BHPian orapple recently shared this with other enthusiasts: This was not an open-to-all event – interested members had to fill a form, after which the Skoda team reached out to shortlisted enthusiasts. That in itself added to the special feel of the day. When we stepped out, there were 8 gleaming Kodiaqs lined up, looking absolutely stunning. But more than the cars, the real highlight was meeting fellow car enthusiasts and sharing conversations that only petrolheads truly enjoy. We were divided into small groups, and my group had three more enthusiasts. The plan: a Sunday morning drive to Neemrana. The event team ensured we all got equal wheel time, which was a thoughtful touch. My Observations about the Skoda Kodiaq Ingress & Seating: The first wow moment came even before starting – as I opened the door, the seat automatically adjusted to allow me to sit, and once in, it moved back into driving position. A small but impressive touch that makes ingress/egress comfortable. Steering: The two-spoke steering wheel stood out immediately – beautiful to look at, with a clean, unobstructed view of the console. Gear Shifter: Positioned on the right side. Initially new for me, but not uncomfortable at all once I got used to it. Sports Mode: Engaging Sports mode gave the car a strong burst of power and made highway overtakes effortless. Ride Quality: At 100+ km/h, the cabin remained calm and comfortable. Road tarmac undulations were well absorbed. Confident highway cruiser. Off-roading: We couldn’t test off-road, but the suspension and power delivery hint at competent capability if needed. Air-Conditioning: The AC performance was a let-down. On a warm day, it didn’t cool as effectively as my 4-year-old Seltos does. Steering Feedback: At higher speeds, I felt slight vibrations on the steering. Not intrusive, but noticeable if you’re paying attention (especially coming from my experience in the Thar). Tech & Features: Couldn’t test the auto-parking feature as it wasn’t functioning. ADAS isn’t on offer, though Skoda has added some “intelligent” assists. Seat massagers are present, but honestly, felt more like a gimmick than a necessity. Comfort: Seats were well-bolstered, body-hugging, and offered decent under-thigh support. Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof/moonroof adds a lot of light and great rear-seat views, though the curtain wasn’t fully opaque – may lead to heat build-up. Interiors: Luxurious, leather-clad, and premium feel all around. Fuel Efficiency: On a busy highway stretch, we managed ~10 km/l, which felt reasonable given the size and power. Price & Positioning The Kodiaq was earlier priced around 35 lakh, but now retails north of 50 lakh (ex-showroom). In this bracket, it’s often compared to the Toyota Fortuner – while the Fortuner has its own strengths (resale, brand pull, ruggedness), the Kodiaq clearly outshines it in features, interiors, and refinement. Final Thoughts Overall, it was a fantastic Sunday, not just because of the car, but because of the music, food, camaraderie, and interactions with fellow BHPians and Skoda folks. The Kodiaq impressed me with its comfort, features, and premium feel, though there are some misses (AC performance, no ADAS, higher price tag). For someone considering the Fortuner at this budget, the Kodiaq definitely makes a compelling case with its blend of luxury and practicality. A big thank you to Skoda and Team-BHP for putting this together. Drives like these remind me why we all share such a strong bond as enthusiasts. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
