The Kodiaq made its debut seven (yes!) years ago way back in 2017 and it competes in the Indian full size SUV market with rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian and its ‘brother from another mother’ VW Tiguan. Despite the competition, it has still manged to make a notable impact in its segment.
It combines a blend of style, performance, practicality all into one, mainly catering to the urban dweller and as is the case with most VAGs; the overall build quality is top-notch, high grade materials are used everywhere and it has precise fit, finish levels all around.
What a Looker!
In spite of being ‘just another crossover’ and now almost a decade old, the Kodiaq still always manages to turn heads. The signature Škoda grille, the sleek LED split headlights, the angular tail-lights, the muscular and sculpted body lines, the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and the long, low slung, almost station wagon like silhouette, all of these combined together give it a clean look and a commanding road presence. But, design and aesthetics are a personal choice and as they say, ‘beauty lies in the eye of the beholder’.
The In-Cabin Experience
It impresses here as well, it has a luxurious cabin with premium items utilized throughout the interior like leather upholstery and soft touch materials being implemented on the dashboard, lower down bits and ‘scratchy’ hard plastics are few and far between. The attention to detail is pretty evident, with well placed controls that are within easy reach and the SUV having an intuitive cabin layout in general.
The insides are very spacious too, with ample leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The third row may look like a practical offering on paper that adds two more seats, but they are way too cramped for adults even for short journeys and are best left to be used by kids.
Gadgetry
The SUV comes equipped with a host of features such as an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, 360-degree cameras, a fully digital driver’s instrument console (Virtual Cockpit), parking assist, an air purifier, the Rolls-Royce like umbrellas being integrated into the doors, cornering headlight function, a powered tailgate, headlamp washers, the huge panoramic sunroof, driving modes, active suspension and the main highlight ‘DCC‘ (more on that later), altogether make it the most value for money offering in its class.
Under The Hood
It is powered by the very potent and quiet in motion two-litre TSI EA-888 turbo-petrol engine that delivers 190 HP, 320 N-m of Torque and is paired to the butter smooth DQ381 seven-speed DSG ‘wet’ dual-clutch automatic transmission. For the uninitiated, do not worry, this is the reliable one! (unlike the infamously unreliable DQ200 transmision that had ‘dry’ clutches).
The ‘Haldex’
Also featured is an Haldex sourced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, it enhances the off-road capabilities by a bit and offers better traction in uncertain driving conditions. Although by no means is the Kodiaq a hardcore off-roader, it is a ‘rough roader’ at best and will be able to handle most tricky situations with relative ease in a pinch.
As for the suspension setup, it offers a good balance between comfort and handling, making it capable of tackling bad roads handily while also still maintaining a very stable ride on the highways, all thanks to DCC.
What is ‘D.C.C.’?
Now finally coming to the biggest talking point of the Kodiaq: the ‘Dynamic Chassis Control’, it adds a layer of customization, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to their needs and in actuality is nothing but the working together of the active air suspension and the drive modes that alter the throttle response and steering feedback. The system allows the driver to adjust the vehicle suspension settings according to their driving preferences, road conditions and also choose between four pretty self-explanatory suspension modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport or Off-road.
Behind the Wheel
It has a composed and engaging driving feel. The steering is well weighted (light at slow and firmer at higher speeds) which offers good feedback and helps instill confidence at all speeds. The ride quality is refined and absorbs most road imperfections without disrupting passenger comfort, and as mentioned above, the DCC system works like a charm, further enhancing the driving experience by allowing drivers to fine tune the suspension, steering and engine response settings based on their personal tastes and road conditions.
The Driving Modes
The dedicated drive mode selector lets the driver choose between a total of four different options.
- Eco: Oriented towards the ‘kitna deti hai?‘ crowd, it switches off even the A/C for maximum efficiency.
- Normal: Balance between comfort and agility, suitable for long journeys on the highways.
- Sport: More sensitive accelerator input and firmed up suspension for a more engaging driving experience, best enjoyed in the twisties and for those spirited drives.
- Individual: Fine tune settings according to individual preference, we suggest sport for drive and normal for the suspension.
Final Thoughts
The Škoda Kodiaq stands out as a strong contender in the full size SUV segment in India, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a premium and versatile ‘do-it-all’ type of vehicle. It combines elegant design, luxurious interiors, robust build quality, exciting performance and the DCC further enhancing its appeal by offering customizable driving dynamics. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, it justifies its cost with all it has to offer and the overall value proposition makes the Kodiaq a worthy investment.
