Skoda has been doing great on its strategy of launching a ton of new products in our market in 2021. That is what the Czech carmaker had planned for this year to grab some market share for itself. In a bid to do that, it had decided to enter the highly lucrative and wildly popular mid-size SUV segment with its upcoming Kushaq. The arrival of the Kushaq directly challenges the highest-selling SUV in the country in Hyundai Creta. This shows the carmaker’s intent of being in the mass market space, which is why it also focuses on localization a lot. This is done in order to compete against the popular SUVs in terms of affordability and maintenance and repair costs. While the Kushaq was revealer just a couple of weeks ago, the design sketches of the flagship SUV from Skoda have been revealed as well. The product in question here is the Kodiaq, which is all set to make its global debut fairly soon. The launch is expected to take place after July. Let us take a look at what the design sketches tell us and also try to figure out what we can expect from the SUV.
Also read: Key highlights from the global unveiling of Skoda Kushaq!
Skoda Kodiaq – Design Sketches
The design sketches released by Skoda clearly showcase the typical Skoda design language with a sharp and sporty appearance all-around. The bonnet features sharp and straight creases which lends a tall and muscular look to the overall stance of the SUV. The front end is also home to the typical butterfly Skoda grille which is broad and houses sharp and sleek LED headlamps along with DRLs and fog lamp unit on the bumper down below. The crystalline pattern of the LED tail lamps is followed at the rear as well and the tail lamps cluster is also quite sleek and modern. All these elements have been showcased in the Kushaq as well. In the Kodiaq, all these design cues are just a bit heightened to match the stature of the SUV. With these sketches, it is easy to assume that we have another stunner from the Czech carmaker on our hands.
Also read: Why companies like Jeep, Citroen, VW and Skoda focus so much on localisation?
Skoda Kodiaq – Expected Features and Engine Options
While there have been no updates on the inside of the Kodiaq, we expect high-quality interiors, as is the case with all the other products from Skoda. Skoda concentrates a lot on new and clever features along with all the modern connectivity and safety features. Apart from that the quality, fit and finish of all its products have always been company’s strong points. We have no reason to believe otherwise in this case as well. This is especially true considering the fact that this is Skoda’s flagship offering in the country.
Also read: Skoda plans to expand its footprint in India with 4 new products in 2021!
On the powertrain front, we expect the 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol option, making 190 hp of power and 320 Nm of torque. This engine might come paired with the 7-speed DSG (DCT) transmission as was the case in the past as well. The Kodiaq will officially be unveiled on April 13, 2021, globally and the launch in India is likely to take place sometime after July. We expect a price point of over Rs 30 lakh, ex-showroom. It might be a worthy competitor to the recently introduced Citroen C5 Aircross and Jeep Compass in our market.
Also read: 9 new car launches in 2021 – XUV500, Rapid, Hornbill (HBX) and more!
