The sedan bought back a lot of memories of my 2016 Volkswagen Polo GT TSI DSG.

BHPian aashiqb recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This thread has been my bookmark for the last few weeks. I recently brought home a Jan '22 Octavia L&K Graphite Gray, and boy I've been smiling each time I think about it, let alone drive it out. I had a Jeep Compass 2.0D Limited Plus before this, and when I decided I wanted to switch cars, I never thought I'd change the car to a sedan.

I initially went to the St.Marks Škoda showroom in Bangalore to test drive the Kodiaq, but there I saw that the Octavia was available for a test drive right away, so I decided to just take it for a spin, and the rest is history. I was blown away by the plush comfort it offered, at the same time the hint of raw power it kept in store. I had a 2016 Polo GT TSI with the DSG gearbox and it was nostalgia the moment I took the Octavia for the test drive.

I did a test drive 2 more times (based on some advice I found on this brilliant forum), and tried the Octavia on roads I frequent, and some non-existent roads near where I stay, along with having the car packed with 5 pax at one time. The car knows to behave, and never fails to put a smile on your face when you are behind the wheel.

I'd love to write more about my experience and what I love about the vehicle and will reserve my comments/thoughts for when I get the privilege to do so on this forum later. For now, here's a short video of the car parking itself which I found to be SOOO Cool. This feature is there on the Mercedes A-Class as well but it doesn't like tight spaces for parallel parking. The Octavia has no problems with any of that.

Here's a link to the video I posted on YouTube.

Here's what BHPian rahul1407 had to say on the matter:

Wonderful choice of colour and same pinch on that mate!

Grey certainly is a looker and its easily distinguishable in the crowd. Park assist is a real boon in difficult parking situations, and it works better when lanes are marked properly. I was coordinating in a tight spot and park assist handled it like a charm, simply no fuss and worked well. You might want to disable Manoeuvre Braking as it takes time getting used to it and can be a bit intrusive in heavy traffic by 2 wheelers cutting in between.

Here's what BHPian EaurougeatSpa had to say on the matter:

Congratulations on a great pick. I test drove this while looking for the Kodiaq. Absolutely loved the way it drove. If not for the rear leg space (have three 6 footers in the family) would have opted for this.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

My Vento will be up for an upgrade in 4 years, and I'm sure I will be looking for a pre-worshipped 530D then.

BHPian Jangra recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Buying a new car is never an easy decision. I envy those who know what they want, and then there is us, cross-shopping all body styles between 3 segments.

PS: There are many legends here who writes their Ownership review so well including proverbs and analogies, I'm a vanilla writer but will try to cover the recommended aspects

The car I currently own is a 2016 Vento TSI 1.2 Highline - Reflex Silver (45k km driven). So, the TSI engine and DSG gearbox are known territory for me. Touchwood - no horror breakdown experiences.

The need for a second car was driven by a return to the offices and a "want" of a feature-rich luxury car. I did not limit my choices based on the car size OR body style as I knew my Vento is going to be the beater car. Love my Vento but long term ownership of her some other day

MY KODIAQ SPORTLINE Review:

Let me start with

What I Dislike

• After driving a Vento in the city for 6 years, driving a Kodiaq is a task. Though it doesn't feel big on a highway, it sure is a task manoeuvring Kodiaq in city traffic.
• Tiguan felt relatively quicker in acceleration even though 0-100 is claimed faster on the Kodiaq
• No TPMS - so silly from SKODA to not offer this on a 44lac car (Tiguan and Kodiaq L&K has it)
• DQ381 Wet Clutch behaves the same way as my DQ200 in Vento. Jerky and confused at low speeds even in Normal and Eco mode. Don't even bother driving it in Sports mode in City traffic
• No hill descent control / off-road mode (Tiguan and Kodiaq L&K has it)
• No lever in the boot to fold down middle seat.
• Folding and unfolding the last row of seats is annoying - you first have to slightly slide the middle seat to the front and reduce the recline angle. And then undo what you did after you lift the last row
• Automatic Climate control turns the air re-circulation mode "OFF". In city drives with pollution, I prefer it to be "ON" and that means Auto Climate control has to be off. Even my Vento allows Auto mode with air re-circulation "ON'
• Under the bonnet, wire harness of battery and headlights are exposed (picture attached at the bottom)
• Auto tilt ORVM while reversing works sometimes and doesn't work the other times (fair to say 50% of the time). And when it works, it refuses to come back to its normal angle when put on the D mode - making it worse while parking. So decided to turn the setting off completely
• Wireless charger is useless. Even in an hour journey with CarPlay on, it charges less than 10% and makes the phone very hot. Didn't use it after 3-4 similar results
• In our Indian parking / Mumbai parking condition - Park assist never works
• Reverse camera quality is strictly average. I don't even bother to look and ok to rely on parking sensors
• Alcantara seats - It does look classy, but attract lint, dust, hair and makes it visible. High maintenance, but if you can keep it clean, it looks classier than the L&K cabin. Unless there is a liquid stain - takes only 2-3 min of cleaning after every drive.
• Nit-picking but all my attempts have failed to stick an idol on the dashboard. Soft-touch dashboard are really repellant to even the 3m double-sided stickers
• Can not figure out a way to mount an iPad holder for second-row seats - thanks to sports seats in the front.
• The placement of the START / STOP button should have been changed with this facelift.

What I Like

• Looks - I love it every time I approach it OR see it on the road. Since 2017, I've been a fan of how the Kodiaq looks and owning it is a VERY special feeling. I can easily spend long time just drooling over the looks (many pics attached later in the thread)
• The engine gearbox combination is just lovely to drive on highways. It's quick and smooth
• Suspension on the SPORTLINE has a balanced tuning for city and highways. The ride feels compliant at high speeds and acceptable at low speeds.
• No rattles whatsoever! These CKD units are assembled by top skilled people. Pothole, sudden speedbumps, rubble strips - nothing creates a rattle of any kind. Now that's true German.
• The reassuring thud is next level compared to my Vento
• Touch and feel of materials used inside the cabin screams luxury
• Music system - Oh man! Adjust the equalizer to your liking before you make your judgement - It will be even more amazing!
• Love the way how classy Alcantara sports seats looks (it's in my DISLIKE section for another reason).
• Awesome looking Alloys - better looking than L&K
• Noise insulation - The cabin insulates you really well from the outside.
• The third row is not useless after all. It is my daughter's favourite spot when the second row has 2 people already. Have even attached a picture at the bottom of how comfortable she feels
• Swipe gesture for boot works every time - literally. Was really handy on our trips to the shopping mall and Ikea.
• Headlights - Auto headlamps are new for me, but works like a charm. The throw is very impressive and night drives are no longer an issue
• Breaking ability - There was a time I had to brake hard at around 80km/hr and it sure felt safe
• Mileage is better than I expected. In the last 200+ KMS since refuelling, Avg speed has been 19km/h and Avg is 8.2kmpl (picture attached below)
• Ingress and Egress for my mom is no longer an issue

