This event was exactly that dream come true. So, first things first, BIG THANK YOU to the entire Team-BHP group and Skoda for conceiving and delivering this incredible experience
BHPian aa1997 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
People dream about many things.
Some look at film stars and imagine what it would be like to live their lives.
Some look at the armed forces and wonder what it takes to stand guard for the nation.
But the folks here, many must have dreamed about what it would be like to attend a media drive –
All excited, checking out every corner of a brand-new vehicle,
And taking a few sweeping corners behind the wheel.
This event was exactly that dream come true. So, first things first, BIG THANK YOU to the entire Team-BHP group and Skoda for conceiving and delivering this incredible experience.
Truly a day to remember!!
Event :
As a newbie entering the Taj, I ended up going around the valet queue twice. The event was organised in the Gateway room and just before entering, did a quick sign and collected the name tag. Here, the first interaction was with a gentleman who asked about my ID, and there I was mentioning about my PAN Card. It was BHPian VIGSOM asking about my forum ID
There was a short info session on the Kodiaq followed by lunch. It was a special five-course menu which suited the setting of the Taj and gave a good punch of flavours with each bite. The fellow BHPians were lovely — the conversations were effortless, never awkward, all thanks to our shared love here at Team-BHP.
And here’s a little confession: throughout the event, I found myself remembering people more by their cars than by their actual names!!
Now the star of this day, Skoda Kodiaq –
Our car was a grey L&K version with about 2700 kms on the ODO. It was clean, and we had a driver accompanying us in each of the cars.
My buddies were Neville (Newtown) and Dr.Gaurav (Gaurav_3000ad). Both were great sports right from the moment we hit the road. Gaurav has already posted about the drive in detail so will skip that part. But the drive of 3.5 hours in the Kodiaq had all the moments to call it an adventure. We were trying to figure out the features, got excited spotting a Ferrari, a bit of frustration for the bad drivers on our roads, enjoying the drizzle and cloudy Mumbai skies, some current affairs, then getting lost figuring our way back onto the Atal Setu, discovering some more Simply Clever features, putting it thru the modes, crib about some missed features, a bit of everything. Time went by quickly, and we had enjoyed our turns at the steering of the Kodiaq.
I drive a Kushaq, so let me try to place the Kodiaq from there. We all are aware of this Plus Plus (++) thing going around in salary negotiations, insurance premiums or while buying a flat right. We have a base and then add on premiums for the good-to-have stuff or other mandatory items.
Space:
It’s a full-sized SUV with more than adequate space for 5 people and a lot of luggage or 2 additional seats suited for kids/teens. There is a lot of adjustment in the second row, which will make it easy to accommodate people with big frames. ++ From the Kushaq, which is suited for 4 folks at best.
Performance :
A strong linear-pull which suits the character of the car and makes it effortless in traffic or open roads. It’s not the quietest of engines, there is some bit of growl which can be heard. Surprised by the 12 kmpl mileage figures for an SUV of this bracket. ++ More capable than a Kushaq & the 2L TSI is a genuine step up with 4×4 hardware that should take you almost everywhere. 
Features:
It’s loaded with features despite some notable misses. The front seats have all sorts of adjustments, thigh support extension, full-blown massage options, etc are quite cool. The screen is big, bright and fluid and while confusing at times, is packed with everything. The smart dial helps a bit to access quick functions but 4 more buttons on the dash would have made it easier to navigate the infotainment system. It has all the fancy 360 cameras, park assist, and digital cockpit, but has the same tyre pressure loss warning from 2.0 cars instead of a proper TPMS system. The simply clever bits – automatic door guards, umbrella holder, space dividers in the central console or the rear trunk, touch-operated lights, and dual glove box add a sense of sophistication and the feel-good factor. ++ Kushaq will give you the necessary features but the Kodiaq dials up the premium quotient
This theme continues in any area you pick –
++ The ride is more composed and rounded for all the occupants
++ Improved safety suite gives a safe cocooned feeling
++ The size and presence will not be out of place even at the Taj
++ Materials and textures like the knurled AC knobs add to the premium-ness
Realistically, one Plus should be sufficient to sum up all these extras that the Kodiaq delivers compared to a 20L Kushaq. It’s the closest to a perfect 40L car that you can wish for. But the Kodiaq retails for close to 60L, this is where the other Plus is difficult to assess, is it just a premium you pay for having the perfect car?
Funnily enough, it’s the other way around with the Kodiaq. Thanks to the sky-high pricing of luxury brands — driven by our tax-hungry policies and a healthy dose of capitalism — the Kodiaq feels like a good bargain. Compared to similar SUVs from traditional luxury brands, it costs 30–50% less while still delivering about 80% of the experience. And that’s where the Kodiaq earns its second big PLUS, it delivers the finesse and sense of occasion you’d expect from a true European luxury car. It’s not perfect but probably the closest that 60L can get you.
That wraps up a truly memorable outing with some fantastic baboo’s (thanks, Neville!).
Also, a huge shoutout to GTO — with that voice & speech, definitely felt like our very own Vin Diesel… only with a much, much better head of hair.
Hope to catch up with you all again soon!!
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
