[Newtown]

There have already been many excellent posts made on this thread about the event. Here are my thoughts:

• My first reflection on entering the event was how far Team BHP has come. It continues to stay true, straight, and humble, a fact that has been noticed over the years by casual readers, automotive aficionados, automotive journalists, novice/first time car buyers, just to name a few. To persist with this format when India went from 2 auto magazines to dozens is unprecedented. The blood, sweat and tears that must have gone into keeping the lights ON at Team BHP would is unthinkable. GTO, Moderators, Content Creators –Hats off to all of you.
  
  
• A big thank you to Skoda Auto India for hosting Team BHP ians exclusively. Jakub, Sandeep & the entire team from Skoda were like any of us at the event – A bunch of enthusiastic auto heads. The choice of room at the Taj Mahal Palace was spot on and with a light drizzle outside it was extremely picturesque.
  
  
• This generation of the Kodiaq has added 5 cm to its length (+)
  
  
• Ingress and egress is good even for the aged population (aka ME) (+)
  
  
• An absolutely brilliant transmission. Did not feel like a DSG which usually tends to be jerky in traffic. This one was exceptionally smooth. A huge plus for city drivability (+)
  
  
• The gear shifter has now become a knob which I am sure one can get used to in a few drives. I like that it has cleared up space in the center and makes it looks clean and minimalistic (+)
  
  
• The engine bay has lots of space to work in and I would imagine that down the line the car would be very serviceable even when it comes to timing belt, water pump, etc changes (+)
  
  
• To rest for your forearms and elbows on the door sides was surprisingly hard and scratchy for a car in this segment. (-)
  
• This is a highway cruiser and can munch miles silently especially on bitumen roads but could have still been better insulated in the wheel wells (+)(-)
  
  
• Power delivery was very linear – I recall giving it the slight beans up the BKC connector in the eco mode and it did give a slight kick in the pants and delivered the power without too much lag. (+)
  
  
• On a hot day, the second and third rows may feel a little warmer. The vents at the back are too small and the air flow not the best. Vents on the B Pillar perhaps? (-)
  
  
• The rear seat felt low and needs height adjustment. I could not get any good position even with the backrest tilting. (-)
  
  
• The boot space is wonderful with the 3rd road neatly integrating into the floor and making it almost flat (+)
  
  
• Loved the fact that the boot screen could be stowed in a special recess in the boot (+)
  
  
• I would rather have the alloy wheel design of the Sportline on the L&K. Skoda must make it an option (-)
  
  
• My pick would be the Sportline. I like all black interiors and with Alcantara I would think the seats would be tad comfier (+)
  
  
• Those massage cushion seats are something else. Huge plus. I wish they had it in the rear as well. (+)
  
  
• The Infotainment screen has excellent sharpness & responds like a good cel phone screen but lacks a lot of functionality! The TPMS is only on deflation and that too on which tire is anyone’s guess. (-)
  
  
• I am a huge user of cruise control – not just on motorways but even within the city. I find it simple. Adaptive cruise control is now a basic necessity and having some form of autonomous functions is absolutely a base these days. (-)
  
  
• The implementation of cruise is not the best. The use of stalks right behind the wheel and so close to the indicator lever is outdated and a human factors nightmare. This reminded me of the Audi 80 that had the brake pedal and the accelerator too close that many people got into accidents. (-)
  
  
• The VW group cars are doing very little on the connected cars scene and the phone apps are just too basic (-)

Summing it up – A wonderful experience, wonderful people, very gracious hosts, and a super leader in Rush to keep us and everything all together. Cheers!

A big thanks to Omkar and Adit – They were the NVIDIA chips behind the scenes.

[CentreOfGravity]

Originally Posted by GTO

You will go home with a heart full of memories – you have my word on that. Get ready to regale your family with stories over dinner once you're home.

And I'm happy to report that I returned home with a heart full of memories, just as promised!

***********

Imagine my excitement when this thread was dropped: Skoda Kodiaq Night Test-Drive Event for Team-BHPians | Mumbai on Saturday, 10th May 2025. Everything just fell in place – I reside in Mumbai, my college vacation was ongoing, I was jobless and looking for some excitement in life. So why would I not grab such an opportunity with both hands?! I certainly didn’t need any motivation to send the application, and was happy to receive the invite the next day.

And then, this happened. I got the message just after returning home from the salon.

That swanky haircut for nothing.

Mumbai being under high alert is far more serious an issue than a wasted haircut. Therefore, I was not disappointed in the slightest and patiently waited for a fresh date to be announced. Didn’t have to wait long! 15th June it was, and although it wasn’t a night drive anymore and the sunset cruise was dropped from the itinerary, it didn’t really matter because driving a brand-spanking-new car with BHPians in itself is an experience.

D day arrived. I found myself before the majestic Taj Hotel at sharp 1 pm. Made my way in and was further mesmerised by the hotel! I got to the registration desk and spotted a familiar face – that of Omkar! Clearly, I haven’t been stalking the mod team’s profiles. A quick chat later, I see another familiar figure approaching me from my left. GTO looks fascinating in real life. What charisma! He has an undeniable road presence and gravitas in the way he walks and talks, while having the enthusiasm of a teenager. Also chatted with Aditya sir. It felt good speaking to the people who keep Team-BHP alive and kicking!

The enthusiasm in the room was to die for. What passion, what excitement! To say that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment with my fellow BHPians would be an understatement. At no point did I feel left out; I’m sure none of us felt that way. That’s the Team-BHP community for you! Spending time with people who have shared interests is truly special. The product presentation was carried out soon after by the product head, Mr. Jakul Musil, where we were given an overview of the car. This was followed by a brief Q/A session where BHPians asked some questions about the Kodiaq.



One question that stood out (for the answer that followed) was regarding the positioning of the Kodiaq and how it would compete with a certain BoF SUV that is the segment leader. Mr. Musil did not hold back on his answer: “...the BoF SUV doesn’t even get a sunroof, while the Kodiaq gets a panoramic unit...” was all that I needed to hear XD. Spicy stuff.

GTO addressing the group:


5-course lunch? Hell yeah!




It was finally time for the drive.


As soon as I got into the car, I pulled out my notebook and pen to jot down my observations. By the end of the drive, my entire notebook was filled with lines:




Don’t blame me, those are lines after all. Five minutes into the drive and the book found its way into the seatback pocket. Whoever thought it was a good idea to write notes in a moving car, sigh. The notebook wasn’t useless though – it helped me gauge that the seatback pocket is a little tight and narrow XD. “KO” is all that I could write, but I think that speaks volumes about the car since the “KO”diaq a “knockout”!

Onto the car.

Škoda Kodiaq Drive Impressions:

I shared the car with BHPians sachin_cs and abhi_tjet. I started off as a rear passenger while Mr. Abhi was driving. The rear seat space is pretty good. There is a range of adjustability in the second row, including fore-and-aft and recline angle. Getting into a comfortable position is easy. Legroom and kneeroom are alright, while the underthigh support and headroom are excellent for someone who is 5'8" tall.


The rear armrest is set a little too high for my liking; I found myself taking my arm off it periodically. The rear sun blinds are very effective in blocking out sunlight and they are great for privacy. The panoramic sunroof is massive and brings in a lot of airiness to the cabin. However, the front seats block the view from behind as they are huge. The upside is that these seats are perfect for tall passengers with broad shoulders. We couldn’t test the third row because there was some stuff in our vehicle, but from what I could see, there was close to no underthigh support. The second row passengers would have to compromise on legroom to create space for the last row passengers, making it a less-than-ideal situation. The Kodiaq is no Innova; it cannot seat seven effortlessly.

The quality of the roof liner is decent. It feels soft to the touch, but pressing it hard leads to a little flex. All doors get grab handles and they are spring-loaded and damped, as expected. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable. Interestingly, there is another hook on the B-pillar apart from the ones on the rear grab handles.


The cabin felt wide enough to seat three medium-sized adults comfortably. I unfortunately missed trying the middle seat as I was busy enjoying the drive :P. The transmission tunnel is on the higher side, but not enough to cause discomfort from the looks of it. The Kodiaq gets 3-zone climate control with touch-sensitive temperature controls at the rear. These are NOT intuitive to use. Notice the two USB-C ports:


Similarly, the reading lights in all rows are also touch-sensitive. Look cool, but they do not work flawlessly because of poor touch reception at times. Unrelated, but the sunroof controls also make do without physical buttons. The borders of the interior lights illuminate at night. Nice “touch”:


abhi_tjet driving the Kodiaq:


BHPians doing BHPian things:


It was time for a driver switch and sachin_cs graced the driver’s seat, while I made my way to the passenger’s seat. Right off the bat, the seat adjustability was fantastic. Seat base angle, lumbar support and underthigh support adjustments are new to me, and I loved that flexibility. The leatherette used for the seats is of high quality. Once I got comfortable, I couldn’t stop appreciating how well put together the cabin is. Everything feels solid for the most part. The dashboard is premium in look and feel. There are different textures used and they work well together to accentuate the premiumness. The top portion of the dash is finished in soft-touch plastics, while the ones used lower down are of inferior quality. The ambient lighting is well-executed and lifts the ambience in the dark. I was not convinced about the ŠKODA lettering on the steering wheel, but over the course of the drive, it seems to have grown on me:


AC direction knob is of good quality. I might be nitpicking here, but the silver trim around the AC vent flexes more than it should:


The wax-esque texture on the door trim looks good. The door handles are unique in terms of design. I loved them:


The centre console is very neatly laid out. Twin wireless chargers, quad cupholders, twin USB-C ports and two nice little covers to conceal everything. Interestingly, the cuboidal wipe for the touchscreen was missing in our car. And boy oh boy, are the smart dials a godsend! I can’t tell you how happy I was when I came to know that AC controls and other functions are NOT buried into the touchscreen. Hallelujah. Incredibly convenient to use, and once you get used to them, you won’t need to take your eyes off to adjust anything. The quality of the dials is good:


Twin gloveboxes are practical:


The touchscreen infotainment system is brilliant to use. Amazing resolution, clarity, responsiveness and smoothness. The menus aren’t buried or unnecessarily complicated. The 13 inches of real estate is used up well. And the sound system? Treat to the ears of a non-audiophile like me. The instrument cluster is also very well executed, but sadly, I couldn’t explore it. I also liked the implementation of the maps in the cluster. There is no head-up display though.


And then I experienced seat massage. Safe to say that my perception of seat massage in a car being ineffective was completely overturned. I always assumed that seat massage = vibrations, and that they are a gimmick, but I was happy to be corrected. It was strong, effective and absolutely relaxing. One of those features you never knew you wanted. I genuinely had a lot of fun playing around with the different massage settings and I had it on for the entire time as a co-passenger. Easily one of the highlights of this car. A point to note is that only the seat back gets the massagers, and not the seat base. I must also add that while it was enjoyable as a passenger, I found it distracting when I took over the wheel.

