The upcoming Skoda Kodiaq is making headlines in India although its market launch is still some way. This is because of its great styling, luxurious and classy interiors and a wide range of features. The Skoda Kodiaq is a 7-seater premium SUV which looks highly promising with all its cool capabilities and is expected to taste great success once it hits the Indian market, given the high popularity of SUVs in this country.
The Kodiaq is Skoda’s first 7-seater SUV model and is the company’s latest flagship model. It is based on Volkswagen MQB platform and flaunts the company’s latest crystalline design language. The Skoda Kodiaq was first introduced in its concept form at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, while the company has been teasing the production version a lot lately. The Skoda Kodiaq is likely to launch in the European markets in early 2017, and is expected to hit the Indian shores towards the end of 2017.
Several aspects of the upcoming new Skoda Kodiaq premium SUV have been already revealed by innumerable reports already. What we will be looking into here, are the Pros and Cons of the new Czech flagship SUV. However, before we go into discussing the pros and cons of the Skoda Kodiaq, let us look at the SUV itself to get a compressive idea on what to expect from this new vehicle.
Design, Dimensions & Platform
The Skoda Kodiaq remains faithful to its concept model named the VisionS. It looks like a true premium SUV and also gets the patent styling of the Skoda family of cars. It is a full-sized SUV model and measures 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm high, and it rides on a wheelbase measuring 2,791 mm.
In terms of styling, the SUV looks smart, butch and yet elegant design language with sleek design elements inspired by the crystals. Its front façade is sharp and bold and flaunts sleek and stylized headlights and highly stylized three dimensional vertical slatted radiator grille. The vehicle’s attractive and sleek LED tail lights features C-shaped graphics. Moreover, the lights on the SUV flaunt the crystal structure to further flaunt the company’s crystalline design language that is inspired by the world famous crystal glass art of the Czech Republic.
The premium SUV comes with standard 17-inch allow wheels, while there are 18-inch alloys on the top trims. There’s also optional 19-inch polished alloys on offer.
The vehicle is underpinned by Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix platform (MQB). This lightweight MQB platform ensures the SUV weighs considerably less, despite its large size. This in turn will ensure that the premium SUV offers good handling and maneuverability.
Interiors & Features
The Skoda Kodiaq comes with a classy design for its cabin and is luxurious as well befitting its flagship status. It offers some typical SUV features such as large AC vents and n overall boxy layout. However, the overall interior is decked in a softer and elegant styling, owing to the softer luxury sedan like elements such as the stylish steering wheel, AC controls and instrument cluster that the vehicle share with the Skoda Superb.
In the international markets, the Kodiaq will be offered in a choice of a 5-seater and 7-seater version. However, in India only the 7-seater version will be offered for sale. The premium SUV offers the segment-best boot space in India, along with an array of premium features that include the company’s latest capacitive touchscreen integrated advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and MirrorLink support. A large 8-inch unit with navigation will be offered on the top variants. It also comes with a whole host of other premium features including an electrically operated tailgate, optional Skoda virtual pedal system, optional wireless charging, optional ambient lighting with 10 different colors and advanced Canton Sound System along with 10 speakers inclusive of a subwoofer. The SUV offers three different drive modes of Normal, Comfort and Sport to select from, while there’s also an optional Off-road mode that will be offered on the all 4-wheel drive versions.
The Skoda Kodiaq is also highly loaded with safety features including a comprehensive package of 8 airbags and all the safety equipments that are standard in its own class. The premium SUV comes with optional Dynamic Chassis Control which act as shock absorbers.
Engines & Transmission
The new Skoda Kodiaq premium will have two petrol and a diesel engine choice in the international markets. The petrol version gets a choice of 1.4 liter and a 2.0 liter TSI petrol unit, while the diesel avatar is powered by a 2.0 liter TDI diesel motor. In India, only the diesel mill is expected to be offered, while there is also the possibility of the 2-liter petrol engine coming our way. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 6 speed manual and 6 and 7 speed DSG automatic gearbox choices.
Now, let us take a quick look at the Pros and Cons of the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq:
Pros
- Elegant and styling design along with bold styling featuring the Czech auto maker’s latest crystalline design language.
- Spacious and comfortable interiors along with the capacity to seat 7 adults and well supported seats.
- Best in segment cargo space that can be expanded by folding the third row of seats.
- Plush and classy cabin design that is highly feature-rich along with many optional features to add-on.
- Abundant of safety features that is at par with current competition.
- Lightweight chassis that should offer great handling and maneuverability.
Cons
The Skoda Kodiaq is not a typical rough and tough premium SUV. It is more of a soft-roader and is designed to offer a comfortable daily commute within the city as well as potent highway travelling. However, it comes with enough capability to offer occasional off-road adventures.
The SUV’s third row is rather cramped up and is suitable only for short journeys when seating adults, or else it is comfortable only for children.
Being a flagship model, the Kodiaq will be expensive with expected price range of around Rs. 28 to 35 lakhs.