HOW DID I END UP BUYING A KODIAQ SPORTLINE

Cars I shortlisted and didn't buy

SKODA Kushaq 1.5L Style:

Love the - Looks, rear seating comfort, a combination of 1.5 TSI motor with the DSG, music system, fairly kitted

Then why not - Coming from a 6-year-old Vento, materials inside the cabin did not impress me. Also, started seeing reports of niggles on Team-BHP from members who owned it. So dropped it.

Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT GTX Plus:

Love the - Cabin quality, sound system, All black interiors, seating position, stylish looks

Then why not - No, it's not the crash rating - I made peace with it before shortlisting. It is the DCT, which was no match my VW Vento's DSG. I felt the excitement of buying a new car may not last very long with this one. So dropped it.

Jeep Compass Diesel Model (S)

Love the - Body style, timeless design, Interior quality, music system, 4X4 kit, handling, Black interior, 360 camera quality and the list goes on. This one came very close to buying. Was also offered a 2.5lac discount on all colours

Then why not - No, it wasn't the Automatic gearbox. It is the rattling issue. What bugs me the most while driving is the rattles. Even when those thermos bottles rubs against the hard plastics, I surround them with the microfiber cloth. Car I test drove was 8k driven but was rattling from every direction. SA mentioned it recently was taken for an off-road campaign, I'm like, so? He invited me to the showroom and offered me to test drive a new car. And I did, even though rattling was lesser but was clearly audible coming from the dashboard. This was also proven from many posts from the owners here on Team-BHP. Hence dropped. I really wanted to like the Jeep

At this point, we had already crossed our budget of 30lacs. An intense discussion in the family, and my lot of convincing, we raised it by another 15 for the Fortuner. Convincing was substantiated by resale value.

Toyota Fortuner 4X4 AT Diesel

Love the - Butch Looks, Badge reliability, Fortuner image, 4X4 capability, Black interiors, Resale value, sorry but that is pretty much it!

Why not - I took 3 test drives, and every time I felt tired at the end of those 20kms drives. The hard steering, bumpy ride, minimalistic interiors with no special feeling really pushed me away from it. Even those rumble strips on the road felt like a bump. If only the suspension was good, I would have made peace with the interiors, knowing the butch will clear traffic along my way. I did not check the tyre pressure, but three test drives should give a fair idea.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI

Elegance was launched

Love the - Looks, Plush interiors, Rear seat space, Ride, Handling, Music system, Black interiors, Build quality, Already have experience of owning a Volkswagen, pretty much everything! Nothing about this car was a dealbreaker.

Then what happened? - I booked it! Waited on the delivery

Did the search end? Of course not! The long wait makes you reflect back and confuses you even further. I then searched the pre-worshipped BMW 530D. Posted many questions and got immense help from the Team-BHP members

Found one Pre-worshipped G30 - BMW 530D - 2018 model (June-2019 registered)

Love the - Power and Torque, Brand, Image, experience thread of GTO, EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!

Then what happened - Almost sealed the deal and was ready to pick up. But all my inquiries lead me to believe something fishy - no invoice, 6 months break in the insurance, warranty laps in 3.5years (should be either 3 or 4). Couldn't take chance with 50+lacs when still in doubt, so left the deal and continued my search.

In the midst of waiting for Tiguan (1.5months) AND searching for pre-worshipped luxury, On 8-Feb, I received a call from my SA that there is an allocated White SPORTLINE variant and promised me the delivery by Mar 10. When I asked why an allocated car would take so long, the answer was unclear. The condition of this deal was a full payment. I didn't doubt my SA as he has been associated with Skoda for many years and we have been in touch for almost a year. I have to say that I did get cold feet but I took the chance with my SA as I believed him. So, 8-Feb is the day I booked my Kodiaq with full payment. Another thing that helped with the decision making - I was offered the launch price

Flashback to 10-Jan - I was really amazed by the sweet launch of 3 variants of Kodiaq and the prices was reasonable for what it offered. I did not book on that very day since I first wanted to take the test drive. My test drive date was 12th Feb and I was ready to book, but my SA refused to take my booking on the old price basis the orders from up the chain. On moral grounds, I did not proceed and waited on my Tiguan's delivery.

Back from the flashback (PDI) - It was 14th Feb, a week post the full payment and I had not heard back, hence decided to check on the status of VIN# but was told will take couple more days. Just a day later at 1 pm, got a call from my SA saying the Car is at their warehouse and I could come for PDI. I could only do a brief PDI as I was at work and could only reach the dealer at 5 pm. Only one bummer was a minor scratch on the plastic wheel arch. In my mind, for a car where a 3,000kms driven L&K version is being sold without discount, I let it pass. Scratch was really minor

Booking & Delivery Experience

My dealer was JMD Skoda and I Paid Rs 42.75 OTR Bombay (incl. of Rs 18k accessories pack) plus Rs 41K for Zero Dep Insurance and Rs 66K for 4 years Maintenance pack which is a total of Rs 43.81lacs. Decided to get the extended warranty at a later date. 18-Feb - From the booking date to the delivery was 10 days which exceeded my expectation. My car was ready for delivery at 6 pm where I took an hour to look around the car, do the paperwork, test-drive my sweet love - everything worked just fine.

Not much to add to the delivery experience as it was almost night and all I wanted to do is to drive my car home and take her for a SPIN at Nariman point - which I did. Was there a cake cutting - NO? Did I care - NO. We were offered a bottle of water, the Car was wrapped with a satin red cover and that's pretty much it.

