Skoda has re-entered the SUV segment in India with the launch of the Kodiaq. The premium segment SUV was first showcased in the international market more than a year ago and just reached the Indian shores. The flagship SUV is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan. We drove the vehicle and here is what we think about it.
Looks
The Kodiaq looks properly premium. Skoda has added many sophisticated elements to the vehicle that sure makes the vehicle look much more premium. To start with, the Skoda Kodiaq gets all-LED headlamps with the black butterfly grille in the centre.
Skoda has managed to make the vehicle look extremely compact with neat overall design elements. The vehicle does not get any deep creases, but subtle lines on the body make it look beautiful. The car gets a sculpted bonnet and a very prominent shoulder line that makes it very noticeable. Skoda has followed a very straight design philosophy. There are hardly any curves on the SUV’s body.
The Kodiaq rides on 18-inch alloy wheels that makes it look extremely elegant. Overall, the Kodiaq is a well rounded, eye-catchy SUV that looks as expensive.
Interior
The Kodiaq comes with a long list of features. To start with, the car gets all LED lighting inside the cabin. There is an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen system that gets Android Auto and Apple.
Other features include ambient lighting, hands-free parking assist, umbrella holders in the front doors, and a sleep package. The sleep package gets you deployable flaps that form like a neck pillow from the headrest. There are two blankets included too.
The Kodiaq comes with a panoramic sunroof that is 85% translucent. The tailgate is electric, and there are door protectors that cleverly come out on the side of the vehicle when the door opens.
The car comes with a good amount of space. The last row seats are not exactly for adults, but kids can comfortably travel in it for long hauls.
Engine and performance
The Kodiaq comes with one 2.0-litre diesel engine that is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The engine produces a maximum power of 148 Bhp and peak torque of 340 Nm. Mated to the 7-DSG, the car returns a maximum fuel efficiency of 16.25 km/l. The power delivery is very linear, and the engine is exceptionally smooth for a diesel vehicle.
However, the power feels inadequate because of the weight of the Kodiaq. The car is offered with five driving modes Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow and Individual. It is a full time 4X4 with torque vectoring system that delivers 96 percent torque to the front wheel. If the situation demands, the drivetrain can send 50% torque to the rear axle.
Should you buy it?
The Kodiaq comes with a premium price tag of Rs. 34.49 lakh. Yes, it is a bit on the expensive side, but it comes with some never-seen-before features. Kodiaq competes with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 when the price is compared. However, in the market, it competes with the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner. The Kodiaq offers everything for the extra money. If you want a premium 7-seater on a budget, the Kodiaq makes perfect sense.
