Skoda has launched the 2nd generation of its Kodiaq flagship SUV in India as a CKD import, being locally assembled at SAVWIPL’s Aurangabad plant. It brings an updated design and a more modern interior while carrying forward the same powertrain.
Exterior
The new Kodiaq has an evolutionary design, which is more rounded than before. The Kodiaq builds on the previous model’s design, with subtle refreshments here and there, with the overall silhouette of the vehicle being more or less the same. The Kodiaq still gets a split headlamp design but with new LED DRLs that merge into the grill. The bumper gets functional air vents, and the alloy wheels have been optimised for better aerodynamics. Despite all of these changes, the wheelbase remains the same.
Interior
The interior has been completely redone on the new Kodiaq. It’s an all-new, more modern cabin with new features all over the cabin. Taking centre stage is a new 12.9-inch floating infotainment system. Thankfully, Skoda has retained physical dials for the air conditioning functions. The steering wheel is a new 2-spoke unit, with Skoda lettering instead of the logo. The Selection L&K variant features a premium dual-tone theme with Cognac leather and black, complemented by chrome and dark chrome accents. Soft-touch materials have been provided in various areas. The two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel has dark chrome detailing, a piano black insert, and a distinctive Laurin & Klement badge. The Sportline variant, on the other hand, gets all-black interiors, including the headliner, to promote a stealthy yet luxurious feel.
Features
The Kodiaq comes loaded with a ton of features, such as a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless phone connectivity with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a Canton 14-speaker ICE, a panoramic sunroof, handsfree tailgate, a 360-degree camera, tablet holders, auto parking, seat massaging, 3-zone automatic climate control, and powered front seats with massage and heating function. Notably, Skoda has omitted ADAS. DCC or Dynamic Chassis Control, which was present in the previous generation Kodiaq, has also now been removed. Both these features are available on the new Tiguan R-Line, which is imported as a CBU but is priced just a lakh higher.
On the safety front, the Kodiaq comes with features such as ESC, driver attention and drowsiness monitor, hill start assist with descent control, multi collision brake, and 9 airbags, to name a few.
Engine & Powertrain
The Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine, which produces 204 BHP and 320 Nm of torque, 14 BHP more than the previous version. It channels power to all four wheels via a Haldex all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed wet-clutch DSG gearbox.
Rivals
The Skoda Kodiaq is positioned as a premium 7-seater crossover that provides comfort and isn’t intended for hardcore off-roaders (even though the all-wheel drive system will get you out of tricky situations without problems). It competes with products such as the Jeep Meridien, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, Citroen C5 Aircross, MG Gloster & the Toyota Fortuner. Bookings for the SUV have officially opened online, and deliveries will begin from May 2, 2025. Pricing starts at Rs. 46.89 Lakh for the Sportline variant and tops out at Rs. 48.69 Lakh for the L&K variant.
