2022 Skoda Kodiaq Road Test Review – King of all Terrain

Skoda Kodiaq has been the flagship SUV model for the Czech car maker right since its global launch in 2016. The Crossover SUV was launched here in India in 2017 and since then has made its mark in its class. Now Skoda has started manufacturing the Kodiaq here in India at their Aurangabad facility from CKD units in its latest updated form. We drive the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq to get you our review that tells you all on this handsome European SUV.

Food for Thought

The Skoda Kodiaq is built on the MQB A2 platform from the Volkswagen Group. This platform is also used by the Audi Q3, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Jetta VS7 and a few other models from the VW group. Apart from India the Kodiaq is also built at the Czech Republic, China, Russia and the Ukraine. The Kodiaq has been designed by renowned automotive designer Jozef Kaban who also designed the Skoda Superb, Octavia and also the Bugatti Veyron.

Exteriors

In terms of exteriors the Skoda Kodiaq has always been a very handsome looking SUV with lots of premium styling. The dimensions and the basic design remains the same as the outgoing model with loads of tweaks coming in now. Changes include the latest wide Skoda hexagonal butterfly family grille with thick chrome surrounds and vertical chrome slats defining it. The front bumper now comes in body color and has been redesigned with this update.

The other major change to the face of the Kodiaq is the all new design headlamps that now come in all white LED glow. These headlamps get crystal glow with a slightly curved LED DRL in them as compared to the older one. Headlamps also get washers fitted into the bumper. The bonnet retains the sharp character lines that again are so typical and known on Skoda cars.

Coming to the sides the premium styling is enhanced with lots of chrome in form of chrome surrounds around the large glass area The wheel arches get squared out styling and get body colored inserts on them. The lower section of the doors also come with full body colored and do not have the SUV like fiber cladding giving a clean stylish look to the Kodiaq’s side profile.

We drove the top of the line Laurin & Klement also known as the L&K variant which gets special badging on the fender highlighting its flagship status. You also get metal finish roof rails on the package along with an all glass panoramic roof and a shark-fin radio antenna. The Kodiaq drives on new design multi spoke 18 inch alloys finished in dualtone.

Coming to the rear, the updated Kodiaq now comes with a sharper looking tail lamps that get all LED glow and also a very unique and premium looking sweeping style turn indicators. The rear bumper is also restyled with the lip now getting chrome lining which is styled like faux exhausts. The tail gate is electrically openable and closable and also works on gesture (kick) action. Bold SKODA badging in chrome looks classy on the rear along with the Kodiaq and 4X4 badges placed on either ends. A large sized spoiler finishes off the rear styling making the profile look bolder.

Interiors

Step inside the updated Kodiaq and you will notice its key hallmark which is abundant space. The restyled dualtone dashboard made of soft rubbery material looks and feels very rich. You also het hand stitching pattern on it along with piano black and chrome inserts. The Kodiaq gets twin glove boxes that get illumination and cooling feature. The key highlight on the updated dash is the 10.2 inch color display that is the virtual cockpit instrument cluster of the Kodiaq. This is a highly customizable color display which can also display the map on it along with other tell tales and information in different layout modes. The AVN system is an updated latest generation 8 inch touch-screen unit that comes with loads of connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth telephony, GPS Map, vehicle status, FM radio etc.

The audio system on the updated Kodiaq is a Canton sourced sound system that consists of a 625W 12 speaker with a sub woofer that is super premium on the ears in terms of audio quality.

The steering unit on the L&K Kodiaq that we drove is an two spoke design unit with all the MFD control buttons mounted on it. You get premium leather wrapping, chrome and glossy black inserts on this unit that can be manually adjusted for height and reach. The climate control is a three zone unit with round control dials that have a very satisfying feel to them. The DSG shifter feels very stylish and premium to grip finished in leather and chrome. Placed around the shifter on the centre console are the control buttons for the off road, ESP off, electro mechanical hand brake, auto hold and the drive modes. You also now get a wireless mobile charger on the Kodiaq. Upfront you get 2 USB C type charge ports along with a 12V power outlet.

The Kodiaq comes with leather upholstery on its seats along with seat ventilation which includes heating and cooling both.  Both the front seats get 12 way full electric adjust along with lumber support. Seats are in XXL size and offer excellent comfort and support. The middle row seats get three manual head rests, folding arm rest with three cup holders and also adjust for back rest angle along with seat slide adjust. Middle row offer loads of leg room, head room and shoulder room. Here you also get two AC vents and adjust for the temperature. What is missing are USB charge ports but what you get is a 12V power outlet.

For getting into the third row you need to either tumble down the middle row seat or slide it ahead. Third row offers very limited space for seating and mostly suited for kids. What is the key USP on Kodiaq is its boot space that stands at 280 liters with all three rows up and can be increased to 2005 litres with two seat rows down.

The company has also provided you with a blanket in the package which you can pull over and take a nap with the seats down if needed during your adventure outings.

Simply Clever features

The Kodiaq comes with some simply clever features which include the umbrella pocket in the driver’s door, blanket pack, dual glove box, neck extension for the middle row  head rests to name a few.

Engine – Transmission – Suspension

Powering  the New Skoda Kodiaq is the BS-6 2.0L TFSI  Petrol engine, there is no Diesel option anymore for the SUV. This engine makes 190PS of power and 320Nm of torque. Transmission option here is the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.  This is the same engine and transmission that also powers the Skoda Octavia, Superb, Volkswagen Tiguan and a few models from the Audi lineup.

On the move this engine is extremely refined and peppy, with the SUV surging ahead at a small input of the throttle. The steering is well weighted with good amount of feedback which gets heavier with the speed building up. Skoda cars are known for their drive pleasure and the premium feel and the Kodiaq does carry all these family traits in style. The drive quality is excellent with the SUV gliding over bad roads, speed breakers and pot holes brilliantly without a hiss.

The SUV, actually, comes into its element around the 2,000 RPM mark and put into Sport mode – there are drive modes namely Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and Off Road, the Kodiaq puts on a speed mask of sorts that helps it pull forward like an imaginary sweeping road line. And for a slight dose of extra engagement, there are paddle shifters too along with tiptronic shifting if you may need.

As far as shifting is concerned the 7-speed DSG does its job seamlessly with lighting quick shifts which can’t be even felt. Different drive modes alter the gear shifts and throttle response changing the way the Kodiaq behaves. The Kodiaq feels planted at high speeds in sheer European style and driving it around busy traffic roads is also child’s play due to its light steering at low speeds. All in all the New Kodiaq offers easily the best in class ride quality and overall drive pleasure. You also get Dynamic Chassis Control on the Kodiaq which are electronic Dampers that alter the way the car handles in the various modes.

Safety

The Skoda Kodiaq gets 9 airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), EDTC – Engine Drag Torque Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill descent Control, Auto Hold, 3 head-rest at rear, 3-point seat belts, ISOFIX x2 and driver alert system. Also on the list is an advanced 360 degree camera which provides the driver with four different angles. You also get auto parking feature on the equipment list.

Skoda Kodiaq Competition

The Make in India Skoda Kodiaq competes against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and the Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Alturas G4 and the MG Gloster in its segment.

Verdict

The Skoda Kodiaq being the flagship model from the European brand has a lot of stake up its name and with this the latest updated version take ahead the strong lineage of the brute capable premium SUV. The Kodiaq easily becomes the benchmark in terms of premium feel, safety, and comfort. The SUV makes for a perfect option if you are looking out for a 7-seater SUV with best in class premium interiors, exteriors and a very capable engine powering it. Prices for the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq starts at Rs. 34.99 Lakh.