Skoda India has announced a strategic shift for its flagship SUV, the Kodiaq. The Czech carmaker has streamlined the variant options, now offering the Kodiaq in the top-of-the-line L&K variant only. This move comes alongside a significant price reduction for the L&K variant, making the feature-packed SUV more enticing to potential buyers. Let’s delve deeper into these changes and what they mean for Kodiaq’s future in India.
Streamlined Variant Options: Focus on Luxury
Previously, the Skoda Kodiaq was available in three variants: Style, Sportline, and L&K. The recent update sees the discontinuation of the Style and Sportline variants, leaving the feature-rich L&K as the sole option. This strategy suggests Skoda’s intention to position Kodiaq as a premium offering in the Indian market, catering to buyers seeking a luxurious and well-equipped SUV experience.
Price Reduction for the Kodiaq L&K: Increased Value Proposition
The streamlining of variants is accompanied by a welcome price cut for the Kodiaq L&K. The variant now starts at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting a significant reduction of Rs 2 lakh from its previous price tag. This price revision makes the Kodiaq L&K a more attractive proposition for buyers seeking a feature-loaded premium SUV without breaking the bank.
Unveiling the Opulent Kodiaq L&K
As the sole variant remaining, the Kodiaq L&K lives up to its flagship status. It boasts a plethora of features that elevate the driving and ownership experience. Here’s a closer look at what the Kodiaq L&K offers:
Luxurious Comfort: The L&K variant pampers occupants with heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring year-round comfort. Additionally, the spacious cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for all passengers.
Cutting-Edge Technology: The Kodiaq L&K features a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, providing vital information clearly and concisely. The infotainment system offers a plethora of connectivity options and keeps passengers entertained on long journeys.
Enhanced Safety: The L&K variant prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of features. This includes a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings, aiding in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Additionally, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Hill Descent Control offer peace of mind on various terrains.
Exquisite Design Accents: The Kodiaq L&K differentiates itself with subtle yet elegant design cues. The variant features “Laurin & Klement” branding both inside and out, signifying its premium positioning within the Kodiaq lineup.
Powerful Performance: Under the hood, the Kodiaq L&K retains the proven 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine churning out 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox and delivers a potent driving experience. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system ensures optimal traction and handling in all weather conditions.
A Glimpse of the Future: The All-New Kodiaq
While the current Kodiaq receives a strategic refresh, Skoda has unveiled the all-new Kodiaq globally in October 2023. This next-generation iteration boasts a comprehensively redesigned exterior with sharper lines and a more contemporary aesthetic. The cabin gets a complete overhaul, featuring a new dashboard layout and a massive 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The new Kodiaq is also expected to offer a wider range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
While specific details about the India launch of the all-new Kodiaq are yet to be announced, speculations suggest it might arrive by the end of 2024. However, the Indian market will likely continue to receive the Kodiaq with a single petrol-automatic AWD powertrain option, similar to the current model.
The Kodiaq’s Competition in the Indian Market
The Skoda Kodiaq locks horns with some well-established players in the premium SUV segment. Some of its key rivals include:
Jeep Meridian: Known for its rugged off-road prowess and powerful diesel engine options, the Jeep Meridian offers a distinct alternative to the Kodiaq.
Toyota Fortuner: A longstanding name in the SUV segment, the Fortuner is renowned for its reliability and strong resale value. It offers a wider range of engine options, including both petrol and diesel.
FAQs
Q: Why has Skoda discontinued the Style and Sportline variants of the Kodiaq?
A: Skoda’s strategy seems to be focusing on positioning the Kodiaq as a premium offering in the Indian market. By offering only the feature-rich L&K variant, they aim to cater to buyers seeking a luxurious SUV experience.
Q: How much has the price of the Kodiaq L&K been reduced?
A: The Kodiaq L&K now starts at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting a significant reduction of Rs 2 lakh from its previous price tag.
Q: What are the key features of the Kodiaq L&K?
A: The Kodiaq L&K boasts features like heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 360-degree camera system, TPMS, Hill Descent Control, and “Laurin & Klement” design details.
Q: What engine and transmission options are available with the Kodiaq L&K?
A: The Kodiaq L&K retains the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Q: When will the all-new Skoda Kodiaq be launched in India?
A: While there’s no official confirmation, speculations suggest the all-new Kodiaq might arrive in India by the end of 2024.
Q: Will the new Kodiaq offer the same engine options in India?
A: It’s likely that the Indian market will continue to receive the Kodiaq with a single petrol-automatic AWD powertrain option, similar to the current model.