What beautiful roads! The breathtaking views are the icing on the cake:


BHPian sachin_cs enjoying the roads of Mumbai:


Second pit stop. We stopped to soak in the surroundings, the car’s design and to switch drivers:


Since its global unveil, the Kodiaq to me looked like a puffed-up Kushaq. Quoting myself from the global unveil thread:

Originally Posted by CentreOfGravity

This, in my opinion, is a good looking and well proportioned car. However, I think it screams 'Kushaq Pro Max' instead of next gen Kodiaq. Bringing down flagship designs to mass market cars is a good move, but vice versa? I'm not sure.

The similarity in the silhouette of the headlight cluster, the placement of the fog lights and the butterfly grille made me form that impression. However, having seen the car in person, I don’t think anymore that it suffers from an identity crisis. I feel that it is not so easy to mistake this for the Kushaq due to its sheer size and presence. That aside, the classy and elegant design is really appreciated and I’m glad to see a brand-new car that looks conventional. This is a refreshing change in a world that is increasingly dominated by flashy, in-your-face, radical designs. Dimensionally, although the car isn’t significantly larger than the outgoing car, it certainly feels bigger thanks to the high bonnet and taillights. I’m glad that Škoda didn’t slap a tubelight onto the grille in the name of “connected lights” and call it a day. The current implementation is super classy.


Škoda Crystal Lighting for the win:


This has been discussed a million times in the forum and off it, but I can’t help but reiterate – what the hell were the designers smoking when they came up with this cheap cover on the wheels . Completely ruins the side profile. As for the aerodynamic efficiency, I fail to understand how much fuel will be saved by covering up the wheels in a large SUV. I wouldn’t be surprised if most people go for the Sportline trim just for the better wheels.


The exterior door handles feel small to hold in the middle when compared to our 2022 Honda City. As expected, the doors of the Kodiaq are solid and provide mental reassurance. Black and tan theme is carried over to the doorpads. The bottle holders are felt lined too:


The wheel wells have full cladding both at the front and rear. Rear wheel well cladding seems to be felt lined! It shows in the way the car handles road noise and tyre noise. Water splashes are hardly audible in the cabin, and the overall NVH levels are fantastic. The acoustic windshield also plays a role in the overall refinement.


It was finally time for me to get behind the wheel!

Getting into the car does not require a haul into the cabin. You don’t sit as high off the ground as I imagined. Visibility all round is on point. The ORVMs are easily the best I have seen in a car – they are massive and provide an excellent view of what’s behind. The ORVMs being door-mounted further improve visibility. As is the case with almost all modern cars these days, the Kodiaq doesn’t make its size or weight apparent while driving. The steering wheel is very light at city speeds and it weighs up reasonably well as the speeds increase. However, I would have liked more heft in the steering wheel. It is a touch too light while making lane changes on the highway. Steering feedback is alright and the car handles pretty well for its size. Although we didn’t push the car around bends, the body roll seems well contained.

The ride quality is mature. I felt that the low-speed ride was quite stiff. Every pothole, every little imperfection on the road makes its presence felt and it isn’t particularly plush. However, larger bumps at higher speeds are dealt with easily and it feels ready to take on anything. There is an air of robustness about the suspension. At high speeds, the stability and composure are fantastic. Having never experienced DCC, I cannot comment on what difference its deletion makes in this car. That said, I felt the Škoda team’s reasoning for dropping the feature was not valid. They claimed that DCC isn’t used by owners because the majority of Kodiaq buyers are chauffeur-driven. My argument to this would be, owners can always keep the system in comfort mode to improve ride comfort!

The 2.0L turbo-petrol engine is fast and eager. Mash your foot on the A-pedal, and the car responds with a couple of downshifts and it flies! It was very difficult to maintain the speed limit given how much bandwidth this engine has; 120 km/h is child's play. You can feel the reserve of power at your disposal. Kickdown acceleration is impressive too. The gearbox is seamless with shifts and gets them right most of the time. Cruising on the highway is extremely relaxed and the Kodiaq does it without breaking a sweat. The engine sounds pretty good at high revs. The brakes feel natural and progressive, and they provide good stopping power. In the city, the auto hold function is a boon to use. It gets activated when you come to a complete halt, and a tap at the accelerator will enable creep function. All in all, the heart of the Kodiaq is in the right place.

On another note,

Originally Posted by gaurav_3000ad

…But once we clonked it into sports mode and gave it a poke, it lifted up its skirts and made a run for it...

This is literally how I wanted to describe the engine. It almost feels like you stole that phrase right from my mind .

The right stalk is the gear selector. It is weird to use initially, but only a matter of getting used to. The left stalk has controls for the wipers, pass beam and indicators. It is a mess; too much is stuffed into one stalk. There is another stalk on the left just for cruise control. The current layout is too cluttered and Škoda could’ve definitely simplified this.

The Kodiaq’s 360-degree camera is decent. Resolution is alright, but considering the price, it should have been better. I couldn’t find a 3D view, and if it is indeed not present, that’s a sad miss. Additionally, the side view camera feed did not pop up anywhere while turning on the indicators. Since we were running Google Maps on Apple CarPlay and didn’t want to get lost, I didn’t explore the camera settings properly to check if the lane camera was turned off.

Yours truly behind the wheel:

**********

The Kodiaq is a car that does few things wrong. It is a sorted, well-rounded family car that provides you the thrills if needed. I am mighty impressed with the Kodiaq and I really enjoyed driving it. However, its price point has attracted polarising views. Some think it is worth the asking price, while others claim it is overpriced. This is a bit layered and it all depends on your perspective. For half the price, you can get the XUV700 which has a similar footprint, comparable engine specs and the same purpose – ferrying the family in comfort. But it doesn’t have the same level of finesse, luxury or attention to detail in the finer aspects. Does that mean you should pay 2x more to get a Kodiaq? Does it warrant a 100% increase in price over the mighty impressive XUV700? I do not think so. The other perspective is that the Kodiaq is a value-luxury car. You don’t pay big bucks for one of the Big Three, and instead get the Škoda. You would get 80% of an Audi Q5 for 70% of the price. Trade in snob value for a sorted, relatively value-for-money German car on your hands.

All said and done, there is no getting away from the fact that the Kodiaq is an expensive car. But there is also no getting away from the fact that this is the most modern, fresh and compelling 7-seater in its segment. Should you decide to plonk your money on this car, I assure you that you will not go wrong with it.


My first ever official Team-BHP meet went really well! This was a day to remember. Special thanks to Team-BHP and Škoda for organising this drive. Although I couldn’t speak to all BHPians, the interactions I had were memorable. A picture taken at the hotel after the drive:


With BHPians sachin_cs and abhi_tjet. I must mention that they are sorted drivers and I felt as confident as I would with my dad behind the wheel. Really enjoyed their company. We had some great conversations!


My entry-level smartphone camera does not do justice to the grandeur of the Taj Palace:


Thank you for reading. Cheers!

[#drivingFreak]

In my relatively short career as an Automotive Journalist, I have had the opportunity to attend all kinds of first drive and ride events across the country. Driving new vehicles at beautiful locations and staying at luxurious properties has become a familiar experience. Yet, something about the Team-BHP x Skoda meet-up in Mumbai sparked a different kind of excitement in me.

I first came across Team-BHP around 2020-21, back when I was a third-year engineering student. I was instantly hooked. Hours that should’ve gone into studying were instead spent scrolling through threads, just absorbing the wealth of knowledge. Without getting into the specifics, I would like to say that Team-BHP has played a big part in helping me become a better driver and develop the right perspective to do my job well. As luck would have it, last year, I got the opportunity to work for Team-BHP as a motorcycle reviewer—an opportunity I seized immediately and remain immensely grateful for!

So, when the opportunity to attend the event arose, I didn't hesitate! After all, it was a chance to catch-up with fellow BHPians and have great conversations about our mutual love for automobiles. And the prospect of test driving the new Skoda Kodiaq? That was just the cherry on top!

At The Venue

I arrived at the Taj Mahal Palace by 12:35 PM. Since this was my first time visiting this place, I took my time to admire the royal ambience of the property and clicked a few shots before heading to the Gateway Room for the event. There, I was welcomed by Bhpian Omkar and BHPian Aditya. This time around, they were on the organising part of things in contrast to being the guests at media drives. Post-registration, we were handed a Skoda-themed ID card with our real names on it. Additionally, we were also given a sticker for our Team-BHP handle names—a thoughtful touch considering most BHPians recognise each other by their distinct user names.



The room was filled with enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming event. The most fun part was hearing a BHPian introducing themselves and the others immediately recognising or recalling the member's popular thread or car. Being one of the relatively young members in the room, I was a bit nervous at first, but seniors like BHPian Vigsom and others did a great job at making everyone feel comfortable. Despite our diverse backgrounds, it was clear that all that mattered was our collective love for automobiles. Safe to say, the meet-up was off to a great start!

Amidst the conversations, I spotted GTO in the background and went to greet him right away. We had spoken on the phone before, but this was my first time meeting him in person. After a warm welcome, he introduced me to Gajendra Jangid, Co-founder Cars24. Together, they engaged in some great insightful conversations with fellow BHPians.



Soon after, we were asked to settle down for the presentation. Sandeep Fernandes, Head of PR and Communications Skoda Auto India, kicked things off with a welcome note and brief overview. He then handed the stage to Jakub Musil, Head Of Product and Price Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, who gave us an insight into what's new in the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq. He also teased an upcoming launch for India, which is also a global icon for Skoda. Hint—it's a sporty sedan!



This was followed by BHPian Omkar walking us through the route plan and assigned vehicles. We had eight Kodiaqs to our disposal with 3-4 BHPians per vehicle. Thanks to the excessive Sunday rush around Taj, we couldn't enter our assigned cars and had to improvise. As a result, I was now partnered with BHPian amrutmhatre90, #maverick_4662 and pandu1564.

The route took us from the Taj Mahal Palace to Marine Drive, onto to the coastal road and across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and through BKC. Then we head to Bhakti Park Monorail station and continue driving on Sewri-Chembur road towards the Eastern Freeway and take the exit for Atal Setu, drive towards the end, make a U-turn, and take the same route back to the Taj Mahal Palace. This ensured we could experience driving the car both in traffic and on open roads. Plus, each of us got to spend about 45 minutes behind the wheel of the Skoda Kodiaq.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq: First Impressions

Introduction



This is an all new generation of the Skoda Kodiaq which was first showcased in India at the Auto Expo earlier this year. The car is assembled at SAVWIPL's plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Skoda offers the Kodiaq in two variants - Sportline and L&K, priced at Rs 46.89 lakh and Rs 48.70 lakh, ex-showroom, respectively.

