Spec comparo: Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkaswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson

Skoda India is all set to launch the Kodiaq in India on October 4, 2017. The new 7-seater SUV is billed as a game changer and will spearhead Skoda's re-entry in the Indian SUV space after the now defunct Skoda Yeti. It however, will go up against competitors such as the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the Hyundai Tucson. The Tiguan is Volkswagen's newest model in the market and is based on the MQB platform that also underpins the Kodiaq. It carries VW's traditional strengths of quality and a solid build. The Hyundai Tucson is a premium SUV that's also packed with a laundry list of features, some of which are not even available on higher spec models. The three SUVs here are petty closely matched in terms of specs and this is how they stack up.

Looks and dimensions

The new Skoda Kodiaq is based on the Vision S Concept that was showcased in 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show. The production model that'll go on sale, closely resembles the concept that was shown. The lines are sharp and the SUV does look quite handsome. The big grille, flanked by sleek headlamps gives it a lot of presence. The tail section also seems to take inspiration from the current crop of Skodas. The dazzling LED tail lamps, that are said to be inspired by traditional Czech crystal glass art, is one of standout features of the SUV.

While the Kodiaq looks quite sharp, the Volkswagen Tiguan sports typically German design cues. The Tiguan looks handsome, with its clean and proportionate design and it's sure to age gracefully.

The Hyundai Tucson features the car makers fluidic design language that gives it a pretty distinct look in comparison to the trio here. The pulled back LED headlamps, and Alfa Romeo resembling LED tail lamps look impressive. It, in fact looks like a proper urban SUV and that's one of its biggest draws.

The Skoda Kodiaq is longest, widest and tallest SUV among the trio. At roughly 4.7 meters close to 200mm longer than the Tiguan and the Tucson. The dimensions suggest that the Kodiaq will be the roomiest car of the lot. This also apparent when you consider the wheelbase of the SUVs. At 2791mm, the Kodiaq's wheelbase is longer than the Tiguan, at 2677mm and the Tucson at 2670mm. The Kodiaq is, in fact, the only SUV here with 7 seats, while the Tiguan and Tucson can only seat 5 individuals.

Engines:

Besides sharing the same platform, the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan also share the same, 2-litre diesel engine. The Kodiaq's motor, however, is in a slightly different state of tune and makes a little more power. The Kodiaq's engine produces 150PS and 340Nm whereas, the Tiguan's motor produces 143PS and an identical 340 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

The Hyundai Tucson's 2-litre diesel engine, on the other hand, is a lot more powerful than the Volkswagen group engine. It produces 183PS and 400Nm of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Read our review of the Skoda Kodiaq