Last year, Skoda introduced a new mid-size SUV designed to rival the well-established Toyota Fortuner in India. This latest Skoda offering boasts a plethora of features and enhancements that pose a significant challenge to the dominance of the Fortuner in the Indian SUV market. Expected to launch later this year, this next-generation SUV from Skoda is poised to shake up the competition.
Skoda introduced a net-generation update for the SUV, known as Kodiaq globally last year, marking a significant milestone as the first production car embodying the “Modern Solid” philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Vision 7S Concept, the Kodiaq sports a more rugged appearance compared to its predecessor in India. Its exterior features squared-off wheel arches, a hexagonal grille, a sculpted bonnet, and an optional LED light strip running across the front end, reminiscent of the Enyaq iV.
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In terms of dimensions, the SUV has grown by 61 mm in length and boasts a 2791 mm wheelbase, providing ample space for passengers and increasing boot capacity. An optional third row offers 920 mm of headroom, with the total boot space expanding to 340 liters with all seats up, a 70-liter increase. Folding the third row yields approximately 915 liters of boot space, offering significant storage capacity.
Inside, the cockpit resembles the upcoming next-gen Superb, featuring a free-standing 10-inch digital instrument cluster, optional heads-up display (HUD), and a new infotainment system with sizes ranging from 10 to 13 inches. Smart rotary knobs on the center console, with a 32 mm display, control various functions such as climate control and infotainment settings. Interior options include Loft, Lounge, and two variations of the sustainable “Ecosuite” design.
Powering the next-gen Kodiaq are various powertrain options. These include a 1.5 L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid petrol engine with an electric motor delivering 201.20 BHP and 350 NM of torque, offering an EV-only range of over 100 km. Additionally, there’s a 1.5 L petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system and three pure ICE powertrains ranging from 2.0 L turbo diesel to turbo petrol engines, all paired with a standard DSG gearbox.
The new model comes generously equipped with features typically offered as optional extras in lower trim levels, including the latest Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) suspension system. This system, incorporating twin-valve dampers, enhances both driving dynamics and refinement, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience with various suspension modes.
While Skoda aims to launch the Kodiaq in India by the end of 2024, it may opt not to offer hybrid options due to potential cost concerns. Nonetheless, the Kodiaq will compete with models like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Volkswagen Tiguan, offering a compelling choice in the SUV segment.
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