2022 Skoda Kodiaq: Competition check

The Skoda Kodiaq has mostly been a low profile upmarket SUV and the new iteration also ensure the same stealth, but this time around the Indian automotive market has a lot of other options. Let's take a look at them.

The 2022 Skoda Kodiaq is finally here. The three-row SUV gets an updated fascia and a longer feature list. Skoda has also ditched the 2.0-litre diesel engine and put in a 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor which also does duty in the recently launched 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Octavia.

The new Skoda Kodiaq has been launched in three variants and the following is the variant wise price breakup of the updated SUV.

2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style - Rs 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

2022 Skoda Kodiaq SportLine - Rs 35.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

2022 Skoda Kodiaq Laurin & Klement - Rs 37.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Kodiaq does continue its rivalry with the full-size SUVs in the market, however, the prices also overlap or are in close proximity with cars and SUVs of a different segment.

Following are the products which should be considered if you’re in the market for a Rs 40 lakh (on-road) SUV.

Full-size SUVs

The key players in the segment are the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster. The Gloster is available in two states of tune and the Fortuner can be had with a petrol engine, thus, both the SUVs have a relatively lower entry point in the segment.

Toyota Fortuner - Rs 31.39-43.43 lakh (ex-showroom)

MG Gloster - Rs 30.98-39 lakh (ex-showroom)

There are two more SUVs in the same segment which offer a similar full-size three-row SUV experience for a more affordable cost. The Mahindra Alturas G4 and the Isuzu MU-X have relatively low entry-level pricing as well.

Mahindra Alturas G4 - Rs 28.77-31.77 lakh (ex-showroom)

Isuzu MU-X - Rs 33.23-35.19 lakh (ex-showroom)

Premium Compact SUV

This segment mainly sees products from brands which are not flashy as the upmarket carmakers, however, offers a similar premium ownership experience and feel  

The lowest Style variant of the 2022 Kodiaq is Rs 1.20 lakh more than the price of the top-spec Citroen C5 Aircross. The C5 Aircross also offers a diesel mill which will be practical for the daily runabout.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan which was launched last month also features the same powertrain as this new 2022 Kodiaq; however, the Tiguan can haul only five people whereas, the Kodiaq can seat seven.

Citroen C5 Aircross - Rs 32.23-33.78 lakh (ex-showroom)

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan - Rs 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Premium Crossovers

The top of the line Laurin & Klement variant of the Kodiaq asks for Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom), which is only Rs 1.50 lakh lesser than the entry-level BMW X1. However, the updated BMW X1 is likely to arrive this year which will then marginally increase the prices.

The Audi Q2 which is a substantially small SUV, has the same entry-level price as the 2022 Kodiaq, however, the top-spec Q2 is substantially more expensive than that of the 2022 Kodiaq Laurin & Klement.

BMW X1 - Rs 39.50-43.50 lakh (ex-showroom)

Audi Q2 - Rs 34.99-48.89 lakh (ex-showroom)

Mercedes-Benz GLA - Rs 44-48.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

Entry-level Premium Sedans

For some extra cost over the new Kodiaq, one can opt for a premium sedan in the entry-level segment. Car such as the 2 Series Gran Coupe and A-Class Limousine may not offer the luxury SUV experience, but will definitely bring premium brand association along with them.

BMW 2 Series Gran-Coupe - Rs 39.50-41.90 lakh (ex-showroom)

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine - Rs 41.55-43.58 (ex-showroom)

Also Read:

2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift launched at Rs 34.99 lakh

Gurpratap Boparai, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India MD, resigns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTzcnPtp4Ns