Design



Right off the bat, the new Skoda Kodiaq commands a better road presence than its predecessor. This is mostly due to its larger dimensions, raised bonnet and taller roof line. The updates to the face are evolutionary with some added flair in the form of an illuminated strip of light running through the grille. The use of dark chrome around the grille helps keep things classy. At the sides, Skoda has retained the squared-off wheel arches which look good. The 18-inch wheels fill the arches quite well, but I am not a big fan of plastic aero inserts as they affect the overall classy aesthetics of the car. The new C-shaped LED tail lamps look sleek and attractive. I feel the red strip connecting them could have been avoided, though.

Between the two variants, I prefer the looks on the Sportline variant for its blacked-out grille and cleaner alloy wheel design (sans the plastic aero inserts).

Interiors & Features



Step inside, and the Skoda Kodiaq leaves a strong first impression. The new dashboard layout and brown leatherette seats add to the premium quotient of the car. The 13-inch infotainment screen has a crisp resolution and is quick to respond. That being said, the UI did take some time to get used to. Fortunately, Skoda offers three multi-functional rotary dials for key functions like AC, seat ventilation, and drive modes. The new virtual cockpit has a minimalistic theme and works as intended. There is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on offer, but unfortunately, you cannot mirror Google Maps on the driver's display. That function is reserved for the in-built maps.

In typical Skoda fashion, there are multiple "Simply Clever" touches—like the ticket holder on the windshield, umbrella in the driver's door, and a dedicated phone holder behind the front seat pocket. The cabin scores high on practicality, with ample storage spaces spread across the cabin. The gear selector is placed behind the steering wheel, resulting in even more storage space in the centre console.



The front seat occupants will be the happiest in the Kodiaq as they have electrically operated seats with welcome and massage functions to pamper them. Additionally, there's also a heating and ventilation function on offer. The seats are large and accommodating with ample bolstering. The seat base can be extended for additional under-thigh support. On the contrary, the rear seat experience feels relatively average. In terms of features, Skoda offers separate AC controls, a tablet holder and two Type-C ports for the rear seat passengers. There is ample space on offer, and I had no complaints regarding knee or headroom. Despite the large sunroof letting in a lot of light into the cabin, the overall sense of the space is not the best, though. The rear seat, I feel, is best suited for two people as the centre transmission tunnel eats into the middle passenger's leg space.

Overall, the interior is solidly put together and I didn't notice any rattling or lose items in the cabin. There is ample use of soft touch materials on the top of the dashboard and key touch points. There are few touch points, especially in the second row which are made up of hard plastic, though. For the price, I feel the omission of nifty features like a sunglass holder and a proper TPMS doesn't help matters either.

Engine, Performance & NVH



The performance has always been the Skoda Kodiaq's forte, and that continues with the new model. The Bombay traffic had started to show its ugly head by the time I got behind the wheel, and that made me appreciate the effortless nature of the 2.0 TSI engine and 7-speed DSG combo. I drove in the Individual mode with everything set to Sport, except the engine. The car moved smoothly off the line, and I didn't feel any turbo lag at low revs. The gearshifts are hardly noticeable, and I like how the car would auto-blip on downshifting using the paddle shifters.



The drive on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Coastal Road convinced me this car is meant for long-distance touring. The car's ability to masks speed is so good that driving within limits felt like I was slowing down the traffic around. The engine and gearbox go about their job quietly. Mash the throttle, and the DSG makes quick downshifts to ensure the car is ready to jump ahead.

The insulation on the Kodiaq is spot on and it does a good job of isolating the occupants from the outside noise. Try opening and then closing the window in traffic and you'll know what I am talking about. The engine is audible inside at higher revs, though, but we collectively agreed that it sounded sporty and not bothersome. If anything, it only elevated the drive experience.

Ride & Handling

While I haven't experienced the DCC-equipped Kodiaq, the suspension setup on the 2025 Kodiaq feels sophisticated and mature. The low speed ride didn't feel uncomfortable at any point with five passengers on-board. The most impressive aspect of the suspension is the way it quickly settles down after passing through unscientific dips in the road. Things get even better at high speeds, further strengthening its touring capabilities.



The steering on Kodiaq is light to operate at city speeds, and that helped manoeuvring the big car in traffic. While finding a parking spot in the city might be difficult, driving the Kodiaq there won't feel like a hassle. I didn't get a chance to test its high-speed handling, so won't comment on the same.

Final Verdict

The Skoda Kodiaq has always been appreciated for the premium experience it brings to the table at a more affordable price tag compared to a similarly sized luxury vehicle. Using the term "value" to describe the 2025 Kodiaq does feel like a stretch, though, considering it costs more than Rs 55 lakhs on-road in most states.



That being said, the new Kodiaq has taken a big leap in terms of the premium quotient, especially inside the cabin. The drive experience continues to be its USP. I highly recommend you take a long test drive, and I am sure you'll be left impressed with the overall experience, just like we were!

Wrapping Up

To quickly summarise, the Team-BHP x Skoda meet-up was a great initiative and a rewarding experience. The planning was impressive and we went through the day without any hiccups. For BHPians reading this post, I would highly recommend you attend similar event when it comes in your city. And for non-members, I hope this post makes you want to join the forum and be part of such experience in the future. At last, a big thank you to GTO, Team-BHP organising team, and Skoda for hosting a memorable day!

[#drivingFreak]

2025 Skoda Kodiaq: Closer Observations

Illuminated bits in the grille adds more flair to the design. I am not a big fan of it, though:


LED turn indicators in action:


I would be happy to trade a bit of fuel efficiency in exchange for getting rid of these plastic inserts:


The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is E20 compliant:


The drive was almost three hour long which allowed us to get familiar with a lot of functions of new Kodiaq:


The maps mirroring function is exclusive to the in-built navigation system. Fortunately, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay covers the whole display area on the 13-inch infotainment system:


Gear Selector is now placed behind the steering wheel. I had to make conscious effort not operate it accidentally instead of the wiper controls, which are now placed on the right side:


The cabin light and sunroof controls are touch operated and feel premium. The glass black finish can be a finger print magnet, though:


The Ergo Seats come with a welcome function and a wide range of adjustability. It didn't take a long time for me to find my desired driving position. I wish the seat went a bit more lower, though:


I miss the rotary light controls present on older German cars:


Big Panoramic sunroof lets in a lot of air inside the cabin. Fortunately, the weather during our drive was perfect for us to make complete use of the feature:


A few of the "Simply Clever" features we are now familiar to see on Skoda Cars:


While the front passengers enjoy their Ergo seats, these are the few features to pamper the rear seat occupants:


No issues with the headroom in the second-row (For reference, I am almost 6 feet tall):


BHPian Pandu1564 looks concerned for the third-row occupant . Even with the option to slide the second row seats, the 2025 Kodiaq is strictly a 5+2 seater:
[/ATTACH]

A 12V charging socket, a hook and a latch to fold the second-row seats are placed in the boot. Even with all the seats up, there is ample room in the boot. Things only get better when the last row is folded down:

[Starwar19]

Since the last event was cancelled due to the high tensions in the country, I had been eagerly waiting for it to be rescheduled. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get selected—I felt my contributions to the forum were minimal. But alas, this amazing community gave me a chance!

I usually refrain from posting because the points I want to make are often already covered by others, and I don’t want to add noise without value. But now, I’m determined to be more active hereon. You won’t believe it—I was planning my weekends around the possibility of this event being scheduled! That’s how excited I was.

Even in the middle of a week-long trip to South India (travel blog coming soon!), I kept this event at the forefront. First and foremost, a big shoutout to Skoda India and Team-BHP for organizing and executing such a well-planned event. Everything was seamless—there was no room for complaints, not even suggestions.

To attend the event, I started early morning from Pune. Folks familiar with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway know how breathtaking it becomes during monsoons. It was no different this time—lush greenery and spectacular views through the ghats. The clouds were practically grazing the road, making for a perfect Sunday morning. Traffic was light, as expected for a Sunday, and I was buzzing with excitement!


I reached the Taj Mahal Palace around 1:15 PM, completed the formalities, and was welcomed into a room full of energy, enthusiasm, and smiling faces. The product demonstration was already underway. There was a detailed presentation on the new Skoda Kodiaq—its features, design changes, interiors, and exteriors.







I’ve always been a big fan of the Kodiaq TDI. If it were still on sale in 2023, no points for guessing—it would’ve been in my garage! I love the Kodiaq’s design, performance, DSG gearbox, interiors, and especially the Canton speakers.




The product presentation was highly informative and offered deep insights, clarifying many of the updates in this model. We were then treated to a delicious five-course meal—each dish better than the last. Lunch and presentations wrapped up sharply by 3 PM. Afterward, we took an amazing group photo and were ready to get behind the wheel.












We were split into groups, each BHPian getting about 45–60 minutes to drive the Kodiaq. I was teamed with @silversmoke, @t3ofil4us, and @praveen789. Two of them were already well-acquainted with the brand—Silversmoke even owns a 2022 Kodiaq TSI.





Our drive route took us from the Taj Mahal Palace to Bhakti Park, via the scenic coastal road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Mumbai is just magical during the monsoons—I still have the views fresh in my mind. Silversmoke started the drive, and we took a brief stop at Marine Drive to get comfortable with the car.

While parking, the Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) engaged abruptly. The distance to the car behind us was still considerable, but the system activated with a loud thud. Personally, I found it too aggressive—and I’m not a big fan of ADAS features anyway, apart from adaptive cruise control.

As a front passenger, the cabin felt exceptionally premium—soft-touch materials everywhere. The tactile dials felt great and worked seamlessly. However, the infotainment system felt cluttered and underwhelming. I had briefly driven the previous-gen Kodiaq and found this new setup a step down in terms of user experience. The cabin is so airy and panormaic sunroof is a boon.





Noise insulation was excellent—engine sounds were barely noticeable. The engine itself felt significantly more refined than the previous model and hit triple digits effortlessly. From a passenger perspective, the car felt confident, smooth, and very comfortable. I never realised the gear shifts happening, no fear when the car picked up speeds.

We tried the massage seats—and wow, they were fantastic. Lots of modes to choose from, perfect for relaxing. The Canton speakers truly shine. As an audiophile, I felt like I was at a live concert—just amazing sound quality.

That said, the suspension was a bit disappointing on the smooth coastal roads. There was a constant floaty movement—it lacked composure. We suspected the tyre pressure might be high, but surprisingly, this ₹50+ lakh car doesn’t come with direct TPMS. Even my 2022 Honda City offers indirect TPMS. That's a serious miss.

We were driving the L&K variant—the seats were supremely comfortable, with excellent lumbar and under-thigh support. I found my ideal driving position quickly. Silversmoke handled the traffic around Mumbai with ease. At Bhakti Marg, @t3ofil4us took over and drove towards Atal Setu.

The Kodiaq performed brilliantly over uneven surfaces, and the suspension did redeem itself a bit on rougher patches. However, its behavior on smooth roads needs refinement. It should have been the other way round. On the highway, though, the car was a joy to drive. The views from Atal Setu were mesmerizing—photos don’t do them justice.

We took a brief stop at the end of the bridge to explore the car. The boot was massive—ample for any road trip. The car will gobble up any amount of luggage. The third row, however, is only suitable for children. Adults would feel cramped and uncomfortable. Person sitting in the third row would be literally punished.





One thing that didn’t sit well with me was the alloy wheels—they look more like they belong on an EV.
They take away from the otherwise bold presence of the car. The car also appears shorter in height.





@Praveen789, who is 6’2”, had the roofline reaching only his shoulders. That said, interior space felt fine. At 5’9”, I had plenty of headroom. No complaints there.





From any angle, the car looks stunning and sharp. Inside, it’s easy to find a comfortable and commanding driving position. The steering wheel felt premium but a bit small for my taste. I’m not a fan of relocating all the controls behind the steering wheel—gear selector, paddle shifters, light controls, and cruise control all crammed behind it. It feels unnecessarily complicated.









Yes, relocating the gear selector has freed up a lot of space underneath, but I see no benefit of this usability(attached photo below), but I’d still prefer the gear lever in its traditional place.

From Atal Setu, I took over the driving and headed back toward Bhakti Marg. The car accelerated effortlessly, handled corners confidently, and always felt planted. The steering was light, responsive, and a joy to use.

The DSG transmission was buttery smooth—gear shifts were imperceptible even with paddle shifters. The Kodiaq really masks its size well—it handles like a hatchback in the city. The engine felt refined and never underpowered. Quick overtakes were easy, and start-stop traffic was managed effortlessly.

One mystery: we couldn’t find the Auto Hold switch. Either it’s removed or we couldn't spot it.

A few niggles—second-row AC controls weren’t working, and the seatbelt warning wouldn’t turn off. We couldn't connect to the Apple Carplay or Android Auto whatsoever. The time flew by during the drive.

At Bhakti Park, @Praveen789 took over and drove us back to the Taj Mahal Palace, where we arrived around 6:30 PM. A lovely high tea was arranged for all attendees. I was beyond happy after the drive—what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday!

I got to meet many fellow BHPians, connect over our shared passion, and, of course, talk about cars non-stop. A highlight? Clicking a photo with the Man himself—GTO!



---

Summary of the Car:

Pros:

1. Stunning exterior design—sharp, elegant, and premium.
2. Luxurious cabin with top-notch materials. Soft touch materials all around in the front seats atleast.
3. Spacious and roomy interior. The panoramic sunroof is huge.
4. Light and responsive steering.
5. Excellent transmission and powerful performance. The car never felt out of breath. Handled everything so well.
6. Canton speakers are a treat for audiophiles.
7. Highly comfortable seating with adjustable support.
8. Superb noise insulation—cabin remains absolute silent.
9. Confident handling and road manners.
10. Clever features—door-edge protectors, umbrellas, ticket holders, etc.



Cons:

1. Steering wheel controls are overly complex and cluttered.
2. Infotainment system is unintuitive and dull. HUD seems very boring and small. Jokingly, I said my Samsung Galaxy ultra would grow that bigger in next 3-4 generations.
3. No direct TPMS; suspension feels unsettled at times.
4. Alloy wheels are unappealing and are a big disappointment to my liking.
5. Front camera has higher resolution than the reverse camera—odd choice.
6. SUV-style seating is missing; passengers sit lower than expected.
7. Suspension tuning could be improved for a smoother ride.


All in all, the Kodiaq is a phenomenal package. It gets all the essentials right and punches above its weight in many areas. Yes, it has a few flaws, but if you're in the ₹50-lakh range looking for comfort and premiumness, this car deserves serious consideration.

Just a note: the TSI engine’s fuel economy drops fast if you drive with a heavy foot. The mileage numbers can be disappointing if you’re not gentle on the accelerator.

A huge thank you again to Team-BHP and Skoda India for the amazing experience. My heart is full of joyous memories, and it’s always a pleasure connecting with this incredible community.

Proud to be a BHPian. Thank you!

[Shreyas_H]

What an event, and what a drive!

A lot has already been covered by other members, so I will try to keep it brief (tough!) and share my perspective on the event experience and the car.

First things first - big kudos to Skoda and to Team BHP for organizing this. The event was top notch and exactly to the standards of other events car companies organize for the biggest of the automotive journalists. Not only is this a clever way of breaking the clutter, (especially given that all car reviews on YouTube now have started looking exactly the same, with all channels releasing them at the exact same time), this also shows the acknowledgement from the industry that this forum directly influences purchase decisions for thousands of Indians.



Skoda’s positioning in India is unique and different from what it enjoys in let’s say the European market - it is a more aspirational brand in India and that’s thanks to some ‘simply clever’ product and marketing mix they have brought in place over the years. With that in mind, the new Kodiaq is a big deal for Skoda in India. So here’s my 2 cents on what I thought about the car and how it drives -

It was 4 of us in the car - Maky, swarnava.ch, Nair.V8 and me - I started in the passenger seat with Maky behind the wheel and here’s what I thought of it:

What I liked

• Plush looking cabin, spacious, airy and comfortable
• Special mention to the super comfortable seat - how it wraps around you, the ventilation effect and oh - the massage. It is not a gimmick - that massage function is the real deal!
• The smart dials - a ‘simply clever’ touch that is genuinely smart and useful
• Comfortable ride quality up front
• When the car stops and you open the door, the seat automatically goes back a bit - lovely touch

What was okay

• The glove boxes (2) were pretty small. I think my Polo has a bigger glove box than the lower one of the Kodiaq. I would rather have 1 big one than 2 smallish ones.
• We put in 2 iPhones on the wireless chargers and had some trouble charging one of them
• The trim near the door handles looks good but was plasticky to touch - could have used a better material

It was a fun drive - starting with the coastal road (where we came across this crashed M4) and then going over the Bandra Worli Sea link, then crossing over towards Eastern Express Highway and stopping at Bhakti Park, Wadala. The passenger seat experience was good, the car was sorted over most bad roads but still a bit on the stiff side.



We then switched drivers, swarnava.ch took over and I went back to sit on the 2nd row. Here’s what I thought about that -

What I liked

• Spacious, comfy seats, generous armrest and 3 zone climate control
• Comfortable recline angle and seats can be adjusted to go ahead and back
• Detachable cup holder over the transmission hump - smart
• The panoramic sunroof, with its blinds taken back, really amplifies the openness of the cabin in the back seat

What was okay

• Ride quality saw a significant change on the middle row compared to the front seat - felt much more body roll, felt all the bumps and the stiffness
• It can seat 3 people but the person in the middle won’t be very comfortable, especially over longer distances
• Both front seats have a phone holder connected to them for the 2nd row passengers to use - good feature but quality seemed a bit aftermarket

Again a great drive - the rain was starting to clear up and as Swarnava started driving over the Atal Setu, the clouds cleared up and we saw the most spectacularly clear view of Navi Mumbai sans any pollution - it looked beautiful.

We stopped over after the toll to admire the car and a few other BHPians had also stopped there along with their Kodiaqs. We did some driver rejigs and then it was my turn to drive the Kodiaq. Here’s what I thought of the driver’s seat experience



What I liked

• This is clearly a driver’s car and not a chauffeur driven car! Comfortable seat, great driving position and great visibility
• The steering wheel deserves special mention - great to hold, good response and all the buttons, knobs on the steering are great to operate
• You do not feel the size of the car when driving it - nimble, responsive and dare I say, fun to drive
• The engine is a gem - responds with a growl when you need to overtake but can easily hum along at 1800 RPM at 100 km/h too - didn’t really need to use the paddle shifters at all. The engine did not feel sluggish at any point in time.
• Did I mention comfortable seats? I can imagine this would be a great car for long distance rides
• The driver’s screen was crisp, with a matte finish - high quality and great legibility
• The proximity sensor warnings are tuned well - not very intrusive but come in when you’re too close for comfort to another car / bike / pedestrian
• Good quality 360 degree camera - useful given the size of the car. We missed trying the auto park feature though
• Extended thigh support for the driver’s seat is an awesome addition

What was okay

• The new positioning of the gear selector and the confusing stalks - took a while to get used to it. I get it that it frees up space on the center console but personal preference would be to have it the traditional way!
• All of us felt that the brakes felt a bit spongy to start with and the bite felt a bit non-linear. Not in an extreme way but noticeable
• A lot of features are hidden behind multiple clicks on the touch screen - not a great experience while driving
• Not a huge difference in engine response & steering weight when shuffling through the drive modes

Swarnava had a flight to catch so we dropped him at BKC to get a cab to the airport - Hence, this ended up being a longer than expected drive for me and Maky was generous enough to continue being in the co-passenger seat and let me drive back all the way to the Taj. We went through open roads, some potholes, some bumper to bumper traffic and I can see that this car can be a good easy daily driver too.

Other observations

• The Canton sound system is nothing to write home about - we tried multiple settings and while it sounded nice, it wasn’t anything exceptional. Nair.V8 said that the Scorpio-N has much better sound than this
• Touch-like buttons on the sunroof and the rear seat temperature control - please give us Clicky buttons!
• Skoda has continued with some ‘simply clever’ features - the smart dials, the door protectors, the umbrella and the seats automatically going back when you open the door. Great touches
• I’m not a fan of the alloys on the L&K - they just don’t work for me
• The overall look of the car is nice, but I’m not personally a fan of the connected tail lights - the first gen Kodiaq has a much better rear!
• The sunroof is great - makes the whole cabin feel airier & bigger
• DCC seems like a surprising omission - probably a cost / margins decision but would have helped make this a great product
• We couldn’t find where to activate the auto hold feature! Not sure if the car has it at all
• Great warranty and service packages shared by the Skoda team - peace of mind for 8 years (at least on paper)

My Highlights

• I loved meeting fellow forum members and car guys! It was great throughout the drive to talk about cars and do some car-spotting
• It was a great experience driving a car I have been very curious about for a while now. This was no ordinary test drive, mind you ~ 100 kms over 3 hours on relatively empty Mumbai roads - that’s my definition of fun!
• The event itself was really well organized - special thanks to Omkar, Aditya, GTO and everyone else working behind the scenes to make it happen. Of course, big thanks to the Skoda team as well for working on a Sunday organizing this event.
• The Skoda team gifted us a power bank with a built-in Nintendo simulator - great nostalgia!

