2020 Skoda Karoq And Kodiaq Lose Rear Badge, Gain New Tech

A trend that started last year with the China-only Kodiaq GT, the badge on the back of European models is being replaced by the "SKODA" lettering prominently featured on the tailgate. We've already seen it on the electric Citigo, Scala, Kamiq, and the facelifted Superb, and now two more vehicles from Skoda's range are dropping the rear corporate badge. We're talking about the Kodiaq and Karoq SUVs, which are entering the 2020 model year with an assortment of minor changes.

You no longer have to fork out more money for all-wheel drive if you want the optional adaptive chassis as Skoda will be offering DCC even on a front-wheel-drive Karoq or Kodiaq. It gets you electronically adjustable shock absorbers with three selectable modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) to better suit your driving style.

For the 2020MY, the two SUVs have lost the Blind Spot Detect system to make room for a more sophisticated optional Side Assist system that boasts range from the previous 20 to 70 meters. It does so thanks to dual radar sensors that can detect vehicles coming from behind or are in the blind spot. Interestingly, the warning light – which is now adjustable - has been moved from the mirror glass to the inside of the wing mirrors to make them more noticeable.

Tech fans will be happy to hear the 2020 Karoq and Kodiaq now boast a more advanced version of the KESSY system by incorporating a motion sensor. How does it work? The transmitter signal built into the key is turned off automatically after 15 minutes of no movement and is reactivated the moment you move the key. This way, the risk of getting your vehicle stolen is greatly reduced.

In other news, go for the Karoq and there's now a cleaner four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 190 horsepower (140 kilowatts) hooked up exclusively to a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive.

As for the bigger Kodiaq, there are fresh 20-inch wheels for the Sportline trim, Laurin & Klement, and the Kodiaq RS – a.k.a. the fastest seven-seat SUV at the Nürburgring.

Now that the two SUVs have lost the rear Skoda badge, it means only the Octavia and the Fabia still have it. The company's best-selling model will make the switch to the next generation later this year when it will also drop the rear logo, while the supermini will be doing the same sometime in 2020.