For those unwilling to choose between practicality and luxury, Škoda presents the new Kodiaq. This three-row SUV has space and opulence in abundance.
By Team autoX
If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV that can seat seven people in comfort, looks stylish in any setting, and strikes a fine balance between luxury and practicality, the new Škoda Kodiaq might just be the vehicle for you. This latest iteration takes things to the next level with refreshed styling and Škoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features. More than just a people mover, the new Kodiaq is a sophisticated three-row SUV built to leave a lasting impression.
Step inside, and the Kodiaq immediately impresses with its comfort and thoughtful attention to detail. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and even offer a massage function, making long drives far more enjoyable. A panoramic two-pane sunroof floods the cabin with natural light while filtering out harmful UV rays.
Tasteful ambient lighting and premium materials throughout the interior add a sense of sophistication. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. The 13-speaker Canton sound system delivers rich, detailed audio, perfect for immersive listening. Perhaps the most innovative addition is the trio of hybrid dials with integrated displays. These combine the tactile feedback of physical controls with the versatility of digital interfaces, allowing intuitive access to functions like air conditioning, seat heating/ventilation, and media controls.
Another thoughtful feature is the pair of ventilated wireless charging pads, which are quite useful. The cabin also includes five USB-C ports, including a dedicated one for a dashcam, ensuring connectivity and convenience for every passenger.Spacious & Practical
In the second row, the Kodiaq offers generous space, with ample room to keep passengers comfortable. The bench seat reclines and slides for added comfort, while clever additions like smartphone pockets, along with the usual seatback pockets behind the front seats and screen mounts, significantly add to the overall practicality of the cabin. Even with all three rows in use, you still get 281 litres of boot space. This can be increased to 786 litres by folding the the third row, and to a massive 1,976 litres by folding the second row seats. Thoughtful touches continue in the boot, with four integrated bag hooks, a lever to fold the second row from the boot itself, and a parcel shelf that tucks neatly into a concealed compartment beneath the boot floor.
Under the hood is a familiar 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, delivering 201bhp and 320Nm of torque. This powertrain ensures a smooth, effortless highway drive, with enough punch for confident overtakes. With a 7-speed DSG gearbox and an intelligent 4x4 system, the Kodiaq offers seamless gear changes and impressive grip across a variety of conditions. Whether you’re cruising on open roads or tackling challenging terrain, this setup ensures a stress-free drive experience.
Ride quality is plush, with a suspension tuned to handle the roughest Indian roads with ease and the brakes are sharp and responsive. The Kodiaq further ensures safety with nine airbags and a comprehensive suite of electronic aids, including ABS, ESC, and Hill Hold.
All things considered, the new Škoda Kodiaq offers an exceptional blend of premium features, contemporary design, and thoughtful family-friendly practicality. Perhaps its most impressive aspect is that it is offered at a starting price of Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it a standout value proposition in the luxury SUV segment.
Whether you prefer sophisticated styling, desire a tech-rich cabin, or are simply in need of a spacious and comfortable SUV for your family, the Kodiaq makes a strong case for itself. It’s luxury that’s smart, versatile, and refreshingly uncompromised.