Skoda launches Kodiaq Scout at Rs 33.99 lakh in India

Skoda has launched the Kodiaq Scout in India at a price of Rs 33.99 lakh, ex-showroom. With the Scout, Skoda hopes to add a dash of rugged appeal to the seven-seater Kodiaq range, which also includes the Style and L&K variants, priced between Rs 33-36.8 lakh. The Kodiaq Scout, like the rest of the range, goes up against monocoque all-wheel drive SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW X1, Audi Q3 and other premium alternatives, apart from body-on-frame SUVs like the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner.

Silver bumper protectors at the bottom lips of the bumpers do their job, and provide visual differentiation to the Kodiaq Scout, besides allowing better approach and departure angles. Visually, contrasting silver-finish ORVMs and a new design for the alloy wheels are what's new. The Scout also has additional underbody protection for engine and drivetrain components. The Kodiaq Scout gets variant-specific upholstery, with the Scout badge, apart from a wood finish veneer on the dash. Features include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple/Android connectivity, auto headlights, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and 360-deg parking camera. For safety, the Kodiaq Scout gets nine-airbags

There are no mechanical changes to the powertrain, with the 2-litre diesel under the hood still producing 150PS/340Nm torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive capabilities. New to the Kodiaq Scout is an Off-Road drive mode, which will affect throttle response and power delivery, apart from tweaking the electronic driver aids to help drivers make the best progress over difficult terrain. The Kodiaq uses the fifth-gen of the company's multi-plate clutch all-wheel drive technology, which under normal conditions only sends power to the front wheels. An electronic differential lock (EDL) is present on both front and rear axles and prevents individual wheels from spinning, greatly enhancing the Kodiaq's off-road abilities, while the company's XDS+ system can brake the inner wheel if it senses wheelspin in a corner, to help the Kodiaq stick to its line.

Skoda is also offering a 'Skoda Sheild Plus' pack that covers motor insurance, 24x7 roadside assistance and extended warranty for six-years. Skoda also said the next-two products, a mid-size SUV and a mid-size notchback based on the MQB-A0 IN platform are in the pipeline.