The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq has officially arrived in India, priced between ₹46.89 lakh and ₹48.69 lakh (ex-showroom). At a glance, the new model might look like a mild facelift, but it’s an entirely fresh generation under the skin. With revamped styling, an all-new interior, and a more powerful engine, the latest Kodiaq aims to take luxury and practicality a notch higher. Let’s break down how it stacks up against the outgoing version.
Design: Evolution Over Revolution
Front Fascia
The new Kodiaq retains the familiar face of its predecessor, especially with the continued use of the split headlamp design. However, look closer and you’ll spot sharper details – including new segmented LED DRLs that now stretch into the enlarged grille, and a more sculpted bonnet that adds a touch of aggression. The bumper has been redesigned with larger, functional air intakes, giving it a cleaner, more mature appearance.
Profile and Dimensions
From the side, the changes are subtler. The new 18-inch alloy wheels feature an aero-optimised design, and while the sharp shoulder line of the older model is gone, the softer surfacing adds to the SUV’s premium feel. A fresh D-pillar treatment adds a wraparound effect to the glasshouse, enhancing visual flow. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,791mm, but the overall length has grown by 59mm, contributing to better proportions.
Rear-End Updates
More noticeable updates appear at the rear. The C-shaped tail-lamps are now connected via an LED light bar, and the bumper features a dual-tone silver and black finish instead of the chrome trim from the older model. The rear spoiler is now deeper, adding a sporty touch. As before, the Sportline variant gets distinct styling with blacked-out elements and unique alloy designs.
Interior: A Major Upgrade in Quality and Tech
Completely Redesigned Cabin
Step inside, and the difference is night and day. The dashboard layout has been fully reimagined with a winged design that incorporates wood, leather, and soft-touch materials. Ambient lighting strips beneath the central display lend a luxurious feel, and the overall finish is more upmarket.
Tech & Ergonomics
The new 13-inch free-standing touchscreen replaces the old 8-inch integrated unit and brings along a much more feature-rich interface. Skoda has also moved the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up the centre console for added storage, larger cupholders, and dual wireless charging pads.
Despite the digital shift, Skoda has smartly retained the three rotary dials – a signature touch – now serving multiple functions including HVAC, volume, and drive mode controls.
Other Cabin Highlights
The 10-inch digital driver display ditches the hooded binnacle but offers slicker graphics and more functionality, including real-time navigation. The steering wheel gets a subtle branding change – the ‘Skoda’ lettering replaces the traditional logo. Front seats now come with a massage function on the top-spec L&K trim, while the Sportline gets sportier bucket seats.
Performance and Mechanical Changes
Powertrain Tweaks
Under the hood, the new Kodiaq sticks to the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, but with a small performance bump. It now produces 204hp (up from 190hp) while torque stays at 320Nm. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and standard all-wheel drive carry over unchanged.
Missing Adaptive Suspension
One key omission is the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) system – the adaptive suspension feature from the previous-gen model – which is no longer available. That might disappoint driving enthusiasts who appreciated the ability to fine-tune ride comfort or stiffness on demand.
Price and Value
The new Kodiaq in its Laurin & Klement avatar commands a significant premium, now priced at ₹48.69 lakh – an ₹8.7 lakh increase over the previous-gen model’s top-spec trim (₹39.99 lakh). While that’s a big jump, the additional features, more premium cabin, and enhanced performance help justify the price hike to a large extent. Like before, the Kodiaq continues to be assembled in India.
Verdict: Evolution With Intent
The second-gen Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t stray far from its roots in terms of design, but it makes notable leaps in quality, technology, and refinement. It’s larger, more luxurious, and better equipped, though it does come at a steeper cost. For buyers looking for a premium 7-seater SUV with European finesse, the new Kodiaq makes a strong case for itself.
Read More:
