New Skoda Kodiaq First Drive Review: A Blend of Luxury and Practicality

The automotive world never sits still, and the new Skoda Kodiaq is a perfect example of that. As Skoda takes the wraps off of the 2025 Kodiaq, it plans to improve on what has been a successful model whilealso bringing a lot of new seasonings that adapt the new SUV to current drivers demands.

In this review, we look at several elements of the new Kodiaq, including its design and practicalities, as well as how it handles on the road and what it’s like to drive, giving you a complete look at what the SUV has to offer.

Skoda Kodiaq Evolution of Design

Exterior Styling

2025 Skoda Kodiaq The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq features an iterative design that maintains the character of its forebear with a modern twist. At the front, the bonnet has been more chiseled, with a new, larger octagonal grille, which now comes with an LED light bar that blends neatly with the headlight DRLs. This also adds to the aesthetics of the vehicle and gives the driver better visibility.

  • Dimensions: The new Kodiaq is now 59mm longer, especially at the rear overhang, which results in more boot space and a more accommodating third row of seats.
  • Wheels: The SUV is propelled by 18-inch wheels, the design of which is different on the L&K and the Sportline, adding a personal touch to one’s vehicle.
  • Aerodynamics: The new Laura has given importance to aerodynamics and therefore got a low drag coefficient, which contributes to fuel efficiency.

Skoda Kodiaq Interior Ambiance

Get into the Kodiaq, and you’ll be greeted with a cabin that reeks of luxury. Its fine materials, like soft-touch leatherette and stylish accents made of real ash wood, generate a warm and premium feel. The dashboard is also elegantly styled, and ambient lighting adds to the overall visual appeal.

  • Comfortable seating: Heated (and cooled) and massage front seats mean that long journeys will be comfortable.
  • Second Row: There’s plenty of legroom in the second row, and the seats slide forward and backward to help balance space in the second and third rows.
  • Third Row: The third row is usable on the Traverse, but it’s better for short trips, as it’s tight for larger adults.

Skoda Kodiaq Innovative Features

Technology Integration

The Kodiaq is filled with technology that adds another element to the drive. Navigation, media, and connectivity functions are all run from a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

  • Connectivity: Its system is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible for tying in smartphones.
  • Easy Access Functionality: No need to get distracted while driving; this car phone holder takes car of your voice command, GPS, seat adjustment, and climate control because no one has time for distracted driving.
  • Safety: Nine airbags, ESC, and hill descent control ensure peace of mind for occupants in the Kodiaq.

Clever Storage Solutions

Skoda’s penchant for practicality is clear with the Kodiaq’s dozens of storage solutions. The cabin features

  • Tablet Holders (behind front seats): Store your electronics while on the go right behind the front seats with these tablet holders.
  • Adaptable Luggage Elements: The boot comes with removable retainers to prevent luggage from slipping around, increasing practicality.
  • Umbrella holder: There’s more ‘simply clever’ magic in this car door of the driver, where an umbrella is neatly placed that reflects the brand’s attention to detail.

Skoda Kodiaq Performance and Handling

Engine Specifications

Underneath the bonnet, the engine running the Kodiaq is a 2.0-liter TSI petrol mill, which can make 201 bhp of power and 320 Nm of twisting force. This unit is combined with a seven-speed DSG transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive, delivering a sporty and dynamic driving experience.

  • Power Delivery: The engine has good power from the bottom to the top and can be used for both city and highway cruising.
  • Fuel efficiency: The Kodiaq delivers a claimed mileage of 14.86 km/l, and it is in the same ballpark as what to expect considering its performance; real-world numbers would be different, though.

Driving Dynamics

On the road, the Kodiaq’s driving dynamics are good, with a suspension spec that juggles comfort with handling. It’s not as though you notice the lack of DCC if you’re an enthusiast, and the standard suspension is well-damped, so the ride is a relaxed one.

  • Urban Handling: Easy to handle with light steering through city streets. It has plentiful grip, and it feels smaller than it is, bolstering the driver’s confidence.
  • Highway Performance: The Kodiaq is excellent on the open road, showing stability and composure at highway speeds. The engine’s response is such that overtaking is easy.

Skoda Kodiaq Comfort and Convenience

Cabin Space

The Kodiaq is all about hospitality. The generous cabin provides plenty of space to relax while on those long trips.

  • Front and Second Line: In both its first and second row, there is amazing leg and headroom that makes long road trips comfortable for everyone.
  • Third-Row Issues: The third row is usable, though kids or shorter adults will fit best, since it’s tight on space.

Climate Control

At the same time, the Kodiaq has a three-zone climate control so that people inside the vehicle can adjust how it feels for them. It’s an advantage that is especially useful during long-haul trips, when passenger comfort becomes one less worry even if the road outside leaves a lot to be desired.

Skoda Kodiaq Safety and Security

Advanced Safety Features

Skoda has given the safety of the Kodiaq top priority. The luxury SUV boasts a number of safety features to ensure the security of passengers in various driving situations.

  • Airbags: Nine airbags ensure superior protection in case of a crash.
  • Driver Aids: No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are currently on hand, but it’s something Skoda is looking to bring in later updates.

Build Quality

That durable look is a key part of the Kodiaq’s safety repertoire. Monocoque design and high-tenacity material make the car solid, crashworthy, and stable.

Skoda Kodiaq Price and Variants

Competitive Pricing

The Skoda Kodiaq 2025 rivals the premium SUV segment and is a priced model beginning from around ₹46.89 lakh for the Sportsline variant to ₹48.69 lakh for the L&K variant. This pricing has the Kodiaq rivaling other premium SUVs available in the market.

  • The Value Proposition: For a relatively steep price, there’s a lot of luxury, roominess, and driving performance in the Kodiaq, leading it to be a serious competitor in its segment.

Variant Options

Skoda provides the Kodiaq in two distinct trims—the Sportline and the L&K. Both versions cater to different driving preferences—the Sportline for sportiness and the L&K for luxury and comfort.

Conclusion

It’s hard to look at what the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is set to bring to the table and not be impressed; this vehicle does, indeed, represent the very best of all things luxury, performance, and practicality. It’s roomy inside, with lots of features to keep up with the modern family and a powerful engine.

It definitely has its disadvantages, with insufficient space in the third row and no hybrid options, but the Kodiaq is still a competitive choice in the luxury SUV space. On the one hand, the Kodiaq is a pragmatic design aimed at replacing current Skoda cars in contracts come renewal time; on the other, it has the potential to open up a whole new market of buyers who want something a little more than just a comfortable car.

In conclusion, it sounds like the Kodiaq is an excellent example of Skoda’s commitment to delivering the wow factor when it comes to quality and satisfying their customers, and one that you would definitely want to invest in if you are in the market for a premium SUV.

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