So then, let’s get to the million dollar question (or more accurately, the 5 million Rupee question) - is the car worth the asking price?

To answer this, we have to look at the consumer segment that Skoda is targeting with the new Kodiaq. Historically with the Octavia, Superb and first gen Kodiaq, Skoda has positioned itself as the well informed and smart person’s choice. This is a customer who is not chasing badge value but sees the value of solid engineering, a good product, clever features and a car that can hold its own against much more expensive German entry level luxury cars. This customer is probably a CXO minus one, or a business owner who is not necessarily chasing a luxury badge.

With the new Kodiaq, the equation changes a bit - many people will find it not ‘value for money’ anymore, but when you look at the larger trends in the Indian market and see how the price creep is real for almost all products, this starts making a little more sense. I would say that the new Kodiaq still punches above its weight, but also punches a bigger hole in your pocket now. For someone looking for a solid driver’s car that is feature rich, spacious, fun to drive and also doesn’t draw too much attention on the road, this is a good option and you should test drive it. If price is a concern, then a second hand first gen Kodiaq is an even better alternative - that is one solid car, which IMO looks better than the 2nd generation and also has DCC!

This is not the right car for everyone, but for the right segment of the customers, this is a compelling proposition. I also think this is a very important launch for Skoda and we can see their marketing might behind this product. I’m happy I got a chance to be a part of this experience and I personally enjoyed driving the Kodiaq! This will make it's way on my must-test-drive list when I'm recommending a car in this segment to anyone

[StrykerEV05]

Before delving into the drive impression I would first like to thank Skoda and TeamBHP for organizing such a wonderful event. I had a great time speaking with the motoring enthusiasts.
The event started at the grand Taj Mahal Palace which had the presence of Senior executives from Skoda. I loved the respect they had for TeamBHP. Jakub Musil, the head of Product and Pricing at Skoda India in the candid interaction he had with us before the session began slyly said "We are going to take you through the presentation, although I doubt there's hardly anything that you guys don't know about the car". I personally did get to learn a lot from the presentation though! It was a really crisp presentation covering all the important aspects of the car.
The lunch was quite exquisite and they gave us a gift even before the drive began (Powerbank with video games, the picture of which has been shared earlier).
Around 3pm as planned the drive began, I experienced all the places a typical owner of this car would sit (I'm expecting the owner wouldn't sit in the 3rd row personally). There were 3 drivers so Ideally there would be 3 legs but I'm splitting it into 4 since I changed my position after the stop post Atal Setu where we got down to check out the cars.

1st Leg - The Taj Palace to Bhakti Park via Coastal Road-Sealink-BKC
Iloveturtles was driving in this part, the Skoda driver was sitting shotgun, tanmay1904 and I were in the back seats.

The legroom seemed a little low at start for a car of this size. I asked iloveturtles if he usually sits this behind. He said no, moved a bit forward to his usual driving position and then the legroom was quite decent.

Suspension: The Suspension was quite good and was appreciated by all in our drive. I somehow felt things were more comfortable at the rear when compared to the front. A nicely calibrated Suspension for Indian roads for sure.

I managed to click a few nice videos of the cars in motion while sitting in the rear. Made one into a gif, attached below. I also used AI in my samsung phone to erase our cars ORVM. The results are great, see below:




2nd Leg: Iloveturtles and tanmay1904 swapped seats. Route: Bhakti Park - Atal Setu and back to the same place.

Got to experience very bumpy roads in this stretch, we realised the car's Suspension could have been better at lower speeds especially. Once we hit the Eastern Freeway things were pretty smooth. The car has good high speed stability.

At the end of Atal Setu we stopped for a few pictures.

The front look could have been a bit sharper. BTW this is the same car which was used a week back for offroading.


The side profile of the car looks huge but is well proportioned.


The umbrella is only on the Driver's side this time


The Massaging Seats button could have been placed better, here it is quite tricky to reach when the doors are closed since the door storage blocks the access.


The seats are very comfortable with ample side bolstering. The Massager is the highlight of this seat, it starts from the lower back and moves up. I would rate it higher than even seat ventilation. This doesn't come in any other car of this segment.


3rd Leg: I asked the Skoda driver to sit behind and I rode shotgun.

The weather was sunny on the Ulwe side of Atal Setu and stormy on the Mumbai side. It was a fascinating drive which took us between these in just about 20 mins.


I enjoyed being the passenger prince here, connected my car via the Wireless Android Auto. Until now we were listening to songs on the radio. The clarity of sound on the radio was exceptional, almost felt like it was connected via Android Auto/Apple Carplay. No noise, great volume and bass. We thought the Android Auto experience will be next level given the car is so good with just the radio. Well it didn't turn out that way, audio quality was almost similar. Good audio system no doubt but there are a few cars of the below segment like Mahindra Twins which have a much better audio system. The Dashboard looks very rich!


4th Leg: Taking over the Driver's seat finally
Route: Reverse of 1st Leg

First thing I did was take the car over the undulations on the road below the Monorail. That's a true test of the Suspension, as mentioned earlier, I feel it is well tuned at higher speeds but could have been better at lower speeds.

The acceleration for a car this size is impressive, traction control works pretty well too.

Encountered some bumper to bumper traffic near BKC and near Marine Drive after the Coastal road section. I thought it would be difficult to maneuver a car of this size, but it was fairly simple. The steering wheel is light which makes life in the city very easy.

I would have liked the 360 camera being activated automatically when cars come too close but that didn't seem to be the case. The proximity sensors were getting activated which were showing the proximity on the screen direction wise and were beeping if anything came close. I don't know if the option of 360 Camera was disabled or this was the only mode available.

Finally after about an hour's drive we reached the Taj, we were the 1st car to arrive.

Interacted with BHPians and the event came to an end.

Verdict:
I would prefer this over the Fortuner, and I believe Senior executives of my company feel the same way. We have 3 Kodiaqs in our BKC office in a parking for just 30 cars. I now appreciate the taste of the C level executives at my company 😁

[SilverSmoke]

Came the much awaited day! Many thanks to GTO, Omkar, Aditya & all others who made this event a success. This was my first ever BHPian meet. As I need to come from Delhi, I checked in at property a night before - had sumptuous dinner & a sound sleep.

Disclaimer: Already much said about 2025 Kodiaq TSI by my fellow BHPians, I will compare this version of Kodiaq TSI with previous TSI one that I have been driving from June 2022. Things will be kept to the point & concised. Will be unbiased - goods will be mentioned good & bads as bad.


Perfect morning majestic view from room window.


Taj has luxurious vibes of its own.


Reached the venue a bit early.


GTO taking over.



Delicacies being served.


BHPians marching ahead for the drive.


Our gang - @t3ofil4us, @praveen789, @starwar19 & me. Every BHPian was so warm, sweet & cooperative.


Serene drive - its rare for me not to sit in driver's pit in Kodiaq - was enjoying every moment.



Ambient lights are being related to real life scenes on panel.


Loved the dial integration - digital & analog at the same time.


However, I still love the physical buttons from previous model - almost everything can be approached directly & without taking your attention off.


Side support on head rest was clever feature in earlier model which is omitted now. My parents love it on long drives.


New wheels looks too ugly. Earlier gunmetal were far better. Even if this plastic is removed, logo comes off along with it. Tyre profile is same 235 R18 55 - this one is from Hankook, last was from MRF Markus.
I am just in love with old alloys with gun metal (not trinity alloy). New ones are just an eye sore.
Interestingly, I didnt placed the wheels logo in exact same position.


Loved the air vents - they are now much sturdier & modern.


Steering wheel is more or less same with modern touch of Skoda letters. - I feel logo was better - could have made logo larger for the change. Many controls behind the steering wheel made it cluttered - but definitely it made space free between front seats.

Tactile control is lesser in newer gear knob. If wanted to shift to Sports mode while driving, I have to take my right hand off the steering - which I never want. Also, taking single voluntary wiper swipe when immediately needed is difficult in 2025 version.


Door design is mostly hard plastic - but looks modern.



2nd row space is more or less same - infact found somewhat better on earlier version.


Rear lights were better in older version.


Minimalistic & sharper.


Kodiaq is too suffering from connecting light syndrome - liked previous generation's rear more.


Sturdy & modern rear vents.


Front looks more masculine now with great vertical lines.


ORVMs are larger & sharper. For whole drive I didnt managed to get blind spot warning anytime - guess its missing.


L & K logo remains same.


Head lamps, which are already among best, are same mechanically - with outside configuration changed.
Headlight washers are omitted in 2025 version.


Coolant container specifications are same too.


Battery is same from Varta 680 A.

[SilverSmoke]

Glove box dimension is similar.


Bonnet is more flat - gives better judgments. The dash looks busier but modern with soft touch materials.


Exhaust is similar with minor changes.


Loved the front seats, very comfy - best massage ever felt. Another reason to drive Kodiaq.


Canton speaker now on A pillar.


Noted these fluorescent color markings - those weren't in 2022 version - it's good that Skoda adapting for the good.


Took 147 KMs drive - had similar FE figures as new version- cant figure out need of aero wheels.

Engine & transmission- 2025 is definitely more refined & punchier. We didn't tested 0-100 timings due to restrictions but I feel it will be below 8 seconds when riding solo & in sports mode. We were 5 people in the car, it was pulling so well - no doubt in that. DSG I believe is same DQ381 but in better state of tune - feels much smoother than 2022 version. Especially, that D2-D3 clanking wasn't felt ever. This engine & transmission makes it more driver focused.
Suspension - better for high speed runs. DCC shouldn't have been missed, as previous generation owner, it's a big miss. Comfort mode make wonders.
Similar Canton system - needs to be tuned in equaliser for better output.
Mobile holders are welcomed addition.

Final verdict: If you are a new buyer, have budget for upto 58L, love to drive the machine yourself - it's the best choice that you can have in market. You will smile everytime this engine & transmission pulls vehicle forward - no doubt in that. If you have older TSI version, it's still a fantastic & reliable machine - keep it further till you can. It has similar performance & dynamics, plus DCC. Cost cutting is there but Skoda has mostly made up in other parts.
With such premium vehicle, middle info screen should have been integrated in the dashboard itself - don't like it popping out in front. Or should have been moved down - utilizing the space freed up by gear knob - like GLC.
E20 compatiblity with minimum 95 RON. Please don't go with normal petrol - it's a high compression engine - will lead to carbon deposits in long run.

