Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Showroomex Desk
Home » Skoda »Skoda kodiaq: Kodiaq is the only SUV model sold by Czech automaker Skoda in India. Launched in October 2017, the Skoda Kodiaq was available in a single variant (style) with a diesel engine. Skoda then unveiled a luxury full-fledged Kodiaq Lorraine & Clement (L&K). On October 2 this year, Skoda added a third variant to its Kodiaq range. Scout variant with more emphasis on off-roading.
When driving an off-road SUV test drive, it should go in the right direction. We chose to drive the Skoda kodiaq Scout Test for a 200 km journey from Nagpur to the famous Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and ending at Nagpur itself. Read on to find out what the scout performed on our route plan, which included a long highway, off-road trails, and mysterious forests.
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Skoda kodiaq Scout – What’s New in Design?
There is no significant difference in base size or dimensions between the Scout variant and other Skoda kodiaqKodiaq variants. It’s just that a few small additions give the Scout a more ‘tough’ SUV look. The Skoda kodiaq Scout is fitted with black body cladding and skid plates for the front and rear bumpers to suit the offroad resolution. Rectangular wheel arches, specially crafted 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, and rearview cover, and ‘Scout’ badge make the Scout variant different from other Kodiaq variants.
The Kodiaq Scout is available in four colors: Lava Blue, Quartz Gray, Moon White, and Magic Black. The Scout variant is designed to look more like the standard Kodiaq model. The Kodiaq Scout has a sportier version as the SUV looks more evident.
Kodiaq Scout – Interior
The Scout is embroidered on each seat of the new Skoda kodiaq variant with three rows of seats covered in Alcantara leather. The second-row seat can comfortably seat three people. Armrest, powernap support, and blankets are provided for second-seat passengers. Only two people can travel in the third row. If you are a tall person, the ride in the third-row seat will not be comfortable.
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The first thing to notice is the wooden inserts on the black-covered dashboard while in the driving seat. The Kodiaq Scout has plenty of storage facilities, such as a larger double glow box, bottle holder, and door pocket. The interesting thing is the settings on the dashboard. The instrumental cluster is modern but has an analog layout for speed and RPM counts. All other basic information is a digital display. The height, depth, and tilt of the leather-wrapped steering wheel can be adjusted. The steering wheel also has buttons for cruise control and audio controls.
More about Interior
Although Android Auto and Apple have CarPlay systems, the infotainment system is not modern. We felt that the touch response of the 7.8-inch display, including navigation, should be a little more efficient. Available in Lorraine & Clement (L&K) variants, the Kodiaq Scout variant also has ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a Canton stereo, three-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. But the Kodiaq Scout does not have the virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster and area view of the Lorraine & Clement variant.
Engine and Performance
The Scout variant has the same 2.0-liter diesel heart as other Kodiaq variants. The 1,968cc turbocharged engine, which produces 148bhp of power in the 3,500-4,000rpm range and 340Nm of torque in the 1,750-3,000rpm range, is mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Skoda Kodiaq Scout – Ride and Handling
The first part of the trip was open and well-tarred highways. Like the other Kodiaq variants, the diesel engine in the Scout variant is capable of accelerating to high speeds. The Kodiaq Scout is built to provide good stability. The driver is able to control the vehicle well even at high speeds. Then, on slightly more rugged jungle trails, in addition to the six drive modes available in the other two Kodiaq variants (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, and Snow), the Kodiaq Scout added an off-road mode.
With the switch to off-road mode, the vehicle’s modern engineering systems have come to the rescue on difficult roads. In off-road mode, the scout’s ECU adjusts the speed. Acceleration during off-road speeds of the vehicle, which is limited to 30 km / h, avoids sudden accidents. Also, when it comes to steep descents and ascents, Hill-Hold and Hill-Descent Control come in handy in Scout settings. When using these settings, the steering wheel can be controlled by the person sitting in the driver’s seat completely away from the pedals.
More about offroading capabilities
Kodiaq Scout’s technologies are designed to give even those who are not yet off-roading the confidence to take small off-road trips. The other Kodiaq variants have a ground clearance of 188mm, while the Scout variant has a 194mm ground clearance. The problem with hitting a vehicle, which is one of the regular flavor killers on off-road trips, is the high ground clearance that we did not experience during the trip with the Kodiaq Scout. Combined with the larger tires, the Kodiaq Scout got off-roading approaches (22 degrees), departures (23.1 degrees), and break-over (19.7 degrees).
Being a premium SUV, the Kodiaq Scout does not lag behind in other safety features. Safety settings include nine airbags, ABS with EBD, Ibus Fatigue Alert, hands-free parking, anti-theft alert, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Kodiaq Scout – Price, Rivals
The off-roading Kodiaq Scout is priced at Rs 33.99 lakh ex-showroom. The Scout variant is between the Corporate / Style variant (Rs 32.99 lakh) and the Lorraine & Clement variant (Rs 36.78 lakh) already on sale.
The top-spec diesel variants of the flagship Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra Alturas G4 have priced at Rs 33.85 lakh and Rs 29.95 lakh ex-showroom respectively. That is, almost simultaneously. What makes the Skoda Kodiaq more popular are the luxury features along with the off-roading excellence. The Kodiaq Scout will also appeal to those looking to buy more expensive competitors such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40.