Getting a move on is easier thanks to an updated 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine under the bonnet. The 1,984-cc engine now produces 10 kW (14 hp) more than before with a rated peak 204 hp but with the same 320 Nm of peak torque. A seven-speed DirectShift Gearbox (DSG) is the automatic transmission of choice, sending power to the all-wheel-drive system. This combination works and rather well. This bear can growl when prodded. The refinement is evident and the smooth delivery of power makes this an engaging vehicle to drive as well. However, having sampled the TDI diesels earlier, including the full-fat 2.0 BiTDI with 240 hp and 500 Nm, this TSI petrol needs to be revved up a little more before it starts delivering the goods. There are six drive modes available in the L&K: Eco, Normal, Sport, Offroad, Snow, and Individual. The Skoda Kodiaq L&K weighs 1,825 kilograms, five kilos more than the sportier Sportline with lighter upholstery and trim and no massage seats.
Drive selector has moved to the steering column
That said, the steering feel is excellent—not overly light but responsive and rather crisp. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in 235/55 R18 all-season tyres and, together with the strut front and multi-link rear, give it a slightly firm ride. That also means the Kodiaq has good handling dynamics. It behaves better than expected in bends and tight corners. The 4×4 system is more front-biased but distributes power between the wheels and splits it between the axles well for a sure-footed feel. The ride height is plenty as well, with 189 mm of ground clearance. Even loaded up, that only drops to 155 mm. The tank-like build remains a constant and that, together with the Skoda Kodiaq’s monocoque body, are the areas rivals will find hard to match. Said rivals are notably the extremely popular Toyota Fortuner (available in petrol and diesel), the less popular Isuzu mu-X, and, were they to bring it to India, the Hyundai Santa Fe.
On the safety front, the Skoda Kodiaq gets a slew of driver aids and as many as nine airbags—dual front, one centre, two front-side, two rear-side, and two curtains. While there is no ADAS or radar system, there is regular cruise control and the multi-collision brake feature (which automatically kicks in if the airbags deploy). It gets hill-start assist as well as hill descent control, for dealing with any steep slopes which may seem daunting. Its agile handling is courtesy an enhanced stability control and a cross differential system (XDS+)—which simulates a limited-slip differential by braking the inner wheels when cornering, thus sending more power to the outer wheels for enhanced agility and quicker turn-in—together with an electronic differential lock. There is no dynamic control for the suspension this time but it seems to hold up well. No complaints in the handling department.
All in all, the Skoda Kodiaq is a truly versatile SUV which doesn’t disappoint on either the capability or the luxury front. Everything feels great and works well. It has more than a few new-age in-demand features, from ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof to an animated LED start-up sequence and a door lamp with logo projection. The turbo-petrol engine feels capable but lacks the low-end grunt which the diesel has in spades. The quick revs can also make it thirsty. City drives drop efficiency to single-digit figures whereas a more open road can get it close to the claimed figure of 14.8 km/l. But for those who want a refined, comfortable, and flexible seven-seater SUV which doesn’t stop when the road ends, there are few arguments against choosing this big Czech bear.
Skoda Kodiaq Sportline
The sportier iteration of the Skoda Kodiaq, aptly dubbed “Sportline”, gets a darker, no-nonsense theme with blacked-out elements outside and, inside, “Black Suedia” material, which resembles Alcantara. There are powered sports seats with heating and memory (but without the massage function), a sports steering wheel, and aluminium pedals to complete the sport equation. There is also a different wheel design and the choice of the exclusive “Steel Grey” exterior paint finish. It does not include a 360° camera and intelligent park assist, making do with just a rear-view camera instead. The list also skips the double-side carpet, flexible cargo element, and the net in the boot.
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