Below is that Happy moment

Owning a Kodiaq SPORTLINE

Before I write any further, I have to admit - given a choice, I would have chosen the L&K variant for

• TPMS
• Off-road mode
• Non-Alcantara interiors (though not a fan of Beige)
• Ventilated seats
• DCC.

However, it's overbooked and even the people who made unofficial bookings (pre- 10-Jan) have no news of their deliveries.

Where SPORTLINE scores over L&K is - substantiated by pictures

• Black interiors - After driving for a decade in the beige interior, I really wanted darker interiors
• Less chrome - After spending two weeks with my SPORTLINE, I feel the usage of Chrome is a bit overdone in L&K
• Three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather - two spoke wheels of L&K looks really bland in front of these
• Not by much but alloys of SPORTLINE looks a tad better in my opinion

Pictures of black interiors

Fewer chrome suits the Kodiaq SPORTLINE version in this and all other angles

3 spoke perforated leather steering - looks classy

A closer look at those alloys

Look at how the SPORTLINE alloys suit the car

Today I complete 15 days of ownership and she is driven over 350kms in the mix of city and highways. Daily dives have been ranging from 5kms to 50kms.

Respected Team-BHP reviewers have thoroughly tested and provided their feedback in the official review of L&K. I will touch upon where things are different with the SPORTLINE and my opinion (if any)

Engine and Gearbox:

Same as L&K. I'm amazed and impressed with the performance of this machine and feels like an adequate (not significant) update from my Vento. I have driven this Engine and gearbox combination on the new Octavia and have to say that power delivery is in a different league in Octavia. Octavia feels much more eager at all times - this of course is attributed to its lesser weight and presence of 4X4 in Kodiaq. Kodiaq feels similar to driving a Tiguan 2TSI but felt Tiguan has a slight edge over the Kodiaq on acceleration. I felt Kodiaq and Tiguan's power delivery is very linear and does not push you back to the seats when accelerated hard. How I wish it felt the same as an Octavia.

I don't feel much difference in driving pleasure compared to my Vento. In fact in the city, Vento does better sprints in sports mode in city driving due to its size. Even though the Kodiaq has an enthusiast heart of 2TSI, it is meant to be driven like a Classy Gentlemen - fast on highways, sedately on the city roads. Don't get me wrong, on expressways and straight lines, it will "almost" satisfy the enthusiast in you. Why almost - I'm spoilt by those test drives of 530D

Where this engine gearbox combination lacks is in the stop and go traffic and over the speed bumps. It jerks when slowed down from 4th and 5th gear down to 1 and 2 to cross a speed bump. Do not like that feeling but have gotten used to it from my Vento. It is a common VW DSG trait.

Suspension, Ride & Handling:

This is where it differs from the L&K variant. Unlike the three settings of adaptive suspension in L&K, the suspension set-up of the SPORTLINE version is just one. It is NOT bad news, suspension is neither hard nor is it soft. If I were to compare it with my Vento, it is a tad softer, but not by much. Pardon my ignorance but before I drove the Fortuner, I never knew what really is a hard suspension. Someone who is very particular should read the Team-BHP review of 2017 Kodiaq as I believe this one has the same set-up. On the straight line at high speed, Kodiaq SPORTLINE rides better than the Octavia - there is a section on the Eastern Expressway where I check the ride quality at high speeds, Octavia felt bouncy and the Kodiaq SPORTLINE felt complaint and planted.

On the handling side, I would never call an SUV OR a crossover "a handler", I mean that is not what you buy them for. Coming from a sedan, I know I will have to adjust for the centre of gravity. Though Kodiaq SPORTLINE handles very well as the suspension setup is on the stiffer side. Again, for more details, please see the 2017 Kodiaq Team-BHP review

OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDERED - GOOD and BAD

- Unlock the car and it illuminates the front and rear lamps, open the door and it welcomes you with the SKODA written projected lights, and in the night, there is a very cool animated effect on the tail light when you unlock and lock the car - like below.

Apple CarPlay OR Android Auto just needs to be set up once, after which it auto connects every time seamlessly. Play a song and it will put a smile on your face - not just the bass, but the clarity and acoustics will immerse you deep in every genre. Start driving on the busy roads, and you will feel like you're still deserted from it - thanks to the soundproofing. Gone is my anxiety to reach the destination sooner, I stick to the right lane, doing my bit to protect the car from scratches and enjoy my journey and experience with this magnificent piece of engineering.

- Unlock your car in the dark and it will kick in the "coming/leaving home function" which illuminates car headlamps, puddle lamps and all 6 cabin lights - I really find it helpful as it helps light your way coming towards OR going further from the car in dark. May not be useful if you always park in the lighted area. BUT have you never found yourself parking in the dark? That day you will appreciate it.

- Ambient lighting - In addition to all doors, it lights front and rear footwells AND, also the bottle holders in the door! was a pleasant surprise

- KESSY (Keyless Entry) on all four doors! Comes really handy as you do not need to unlock through your keys to open any of the four doors. There are many small advantages of this

- For my usage, I realized that the black interiors are relatively difficult to manage (some part of it attributed to Alcantara). Sand and shoe Dirt are more visible on black than beige

- I'm 5'10 and still rear legroom is ample (front seat is adjusted to my driving position)

SKODA Floormats that come in accessories packs are far better than any aftermarket mats. It also has the raised edges and locks/tucks in really well around all sides. Please go for it

Notice those locks

It is so silly that SKODA didn't bother to illuminate the power symbol on its Infotainment. It's only the rings of knobs that lights up. This will take some getting used to for you to grab the right knob

WHY are these wires exposed and not concealed in a thicker rubber all the way? Is this the same with prior Kodiaq?

The cabin feels really classy at night. There is a total of 10 colour options for you to choose how you want it to look. With Red below

- Rearview camera. Looks fine in the picture, but trust me, those adaptive guidelines and camera quality is not up to the mark. I think, even the L&K quality of 360camera does not meet Jeep compass quality

- Mileage came in the "WHAT I LIKE" part. and long term snapshot below. I think for its size and weight, its nice

- For namesake, it has 2 gloveboxes, but the space is them is not satisfactory. What I can fit in both of them only fill 3/4th of what my one glovebox in Vento

See below, I can't even close the rear glovebox with 3 medium size sunglasses cases. I can at least fit 7 of them in my Vento's glovebox

Some bonus angles

To sum up: Even though I have listed 16 positives over 17 negatives, SKODA Kodiaq SPORTLINE is a winner in my books. It has checked all the right boxes for me to be calling this a true "FEATURE RICH LUXURY CAR" Sure I miss the DCC and TPMS feature of the L&K, but they were not the deal breakers for me. I would rather own a car now than an uncertain period of wait.

Some pictures of PDI and delivery I had attached in the following post - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/news/...ml#post5262039 (2022 Skoda Kodiaq Facelift Review | 2.0L Petrol DSG)

PS: I have not given up on my aspiration to own a 530D. My Vento will be up for an upgrade in 4 years, and I'm sure I will be looking for a pre-worshipped 530D then.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Kodiaq is imported into the country as a completely knocked down (CKD) kit, which is assembled at Skoda's Aurangabad plant.

Skoda has claimed that the Kodiaq SUV has been sold out for the entire year. The SUV was launched in India just last month.

The Kodiaq is imported into the country as a completely knocked down (CKD) kit, which is assembled at Skoda's Aurangabad plant. In January 2022, we had reported that the SUV was sold out for 4 months.

The 7-seater SUV is available in three variants - Style, Sportline and L&K. Powering it is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 187 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The Skoda Kodiaq comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets 3-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, 9 airbags and Dynamic Chassis Control.

An extremely important addition to the 2022 Kodiaq is Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). In essence, DCC alters the suspension tune by changing the damper settings (aka adaptive dampers).

Skoda Kodiaq

What you'll like:

• The ultimate “value luxury” SUV! Classy styling, solid build & superb quality
• Cabin offers space, practicality and lots of intelligent features
• Impressive 2.0L turbo-petrol is mated to a quick 7-speed DSG automatic
• Cushy ride quality in “Comfort” mode (L&K variant)
• Sorted handling & road manners in “Sport” mode. Adjustable suspension is a USP of the L&K
• 3rd-row of seats is an advantage over some 5-seater competitors
• Massive boot with 3rd seat row down. Boot is useable even with the 3rd seat row up
• Impressive kit (12-speaker Canton ICE, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, auto parking...)
• AWD available to get you out of tricky situations. Tourers will love it
• 5-star safety rating & equipment (9 airbags + a host of electronic aids)

What you won't:

• Workhorse 2.0L turbo-diesel is no longer available. Heavy users will miss its low running costs
• Single digit fuel economy of the turbo-petrol AT in the city. Drops drastically if you drive aggressively
• Its sibling, the VW Tiguan, is priced a couple of lakhs cheaper
• Expensive! Worse still, Skoda increased the Kodiaq’s pricing within days of the launch
• Cramped 3rd row of seats is strictly for small children. A 5+2 SUV, not a 7-seater
• Styling does look Estate-ish from some angles. Doesn't have that much street cred or presence
• We feel that the “Sportline” variant should’ve been offered with the DCC & other L&K features
• Skoda’s ill-famed dealership network & after-sales horror stories
• Skoda’s patchy long-term reliability track record (including, but not limited to, the DSG)
• Silly feature deletions from older Kodiaq (rear door sills, 1 umbrella, 1 blanket, chrome tip on power window switches, removeable torch in the boot, red warning lights on the front doors…)

Review Link

Volkswagen Tiguan

Review Link

Review Link - The 2021 Facelift

Toyota Fortuner

What you'll like:

• Fantastic 2.8L diesel engine has gotten even better. More power, more responsive!
• Smooth and competent 6-speed automatic gearbox
• Contemporary styling & imposing street presence
• Tough build. Toyota body-on-frame UVs are known to have very long lives (400,000+ km is realistic)
• Smooth petrol also available, if you want more refinement and / or are from Delhi-NCR
• Features such as Quad-LED headlamps, powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, ventilated seats & more
• Impressive offroad capability (by big SUV standards) is superior to its direct competitors
• Top-notch safety kit. 7 airbags, ESP, TC, hill assist, ISOFIX & 3-point seatbelts for all
• Outstanding long term reliability. And you get great resale value as well
• Toyota's excellent after-sales quality, fuss-free ownership experiences, low service costs & up to 7 years of extended warranty coverage

What you won't:

• The already-expensive Fortuner has gotten even more expensive! Top variant costs over 51-lakhs OTR
• Legender variant has many limitations (no petrol, no colour options, no MT)
• Firm & bumpy ride quality. Bad roads in the city are prominently felt inside
• Heavy steering at low speeds will bother you
• Lots of body roll. Go easy on the curves
• Missing sunroof, lumbar adjustment, auto-wipers, TPMS, adaptive parking guidelines etc.
• 6-speaker sound system is terrible for a 40-lakh rupee car!
• Cost-cutting evident in a couple of areas; some interior plastics, ICE audio quality, camera display…
• Fortuner's petrol variant is a guzzler. We've seen merely 6 – 7 kmpl on the AT
• No longer a full-time 4x4 like the 1st-gen car. Also, 4x4 carries a Rs. 3 lakh OTR premium

Review Link

Review Link - The 2021 Legender & Facelift

MG Gloster

What you'll like:

• Huge & imposing size! Bigger than even the likes of the Fortuner
• Splendid long-distance mile muncher. The Gloster is built for expressway cruising. Just set the adaptive cruise control and let the Gloster waft along
• ADAS safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor and lane change assist are cool & work well
• Suspension is tuned for comfort. Gloster owners will enjoy its ride quality
• Spacious cabin with captain seats at the back and a usable third row too!
• Interior ambience is nicer vs the competitors which are utilitarian in comparison
• Loaded with features - panoramic sunroof, 12.3" touchscreen ICE, driver seat with massage function, 360 degree camera, three zone climate control, PM 2.5 air filter etc.
• 343 liter boot even with the 3rd-row seat being used

What you won't:

• Engine and gearbox tuning are shockingly terrible inside town. Turbo lag and the gearbox's reluctance to downshift make things awful in city traffic
• Massive size can be a handicap in urban India. Quite cumbersome in tight areas
• While the interior looks premium, you know it is not as well-built as a Toyota or Ford
• Top-end Savvy variant is optimistically priced at par with the well-established Fortuner
• 4,000 rpm redline is too early. Engine has a very narrow powerband
• Urban fuel economy is mediocre due to the power & fat kerb weight
• Twin-turbo diesel, 8-speed AT & gizmos bring a lot of complexity. Long-term reliability is unknown (unlike the Fortuner)

Review Link

Kia Carnival

What you'll like:

• A truly luxurious MPV that’s also high on practicality
• Top quality, spacious & comfortable interiors. 3rd-row is usable for adults too
• Fantastic engine & gearbox combination! 2.2L diesel & 8-speed AT impress
• Comfy ride quality & neutral road manners
• Available in 7, 8 and 9-seater configurations
• 540L boot space with all three rows up and 1,624L with the third row down
• Impressive kit (2 sunroofs, premium Harman Kardon sound system, electric rear doors & more)
• 5-star safety rating. Kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, CBC etc.

