Skoda Kodiaq: After a brief hiatus from the Indian market, the Skoda Kodiaq has returned with a vengeance, and boy, has it come back stronger. The second-generation model, launched in April 2025 at Rs 46.89 lakh, isn’t just an incremental update – it’s a complete reimagination of what a premium seven-seater SUV should be. For those who missed the first-generation model’s understated elegance, this comeback feels like meeting an old friend who’s returned from abroad with newfound sophistication and style.
The Czech automaker’s flagship SUV has always occupied a unique position in the Indian market. While competitors like the Toyota Fortuner relied on rugged appeal and the MG Gloster emphasized sheer size, the Kodiaq carved its niche through European refinement and practical luxury. This new iteration doubles down on that philosophy, offering buyers something refreshingly different in a segment dominated by body-on-frame behemoths.
Design Evolution That Commands Attention
Park the new Kodiaq next to its predecessor, and you’ll immediately notice how Skoda’s design team has masterfully balanced familiarity with freshness. The split headlamp setup, now a signature element across Skoda’s lineup, gives the SUV a more assertive face. The crystalline headlights work in harmony with a horizontal light strip running through the grille, creating an unmistakable light signature that announces your arrival long before you reach your destination.
What’s particularly clever about the design is how it manages to look larger without being ostentatious. The longer wheelbase of 2,791mm translates to better proportions, while the dark chrome finish on the D-pillar adds a floating roof effect that modernizes the silhouette. Those C-shaped LED tail lights connected by a full-width decorative strip aren’t just for show – they give the Kodiaq remarkable road presence, especially at night.
Two Flavors of Sophistication
Skoda’s decision to offer the Kodiaq in just two carefully curated variants – Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K) – speaks volumes about their confidence. The Sportline variant appeals to enthusiasts who prefer their luxury with a side of athleticism. Blacked-out elements replace chrome, sporty alloy wheels add aggression, and the overall aesthetic screams dynamic intent without trying too hard.
The L&K variant, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of Czech craftsmanship. Brown leather interiors, unique alloy wheel designs, and chrome accents throughout create an ambiance that wouldn’t feel out of place in vehicles costing twice as much. It’s this attention to detail that separates the Kodiaq from its more utilitarian competitors.
Interior Excellence Beyond Expectations
Step inside the new Kodiaq, and you’re greeted by what can only be described as a technological tour de force. The 32.77 cm touchscreen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 26.03 cm Virtual Cockpit that puts critical information directly in your line of sight. But technology here isn’t just about screen sizes – it’s about integration and usability.
The cabin materials feel premium to touch, with soft plastics and genuine metal inserts where it matters. Ambient lighting adds drama to night drives, while the Ergo seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions transform long journeys into therapeutic experiences. The three-zone climate control ensures that all seven occupants travel in comfort, regardless of their seating position.
Performance That Delivers Without Drama
Under the sculpted hood lies the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 190 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. While some might question the absence of a diesel option, this TSI unit proves its worth through refinement and adequate performance. The 7-speed DSG transmission shifts with precision, and the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence-inspiring traction during monsoon months.
Real-world fuel efficiency hovers around 11-12 kmpl in mixed driving conditions – respectable for a seven-seater SUV of this size. The Kodiaq’s party trick remains its composed highway manners. Where body-on-frame SUVs feel unsettled at triple-digit speeds, the monocoque Kodiaq remains planted and serene.
Safety and Technology Integration
Modern buyers expect comprehensive safety features, and the Kodiaq delivers with nine airbags as standard across both variants. The electronic safety net includes ESC, ABS with EBD, and multiple traction management systems. While the absence of ADAS features at this price point raises eyebrows, the 360-degree camera system and extensive passive safety features provide reassurance.
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Skoda Kodiaq The Road Ahead
As deliveries commence across India, the Kodiaq faces an interesting market dynamic. Priced between Rs 46.89-48.69 lakh, it competes with established players while offering something distinctly different. The anticipated RS variant, expected later in 2025 with 265 horsepower, promises to add even more excitement to the lineup.
For buyers seeking a premium seven-seater that prioritizes refinement over ruggedness, comfort over conquest, the new Kodiaq presents a compelling proposition. It’s not trying to be another Fortuner or Gloster – it’s confidently being the best Kodiaq it can be, and that’s precisely what makes it special in today’s homogenized SUV landscape.