The premium SUV is a notch above everything else that Skoda has brought to India yet, and is priced at Rs. 34.5 lac!
Skoda has finally launched the Kodiaq SUV in India. The all-new SUV is Skoda's most premium offering in India, and as such, the company has put in a host of technology, all-new designing and a lot more. The Skoda Kodiaq will have only one variant in India, powered by the 2.0-litre TDI engine, a 7-speed DSG gearbox and four-wheel drive for off-roading, and has been priced at Rs. 34,49,501, ex-showroom, pan-India.
The Skoda Kodiaq comes with smart, upright styling. The car looks aggressive from up front, but fuses smooth, flowing and long lines to emphasise its long wheelbase. At 4,697mm, the Skoda Kodiaq's long wheelbase really shows from outside. The SUV looks premium, and although it may not seem like the butch, all-terrain off-roader, those who are looking for a premium family UV with loads of space inside would possibly love the Kodiaq.
In terms of the technology inside, the Skoda Kodiaq gets the Amundsen infotainment system that is also present in the 2017 Skoda Octavia, and Octavia RS. The all-new infotainment system presents an all-glass facade with touch button to access options, a high resolution screen with excellent touch fluidity and accuracy, and the list of features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, 3D satellite-based navigation, support for USB, SD card, aux and Bluetooth connectivity with mobile devices, and compatibility with the Skoda Media Connect mobile app for connectivity and remote infotainment services. We have used this infotainment unit already, and it is among the best in terms of reliability and ease of usage, although it lacks a touch of excitement or surprise. The monotonous colour scheme also makes it somewhat austere.
The Kodiaq gets the 10-colour ambient lighting system that was introduced in India with the Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement trim. It also gets a 10-speaker, Canton-built audio system that includes a subwoofer at produces total output of 575W. The similar audio configuration in the new Skoda Superb sounds fairly decent, although there is audible lack of depth in the audio. You get a user-configurable equaliser to play around with, and adjusting the mid frequencies in accordance to the lows do make tracks sound considerably better.
While the Skoda Kodiaq has left most of its smarts back in the international markets, the India trim gets a driver fatigue alert that was first included in the now-old Volkswagen Jetta. You also get handsfree perpendicular and parallel parking, but not much else in terms of advanced driving features have made it here. You do, however, get handsfree boot release, where simply standing in front of the boot with the key fob in your pocket would open the gate automatically.
The panoramic sunroof particularly adds to the aesthetics in the Kodiaq's cabin, and the leather inserts on the doors also appear quite premium. However, the soft plastics still feel a bit dull for a car of this stature. The glossy black plastic on the dash and doors now have an embossed pattern, which attempts to simulate veneer. Hence, despite a few shortcomings, there is an overall sense of opulence about the Kodiaq's cabin. This, though, is only based on our first impression.
The rear seats get what Skoda calls the 'Power Nap' package, which adds height-adjustable headrests, and two prongs to either side of each headrest. These prongs can be retracted, and would help you retain your comfortable sleeping position when travelling. You also get a blanket holder, with a blanket stowed inside, for a quick, comfortable nap. Now that's not only affable, but also very practical. If you wake up and it happens to be raining outside, you also have a Skoda umbrella compartment, with a Skoda umbrella, all bundled inside.
The automatic climate control can be operated separately in three individual zones – two for the front passengers, and one for rear. Somehow, the rear seats do not get connectivity ports, and have only one 12V power socket. The cabin feels well insulated, and NVH refinement seems supreme upon first impressions. The Kodiaq may well filter out most of the on-road sounds, and we'll wait to figure that out in our review.
The Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which produces 150 brake horsepower and 340Nm of torque. The SUV measures 4.7 metres in its wheelbase, and despite the hefty weight, reaches 0-100kmph in 10.1 seconds. The Kodiaq comes with rated fuel economy of 16.25kmpl, and the engine is mated to the trusted 7-speed DSG gearbox, along with four-wheel drivetrain. The Kodiaq gets four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Terrain, and one Individual driving configuration, where you can adjust steering wheel feedback, air conditioning, suspension and cornering lights between Normal, Eco and Sport.
The Skoda Kodiaq includes a total of nine airbags, among other safety features such as XDS+ differential lock, ESC, etc. It plies on 18-inch alloys, and is available in four colours – Lava Blue, Quartz Grey, Moon White and Magic Black. The Skoda Kodiaq is now up for sale across all Skoda showrooms in India, and is priced at Rs. 34,49,501. Upon first impressions, the Kodiaq appears mighty impressive as a premium, long wheelbase SUV. Stay tuned for more details on the latest SUV to have entered India!
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Souvik Das
The one that switches between BMWs and Harbour Line Second Class. View Full Profile