What you won't:

• Massive size can make it cumbersome in the city, while parking & in narrow lanes
• Ordinary urban fuel economy due to the 2.2 ton weight, 197 BHP engine & AT gearbox
• Underbody does scrape on bad roads & large speed bumps, especially with a full load
• Top Limousine variant isn't sold as an 8-seater & its 3rd row access is difficult
• Steering is a level too firm at parking speeds & a level too light at 120 km/h
• Some misses such as paddle shifters, a skinny spare tyre, no auto-wipers or front camera...
• Model is now 7 years old in the international market; next-gen Carnival is being tested
• Stylish 4x4 SUVs like the Fortuner / Kodiaq can be had at the same price

Review Link

Citroen C5 Aircross

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered & properly premium crossover
• Very stylish exteriors & interiors! We love the design. It's matched to solid build quality
• Good quality cabin with comfortable seats, lots of storage & fantastic insulation
• 2.0L diesel engine is quick, efficient & extremely refined
• Smooth 8-speed AT gearbox impresses
• Excellent ride comfort and mature road manners. High speed behaviour is sorted too
• Large, well-shaped 580 liter boot gobbles up holiday / airport luggage
• Loaded to the gills with features such as a panoramic sunroof, handsfree tailgate opening, customisable instrument cluster, double laminated front windows, terrain modes...
• 4-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. 3-point seatbelts for all five occupants, 6 airbags, blind spot monitoring system, ESP, hill hold, hill descent control and more

What you won't:

• Rear legroom is strictly adequate. Two 5’10" adults can sit behind each other, but not two 6-footers
• No turbo-petrol engine (big miss), no AWD for tourers & no manual gearbox for MT fans
• Not really sporty to drive. Cars like the Compass are more fun
• Missing some features we expect today (connected car tech, wireless charging, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, subwoofer…)
• The bolstering of the 3 individual rear seats is suitable for slim passengers, not heavier ones
• Audio sound quality is alright, but nothing special as you’d expect in a premium car
• Many competing crossovers & SUVs offer a 3rd-row of seats, which the C5 Aircross doesn't have
• The LHD orientation of many controls (gear shifter, e-brake, bonnet release, engine start button)
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns

Review Link

Here's what GTO had to say:

My favourite body-on-frame SUV from this segment has been discontinued (the fantastic Endeavour 3.2L). The Fortuner's ride is too bumpy for my tastes, and the Gloster is too soft.

There are three cars that truly impress me here. The Kodiaq, Carnival & C5 Aircross. I'd go with the Kodiaq because it is truly a well-rounded crossover that matches luxury SUVs from a segment or two above. Carnival would be choice no.2 if I needed to move a big family or needed that middle-row comfort. It's the only van I'd ever buy.

As things stand today, the Kodiaq gets my vote. The facelift is really something else.

Here's what BHPian abhijet.sen had to say:

While price wise a segment lower, I see no reason why XUV700, Harrier Twins and Hector twins are missing from the list. Size and Technology wise they cannot be considered a lower segment. Rather these cheaper alternatives offer much more bang for bucks than most of these over priced counter parts. They are charging more for their brand. Most of all, for price of category topper (Fortuner) you can buy 2 of these cheaper alternatives.

Here's what BHPian Bibendum90949 had to say:

Kodiaq undoubtedly. I've voted for reasons as below. Comparing it with Toyota Fortuner (not an apple to apple comparison though) since that's the other popular choice, rest are marginal players - Gloster, Carnival and Aircross. My second choice would be VW Tiguan.

- Driving Dynamics - miles ahead of others in the fray.
- A true Euro car.
- Safety of a Monocoque vs the BOF fortuner.
- assured 5 star crash safety, not just GNCAP but the more stringent Euro NCAP too.
- Car like comfort, ride and handling.
- powerful TSI motor with impressive spec. TDI would be sorely missed though. A twin turbo TDI with 190 BHP would've been a real stonker.
- Still a good few lakhs cheaper than the perennially and exorbitantly priced Toyota with an iffy safety. You trade off safety for reliability.

Having said that, the real threat for Kodiaq would come in the form of Jeep Meridian with it's 2.0 diesel by mid of this year, since the news spread by grapevine is that it's going to be a 200 BHP tune. The TSI only option would put the German on the backfoot then. So hey Skoda, make hay while the sun shines.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The top-spec Kodiaq L&K will cost Rs. 38.99 lakh (ex-showroom) from April 1, 2022.

Skoda has confirmed that the 2022 Kodiaq will receive its first price hike in April 2022. Cars delivered after April 1, 2022 will cost Rs 1 lakh more.

The Kodiaq facelift was launched on January 10 at prices starting at Rs. 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is available in three variants: Style, Sportline and L&K.

Skoda Kodiaq revised ex-showroom prices (effective April 1, 2022):

• Style - Rs. 35.99 lakh
• Sportline - Rs. 36.99 lakh
• L&K - Rs. 38.99 lakh

The updated Kodiaq features Skoda's signature grille at the front with slim LED headlamps and a redesigned front bumper. The SUV gets redesigned LED taillights and rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

On the inside, the 2022 Kodiaq comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The SUV also gets Dynamic Chassis Control and 9 airbags.

Powering the Kodiaq is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 187 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Thanks to BHPian carrazy for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

An extremely important addition to the 2022 Kodiaq is Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). This lets you alter between a softer or stiffer suspension setup by simply switching the drive mode.

