BHPian kamleshp recently shared this with other enthusiasts: This Diwali (2025), I purchased a Skoda Kodiaq L&K in Velvet Red colour. Here is the review, including some background on my car ownership journey.My car journey:In 2006, I had purchased a WagonR Lxi, which served me well and was a very practical car. It was purchased on a loan, which was closed when I sold the car in 2008, when I moved overseas for work. The second car I owned was a Skoda Fabia (Petrol), in Jan 2012, on my return from overseas. It’s a fabulous car which served me well and I continue to own it as my beater car. This was company leased car which I transferred to self at the end of the lease when I quit the job. In April 2022, I purchased a Jeep Compass Model S, Diesel AT on company lease. A fantastic car, great SUV to own for both driving in the city and on the highway. It never gave me a feeling of luxury. I quit my job recently and instead of retaining the leased car, I returned it to the lease provider. It was my original plan to upgrade at the lease expiry. Read my 1 yr Jeep Compass ownership experience here.My driving:Last 3.5 years of Jeep Compass driving have been mostly in the city, primarily used for office commutes of 22 kms one side, at least 3 times a week and then occasional highway trips. The last one was a 4-day drive on the west coast of Karnataka. With my new office in CBD and a remote first job, I don’t think Kodiaq will be used for office commute, it will primarily serve for occasional drop/ pickup my daughter to/from college around 30 kms away and sometimes highway drive and maybe a couple of 500-600 kms outstation trips in a year with family.Other options:Basically none, I enquired about XEV 9e, for which I did a test drive along with BE 6. I almost decided to buy XEV 9e but then read reviews on the forum and outside about failures and niggles. I did enquire about GLC, but it was above my budget. I went to see Tucson, but the Hyundai showroom guys did not seem interested in indulging me.ICE Vs Electric:I was almost sold on XEV9e, but then my driving will not be so much that I worry about the economics of running costs. (I drove my Jeep Compass for around 28K kms in 3.5years) and with second-hand electric car marked non-existent, I did not see much merit in taking the EV plunge.Loan or Outright purchase:I was clear that even if I buy on loan, 50% should be the down payment. My spouse was very clear, no loans. Frankly, after paying my home loan and living a life without EMIs, I never want to go back to the EMI life. The Skoda Kodiaq was just in my budget for outright purchase.Why Skoda?Buying a Skoda KODIAQ was as much a decision of the heart as of practicality. It was within my budget of outright purchase; it would be an upgrade from the Jeep Compass, not by leaps and bounds, but an upgrade, nevertheless. While I dream of owning an M Sport badge, an AMG or a Macan, at one point in our lives, not so long ago, me and my better half did dream of owning a Skoda Superb or a Kodiaq. If not for the lazy salesperson who was hell bent on selling me a Slavia in 2022, I would have been either in a Skoda Superb or a Kodiaq. He should have tried just a little harder when I was deciding between a Skoda or a Jeep Compass. The Skoda sales guy said that KODIQ is sold out (that was true) and the test drive Superb is at the service station.Options of pre-owned luxury brandsThat’s really a tough one; I have never enjoyed the experience of looking for a second-hand car. I did not approach any dealership of pre-owned cars. Mercedes guys did call me, but they did not have the option that I wanted. Most of the searches showed pre 2019 cars and I was not convinced if pre-owned is the path I am willing to take. Call it my hesitation or bias, I did not explore it as much as I should have.The test driveAn enquiry with Tafe Access and check at home with my Spouse, the car was at my doorstep, rather in my society, for a test drive. This was after I drove XEV 9e and BE 6. My wife drove it first; she liked it instantly. She liked the rear seat – it reclines, all the Skoda Simply Clever features and the ease of driving the big SUV. It did drive well over crazy rubber speed bumps within the society, and the pothole road outside the gates, not much different from Compass I thought (at that time). It looked in the luxury class – well, almost. Front seats were great, middle row reclines and ample boot space for that once every few months airport drive to drop/ pick family with enough luggage or 7 seat option for that once in a lifetime need.Non-negotiable featuresThere are a few features which a non-negotiable in my opinion, not in the order of preference but all 3 are mandatory:Ventilated seats, at least for the driver and co-passenger360 cameraWireless Apple CarPlayMy review of the Skoda KodiaqI picked up the car on the auspicious day of Dhanteras, 18/Oct. Thanks to the sales guy at TAFE Access, Darshan, who made sure everything was in place, including the number plates and Fastag at the time of delivery. Showroom organized a small ceremony of unveiling the car, cutting cake and then I was taken through all the features in the car. Thanks to Darshan, who did not hurry and explained every feature to me. Well, I had watched enough YouTube Kodiaq review videos. My spouse made it a point to tell the manager that they didn’t have to put any effort into selling the car to us. We drove the car from St. Marks Road, Bengaluru, Skoda showroom straight to my parking. Talking about memorable events, this drive turned out to be very special when my wife said it felt like a dream come true moment. Kodiaq was in the parking lot until Diwali morning. On the day of Diwali, I took it out for a short ride, filled up the tank, got the tyre pressure checked, and had the society security sticker pasted. That was enough driving because I had to help at home to celebrate Diwali. Next morning, took the car out to drop my daughter off at college, and then on to the Airport Road (Hyderabad Road). By the time I came back home, I had driven the car for almost 300kms.Currently, I have driven the car for 500+ Kms. when writing this.Hits:Absolute awesome power (205BHP), available instantly. It’s the smile on your face acceleration.Drives well, feels effortless both in the city traffic and on the highway.No transmission lag, overtakes are instantSuspension feels a little bouncy on some road surfaces, not as firm as Compass.Infotainment system, screen, sound system feel like an upgrade.Seats are plush, with more adjustable options than Compass, but I have yet to find the sweet seating spot.Feels roomy and spacious from all angles. I realized how big this car is when backing up in my apartment’s basement parking spot.Service options – first year service is included in the overall cost along with consumables and labor, there is an option of buying the same for 3 more years at half the price, which will improve the overall ownership experience, I think.Driving modes are available, and I do feel the difference in Eco Vs. Sport mode. Yet to experience and explore the customization (Individual) in driving mode.Easy-to-use cruise control.There is an automatic gear selector stalk instead of a lever in the central console, helps free up space.Wireless charging option for 2 phones at a time.Good number of storage options within the reach of the driver.No doubts or questions on passenger safety in Skoda cars in general and this is the top end of what Skoda sells in India.Excellent NVH, engine vibrations compared to Compass are nonexistent and so is the noise inside the cabin.Misses:360 and reverse camera not as good as those in Jeep CompassCockpit graphics look outdated, but navigation map integration is goodTPMS does not show a number, needs to be calibrated each time you fill upI cannot rest my right-hand elbow anywhere on the door when holding the steering wheel, but my left hand can be rested.OVRM feels smaller than the ones in the Jeep CompassWiper leaves a mark, this is diagnosed and a change of blade is recommended by SkodaSmart dial options need getting used to; it has a learning curve. Car purchase day In my parking spot, see Fabia right behind Skoda Logo Projection on the ground, available on both driver and passenger side Awesome looking DRL Nice interiors, the grey pattern does get nail scratches when opening the door. Map modeBottom line:Dream Car – check; Upgrade – check; Within Budget – Check; Wifes Loves it – Check; Full Family Car – Check; Luxury Badge – Maybe. IMHO Skoda Kodiaq L&K is a very practical car for a family of 4-5 adults (my case) and satisfies everyone in the family. Thank you and happy motoring. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
