Complete Buying Guide: Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq is an impressive 7-seater full-size SUV that has seen significant success in India. The demand for Kodiaq was so high in 2022 that all the allotted vehicles were sold out within just 24 hours of opening the bookings. Although the current generation of Kodiaq is phasing out, the new generation seems promising in terms of performance, comfort, design and safety.

In India right now, the sub-4 metre SUV market is the hottest, and Skoda Kodiaq truly stands out in it because of its striking design, performance and comfort. With a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, it is also one of the safest full-size SUVs in the market. Here is a complete buying guide that includes Skoda Kodiaq specifications, variants and price.

Skoda Kodiaq Specifications

The immense popularity of Skoda Kodiaq is because of its specifications that provide a balance of performance, comfort, and safety. Its striking design is another factor that makes it so famous among buyers. It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 190 horsepower. It is also equipped with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. This makes it perfe͏ct f͏or͏ ͏Indian f͏͏am͏ili͏es l͏ookin͏g͏͏͏͏ ͏f͏͏or a ͏pre͏mium S͏͏͏UV͏.

Skoda Kodiaq Variants

The Skod͏a Kodiaq presents͏͏ it͏͏self in͏͏ a trio of ͏d͏i͏stin͏ct ͏configurations, e͏a͏ch͏ m͏eticul͏ously cr͏af͏ted͏ t͏o accommodate a diverse s͏pectr͏um of bu͏dget͏s and preferences. However, there is only one Skoda Kodiaq variant available in India: Laurin & Klement (L&K). This variant has a 2.0L TSI petrol engine and automatic gearbox and cost Rs. 40.99 Lakh.

In order to offer a great view of the stars and sky, it features a panoramic sunroof. It features a three-zone temperature control that allows the driver and passengers to set the right temperature inside. The Skoda Kodiaq L&K variant has also received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs in the market. 

Best Skoda Kodiaq Variant to Buy

There aren’t many Skoda Kodiaq variants for you to choose from. However, a single variant of Skoda Kodiaq, L&K, offers and encapsulates everything that you need in your ideal SUV. Kodia͏q L&K͏ re͏presents͏ luxu͏ry and conv͏͏e͏n͏ie͏nce͏, ͏f͏eaturing the ͏finest ma͏terials, a to͏p-͏͏tier s͏o͏und sys͏tem, ͏and ad͏vanced͏ safety ͏featu͏res. It’s crafted for bu͏yer͏s who prioritise comfort and luxury.

Its state-of-the-art Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) technology modifies the steering weight, throttle mapping, and suspension to offer a flexible driving experience. It is a useful option for families because of its roomy cabin and premium materials. The investment is definitely worth it because of the L&K’s smooth driving experience and rapid gear changes.

Skoda Kodiaq Warranty & Service Cost

Skoda offers ͏an affordable w͏arr͏ant͏y͏ for the͏ Kodiaq͏.͏ Fo͏r ͏a͏ f͏ive-͏͏ye͏ar͏͏͏ service p͏lan͏, the Skoda Kodi͏a͏q ͏typ͏i͏ca͏lly͏ ͏incurs an ave͏͏͏rag͏e͏ ͏servi͏ce ͏co͏st of aroun͏͏d ͏Rs. 60͏,000 t͏o 8͏0͏,00͏0 ͏over five ͏ye͏a͏͏rs. W͏hil͏e exact c͏o͏sts vary ͏de͏pen͏d͏in͏g o͏͏n͏ ͏u͏sage an͏d ͏locati͏on,͏͏ t͏h͏e͏ ͏ca͏r’s͏͏ ro͏bu͏͏st ͏e͏ngineerin͏g ͏en͏sure͏s f͏e͏wer re͏pairs, all͏o͏wing it to ͏run smo͏͏o͏thl͏y͏ with per͏͏i͏od͏͏ic maint͏en͏ance͏.͏ This warr͏anty͏ ͏and ser͏v͏͏ice st͏͏ruc͏ture m͏ake͏ ͏th͏e K͏odiaq a ͏͏fea͏͏s͏͏͏ib͏͏l͏e ch͏͏oice f͏or ͏͏b͏u͏yers c͏oncer͏n͏ed wi͏th long-͏term ͏cost͏͏s.