Why vehicles having similar specs will lag behind Kodiaq?
Because of drive train efficiency - it's among best in Kodiaq. Almost all the power generated at crank is very effectively transmitted to the wheels - with minimal losses.
Even with likes of Fortuner, it's ahead in most of the performance aspects & comfort. Engine pull is noisy & pathetic in Fortuner when compared to Kodiaq - especially on highways & expressways. It feels like engine is roaring but all is stuck.
But if you like to be driven around, simply go for Hycross, Invicto or Carnival.

If you Live To Drive, take it – you will never regret!

[Nair.V8]

A Memorable Drive: Experiencing the New Skoda Kodiaq with TeamBHP

The Skoda Kodiaq drive held on Sunday 15th June 2025 was truly a delightful and well-executed event, and I'm grateful to TeamBHP for this opportunity. It was a pleasure to experience the new Kodiaq firsthand and to connect with GTO, Aditya, Omkar, and other fellow attendees at the iconic Taj Hotel.



Event Highlights & Organization
The event was meticulously organized by TeamBHP, Skoda, and Cars24. The hospitality was exceptional, featuring a delicious multi-course meal followed by high tea and snacks at the end of the drive. Skoda even surprised us with a unique wireless power bank that had an integrated Gameboy, what a nifty little gadget!





Before the drive, Team Skoda provided a comprehensive presentation on the new Kodiaq, detailing its features, safety equipment, and technical advancements over the previous generation. As someone who owns a 2023 Kodiaq L&K (in my business fleet) and having driven it extensively, I was particularly keen to understand the improvements in the newer model.

The Driving Experience: Exploring Mumbai's Best Roads
We were divided into groups of 3 or 4 to utilize the seven Kodiaqs made available. The driving route was explained thoroughly, with designated checkpoints for seat switching, ensuring everyone had a chance to get behind the wheel. The route itself was phenomenal, covering some of Mumbai's finest driving roads, including the Coastal Road, Sealink, Eastern Freeway, and Atal Setu. These are roads I frequent when I crave a good drive, and my familiarity with them allowed me to better understand the new Kodiaq's driving dynamics.



First Impressions: Rear Seat Comfort & Interior Aesthetics
I started my drive in the rear seat, sharing a Kodiaq with three other BHPians. My initial impressions were highly positive. The new design and interior colours, particularly the black and tan-brown combination, immediately gave a posh Euro vibe. This colour scheme is a personal favourite, striking a great balance between brightness and darkness while being practical for our living conditions. The large central touchscreen and panoramic sunroof instantly grabbed my attention too.



The rear seats were supportive, offering sliding and reclining functionality for optimal comfort. Rear sunshades and climate-controlled AC vents ensured a pleasant environment in the 2nd row. While I didn't test the 3rd row, it appeared suitable for 2 shorter individuals or children. The generous glass area and panoramic sunroof contributed to a very airy cabin feel, even on a cloudy/rainy day. However, I did notice that while the gray wood-like material on the doors and dashboard looked appealing, it felt cheap to touch.

Ride & Handling: A Perfect Balance (Despite DCC Omission)
One of my initial concerns was the ride quality, as the new Kodiaq omits DCC, a feature I highly valued in the previous generation for its ability to adjust ride quality based on road conditions. To my pleasant surprise, the suspension setup was spot on, achieving a perfect balance between handling and comfort. There was a typical European stiffness over rough surfaces and imperfections, but it never felt uncomfortable. On fast highways, the ride was exceptionally stable and pliant, making it a true mile-muncher. Although I didn't push the car to its dynamic limits, the handling felt smooth and predictable; the new Kodiaq drives like a well-balanced Euro sedan.





Front Seat Comfort & Infotainment
Moving to the front seats, the experience was even better. The front seats felt superior, boasting features like electric adjustment, seat ventilation, adjustable thigh support, and even massagers. The large touchscreen interface is crisp and provides a bucket load of information. However, a significant drawback is the removal of many physical buttons, with basic adjustments now relegated to the touchscreen. The UI and menu flow were not intuitive; for instance, we struggled for several minutes to activate/deactivate brake hold assist, a function that had a dedicated button next to the gear lever in the previous Kodiaq.



Areas for Improvement: Interior Finishes & Glaring ADAS Omission
While the overall interior exuded a premium vibe, certain plastics lower down felt cheap and out of place for Skoda's flagship product. This included the movable plastic trays and separators in the center console storage, around the cup holders, and the removable rear holder/tray. These, coupled with the cheap-feeling gray wood trim, detracted from the new Kodiaq's ‘premium appeal’.

From behind the wheel, it's clear the Kodiaq is a true driver's car. The effortless performance from the 2.0 TSi motor and 7-speed DSG is commendable. The ride and handling setup is spot on, making it a great companion for long journeys. The cabin remains remarkably quiet at higher speeds, with negligible body movement, and the sound insulation is fantastic for this category of vehicle. The Canton audio system also works wonders in uplifting the mood.

However, the driver's seat also highlighted the Kodiaq's biggest weakness: the complete absence of ADAS. There's no smart cruise control, no lane keep assist, and no blind spot monitoring/alert. This omission is glaring in today's market, especially for a flagship car costing well over ₹50 lakhs. With the rapid development of well-planned highways across India, the inclusion of ADAS features would have made the Kodiaq an even more complete and desirable long-distance cruiser.



Concluding Thoughts
As a long-time Skoda fan and owner of multiple Skoda vehicles in my family and business, I was disappointed that the new Kodiaq falls short of perfection due to these missing features. While the few sub-standard plastics and the omission of DCC are forgivable, the absence of ADAS features is, in my opinion, a non-negotiable safety feature considering the Kodiaq's positioning. These are my humble observations from the course of a very well-organized Sunday event. Cheers!

[pandu1564]

A Dream on Four Wheels: My Skoda Kodiaq Drive Experience with Team-BHP

It almost felt like the universe had tuned into my thoughts. Ever since the Atal Setu was inaugurated, I had longed to drive on that engineering marvel. But the chance never came—until I came across the announcement for the Skoda Kodiaq Night Drive event. Not only did it promise a thrilling drive through Mumbai—the city I dream of living in and the roads I wished to drive on—but it included the added cherries of a yacht experience and, most prestigious of all, was hosted at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace.

Growing up, I’ve always admired the Tatas—their legacy, their contribution to shaping India, and their unmatched class. I’m also deeply fascinated by the Indo-Saracenic architecture of Old Bombay. Having read The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation, this event, hosted at a venue so close to my heart, felt like a perfect blend of my passions—for history, architecture, and automobiles—a true dream come true.

As I read through the event prerequisites, I realized I wasn't actively writing on this forum due to academics. I instantly selected a travelogue from what I had already written in my free time, imagining someday I would upload it to Team-BHP. I got to work to finish it off and proofread it, then posted it as a new thread. As the India-Pakistan conflict grew to higher tensions, I pulled the trigger on the story in which I bought a Honda City VTEC from Jammu, so that my thread would get maximum attention and I would get selected for the event. And it did.

Huge thanks to GTO and the moderators for giving me this opportunity!

However, as fate would have it, the event was initially postponed due to a High Alert situation in Mumbai. I was not sure if the event would even happen as an IPL match got called off, but I still messaged the Team-BHP drive account on WhatsApp, and they assured me the event was on. So I booked accommodation and travel from Kolhapur. And to my dismay, the event got called off for our safety at the very last minute! I was then trolled by my family members, saying I had spoken too soon. I was very sad and kept tight-lipped about this event until boarding the bus on the previous night before the event, when I was Mumbai-bound. As one of the few attendees from outside Mumbai, it truly was a special journey for me.


Churchgate Station


Walking through old Mumbai


The absolute iconic shot


The Sunday crowd at the Gateway of India

I reached Mumbai at around 8 AM on Sunday, went to a relative's place in Malad, and got freshened up, then boarded the local train to Churchgate. As I was very early, I planned to walk through the cloudy and windy weather to the Gateway of India, only to realize the crowd was too much to enjoy. So, I did a quick round of the Taj Hotel to spot our rides for the day and was so much happier to see them getting ready for us. As the weather grew from windy to humid, I hurried myself into early check-in to the event and was greeted by the old-school aura of the magnificent Taj, especially the dome above. As I looked up the stairs, it just added to the flair, and everything started clicking in. After the check-in process, I reached the Gateway Room and was greeted by GTO. At first, I was just grasping everything and stood silent until vigsom Sir came and started talking about how he started writing actively after the COVID pandemic. His knowledge was immense, and he also guided us young BHPians about the posts needed on this forum. It was relieving to hear that it is not only I but a lot of us who proofread posts multiple times before posting.


The view when I looked up

I also met tanmay1904, with whom I was supposed to carpool if the night drive event was going to be executed. I interacted with other BHPians, applauding their posts, and then the CARS24 team arrived, immediately followed by the Skoda Kodiaq Product Head, Mr. Jakub Musil. After speaking for quite a bit about cars and bikes with #drivingFreak, we were seated at round tables, and the Product presentation began, followed by the route map for the drive and the car allocation slide (which was also shared on our respective WhatsApp as well).



As time passed, we quickly finished our lunch and headed back down to sit in our respective allocated cars. But due to complete traffic chaos, we were not even able to properly flag off the event, but eventually, I found myself in the company of amrutmhatre90, Maverick_4662, and #drivingFreak.


The views on views

At first, Amrut sir took the wheel, and as we planned, I was supposed to drive on the Atal Setu to tick off a box on my bucket list. Then we kept swapping places until everyone got to experience all the seats in the first and second rows.

Now let’s talk about the car itself—the new Skoda Kodiaq.

When I first saw the car in pictures, I liked the overall stance and more butch appearance as compared to the slightly mild-looking previous gen. When the previous gen Skoda Kodiaq was launched in 2017, I was only 14 years old, and I had termed that car as a mini Audi Q7 as it looked similar to me and offered 7 seats for much less while sharing an engine (EA888), albeit with a different tune. Fast forward to today, where I am driving it, the first impressions are the doors are properly closed with that infamous German thud giving a secure feeling, and the welcome feature of the front seats is good as it goes properly back, and even a 5’ 10” frame like me got into the seat without my legs fouling with anything. Then came the seats; these felt like proper thrones! There is so much adjustability on these 12-way adjustable seats. The range of height adjustability is so massive that on the highest setting, I felt like sitting in a proper king-of-the-road position with a whole bonnet view, but the lowest setting is so low it can make the dashboard feel placed quite high, so people of all heights will find themselves comfortable. For some reason, I felt the seat ventilation to be slightly on the slower side, even with ventilation turned to max, but the seat heating was quite strong in comparison, so that is your first European quirk. The front armrest is slidable and massive. The seatbelts happen to tighten automatically as speeds rise.



