Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech carmaker's big bet as it aims at rapidly increasing volumes in existing and new markets worldwide. And why not, after all SUVs and compact SUVs with a crossover flavour are the 'it' segment and see much higher growth (and margins) than industry averages. This is of course just as true in India too, and which is why the Kodiaq becomes very important for us - and indeed Skoda India too! Believe it or not the Kodiaq is 160mm shorter in length than the Superb sedan! The Kodiaq is 4697 mm long and has a 2791 mm wheelbase. It shares the MQB platform and much else with the Volkswagen Tiguanand Seat Ateca - and a bit with the VW Atlas just unveiled in the US. But the Atlas is over 5 metres long and so is a different animal. The Kodiaq is looking to offer good quality, efficient engines, sharp design and value. And oh in case you're still in the dark on this - the SUV is named after an Alaskan bear species.

The Kodiaq is not pretty but is stunning. And its big advantage will be that it looks like no other SUV on the market. The styling on the Kodiaq is in line with new Skodas - i.e. the crystalline design language that means sharp lines, creased metal and very layered, bejewelled lighting elements. Skoda's new trademark 'butterfly' grille is also well finished with its chrome edge. The headlamps have a sharp LED daytime running light signature, and stand out now with the fog lights moving up into the bumper, just below the headlamp - creating a split light cluster effect. I think that is very definitive and yes you can expect that look to go into the 2nd generation Yeti when it breaks cover next year. But let me not digress!

My favourite design element is the very 3D and extremely angular taillight cluster. Great job on the design by Jozef Kaban and team! The car's razor sharp sexiness is complemented well by a good fit and material finish - inside and out. The car also packs in what Skoda calls its Simply Clever solutions - neat innovations like the cargo bay light in the boot that detaches and doubles up as a flashlight, foldable tray tables for 2nd row passengers,

(Skoda Kodiaq gets clever touches in form of umbrella holders, door protectors and a huge boot)

umbrellas inside the frame of the front doors, etc. But these are features we have seen before. The Kodiaq has a new one that is totally apt for India. A pop out door protector - which basically sees a rubber guard emerge and envelope the edge of the door to avoid it from being damaged (or causing damage). As you shut the door it cleverly retracts itself in and so the door looks nice and smooth without the ugly rubber clamps on the after-market always-there door guards. Very neat trick! Kudos Skoda on that one.

Now we come to the all-important angle of pricing. Skoda says the Kodiaq will settle in at about where the Superb tops off. So expect pricing to hover in the Rs 30-35 lakh band. Anything higher and Skoda would have lost the opportunity in my view. Frankly even 30 lakhs is too high but that's where the market is right now. The Fortuner is crude by comparison, but has more bulk and grunt. Its ladder-on-frame chassis (as well as the Endeavour's) will make for better off-road capability. The Tiguan, Santa Fe and Kodiaq though will be the urban SUVs - without much need for hard-core off-roading. In that context I believe the Kodiaq could position itself as the value player by offering great build, efficient yet dynamic performance, good equipment and lots of space at a reasonably good price. The Kodiaq only arrives around Diwali 2017 so it's a bit of a wait I'm afraid!
 

	2.0 TDI/110 kW 4X4	2.0 TDI/140 kW 4X4	2.0 TSI/ 132 kW 4X4
Displacement	1968 cc	1968 cc	1984 cc
Max Power	147 bhp @ 3500-4000 rpm	187 bhp @ 3500-4000 rpm	177 bhp @ 3900-6000 rpm
Peak Torque	340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm	400 Nm @ 1750-3250 rpm	320 Nm @ 1400-3940 rpm
Transmission	7-Speed DSG	7-Speed DSG	7-Speed DSG