Skoda has begun testing its flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, on Indian streets yet again. The model is slated to launch during the festive season later this year. Skoda Kodiaq made its world premiere in September 2016 in Prague. The test mule spied doing test rounds was without any camouflage wraparound and what seem was that the car was an all-wheel-drive model. The Kodiaq SUV will take on the likes of Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Trailblazer in India.
The SUV is based on the MQB platform, which is the same platform as the Octavia and Superb and is the company’s first full-size 7-seater SUV and is expected to arrive on Indian shores with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The car is based on the Vision S concept that was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. For the features, the SUV will come packed with Skoda Connect touchscreen infotainment system with on-board WiFi and Google Earth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity and 360-degree bird’s eye cameras.
Under the hood, the flagship SUV would be offered in both petrol and diesel fuel options. In international markets, the car is available in three engine options – a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol, 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel. For the transmission, you can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a DSG automatic, depending on the engine. In India, the model is expected to get both the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, coupled to a manual or an automatic transmission. We can expect a 4X4 drive system on the range-topping variant as well.
The Skoda Kodiaq is expected to get a price range between Rs 25 lakh – 35 lakh (Ex Showroom), being locally developed at the company’s Aurangabad production facility. Skoda is also planning to launch the 2017 Octavia in the country.