The key itself felt premium to hold, though I had a feeling the piano black finish would scratch easily. The top part of the dash is quite soft-touch and feels good. The grey insert on the door and dashboard felt quite scratchy; however, the Cognac leather shade is one of my favorite ones, and it looks really good. The steering wheel controls stood out, especially the knurled dials to adjust volume and scroll through the MID, which, in my opinion, were of a better quality than the Indian-made Slavia or Kushaq. This MID covers the whole area and is quite sharp with a lot of settings to fiddle with, though I was disappointed to find the TPMS not showing exact tyre pressures but just giving warnings for pressure deflection. The Smart Dials will be a huge convenience feature for owners—they let you control drive modes and seat settings without taking your eyes off the road, which is incredibly helpful in Indian traffic. The multi-function stalk, which includes every basic function of wiper, indicator, and headlight, reminded me of the Mercedes W211 and felt like a proper German quirk.


The child lock buttons quite easy to find but can be activated accidentally


The Grey inserts felt scratchy


Absolutely Crisp

The 13-inch infotainment screen, as well as the 10-inch MID, were very sharp, and we were at first surprised whether the infotainment screen was OLED or not, but the absence of deep black gave it away as a very sharp LCD screen. The Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, but I couldn’t try out the Wireless Android Auto.

I must say that skipping ADAS for India was more of a boon than a bane. As I read about the Tiguan R-Line, which has ADAS Level 2, the calibration is not at all suitable for India, and we all know what a badly calibrated ADAS can do in an unpredictable environment like India. Also, the ADAS in new VW cars turns on by itself every time we turn on the car, so this already cluttered and confusing touchscreen will invite another step while getting going. The Kodiaq felt refreshingly straightforward.

The drive modes are mostly three for road, in which at slow speeds the steering weighs up in sport mode and feels light in normal, but as soon as we hit the highways and speeds gathered up, I felt the steering weighs up naturally, and there was negligible difference between sport and normal mode. The engine felt to have a slight lag in sport mode, as if after 2000 RPM, there was a noticeable step up in power, and in eco mode, the power felt very linear, and the engine felt hushed. Also, the gearbox shifted up in all its hurry as I was already in 7th gear while cruising at 75 KMPH. But in sport, the gearbox automatically goes into sport, and the engine is always kept above 2000 RPM, and the sound of the engine is naturally heard inside the cabin, though I felt it could have been slightly quieter. But the engine and gearbox combo is so smooth, and the DSG makes this engine punch above its own weight; the acceleration is properly brisk and much more clinical. The individual mode had a plethora of settings, even 4WD settings if we preferred sport or normal, but again, the cluttered UI made us search for ESC mode, which was placed in a different menu.


The air curtains help with efficiency

Now coming to ride comfort, the suspension for the most part was gobbling everything; only sharp ruts filtered through at slow speeds, but at high speeds, everything felt stable and tied down, and this speaks of the Kodiaq being a proper long-distance mile muncher. The dynamics while taking the long sweeping corners leading to Atal Setu felt quite tied down and with very little body roll for an SUV, and this is the only SUV in this price range with 7 seats which feels like a proper car to drive in and isn't high seating as other ladder-frame, jittery-riding rivals. The car is also massively aerodynamic, as shown in the product presentation, with the air drag coefficient down from the previous gen Kodiaq’s 0.33 Cd to the new gen’s 0.28 Cd, contributing to excellent cabin noise insulation. This, combined with new and longer warranty terms, makes the car even more recommendable than ever.


Peace of Mind with added warranty options



So the convenience feature that I most wanted to try out was the massaging seats, only applicable to the L&K trim. But unfortunately, of all the settings and modes I tried in the massage menu, I felt they were annoying to me in traffic, and it felt as if it made it harder to focus on traffic due to the relaxation they offered . Another thing I noticed was that the sunroof shade covering the massive sunroof was quite thin.



Notice only the rear tail lamps have Dynamic Swipe Indicators

The ambient lighting menu inside the infotainment screen didn't have a color-changing option, or we were not able to find it even after everyone fiddled to find it. The indicators up front don't have a dynamic swipe function; only the indicators at the back have it. The 725-watt Canton 13-speaker system felt nice, but I think the speakers on the XUV 7OO, where the roof-mounted ones give a 3D effect, fill in the cabin better, and also the subwoofer in the Kodiaq felt at a faraway place, needing us to fiddle with equalizer settings to get some nice output from these 13 speakers as the stock EQ setting was okayish.


The car can't hide its parenthood.


"Simply Clever" touch

Some things which started to trigger my OCD on an otherwise quite balanced car were the rear passenger shock absorber starting to make some hushed clicking sounds while going over broken roads, but it was very silent to even get noticed, while the speakers did their job of keeping us entertained. But the door-edge protector failed on the front passenger side door. The Mazeno alloy wheels, however, looked bad on an otherwise extremely good-looking SUV, a sentiment also shared by others on the forum.


The failed door edge protector of the front passenger side

After the drive was over, I again met GTO; he had put a lot of thought into the selection of the route for the drive, and it was one that a car enthusiast in Mumbai should take on to recharge himself. Then we again went to the Gateway Room, where we had high tea, and I met Axe77 and also spoke to Omkar while sipping some coffee. As I was about to leave, amrutmhatre90 asked me if I needed someone to drop me as he was also travelling on the same route, so my tiring local train journey way back to Malad was instantly transformed into another car chit-chat till Andheri, thanks to him.


The Bid Adieu Group Photo

This event provided me a stage to talk about cars and bikes, so much so that, as an introvert like me, it felt like I had done a lifetime’s talking at once. Looking forward to attending more such events with BHPians, and this event and day will go down as one of the best days ever .

Thank you, Team-BHP and Skoda!

[abhi_tjet]

I was one of the lucky few team-bhpians who were selected and invited for the event.



The Event

At the outset, I would like to thank GTO, Aditya, Omkar and overall mod team for this wonderful event which was as grand as it can. Equally important part was played by Skoda guys and they did made us feel valued. The presence of PR Head and Product head further corroborates it.

Meeting fellow bhpians is always an important part of any Tbhp event and this was no different. I loved interacting with them, and putting a face to handle - well, who doesn't like it? Some of them I only knew through their posts, some - I have interacted over PM and some I have already met prior.

Trivia - This was my 2nd official tbhp meet

The excitement was such that I took a proper weekend off and booked a 2 night stay in (Navi) Mumbai. My initial thought was to stay in Taj itself but then my wife took me to window and showed me the parked Multistrada whose annual service, insurance, RSA, blah-blah is due. I quickly made peace with a hotel far away from SOBO which will at least help me to leave Mumbai soon on Monday morning.

I reached at venue well before time and thought of checking out the beautiful SOBO surroundings before entering the heritage property. Mumbai's humidity though didn't helped much and I quickly checked with mods about where to report. After guiding a couple of tourists on their way to marine drive and Haji Ali, I was at the Gateway hall.




Met our friendly mods Aditya and Omkar who guided me for the quick registration.


I also met GTO - the man behind this mega platform (who is as enthusiastically backed by passionate mod team). I absolutely loved the interaction with him. Next couple of hours were spent on interacting with bhpians, Skoda team, product presentation along with a proper 5 course meal in the property.

Do's / Don'ts were shared again along with the route maps and we were able to start the drive somewhere between 3/3:30 PM.

Mr Sandeep on the mic


Car allocation


And GTO giving final instructions



As is the case generally in front of Taj, the rush along with sensitivity of place led to pushing of things which resulted in change of drivers in few cars. Not all drove in the group they were allotted to.

My allotted group was Praveen and Aditya. However, due to rush, Praveen went in some other car and Sachin was waiting for his drive to come. We saw an empty car with just the Skoda associate, and jumped in it.

Along with the car, Skoda arranged a driver associate as well for just in case scenario. He was a jolly good fellow who helped in all the toll payments(our car wasn't registered), clicking pictures of us and sat silently along with us.

Due to traffic, the Skoda staff drove the car from the Taj for a while till we moved a bit away from traffic. I drove the leg 1 since other bhpians were interested in driving in open roads. Me? I just Love to drive. I told them I am happy driving in city speeds with some pothole, speed breakers and traffic thrown in. It helps to understand the car's - dimensions, maneuverability, low speed ride, gear transition, torque at low rpm and much more.

The Drive

Below are the few pointers from my side. I will try to come close to the high bar set by fellow bhpians. Prior to this event, I have only driven the last generation Octavia. Kodiaq was a first for me. Though the engine is same in both cars, different tuning is immediately noticeable.

Pros:

• Overall space in front 2 rows.
• Engine and transmission
• Massage features
• High speed ride quality. It handles quite well and light steering helps in negotiating traffic easily.
• Choice of color for leather uplholstery. It will definitely need lesser maintenance.

Cons:

• Though its subjective, previous generation looked much better. One cant better perfection.
• Low speed ride.
• No hands free boot close.
• Complication of left stalk with control of indicators, wipers, flash and even kitchen sink thrown in.

the initial cars, not sure if flag off was done





Sachin on left and Aditya on right enjoying the drive


I was clicked too!


Took the driver seat here


Why so serious


Clean underbody


Beautiful weather and roads




Lovely color choice. India proof.


Lots of space and cubby holes





Request sensors on rear doors as well


Space


Sachin trying to remove the flaps himself


Helps in NVH but fabric material is disaster for maintenance


Sharp and beautiful headlights


Auto wipers were silent and worked flawless


Bold grill looks smashing


Loved the material, finish and textures


Heavy doors


Last click of our drive. Before we meet again


Engine - I will not go in technical spec but power seemed more than enough with an array of driving modes to suit every terrain including offroad. It was never felt low on power with 4 on board.

Gearbox - It always kept the engine on boil with minimal lag. It never felt hunting for gear and was quite smooth in low speeds unlike typical DSG's.

Suspension - It felt typical European, quite stiff in low speed which will make you feel every thud and becomes smooth as speed increases. Tire change might help here a bit. Hankook aren't the best in business I suppose.

Ride Quality - It's quite good in high speed but less than perfect in slow city speeds with random bridge joint, small potholes thrown in.

ICE - Its a beautiful screen with lovely graphics, zero lag and lots of functionality pushed into it like camera settings, massage seats, and more. Music quality was decent. We didn't made any adjustment to the equalizer though.

Exteriors- The car looks beautiful and quite regal but cant hold a candle to older gen, IMO. Alloy design is bad, how much gain in FE is there with those flaps? Sunroof definitely helps in making the cabin feel airy. Automatic wipers worked perfectly as per the rain intensity and never did I had to make any manual adjustments. Doors are HEAVY.

