Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq had established itself as a practical and spacious SUV. The arrival of the all-new generation brings forth a vehicle promising to build upon this foundation. In this review, we present a detailed exploration, examining the core strengths that position this new Kodiaq as a potentially indispensable vehicle.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood of the new Skoda Kodiaq lies a refined 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, delivering a healthy 201 bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. A notable change is the relocation of the gear selector from the traditional centre console position to a more ergonomic stalk on the steering column, freeing up space and offering a more intuitive operation.

The ground clearance has been slightly increased to 155mm laden (a 15mm improvement), which should offer a bit more confidence when navigating uneven road surfaces. It's worth noting that this particular variant does not feature DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control). While the absence of DCC means there isn't the option to tailor the suspension settings, the standard setup offers a good balance between comfort and composure. The braking system feels progressive and provides adequate stopping power.

In terms of engine performance, the 2.0-litre TSI unit provides ample power for both relaxed cruising and more spirited driving. The engine feels responsive, and the DSG gearbox executes quick and seamless gear changes, contributing to a refined driving experience. Overtaking maneuvers on the highway are executed with ease. The ride quality is generally comfortable, effectively absorbing most road imperfections encountered during our Mumbai drive.

Just like its capable predecessor, the new Kodiaq retains its intelligent 4x4 capability. And to further enhance its off-road prowess, Skoda has equipped the new Kodiaq with a dedicated Off-Road Mode. This intelligent system optimises the engine, transmission, and various assistance features to provide you with better traction and control when the going gets tough.

Exterior

The new Skoda Kodiaq refines the robust and confident stance of its predecessor, injecting a dose of modern sophistication. The redesigned grille is more upright and commanding, featuring an illuminated strip that adds a distinctive visual signature, especially at night. Sleeker LED headlamps flank the grille, integrated with sharp DRLs that contribute to a more contemporary front fascia.

In profile, the Kodiaq boasts newly designed aero-optimised 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing both its efficiency and visual appeal. Moving to the rear, the sharp LED tail lamps feature a nearly connected design, stretching across the tailgate to create a wider, more prominent look. This design element not only enhances the Kodiaq's modern aesthetic but also improves its visibility.

Interior and Features

The previous generation established a benchmark for cabin spaciousness, and this new iteration elevates that further. Settling into the front seats, one immediately appreciates their generous dimensions and supportive structure. Our extended time behind the wheel revealed a thoughtful balance in the cushioning – firm enough for long journeys yet yielding enough for comfortable city driving.

The versatility of the second row truly stands out. It's not merely a fixed bench; its ability to slide fore and aft allows for a flexible distribution of legroom between the second and third rows. Even taller occupants will find a commendable amount of knee and headroom, significantly enhancing comfort on longer trips.

The third row in any three-row SUV is often a point of discussion. While outright spaciousness remains a challenge in this segment, the Kodiaq's third row offers genuine usability, particularly for children. The increase of 59mm in overall length and 15mm in headroom translates to a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. It provides a practical solution for accommodating extra passengers on shorter journeys. When the need arises for transporting five occupants along with a substantial amount of luggage, folding these seats down transforms the Kodiaq into a cavernous hauler.

With all three rows in place, the Kodiaq offers a respectable 281 litres of cargo capacity. While this might seem modest on paper, in practical terms, it surpasses the luggage capacity of many hatchbacks. However, the true potential is unleashed when the third row is folded down, revealing a massive 786 litres of space. The Kodiaq's practicality extends beyond just passenger and cargo space. Thoughtful storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin. The split glovebox offers a convenient way to organise belongings, while the door pads feature generously sized bottle holders. A particularly clever touch is the sliding panel on the center console, which discreetly reveals the cupholders when needed and provides a clean, uncluttered look when not.

The cabin's ambience varies depending on the chosen variant. The Sportline adopts a fully blacked-out theme with suede accents, lending it a sporty character. In contrast, our test vehicle, the top-spec L&K, features Cognac leather upholstery, which imparts a more premium and elegant feel to the interior.

Skoda has long been recognised for its 'Simply Clever' features – those small, yet incredibly useful additions that enhance the ownership experience. The new Kodiaq continues this tradition. For those meticulous about keeping their infotainment screen pristine, the Kodiaq includes a handy screen cleaner. The practical umbrella, neatly stowed in the front door, remains a signature Skoda touch. A welcome addition in today's connected world is a dedicated USB port located near the interior rearview mirror, specifically designed for seamlessly integrating a dash camera. The robust sill guards on the doors, a feature appreciated in the previous model, have been carried over. Another practical inclusion is a small, integrated dustbin within the door pad, a simple yet effective solution for maintaining a tidy cabin. One of the standout 'Simply Clever' features in the new Kodiaq is the adaptable cupholder system in the center console. Initially appearing as two standard cupholders, a simple sliding mechanism instantly transforms them into four, offering exceptional versatility.

Even the boot area benefits from Skoda's thoughtful design. Clever cargo sticks can be folded out and strategically positioned around your luggage, effectively preventing items from shifting during transit.

Skoda has struck a commendable balance between embracing digital interfaces and retaining the tactile familiarity of physical controls. The new 'Smart Dials' exemplify this approach. These aren't just conventional knobs; they are multifunctional. The outer left and right dials primarily control the temperature and the heated or cooled seats. However, the central digital display within each dial can be customised to manage up to four different functions, including fan speed, audio volume, driving modes, and various other vehicle settings.

The infotainment system has been upgraded to a larger 13-inch touchscreen. The user interface is intuitive and responsive, facilitating easy navigation through the various menus and functions. As expected, it seamlessly integrates with modern smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver benefits from a fully digital and colorised instrument cluster. This display is highly customisable, allowing drivers to prioritise the information they wish to view, from navigation prompts to comprehensive vehicle data.

Enhancing the cabin ambiance is neatly integrated multi-color ambient lighting that subtly illuminates the dashboard and door pads. The expansive panoramic sunroof further contributes to an airy and spacious feel within the cabin. For added convenience, the Kodiaq also features a powered driver's seat with a memory function and two wireless charging pads for seamlessly charging compatible devices.

Conclusion

Can the new Skoda Kodiaq truly be the only car you ever need in your garage?

The new Kodiaq brings together a fantastic blend of strengths. We have talked about its space, making it ideal for families. Then there's the sheer practicality woven into its design, making everyday life just that little bit easier. And of course, we can't forget those signature 'Simply Clever' features that Skoda does so well. Finally, as we just discussed, its proven off-road credentials, thanks to that capable 4x4 system and dedicated off-road mode, add a layer of versatility that many in this segment simply can't match.

But then, there are some points you might want to consider. There is a third row that is best used by kids. And then there is the service network of Skoda that is growing and improving and might take some more time to get on par with other mass market carmakers. But then, if you are a smart buyer and don’t need a luxury brand in your garage, and want something above the mass market cars, then the Kodiaq just fits right.

Pictures by Kapil Angane