Used Skoda Kodiaq: Should You Buy One?

Skoda Auto India launched the refreshed 2022 Skoda Kodiaq SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 34.99 lakh (ex-showroom), as it also returns to the SUV segment after staying away from the action for almost two years, ever since the newer emissions norms kicked in April 2020. The 2022 Kodiaq will now be offered in three variants- Style, Sportline, and Laurin & Klement, with a petrol-only powertrain, and coupled to a seven-speed DSG automatic unit. But, if you are in the market for an older iteration of the Skoda Kodiaq, then you can get your hands on a few of them ranging from the pre-facelift to, first-generation era in the diesel format, ranging between 2017- 2021.

Much has changed since 2017, but the design of the Skoda Kodiaq remains promiscuous, with a sharp-looking front, neat edges and lines, as well as the very prominent shoulder lines that gave the car its muscular stance. Being a Skoda, the styling retained the typical sophisticated Skoda elements, which even after a facelift, look quite new and well-dressed. The 18-inch alloy wheels certainly helped its cause. The inside was even more premium if not similar to the exterior. The 8-inch touchscreen system, ambient lighting, hands-free park-assist, and panoramic sunroof added a touch of tranquillity to the cabin. The electric tailgate with the 'kicking' function and the door protectors on each door, also upped the premium game of the vehicle and was even a standard feature.

The long-wheelbase helped Skoda liberate enough space on the inside for the rear passengers, which also accommodated the sleep package'. This little gimmick adds deployable flaps on either side of the rear seats along with two blankets for a proper siesta on the go. The seats are well-bolstered and comfortable for a long drive, and even the 2,791mm wheelbase offers an airy feel to the entire cabin, with more than enough knee-room for the rear passengers while the seats themselves could be moved back and forth by 180mm.

The Skoda Kodiaq was initially launched in 2017 as the company's very first SUV, equipped with only a diesel engine, however, with the advent of cleaner emission norms, the Czech carmaker soon discontinued the vehicle. The Skoda Kodiaq, on sale between 2017- 2020, was equipped with a 1,968cc, 4-cylinder, TDI, turbocharged diesel engine developing 150bhp and 340Nm of peak torque, sending all that power to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. This particular unit was an impressive performer, and pulled quite strongly from low revs, a 270-litre boot full of luggage, with little to no drama. On highways, the Skoda Kodiaq would drive without a fret, munching roads comfortably and delivering a decent ARAI figure of 16.25kmpl, while managing city chores. Acceleration is also done quite convincingly, as the 1.8 tonne SUV can clock 0-100kmph in 10.31 seconds.

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In the used car market, the most popular trim on sale is the Style followed by the L&K trim, in its diesel, automatic configuration. The most ideal bet would be on the Kodiaq's with less than 60,000km on the clocks, and without or minimum incidents on record. It would also be advisable to check for any changes to the stock elements, and if they are retained, add more value to the vehicle. Apart from this, check for existing insurance papers, as well as the engine number and chassis no. and whether it matches the number in the registration papers. Also, check all the filters, and get them changed if possible. It is also advisable to test drive the car before buying, so as to check the brakes. The ideal condition for this would be to drive the car at around 40-60kmph on roads with minimum to no traffic. Check for any vibrations or any strange noise from the brake pedal. It would also give an idea of the condition of the rotors. Apart from a thorough check of the tyres, it is also advisable to look out for damage, dents, or rust under the hood.