Interiors -
The space in first two rows is quite good with enough to stretch. Roof-liner felt plush and luxurious to touch. The presence of reading lights at right places and interior ambient light strip definitely uplifts mood when sun goes down.
3-Zone AC is quite effective. Interiors are beautiful. However, plastics at quite a few places are hard to touch! Massage seats are good and definitely not gimmicky. It only covers the seat back area though.
Kodiaq comes with a laundry list of features but still misses on hands free boot open/close. Manual sun shades for rear windows are welcome.
Front seats comes with Electric seat adjustment. Under thigh support is good for front as well as rear seat.

Fuel efficiency It is quite decent for the size and performance.

Fit/finish - This looked one-off but left front door panel at hand rest area was quite loose.

Clever features - The rear door protector coming out while opening door and empty center console due to gearbox being moved to stalk are just few of the clever features.

We followed the route with some twist and were back by 6:30 PM at the property.


Conclusion

Almost empty hall by the time we returned


Bhpian amrut with Gautam and mod Omkar


It was lovely driving with Sachin(sachin_cs) and Aditya(centreofgravity). Sachin is a good friend and no ice breaking session was needed to interact with Aditya.




Many bhpians had left by the time we reached. I had a quick coffee, chatted with bhpians who were still at venue, thanked Aditya and Omkar again for the wonderful event and left around 7:15 when literally the next party for whom hall was booked started coming in.

Many bhpians and carguys dream of event like this and I was lucky to participate and live it. Once the drive was started, even Mumbai weather was on its best behavior with right amount of rains helping in lowering the ambient temperature and humidity. May these type of events further grow!

Thanks for reading guys!

[buzzy_boy]

Prologue

"You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well-seasoned perspective. Can you suggest a good wine to go with that?"
– Anton Ego, Ratatouille, 2007

The Kodiaq has been thoroughly discussed as a product in Team-BHP circles and elsewhere. I'm here to offer my perspective of the vehicle for your reading pleasure, and I wanted to know whether the Kodiaq could work as a "posh sub-urban seven-seater." To satisfy that criterion, I posed the following questions to the Kodiaq:

1. Does it look and feel posh?
2. Is it quiet?
3. Does it have enough grunt?
4. How confused is it in 30–50 and 40–60 dashes? Very important on provincial, two-lane roads when you want to make quick overtakes.
5. Is it sufficiently differentiated from cars that are a grade below it, and is it priced appropriately?

I have divided the post in two sections:

1. Pre-drive
2. Drive

[buzzy_boy]

The Why

What does it mean to be a car enthusiast? For some, it is about modifying their own cars. For others, it’s about collecting posters and scale models. And for yet others, it’s about knowing the specs of cars inside out. For me, it is about trying to figure out the "why" of cars rather than the "what": every car, no matter how popular or obscure, has a reason for its existence — a manufacturer's hypothesis that the market either validates or invalidates.

When the all-new Kodiaq — and make no mistake, it is all-new — was launched, I couldn't figure out the reason for its existence! So, when Team-BHP organized this event, with opportunities to interact with folks from Škoda, my interest was piqued.

One night, while driving, I told my wife casually that there was such an event happening in Mumbai; I had no intention of attending it at that point. But then, when she suggested that I should attend, I couldn't really pass up the opportunity. So, I have my wife and Team-BHP to thank for making this happen!



Colaba

This was my second trip to Mumbai. The first one was a crash-and-dash to attend a conference in Andheri; I don’t remember much about that trip. This time, I was ostensibly in the more upscale part of town. When I was exploring the area around the Taj, names like Nariman Point, Leopold Café, etc., cropped up on Google Maps, and despite myself, memories of 26/11 flashed through my mind (Bless the departed souls!).



The Hotel

The Gordon House Hotel was reasonably priced, and it was a mere 300 m away from the Taj. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The food was good, but the coffee — not so much! The staff were cordial. A very nice experience overall. As it was the night of my arrival, I couldn’t explore the area much and turned in for the night.



Prepping Up

On the morning of the 15th, I woke up early and visited the Gateway of India for a photo opportunity. The child in me couldn’t help but ogle at the electric double-decker buses of Mumbai. Seeing them brought back memories of Monopoly, where you could buy BEST for ₹5, if I recall correctly. Mumbai is truly the city of imagination for a boy from provincial India.



At around 11, with more than enough time on my hands, I decided to stake out the venue — an inspired decision as I got an opportunity to catch some BTS of the team from Škoda prepping the Kodiaqs for the day’s events. Through this, I got an opportunity to look at the Kodiaq in its natural environs: the upmarket city streets. Two things struck me: one, the Kodiaq is a proper sleeper — it doesn’t have the presence or aura of the mighty Fortuner; and two, Škoda could’ve marketed more striking colors. Heck, even the Kylaq — in lemon green and red — stood out more than the Kodiaq.



Arrival

At 12:45 PM, I reached the registration desk. Aditya sent out helpful instructions constantly, and they helped avoid any hassle at the front desk. Post-formalities, I found myself in a group with GTO, Vigsom, Gajendra (co-founder of Cars24), and a bunch of other BHPians. We geeked out a little on cars and AI. Before 1:30, representatives from Škoda — Mr. Sandeep and Mr. Jakub — joined us. Jakub, if you’re reading this, please do work on the timing of your plugs regarding massage seats!



Positional Play

At 1:30, Sandeep and Jakub walked us through the details of the car; this part wasn’t particularly interesting as the audience was already well-informed. Then came the question hour — much more engaging. First off, in future events, Škoda must bring in some tech folks to answer pertinent technical questions. Mahindra is wildly successful on social media because they put Mr. Velusamy, a techie, at the heart of their promotions. Škoda must learn from them.

The key takeaway for me was Škoda’s take on the positioning of the Kodiaq — the "why" of the car. Based on their inputs, my interpretation of the positioning was: a luxurious urban SUV that appeals to people who want the "European" experience. These may well be the primary attributes of Škoda’s brand salience in India, and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into this positioning.



The Mappilai Car

Fortunately, in our part of India, there is an excellent barometer to test Škoda’s positioning — the concept of the "Mappilai car." At the more affluent weddings, the parents (of both bride and groom) gift the young couple a luxurious vehicle to signal their arrival to the world. These are called "Mappilai cars" (Mappilai = groom in Tamil). These are almost always European: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Škoda — in that order. So, the question is, can the new Kodiaq work as a Mappilai car? I think it would! Škoda seems to have their positioning spot-on.

[buzzy_boy]

The Kodiaq

Post-presentations, it was time to get down to business. Gautam and I were the last to get a car. We were supposed to be four in the vehicle, but due to some confusion, we had the car to ourselves — not that we were complaining. Gautam had the first go at the wheel, and I had the advantage of speaking to someone who owns an XEV 9E. Clearly, Gautam was smitten with his car and found it superior to the Kodiaq in many aspects. Midway through the drive, Nair V8 swapped his car for ours, and he found the Kodiaq to be more agreeable!



First Impressions

Fortunately, EVs don’t fit into my use case yet, as I regularly need to take the vehicle to my farm — which has uneven power supply. So, I had the advantage of a fresh perspective. One of the first things I noticed is that Škoda hasn’t cheaped out on the front passenger seat — it has all the functionality of the driver’s seat. The plastics were generally good, but those on the center console felt cheap — in capitals. Honestly, not acceptable. The wireless chargers were convenient. Strangely, I couldn’t turn on the ambient lights — I don’t know whether that’s a bug or a “feature.” One ergonomic flaw: it’s difficult to access cups or bottles in the central cup holders if the armrest is extended.

Another flaw: the integrated light and wiper controls mean it's not possible to operate the wipers manually—or at least, we couldn’t figure out how!

Final flaw: the execution of the proximity warnings means that your navigation gets hidden, which could cause plenty of BP spikes at crucial moments.



The Design

The Kodiaq is a very unassuming car: the front looks like a Kushaq, the sides like a Superb estate, and the rear is passable. No wonder Škoda organized the original media drives at night. That said, the Kodiaq does have an elegant stance and looks modern compared to the outgoing car. Honestly, I have no problem with the wheel caps — I understand that CAFE norms mean manufacturers have to resort to this kind of trickery to eke out the maximum possible mileage.



Luxury is Silence

There are three elements to luxury: materials, NVH, and suspension. The Kodiaq has satisfactory NVH levels. The engine was quiet enough, the wind noise was non-existent, and I believe the tyre noise was a bit more prominent because of the lack of wind noise. The suspension was silent enough, but it was bouncy in the rear seats at moderate speeds — not good. The Canton sound system was rich; the lights were nice — but the touch controls were a little laggy. The Kodiaq’s cabin is a nice place to be.



The Third Row

Access to it is easy enough; after a bit of wiggling with the passengers in the middle row, I was reasonably comfortable in the third row. Yes, the thigh support isn’t there, but you can slide your feet under the seat in front. One gripe: the backrest doesn’t recline far enough, and you do sit a bit upright. That said, I’ve seen Indian families go thousands of kilometres in less comfortable seats — India is not for beginners.



The Drive

I got to drive on the way back on the Atal Setu, and also found a bit of city traffic en route to the Taj. The car munches miles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is such a comfortable cruiser that the omission of ADAS is, in my opinion, a cardinal sin. The drive in city traffic was equally stress-free. The car behaved impeccably in the 30–50 and 40–60 dash in normal mode; post-65 km/h, throttle response is a bit dull due to the tall gearing, but I could forgive it. All three of us (Gautam, Nair V8, and I) were smooth operators, and the car rewarded us with a handsome 11.2 km/l in a mix of city and highway traffic.

The steering and the A & B pedals were well calibrated, but I found the brake pedal to be slightly higher than the A pedal—so much so that it was noticeable. There were no blind spots to speak of. This is saying something, as many manufacturers get these horribly wrong. I'm looking at you, Mahindra, Tata, and Maruti!



One highlight: normally, DCTs have a bit of lag lower down the rev range, and tend to get confused in city conditions. I found none of that in the Kodiaq — the tractable engine definitely helps the gearbox out here.



Final Thoughts

Now, to the price. For a moment, take EVs out of the picture. The rulebook says that segment-wise price differentials are ₹50K for entry-level cars, ₹5 lakh for mid-range, ₹10 lakh for large-family cars (XUVs and HyCrosses), and ₹20 lakh for entry-level luxury. In that sense, I believe the Kodiaq is well-priced. It is sufficiently differentiated from the large-family car segment in terms of luxury to warrant a ₹20 lakh differential. It is a far superior car to the Fortuner and the entry-level Germans.

But then, we are in a world with amazing EVs from the homeboys — Mahindra & Tata, Hyundai, Kia, and BYD. They appeal to the same urban SUV market as the Kodiaq (albeit without the brand value). In this new world, the Kodiaq is nothing more than a Mappilai car. And while that’s a real pity for the ICE age, one can’t help but be excited about the electric future!