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The Škoda Kodiaq may not be the car one associates with high-speed tracks and off-road trails, but we loved driving it on the Natrax.
Story: Joshua Varghese
Photography: Sanjay Raikar and Škoda India
The most premium Skoda sold in India has been given a few updates and we went to Natrax in Indore to see what’s new. Of course, since we went all the way there, it would be a shame if the car wasn’t released on the excellent test track. Here are our thoughts after a short experience.
The most significant change to the car’s exterior is its aerodynamics. Škoda has modified the rear spoiler with finlets and they claim it allows the car to better slice the air. We’ve only driven the best Laurin and Klement (L&K) models and minimal aesthetic updates to that one. Chrome trim on the grille and windows, special 18-inch wheels and silver-painted roof rails are some of the elements that set it apart from the other variants on offer, but apart from aero improvements, there are hardly any changes when compared to the previous L&K.
The cabin continues to be the three-row, seven-seater layout as before with the first few rows offering the best in terms of comfort and space. While the front seats have the advantage of being electrically adjustable and also have a heating/cooling function, the second row of seats replaces that with a separate headrest that extends downwards to form a neck pillow-like structure, quite useful for a quick nap. Placed just above the wheel arches, the third row offers ample space for small children. All seats are wrapped in cream perforated leather upholstery and are luxurious and comfortable. With all rows up, luggage space is only 270 liters but can be expanded to 2,005 liters by collapsing the second and third row.
Changes to the dashboard are minimal and the touchscreen unit showcases the world’s newest smartphone connectivity, but it has to be noted that it’s backed by Canton’s immersive sound system (12 speakers and a sub-woofer). Škoda has also given this car a lot of attention to detail and my favorites include the headlight washers and the driver’s glove box. I think everyone’s favorite feature must be the automatic door guard. The sleek silicone casing creeps out into the doorway when the door is opened and folds neatly when closed. Quite useful in tight parking lots.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter, in-line, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine has been updated to comply with the latest emissions regulations and Škoda claims it’s slightly more efficient in this latest iteration, thankfully, that’s yet to come. at the expense of power and torque because it develops 190 hp and 320 Nm even now. All of that is effectively managed using the seven-speed DSG. In addition, the Kodiaq is all-wheel-drive where power is sent to the rear wheels automatically whenever needed. Otherwise, it functions as a front-wheel drive car.
To experience the potential of the ‘Off-road’ button on the dashboard, Škoda has prepared an off-road track. While one might not associate it with off-roading, the Kodiaq proves that it can tackle the tough stuff, when the need arises. I wouldn’t call it an off-roader but I’m also pretty sure it can handle roads that haven’t been paved or maintained, maybe even light roads.
On the high-speed track, the Kodiaq is in its element. In Sport mode, it cycles through each gear quickly and picks up speed quickly for such a big car. Even entering flat track corners, the Kodiaq stays calm and I can change lanes with confidence if I want to. Planted that way, there was an occasional kick from the high winds but not enough to be a cause for concern. Speed continues to increase overall, reaching 218 km / hour.
No changes have been made to the suspension and braking settings. Since we drove only on curated off-road trails and smooth high-speed trails, there’s not much I can say about the poor road ride quality. From my experience, the suspension is quite well tuned and allows the car to hold the road well, even at high speeds.
For a car that is so easy to drive fast, safety is paramount and Škoda’s commitment to the same is exemplary. The Kodiaq’s safety kit includes nine airbags and a long list of driving aids which I believe have contributed to its five star rating at Euro NCAP.
For the Laurin and Klement models, one has to shell out Rs 41.39 lakh (ex-showroom), making them the most premium Škoda cars sold in India. That being said, it does have what it takes to live up to those standards.
Also read: MG Comet EV First Drive Review
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