Skoda Kodiaq Engine and Performance

The Indian spec Kodiaq comes with a single engine option, the tried and tested 2.0 litre TDI diesel. In this SUV, the motor develops 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. You immediately notice that the engine has high levels of refinement. Acceleration is very linear and it picks up speed smoothly. Low and mid range response is pretty good too. The 7 speed DSG automatic gearbox has quick shifts and hides the turbo lag well. The steering is light and the Kodiaq feels very comfortable to drive around city roads.  While power feels adequate in regular city driving, its once you are on the highway that you feel the motor being a bit underpowered. It feels a bit strained at higher rpms when overtaking but on the other hand, it makes for a fantastic and sedate highway cruiser at lower triple digit speeds. We still feel however that the engine could do with a bit more power. There are five drive modes that adjust the steering, gearshifts and the throttle response: Normal, Eco, Sport, Individual and Snow.

Ride quality is where Skoda has scored brownie points with the Kodiaq. It is very plush and the suspension soaks in our bad roads with aplomb. Vertical movement is also at bare minimum. Although the steering is light, it is pretty direct and feels well weighted especially if you are in Sport mode. Feedback is good and the Kodiaq will happily take to corners albeit with a bit of body roll. AWD is standard but it doesn’t get an off-road mode. That said, the Kodiaq wont really see off-road escapdes but should be able to get itself out of mildly sticky situations.

The Kodiaq safety features include 9 airbags, ABS, ESP, EBD, Fatigue Alert, rear view camera, Brake Assist, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors and Hands Free parking.

Skoda Kodiaq Verdict

The Skoda Kodiaq feels more car than an outright SUV. If you like the Superb but are looking for the SUV feel, the Kodiaq is for you. It comes loaded with a lot of standard features, has luxurious interiors and lots of space. It feels very car like to drive too and is city friendly despite its size. The engine lacks in outright high end punch but is perfect for a sedate and relaxed driving experience.  Skoda offers the Kodiaq in a single fully loaded variant for Rs. 34.49 lakh ex showroom. That makes it more expensive than its direct rivals, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.  And while at that price, you do get a lot of kit and the luxury factor, it doesn’t quite tick the value for money box.

Skoda Kodiaq photo gallery: