It is not too often that we see a comparison in this segment. This is primarily because there are not too many products in this particular segment. The 7-seat SUV segment is dominated by the two giants in Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour in India and the segment below that by Hyundai Creta and Kia Setos. The segment above this is dominated by the German 5-seater luxury SUVs and so the segment in between really has a handful of players operating. Nevertheless, we are here to bring a detailed comparison between the recently launched Citroen C5 Aircross and the recently revealed Skoda Kodiaq, which is set to launch in India quite soon. We will, as usual, judge the two SUVs on engines, transmissions, features, comforts and expected prices (in the case of Kodiaq) to figure out the suitable option for you. So, without further delay, let us dive straight into this comparison.
Also read: Citroen C5 Aircross vs Jeep Compass – Engines, Features, Specs Comparison!
Citroen C5 Aircross vs Skoda Kodiaq- Exteriors and Dimensions
The exteriors of the C5 Aircross are distinctive, to say the least. Although there are plenty of SUVs around in our market, you can never mistake the C5 Aircross for anything else. The typical square theme all across the body gives it a very sporty look. The sleek parallel chrome lines on the front grille, along with the LED DRLs on the bonnet do look modern. The LED headlamp unit just below the DRLs and squared-off air dams on the front bumper sure lets you know that it is a typical Citroen. The sides and the rear reflect the same square design theme with side skirtings and LED tail lamp design having some sort of squares in them. The long-wheelbase will make sure that the space on the interior cabin including the rear legroom will be plenty.
Also read: Skoda Kushaq vs VW Taigun – Similarities and Differences!
Being a premium SUV, this will ensure a comfortable and luxurious cabin space. Also, 230 mm ground clearance will help with any plans for an off-roading getaway trip. To make sure that you can take a ton of luggage, there is a generous 580-litres of boot space which can be increased to 720-litres by sliding the seats forward and to a massive 1,630-litres by folding the second-row seats completely.
The exterior design of the 2021 Kodiaq is very much in line with the latest theme of the Skoda Group. This means that the front end will feature the typical broad butterfly grille, which might be blacked out or chromed out, depending on the trim, Matrix LED with a sleeker headlamp unit with crystalline effect as in the Kushaq as well, upright bonnet with plenty of sharp creases to give it a bold and muscular appearance, wide new front bumpers. On the sides, the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq shows you have long it actually is along with large and pronounced wheel arches which host 18-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out window surrounds, roof rails and sharp creases. At the rear, there is a roof spoiler, LED tail lamp unit with crystalline effect and sportier bumper along with a chrome strip that runs across the breadth of the bumper to give the SUV a premium look. All things considered, the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq looks very much like a Skoda but has all the modern design cues to differentiate it from the outgoing model.
Also read: Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta – Engines, Features, Specs comparison!
There is really nothing to pick between the two in terms of the styling and exterior design. Both these products carry the DNA of their respective brands and both are equally impressive to watch and have a decent road presence.
Citroen C5 Aircross vs Skoda Kodiaq- Interiors, Features and Safety
The list of modern comfort and connected features is extensive in the Citroen C5 Aircross. This includes an 8-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster to provide the driver with the necessary information, Automatic LED headlamps with LED DRLs, 18-inch Alloy Wheels to give it a sporty look, Electrically Adjustable, Powered and Heated Wing Mirrors, Electronic Parking Brake, Hands-free Powered Electric Tailgate, Dual-zone Climate Control, Panoramic Sunroof, Auto-dimming Inside Rear View Mirrors, Auto Park Assist with Reverse Parking Camera, Hill Descent and Ascent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 6 Airbags, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Fatigue Alert, Adjustable Rear Seat and Powered Driver’s Seat, Connected Car Features, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Various Drive and Traction Modes for all kinds of environment, Cruise Control, 6-speaker Audio System.
Also read: 2021 Skoda Octavia launch delayed due to the pandemic!
The interiors of the updated Skoda Kodiaq are also fresh and modern, although the overall appearance might largely resemble that of the outgoing model. The feature list is a lengthy one as expected of a car of this segment and includes an option of a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit Digital Setup, an 8-inch Digital Infotainment System with all the latest connectivity features, a premium 10-speaker Canton Audio System, a typical Skoda two-spoke steering wheel with controls, Electrically Adjustable Seats, LED Ambient Lighting inside the cabin, a Panoramic Sunroof, Three-zone automatic climate control and much more. Skoda has also retained the physical dials for the HVAC settings which is really a plus because the touch controls are a bit difficult to use and are a bit dangerous to use while driving. All-in-all the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq is a feature-packed SUV with all the necessary modern amenities and is a substantial update from the outgoing model.
Also read: Uses of 48V mild hybrid system – Regenerative Braking, Turbo Boost, Fuel Efficiency!
Citroen C5 Aircross vs Skoda Kodiaq- Engines and Expected Prices
The Citroen C5 Aircross is making news because of its unique suspension setup for our roads. It comes equipped with something known as the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion-equipped suspension setup which will filter out all the bumps on our especially chaotic roads. The C5 Aircross will come with a sole 2.0-litre diesel engine making 180PS and 400Nm. It will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The shift-by-wire system will ensure smooth gearshifts for plush ride quality. The prices of the Citroen C5 Aircross start at Rs 29.90 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 31.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Another way of owning the C5 Aircross is through the Citroen Future Sure monthly package of Rs 49,999 for a term of 5 years. This will include an assured value of your C5 Aircross after the end of the term, Routine Maintenance, Road-side Assistance, Extended Warranty, On-Road Finance and much more. At the end of the term, one can either trade and upgrade to a brand new Citroen, keep the product or simply return to the dealer.
In the international market, the Skoda Kodiaq comes with a wide variety of engines including a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. In India, however, we will experience only the petrol units of the Skoda family, which means that there will be a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol making 150hp and a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol making 190hp. The former will be paired with either q 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (DCT) unit and the latter will only come with the 7-speed DSG (DCT) as standard. The larger engine will come with a standard 4×4 drive system as well. The expected prices for the updated 2021 Skoda Kodiaq might range somewhere around the Rs 30 lakh mark.
Also read: 2021 Volkswagen Polo revealed globally – Might make it to India soon!
Citroen C5 Aircross vs Skoda Kodiaq- Verdict
Now, it must be said that choosing between these products can be really challenging but you can’t really go wrong with either of the two. To be fair, both of these products are distinct and have their own strengths. So, it is just a matter of what you are looking for from your luxury SUV and that will be your choice. For instance, if you are someone who is looking for a luxury SUV with a prime focus on features, conveniences and comfort, then you can invest in the French Citroen C5 Aircross. However, if you want a bit more practicality and decent driving dynamics, you can go for the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq which will be here pretty soon.
Also read: Badge Engineered Maruti Suzuki Ciaz to be named Toyota Belta?
