Škoda Kodiaq: India’s premium SUV market lately, you know it is a bit of a battleground. For years, buyers looking for a blend of European luxury, rugged capability, and space have gravitated toward Škoda’s flagship. Now, the all-new Škoda Kodiaq has officially landed in India, starting at ₹36.99 Lakh (ex-showroom).
But this is not just a lazy cosmetic facelift. Škoda has re-engineered its big 4×4 from the ground up, adding a highly requested ADAS safety suite and a massive injection of high-end technology. The big question is: does it do enough to pull you away from entry-level luxury badges like Audi or BMW? Let’s dive deep and find out.
Škoda Kodiaq Design: Sharper, Sleeker, and Surprisingly Imposing
At first glance, the new Kodiaq manages a clever trick: it looks noticeably larger and more muscular, yet cleaner and more sophisticated. The front end is dominated by a wider, proud Škoda grille that connects seamlessly to a brilliant set of Matrix LED headlights. Look closely, and you will notice a horizontal light strip running right across the grille, giving it a very distinctive night-time signature.
Move along the side, and the extended roofline is broken up by a neat, dark chrome finish on the D-pillar. Around the back, the animated C-shaped LED taillights are linked by a full-width decorative strip that emphasizes the car’s wide, planted stance.
What makes this generation particularly interesting is how Škoda is dividing the cabin options:
- The Lounge Trim: Set up as a highly spacious 5-seater luxury cruiser, perfect for those who prefer maximum legroom and a gargantuan boot.
- The Sportline & Selection L&K Trims: Configured as 3-row, 7-seater family haulers ready for long-distance road trips.
Step Inside: A Genuine Tech Sanctuary
If you have spent time in older Škoda models, the new cabin will feel like a massive leap into the future. The physical clutter is gone, replaced by a massive 32.77 cm touchscreen infotainment system that acts as the command center for the entire vehicle. Right in front of the driver sits a crisp 26.03 cm Virtual Cockpit that displays everything from your navigation maps to active safety alerts.
Material quality is excellent across the board, but the top-tier Selection L&K is where things get truly luxurious. It features ergo-designed front seats that do not just heat up during cold mountain drives or ventilate on hot summer days—they also include built-in, multi-programmed massage functions.
To top it off, Škoda has retained its partnership with Canton, packing the SUV with a high-fidelity sound system that easily drowns out harsh city traffic.
The Drive: Silk, Punch, and Unshakable Grip
Under the hood, Škoda has chosen to stick with what it does best. Powering the Kodiaq is a refined 2.0-liter TSI Turbocharged Petrol Engine pumping out a healthy 150 kW (around 190 brake horsepower).
It is paired with a slick, quick-shifting 7-speed DSG automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via an intelligent 4×4 system. On the tarmac, the power delivery is incredibly smooth and linear. But if you run out of road, the Kodiaq relies on electronic safety nets like a specialized Hill Descent Control system, Multi-Collision Braking, and anti-lock brakes to keep things perfectly composed over rough terrain.
The Game Changer: Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS)
The biggest missing puzzle piece from the previous model was advanced active safety. Škoda has aggressively answered that critique by equipping the Sportline and Selection L&K variants with a full suite of ADAS features.
Rather than being overly intrusive, the system works quietly in the background to prevent everyday driving mishaps:
- Front Assist: Watch the road ahead for vehicles, cyclists, or unpredictable pedestrians, applying autonomous emergency braking if you do not react in time.
- Side Assist: Monitors your blind spots and flashes bright warnings on the side mirrors if a vehicle is closing in too fast while you try to change lanes.
- Exit Warning: A fantastic feature for tight urban spaces that alerts passengers if they are about to open a door into an oncoming cyclist or car.
- Intelligent Park Assist: Uses a 360-degree camera system to map out parking slots and takes over the steering inputs to park this large SUV effortlessly.
Comparing the Lineup
To help you figure out which version makes the most sense for your garage, here is a quick breakdown of how the trims stack up:
| Feature & Spec | Lounge | Sportline | Selection L&K |
| Cabin Layout | 5-Seater Lounge | 7-Seater Utility | 7-Seater Luxury |
| Engine & Gearbox | 2.0L TSI + 7-Speed DSG 4×4 | 2.0L TSI + 7-Speed DSG 4×4 | 2.0L TSI + 7-Speed DSG 4×4 |
| ADAS Safety Tech | Standard Safety | Full Radar Suite | Full Radar Suite |
| 360-Degree Camera | No | Yes | Yes |
| Massaging Seats | No | No | Yes (Front Row) |
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Škoda is clearly aiming to give luxury car buyers a complete peace-of-mind package. Every Kodiaq comes bundled with the Škoda Super Care program, which includes a 4-year/100,000 km warranty, four entirely labor-free services during your first two years, and around-the-clock roadside assistance.
If you are looking for an SUV that doesn’t scream for attention but offers an incredibly safe, tech-rich, and beautifully built European driving experience, the new Kodiaq is an incredibly compelling package. It undercuts entry-level luxury badges significantly while matching—and in some cases, exceeding—their feature sheets.
The new Kodiaq is currently rolling into Škoda dealerships across the country, and test drives are officially underway.