Skoda Kodiaq Wins NDTV Fullsize SUV Of The Year 2018

The Kodiaq was not Skoda's first SUV in India but it is the first full size SUV the company has brought to India. The SUV was launched in India this year and took home the NDTV Fullsize SUV of the year award. Being the first 7-seater from the company, Skoda India is only offering one, full-loaded Style variant of the Kodiaq SUV. With the new full-size Kodiaq, Skoda India will now compete in the territory of the the popular Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubihi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and even the smaller Volkswagen Tiguan. The Kodiaq is assembled in India and is priced at Rs. 34.49 lakh.

In fact both the Tiguan and the new Skoda Kodiaq are based on the same MQB platform and get the same underpinnings. While globally, the Kodiaq is also available in a 5-seater option, in India Skoda India will offer the SUV only in the seven seat configuration.

(Skoda Kodiaq)

The Skoda Kodiaq apes the design language we have seen on all new Skoda vehicles. It gets the large and 'in your face' front grille, the uncanny split headlamp cluster that houses LED daytime running light lights and LED headlamps along with large 18-inch wheels. The Kodiaq has a very upright and typically SUV like stance which we feel will be a real bonus for the SUV in India as buyers in that segment.

Also Read: Skoda Kodiaq Review

Under the hood is the 2-litre tried and tested diesel engine that we have seen on the likes of the Skoda Octavia, Skoda Superb and several other VW group offerings including the Tiguan SUV. The engine makes 148 bhp and 340 Nm of peak torque and comes mated with a 7-speed DSG gearbox only. There will be no manual gearbox option or even a petrol engine option as of now but you do get all-wheel-drive. Just like the Tiguan, the Kodiaq is also based on the MQB platform. ARAI claimed fuel efficiency stands at 16.25 kmpl.