaq SUV, which arrived in June, will expand from one variant to two when the diesel-powered 140TDI variant arrives Down Under before Christmas.

At $48,990 plus on-roads, it is $6000 more than the existing 132TSI petrol variant, with buyers forking out the extra cash for the 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Combined fuel economy is rated at 5.9 litres per 100km, more frugal figure than the 7.6L/100km in the 132TSI.

With the arrival of the 140TDI comes a model year update for the Kodiaq range, which includes the addition of a 9.2-inch digital display with gesture control and DAB+ radio, as well as the Sleep Pack as standard, which includes adjustable headrests for rear passengers.

Three option packs are available for the Kodiaq, comprising the Tech Pack, Luxury Pack and Launch Pack, priced between $2500 and $5900.

In its first two months of sale, Skoda has sold 195 examples of the Kodiaq.

Skoda’s SUV stable will be bolstered in mid-2018 with the arrival of the five-seat Karoq mid-sizer, which will replace the quirky but ageing Yeti.

Does the diesel variant of the Skoda Kodiaq justify a $6000 price increase? Tell us what you think in the comments below.