Driving the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0L Turbo Petrol Automatic

The biggest change in the Kodiaq is under the bonnet. The 2.0L TDI diesel engine has been replaced by a 2.0L TSI petrol engine, which produces 187 BHP @ 4,200 - 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1,500 - 4,100 rpm. It is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission with an AWD system. The Kodiaq’s ARAI fuel efficiency rating = 12.78 km/l:

This 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine along with the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is the only powertrain on offer in the 2022 Kodiaq. The combination is shared with the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Octavia, Skoda Superb, Audi A4 etc. The performance of this engine is strong with 187 BHP and 320 Nm on tap. With the torque available from low revs, the 2.0 is quite tractable and enjoyable at all speeds. That said, it is disappointing that Skoda hasn't bothered to make its durable, efficient & powerful 2.0 TDI engine BS6-compliant. That puts the Kodiaq at a disadvantage as there are many diesel lovers in the premium segments. Plus, that 2.0 diesel was a workhorse for high-mileage customers in a way that the 2.0 TSI can never be. Petrol has now crossed 100 bucks a litre and there is a significant operating cost difference between 6 - 10 city km/l and 12 - 15 km/l for the heavy runners. Turbo-petrols are also very sensitive to throttle input and if you drive it hard, you'll see the FE drop alarmingly. Important to note that all crossovers & SUVs in this price band (except the Tiguan) offer a diesel.

In the city, the 2.0 motor's healthy bottom end helps you get around effortlessly. Throttle response is good and the Kodiaq moves smoothly. Add to that, the direct injection and turbocharger ensure that the engine isn't lethargic at low RPMs. There's always more than enough power on tap to accelerate or overtake quickly. The minimal turbo lag just makes it that much more responsive. While the DSG gearbox is super smooth 99% of the time, it can get jerky at crawling speeds in bumper-to-bumper traffic (an unfortunate DSG trait). Tip: Use the super convenient auto-hold function in traffic.

Drive with a light foot and the gearbox moves up the ratios pretty quickly. It is eager to reach higher gears and you will see it upshift under 2,000 rpm. Impressively though, you won't feel these shifts as the transition is very smooth. The Kodiaq's steering is light at city speeds and the car doesn't feel as big as its dimensions suggest. The Kodiaq is a breeze to drive & you will enjoy driving it in the city.

Out on the highway is when things go from good to great! This is a fun-to-drive crossover in a way that the big body-on-frame SUVs (Fortuner, Gloster) can never be. You'll find yourself addicted to flooring the throttle whenever there's an empty stretch of road. Outright performance is good and the strong mid-range takes care of all the overtaking you need to do (not as sprightly as the lighter Octavia 2.0 TSI though). The downshifts are quick and the gearbox responds well to throttle inputs, especially in "Sport" mode. The engine revs beautifully to ~6,200 rpm and importantly, sounds lovely and sporty while doing so. While this is enjoyable, we would have liked to see 6,500 - 6,700 rpm to play with as this rpm level is way too low (some diesels rev to 5,500 rpm!). In terms of cruisability, the Kodiaq can run at triple-digit speeds all day long without breaking into a sweat. The engine spins at a relaxed ~1,700 rpm at 100 km/h and ~2,000 rpm at 120 km/h. And touring you must do - this car is built for long-distance road trips. In summary, the 2.0 TSI is a jewel of a motor that will keep you happy at low revs & high, and in the city as well as on the highway.

The Kodiaq uses a 7-speed DSG gearbox, which belongs to the DQ381 family and has a wet clutch setup. The DQ381 has been around for a couple of years internationally and online customer complaints are fewer in number than VW's older DSGs. Still, we have serious reservations regarding the long-term reliability of any VW / Skoda DSG and strongly recommend getting that extended warranty.

Cruising around in D mode, one won't even notice the gears being shifted. They are damn smooth. The kickdown response time is quick and you will never feel that the gearbox is hunting for gears either. It's in the right ratio almost all the time. When you are in the mood to drive the car aggressively, engage 'Sport' mode. This puts the car in 'high alert' mode and its senses are heightened. The DSG holds onto gears longer before upshifting and you'll also notice that the gearbox is eager to downshift at the slightest of throttle inputs. People with a heavy foot will love S mode for sure. However, in the city where the traffic is heavy, S mode can get jerky.

Paddle shifters have been provided and you will enjoy using them with this turbo-petrol. The response time is quick and they are fun to use on a twisty section of road. Tap the left paddle for a downshift and you'll notice the ECU blipping the throttle to match the revs, which is quite satisfying & addictive. There's a good amount of engine braking available too. But again, with such a combination, the paddle shifters would've been a lot more fun if the engine offered 500 - 1,000 more revs to play with.

The Kodiaq's DSG features an "S" mode that changes the gearbox's shift points. The gearbox holds onto gear longer too. One can engage the manual Tiptronic mode by moving the gear lever to the left into the Tiptronic gate, or by clicking on any of the plastic paddles. Tiptronic works in both "D" & "S" modes. The response time in Tiptronic is decent and the DSG holds on to gears. One can use this mode to keep the engine in its powerband, which can be useful for overtaking manoeuvres. 

Apart from the gearbox's "S" mode, the Kodiaq has a host of driving modes, which change the parameters of the dynamic chassis control, engine, gearbox, steering, ESP, adaptive lights and air-con. There are a total of six drive modes to choose from – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow and Individual. The Kodiaq gets a dedicated ‘Mode’ button below the gear lever to select the drive mode. The default mode is the "Normal" mode. Each mode changes the engine's characteristics, suspension settings, gearbox shift points, air-con operation, steering weight etc.

• Comfort mode: As the name suggests, everything is in the most comfortable setting in this mode - the suspension, engine map, steering etc. The suspension tune in comfort mode is the most absorbent and I found it just perfect for Mumbai roads. Use this for everyday driving in your city.
• Sport mode: Engage Sport mode and you'll feel the throttle to be sharper. The engine feels more responsive in Sport mode for sure. The suspension firms up noticeably. This is the mode for when you're in the 'mood' for fun, but not for everyday driving or on bad roads where it can get bumpy. For regular city driving, this mode can feel peaky. The steering feels heavier than the other modes & the headlights adjust more dynamically here.
• Eco mode: The climate control doesn't work as hard in Eco mode - it still cools the cabin sufficiently though. Power delivery is lazier, with the throttle response dulled a bit. Overall, because the engine is reasonably powerful, Eco mode is still useable. It doesn't feel too sluggish and there is sufficient grunt on tap to keep you cruising at higher speeds. When it comes to quick overtaking, you will need Normal or Sport modes.
• Individual mode: The driver can choose to adjust the individual parameters such as the damper settings (DCC), steering, air-conditioning etc according to his/her preferences.
• Snow: This should be engaged on icy or snow-covered roads. It provides better accelerator sensitivity in these conditions.

