The Skoda Kodiaq SUV has begun testing in India. The new seven seater is expected to launch in India around the festive season this year.

The new SUV is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which also the base for the Superb and Octavia sedans. It is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall (including roof rails);with a wheelbase of 2,791 mm.

The exterior features a wide three dimensional front grille along with narrow raked headlights integrating into the grille. The two double-headlights create a striking four-eyed face and stand out due to their crystalline structure, which can also be seen in other features such as the rear lights. Skoda’s Head of Design, Jozef Kabaň, and his team were inspired by traditional Czech crystal glass art which is also reflected in the effective interplay of light and shade on the SUV’s highly contoured surfaces. The rear features LED tail lamps with the Skoda trademark C shaped design.The India spec Skoda Kodiaq is expected to come to India with a petrol and diesel engine. The petrol will be a 2.0 TSI developing 180 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel would be a 2.0 litre TDI unit in two states of tune, 150 and 190 horsepower respectively. The Skoda Kodiaq will be available with a choice of a six speed manual or six and seen speed DSG gearbox. Skoda is also debuting its new 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. It has been designed for more powerful engines and can handle torque of 600 Nm. Top variants are expected to get all wheel drive.

Expected prices are between Rs. 27 to 32 lakh and the Kodiaq will rival the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Endeavour and the Toyota Fortuner.

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