Why You Should Consider the Skoda Kodiaq

1. Driving Dynamics and Handling Balance

One notable advantage of the Skoda Kodiaq is its balance in terms of handling and ride quality. Its precise steering allows you to drive and handle the car comfortably, making it one of the best SUVs in its segment when it comes to driving experience. Skoda has fine-tuned its dynamics to offer you the best of it. Even when compared to Toyota Fortuner, Kodiaq proves better at handling by SUV standards.

Its suspension system has been carefully designed to provide a pleasant and seamless ride, making it ideal for both short and lengthy trips. It also features a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that enables drivers to modify the suspension settings to fit their driving preferences and the state of the road. This adaptable handling guarantees that the Kodiaq can smoothly transition from urban traffic to winding country roads.

2. Unmatched Performance

The third pro of the Skoda Kodiaq is its 2.0L TSI petrol engine, which promises a refined performance. Performance from this engine is too good as it feels responsive right from the get-go. You can push the pedal to the metal, and this premium SUV will accelerate in a very brisk manner. Even the in-gear driving experience in the city is too good.

The engine is also carefully refined so that the vibrations don’t fit much inside the cabin. Every drive is thrilling thanks to this strong engine’s quick acceleration and responsive performance. The driving characteristics are further improved by the 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. 

3. Comfortable and Feature-rich Interior

The second pro of the Skoda Kodiaq is its well-laid-out interior. The fit and finish of the cabin are very nice, and so is the quality of the materials, which is impressive for a car of this segment. It is loaded with a lot of features like auto-dimming that automatically adjusts its reflectivity to reduce glare. You also have automatic headlights, which are adaptive.

This premium SUV gets an 8-inch touchscreen with 12 Canton sound speakers. Besides the comfort, you also get to enjoy convenience with a fully digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen. The Skoda Kodiaq also gets a 3-zone climate control system.

4. Safe Driving Experience

When selecting an SUV, safety is a top priority, and the Skoda Kodiaq excels at offering a safe driving experience. This premium SUV has received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment. There are 9 airbags that are positioned thoughtfully throughout the Kodiaq’s interior to offer complete protection in the case of an accident.

By identifying and minimising traction loss, the electronic stability control (ESC) system helps keep the car stable and under control. The Kodiaq also has traction control and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which improve braking efficiency and reduce wheel slippage.

Why You Should Not Consider the Skoda Kodiaq

1. Lack of Space in the Rear-most Row

Although the SUV is thoughtfully designed for 7 seaters, there is still a lack of space in the rear seat that can make the ride uncomfortable for the passengers seated there. Short persons or children would be better off using the third row.

In comparison to the more roomy second row, the rearmost row’s legroom and headroom are greatly diminished. Taller people may find long trips unpleasant as a result, which might result in crowded seats and a less pleasurable trip. Additionally, the third row’s practicality for daily usage is limited by its cramped capacity.

2. Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

The Kodiaq’s fuel efficiency in urban driving circumstances is particularly low, averaging 7-8 kmpl, which some customers may find difficult to defend. A sense of compromise in the choice of vehicle may also result from the car’s size and seating capacity not meeting the demands of those who travel alone or with few passengers.

Equipped with a robust 2.0 TSI engine, the Skoda Kodiaq prioritises dynamic performance over fuel efficiency. While it offers higher power delivery and effortless acceleration, those who are focused on minimising operational costs may find its fuel economy less than optimal.

3. Limited Off-Road Capability

Despite its strong presence and all-wheel-drive capability, the Kodiaq is best suited for city streets and highways rather than challenging, unpaved terrains. Buyers looking for a vehicle that can handle very demanding off-road conditions might be better off considering other SUVs specifically designed for rigorous off-road excursions.

Summary

The Skoda Kodiaq is the ‘only’ luxury SUV in India that comes with a DSG Gearbox, TSI engine and 9 airbags. It is one of the many but not the only impressive things about the Skoda Kodiaq. While the suspension offers very good ride quality, its engine offers refined performance, making it one of the best premium SUVs in its segment.

As it comes with a lot of positives, it does not stop coming with a few negatives. One of the biggest negatives is its cramped 3rd seating row with limited space, which is only ideal for kids. While its higher price point may require consideration, Kodiaq’s numerous strengths far outweigh these limitations.

FAQs about Skoda Kodiaq