OD SUV Slugfest: Skoda Kodiaq

Bob Rupani Updated: September 05, 2018, 05:40 PM IST

The Skoda Kodiaq is like the perfect gentleman it does everything expected of it and more, but keeps a low profile and doesn't get noticed much. It came into India without any real band, bajaa or baraat and those who have opted for it have been richly rewarded. But not many seem to know of its several charming qualities.

Styling and street presence

The elegant low profile makes it looks longer than it is. The sharp edges and lines blend sweetly with the rounded surfaces and it looks smart and understated. It features some innovative styling elements like the sharply cut fog lights that are placed at the height of the grille, well out of harm's way. Stylish it is, but the Kodiaq does not have imposing street presence.

Seating and visibility

The interior is most inviting and the relatively slim A-pillars afford a nice view. It has particularly wide doors that present lots of space for easy ingress and egress. But being large, their edges are at risk of touching walls or other vehicles in narrow spaces. So Skoda has put in a clever door edge protection, and while opening the door a plastic strip automatically emerges and covers the edges. The wiper sweep is extensive and along with the diffused washer spray cleans a large portion of the windscreen.

All-terrain capability

The ground clearance is the least in its segment and it has automatic all-wheel drive with a snow mode. Interestingly, there is also an EDL or electronic differential lock.

Practicality

The Kodiaq is big on this and has more functional storage spaces than you can use. Both front door insides have umbrellas. A rechargeable LED light in the boot can be removed and used as a flashlight. The headlights washers are effective and overall space management and ease of storage is splendid, especially in the boot that has various nets, hooks, etc.

Touring ability and performance

The engine is moderately powerful with least torque (along with the Tiguan) in its segment and it has to be pushed hard to make speedy progress, which impacts fuel efficiency. Range is 750/800km.

Stage timing

3m 21.09s

The AWD with electronic differential
lock works superbly and it handles so well in the loose that it feels almost like a sports car. Its well set-up suspension gives it immense grip and agility, making the Kodiaq huge fun to drive.

Specifications

Price: Rs 41.6 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Engine type: 2.0D/150PS/340Nm
Fuel Economy: 12.49kmpl
Fuel capacity and Range: 63l/790km
2WD/AWD/4WD: AWD
4WD lock: No
Diff Lock: No
Ground Clearance: 188mm
Dimensions (LWH) mm: 4,697 x 1,882 x 1,665
Wheelbase: 2,791mm
Weight: 1,799kg (kerb)
Off-Road Driving Modes: Yes
Headlight Washers: Yes
Boot Capacity: 630l