The 2017 Skoda Kodiaq has been launched in India at a price of Rs. 34.49 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India). The Kodiaq is currently available with only one fully-loaded variant. This launch marks the entry of the first ever 7-seater SUV from Skoda in India. The Kodiaq has been placed a slot higher than the Superb sedan and has thus become Skoda India’s new flagship product.
Skoda dealerships across India are already accepting bookings for the Kodiaq SUV, while deliveries have also begun from immediate effect. The booking amount for the Kodiaq in India has been tagged at Rs. 20,000.
The Kodiaq is built on the Volkswagen group’s MQB platform, which also underpins the new-gen Octavia and the India-bound VW Tiguan. This light-weight platform promises to result in enhanced fuel economy figures for the Kodiaq as well as nice handling characteristics. However, we will reserve our judgement till we drive this SUV in India later this year.
The Kodiaq is Skoda’s largest SUV ever and is the company’s first 7-seater offering. It must be noted that the Kodiaq is also offered in a 5-seater layout in the international markets. However, since we Indians love the 7 seater layout, Skoda has introduced the India-spec Kodiaq only in the larger seating capacity variant. Moreover, this also helps the Kodiaq to compete directly against the market leaders – the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.
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Skoda Kodiaq price in India
The Skoda Kodiaq in India is available in a single top-of-the-line variant – Style, which has been priced at a whopping 34.49 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India). This will translate to an on-road price of around Rs. 42 lakh in some major cities, after including registration charges and RTO taxes.
The Kodiaq has been introduced to compete against the Fortuner and Endeavour. However, from the price point of view, this Skoda SUV is majorly overpriced. In fact, it is straightaway in the territory of the German SUVs from Audi and BMW. Skoda did have a chance to make it big in India’s full size SUV segment but at such a sky-rocketing price point, the Kodiaq’s future doesn’t look bright.
| Skoda Kodiaq variant | ex-showroom, pan India |
| Style | Rs 34.49 lakh |
Skoda Kodiaq specifications and engine
The Skoda Kodiaq is available only with one engine and transmission option. This includes a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged TDI diesel engine that churns out 148 bhp and 340 Nm of peak torque. This powerplant is mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and supplies power to all four wheels through an AWD drivetrain.
| Engine | 2.0-litre TDI Diesel |
| Power | 148 bhp |
| Torque | 340 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DSG Automatic |
| Drivetrain system | AWD |
Skoda Kodiaq mileage
Skoda claims that the Kodiaq in India can deliver a fuel economy of 16.25 km/l. However, this figure has been tested in ideal situations. In practical usage, expect a mileage of around 12 km/l for the Skoda Kodiaq.
Skoda Kodiaq dimensions
| Length | 4,697 mm |
| Width | 1, 882 mm |
| Height | 1, 676 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,791 mm |
Skoda Kodiaq features
- Skoda Connect infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Handsfree tailgate
- Umbrella tucked inside the door frames
- Dual-zone climate control
- AC vents for all three rows
- Push button start
Skoda Kodiaq exterior design
The Kodiaq is built on the MQB platform, which is the same chassis that underpins the new-gen Superb as well as Audi’s flagship Q7 SUV. The Kodiaq is basically a production version of Skoda’s VisionS concept that was showcased at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It borrows most of the design cues from the concept SUV, though the overall styling has been toned down a bit.
The front of the Kodiaq gets Skoda’s characteristic butterfly grille. On both sides of the grille are the sleek & angular headlamp housings. The side profile reveals a sloping roofline, beefed up wheel arches with black plastic cladding, and tastefully designed 17-inch alloys. The rear meanwhile somehow reminds of the Skoda Superb, thanks to its similarly styled taillight clusters and sharp character lines running around the number plate area on the tailgate.
Skoda Kodiaq colours in India
- Lava Blue
- Quartz Grey
- Magic Black
- Moon White
Skoda Kodiaq Competitors in India
- Toyota Fortuner
- Ford Endeavour
Skoda Kodiaq India
- Exterior Design
- Interior Design & Comfort
- Features
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Kodiaq is the company’s first full-size 7-seater SUV. It comes with a bold and contemporary design that lends an eye catching road appearance. The interiors are loaded with features and adorned with good quality materials. However, the pricing of the Kodiaq in India is on the higher side and it will thus be tough for Skoda to sell it alongside well-established competitors like the Fortuner and Endeavour.