The Kodiaq comes with a convenient 'auto hold' feature which owners will love in the city. While the vehicle is waiting at a signal, the driver can lift his foot off the brake pedal and the vehicle will stay in place. No need to keep the brake pedal continuously pressed.

Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq with an all-wheel-drive system. As is usually the case with such crossovers, in normal conditions, the system sends power to the front wheels only. If road conditions require more traction, it will send the necessary amount of torque to the rear wheels. The system monitors which of the four wheels has the most traction and is able to send torque to those wheels. If slippery roads make a wheel lose traction, the system hits the brake on that wheel and transfers the remaining power to the other wheels. The AWD will help you when touring remote parts of the country and over the likes of slush, muck & sand. It's no offroader like the Fortuner though.

Like in the old Kodiaq Scout, you get an Off-Road button. In this mode, accelerator sensitivity is adjusted for rough terrain and unpaved roads. Engine braking is always available and hill start assist + hill descent control are switched on. Acceleration is restricted while driving downhill and it is not possible to shift to "S" mode.

Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)

As you would expect in a premium SUV like this, refinement levels are overall satisfactory. The engine idles softly and you'd barely notice it while driving around sedately. Rev the 2.0 TSI and a nice, sporty note is audible in the cabin. Wind noise is well controlled even when driving at 120 km/h. 

Mileage & Fuel Economy

The Kodiaq 2.0 TSI engine with the DSG automatic has an ARAI rating of 12.78 km/l. We would expect 7 - 9 km/l in the city, depending on traffic density. Do note that turbo-petrols are very sensitive to throttle input and if you drive it hard (which you will), the fuel gauge will drop much faster and you'll see 5 - 6 kmpl. The Kodiaq's fuel tank capacity is 58 litres.

Ride Comfort

An extremely important addition to the 2022 Kodiaq is Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). In essence, DCC alters the suspension tune by changing the damper settings (aka adaptive dampers). The shock absorbers get an electromagnetic valve that controls the flow of oil within, depending on the driving situation and the selected driving mode. This lets you alter between a softer or stiffer suspension setup by simply switching the drive mode.

The adaptive dampers give the Kodiaq added flexibility when it comes to ride comfort. The two modes - Comfort and Sport - are especially important in India where road surface quality greatly varies. You can have your cake and eat it too. Choose Comfort when you want to cruise, and Sport when you are in the mood for some fun. This DCC is a crucial selling point for the Kodiaq in a sea of unwieldy body-on-frame SUVs whose ride & handling package is a mixed bag. Even the Kodiaq's sibling - the Tiguan - cannot touch the Skoda's ride quality in "Comfort" mode.

Driving in Comfort mode at low speeds and on broken roads, the suspension soaks up all the potholes quite nicely. It's soft & cushy. This is the mode you'll use the most within the city. The suspension works silently throughout, with only the big potholes registering themselves in the cabin with a loud ‘thud’. Sport mode does noticeably firm things up and there is a big difference from Comfort. The difference is so much that on typically imperfect Mumbai city roads, in Comfort mode, we’ll give the suspension’s cushiness a 9 /10, but in Sport mode, it becomes a 6 / 10 (you feel everything in Sport mode). Do keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. A suspension overhaul including the DCC will cost you more than that of a conventional suspension setup.

Tip = If you want to experience the difference that the DCC makes, switch directly from Comfort <-> Sport, without bringing 'Normal' mode into the picture (as Normal is a balance between the two).

The Kodiaq rides on 18" rims shod with 235/55 profile tyres, which is the same size as the Tiguan. However, they have a recommended pressure of 35 PSI all-round, which is 1 PSI lesser than the VW.

Handling & Dynamics

A look at the electromagnetic valve that controls the oil flow in the shock absorber depending on the selected driving mode:

The overall suspension tune gives the Kodiaq good high-speed manners, especially in Normal & Sport modes (Comfort makes things too soft for aggressive driving). The car feels solid and very planted. Especially with this 2.0 TSI, you could have a lot of fun with the car in a way that you could never do with the 2.0 TDI because its power rating was a relatively low 138 BHP. High-speed stability is excellent and it feels damn composed at triple-digit speeds. The Kodiaq masks silly speeds with ease in Sport & Normal modes.

The Kodiaq is very car-like to drive, unlike the bulky Fortuner & Gloster. You could drive it just like you do a sedan. Reason = its monocoque construction versus the body-on-frame build of the Toyota & MG. The Kodiaq is a sorted handler, although we do remember the Tiguan feeling more agile. On twisty roads, the car won't feel unstable at any point of time. There is some body roll considering the weight & dimensions of the car, but it's nothing unsettling. The overall behaviour is typically German and there are times when you won't realize that you are driving a 7-seater crossover. Make sure to switch to Sport mode when you’re just about to hit the mountain roads. The firmer suspension setting makes a lot of difference in the way the Kodiaq behaves in the corners. The Kodiaq holds its line well without much drama. The MRF Markus tyres provide a fair deal of grip, but are not excellent.

The Kodiaq is loaded with all-round disc brakes & lots of electronic aids. As you would expect, the brakes are top class. The car had no problems stopping in a straight line, even when we slammed on the brake pedal at speed. The pedal feel is progressive which makes stopping this SUV very predictable.

Continue reading the discussion on the Skoda Kodiaq Facelift on our forum.

The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine along with the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is the only powertrain on offer in the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq. The car's ARAI fuel efficiency rating = 12.78 km/l.

Skoda Kodiaq Pros

• The ultimate “value luxury” SUV! Classy styling, solid build & superb quality
• Cabin offers space, practicality and lots of intelligent features
• Impressive 2.0L turbo-petrol is mated to a quick 7-speed DSG automatic
• Cushy ride quality in “Comfort” mode (L&K variant)
• Sorted handling & road manners in “Sport” mode. Adjustable suspension is a USP of the L&K
• 3rd-row of seats is an advantage over some 5-seater competitors
• Massive boot with 3rd seat row down. Boot is useable even with the 3rd seat row up
• Impressive kit (12-speaker Canton ICE, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, auto parking...)
• AWD available to get you out of tricky situations. Tourers will love it
• 5-star safety rating & equipment (9 airbags + a host of electronic aids)

Skoda Kodiaq Cons

• Workhorse 2.0L turbo-diesel is no longer available. Heavy users will miss its low running costs
• Single digit fuel economy of the turbo-petrol AT in the city. Drops drastically if you drive aggressively
• Its sibling, the VW Tiguan, is priced a couple of lakhs cheaper
• Expensive! Worse still, Skoda increased the Kodiaq’s pricing within days of the launch
• Cramped 3rd row of seats is strictly for small children. A 5+2 SUV, not a 7-seater
• Styling does look Estate-ish from some angles. Doesn't have that much street cred or presence
• We feel that the “Sportline” variant should’ve been offered with the DCC & other L&K features
• Skoda’s ill-famed dealership network & after-sales horror stories
• Skoda’s patchy long-term reliability track record (including, but not limited to, the DSG)
• Silly feature deletions from older Kodiaq (rear door sills, 1 umbrella, 1 blanket, chrome tip on power window switches, removeable torch in the boot, red warning lights on the front doors…)

Read Team-BHP's detailed Skoda Kodiaq Review.

I know we're talking about chalk and cheese - a soft-roader SUV vs a lifestyle pickup truck. But Hilux can't be ignored totally.

BHPian Bibendum90949 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

To all the bhpians who have booked the Kodiaq, this may well be a nitwitted question. Has any of you considered Toyota Hilux, or if it has crossed your mind once while booking Kodiaq? I know we're talking about chalk and cheese - a soft-roader SUV vs a lifestyle pickup truck. Agree that the purpose, form factor, construct, etc. of both are different. But the below Hilux points are significant to be ignored totally.

• Engine - 2.8 Ltr, 4x4 MT & AT
• 7 Airbags, VSC, HAC, ABS/ EBD
• 4x4 Electronic Drive Switch
• Electronic Differential Lock
• DAC, A-TRC & Auto LSD
• Premium Leather Seats
• Dual Zone AC

What I get with Hilux that Kodiaq can't provide

• Choice of diesel and a 2.8 L engine with AT.
• Off-roading ability with 4*4 than AWD.
• Indestructible truck - total peace of mind on Indian roads/no roads.
• Overlanding.
• Toyota reliability and higher resale value.
• A stand out/niche product.
• Abuse friendly (Don't need to lose sleep if Hilux hits a highway crater at 120 kmph unlike the baby bird Kodiaq).

What I'll miss out with Hilux

• Lesser passive safety being a BOF and won't be as safe as Kodiaq in terms of equipment. The Euro Kodiaq has an edge surely on this front.
• Car-like ride and handling.
• Won't be looked upon as a family car.
• The German finesse - to drive, travel and own.
• The premium feel of a Euro car.
• Driving dynamics - truck vs soft-roader.
• Extra row of seats (kids' seats anyways).

The road manners of Hilux can be improved vastly with an upgraded suspension I guess, with my experience of having extensively driven a V cross in its stock form and then later with an upgraded suspension (Iron Man). I'm not trying to say it can be brought to Kodiaq levels of ride, handling and comfort but Hilux can be made much more liveable is the point I'm trying to make.

If I'm to shell out 40 lakhs today, my money is on Hilux. Maybe the off-road enthusiast and wanderlust-er in me are talking here and a diesel lover too. Love to hear from fellow members.

Here's what BHPian CircleOfLife had to say about the matter:

It would all depend on how the vehicle is going to be used. Very high usage and cross country trips, it is a straightforward call, would pick up Hilux any day. There is a lot of customization options available internationally and would trickle down to the Indian market soon. It's a vehicle that gives you option customization to suit your lifestyle & arms you with go-anywhere capability. Hilux will serve well for years even after you upgrade to your next vehicle.

If the purchase decision is for a secondary vehicle I would definitely put my money here.

In India, families haven't warmed up for pickup trucks yet. Home ministry wouldn't like to have driven around to weddings in Hilux. Also to bear in mind is that DPF issues have not yet been completely addressed and this can cause issues in high altitude areas.

Hilux doesn't fit on a day to day practicality in the city, this is where Kodiaq has an edge. Keeps everyone at home happy. If it is a primary vehicle one looking to purchase then Kodiaq is the one to consider.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Kodiaq competes with the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster in the Indian market.

The Skoda Kodiaq facelift was launched in India yesterday but dealerships have been accepting bookings since last month. The carmaker has now announced that it has received orders for the next 4 months.

The Kodiaq is imported into the country as a completely knocked down (CKD) kit, which is assembled at Skoda's Aurangabad plant. The 7-seater SUV is available in three variants - Style, Sportline and L&K, with prices starting from Rs. 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Powering the Kodiaq is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 187 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The SUV comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets 3-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, 9 airbags and Dynamic Chassis Control.

Source: TOI

The Kodiaq is only available with a 2.0 TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG. It does not get a diesel engine option.

Skoda has launched the updated Kodiaq in India. The SUV is available in three variants - Style, Sportline and L&K, with prices starting from Rs. 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Kodiaq facelift has been given a minor cosmetic refresh. It features Skoda's signature grille at the front with slim LED headlamps and a redesigned front bumper. The SUV gets redesigned LED taillights and rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Kodiaq comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The top-spec L&K trim comes with stone beige leather upholstery and chrome interior trim for a more luxurious look.

Skoda Kodiaq facelift feature highlights:

• 3-zone automatic climate control
• 12-way electrically adjustable front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• Powered tailgate
• Dynamic Chassis Control
• 9 Airbags

Powering the Kodiaq is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 187 BHP and 320 Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Skoda Kodiaq facelift colour options:

• Moon White Metallic
• Steel Grey Metallic
• Race Blue Metallic
• Graphite Grey Metallic

Skoda Kodiaq facelift ex-showroom prices:

• Style - Rs. 34.99 lakh
• Sportline - Rs. 35.99 lakh
• L&K - Rs. 37.49 lakh