The handsome lines of the Škoda Kodiaq have remained unchanged, and that’s a good thing, because it is a rather good-looking car. While its cousin, the Volkswagen Tiguan, hides its bulk, the Kodiaq embraces it, creating a large silhouette, which is nevertheless quite svelte in form. Imagine an NBA player — big and tall, yes, but athletic too. That’s the silhouette of the Škoda Kodiaq for you. Visually, the 2026 Sportline trim gets the horizontal lights, which were previously exclusive to the L&K (that’s a theme that’s going to repeat itself a few times over the course of this review). I also love the black grille surround on the Sportline, which makes the Kodiaq look more contemporary.

The Kodiaq has one of the best interiors in its price class, hands down. The quality of materials, the interplay of the textures and the colours, all of it makes the cabin feel properly premium. The tactility of the dials is great too, though a little more resistance would have stopped me from overshooting the desired number of clicks. Also, while I understand this is entirely my personal opinion, I feel that multifunction knobs shouldn’t have more than two functions, which will make them just switch between the two, instead of the three-function setup here, which makes it cycle and thus not possible to figure out which mode it’s in unless you take your eyes off the road. Also, combining the volume control for the passenger and the drive mode selector for the driver, along with the AC blower speed for both in a single dial, is irritating at best, hazardous at worst. The 2023 model had a row of switches that worked much better than the setup here, but this is the one we’re stuck with for now.

That being said, the Kodiaq is packed to the gills with features, particularly in the L&K that we drove. However, for model year 2026, the Sportline customers will get to enjoy a host of features previously exclusive to the L&K and the 360-degree camera. As for the L&K exclusive features, it is the only one that comes with massaging seats, but unfortunately, those are also paired with ventilated seats, as the Sportline still continues with seats that are heated only. Also, the Sportline, despite being more expensive than the 5-seater Lounge, doesn’t get access to the drive modes (Eco/Normal/Sport/Offroad/Snow/Individual) and hill descent control. 

That being said, the Kodiaq is lovely to drive as it has always been. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol makes 204PS and 320 Nm, which means the Kodiaq can sprint to 100kmph in around eight seconds, despite the roughly 1,800 kilos of mass it carries. Also, the body control of the Kodiaq is phenomenal, without compromising ride quality—try as we might, we couldn’t get a cornering shot with any kind of noticeable body roll, despite gliding over broken tarmac and unpaved roads alike. Brakes are the same story, and actually the ABS calibration on gravel was way better than I expected it to be—the Kodiaq stopped without any drama on our gravel test route despite braking from over 60kmph. 

Overall, the 2026 updates aim to sweeten the deal on the Sportline trim. However, the fact remains that the Kodiaq is a bit outclassed in terms of features in its segment, unless you opt for the top-of-the-line L&K trim. On the other hand, even the Lounge trim gets the phenomenal powertrain, suspension, and braking systems that are found on the more expensive variants, and for someone who is less interested in features and more interested in interacting with their machines on a winding road, few SUVs make as much of a case for themselves as the Kodiaq.

Words: Sayantan De
Photography: Swapnil Dhawale

The post 2026 Škoda Kodiaq First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

In terms of design, the Škoda Peaq features Modern Solid Design language with an illuminated glossy black front fascia with fine vertical slats and LED backlighting, along with full LED Matrix headlights with 18 light segments. It also gets flush door handles and aero-optimised alloy wheels ranging from 19-inch to 21-inch, and at the back it’ll get full-LED Tail-lamps.

Coming to the inside, the Škoda Peaq is pretty roomy, with nearly three meters of wheelbase and 1.7 meters in height, passengers in the second and third row have ample legroom and headroom. With 299 litres of boot space that can be extended to 890 litres with the third row folded, along with 37 litres of storage in the frunk. In terms of features, it is pretty loaded, with a 13.6-inch vertical infotainment system with Android built in and a 10-inch driver’s display. It also gets ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof with electrochromatic glass. It also gets some clever features, like two wireless charging trays, wiper blades with integrated washers, an electric roller shutter in the luggage compartment, a foldable table, a display cleaner, a ticket holder, a USB socket integrated into the interior mirror, and a USB port in the third row. Massaging seats,  electrically adjustable ergonomic leg rests, front pillows, a foldable table, and an integrated wellness app offering six distinct modes – including settings for relaxation, stretching, and re-energising. The system simultaneously adjusts climate control, ambient lighting, and seat massage functions, along with a premium audio system developed in collaboration with Sonos as an optional extra. 

Mechanically, the Škoda Peaq is available in three powertrains: 60,90, and 90x, with power output ranging from 204PS to 300PS. The all-wheel drive 90x variant can sprint from 0 to 100kmph in just 6.7 seconds. The 90 and 90x offer a range of more than 600 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes via a DC fast charger.  

The Škoda Peaq also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) support along with Vehicle-to-house (V2H) support, meaning it can supply power to other electricals like the e-bikes and even a whole building. Expected to launch in India in 2027, the Škoda Peaq will compete in the premium electric SUV segment.

The post Škoda Peaq Unveiled first appeared on Turbocharged.

Visually, the Skoda Kushaq comes with an updated grille with an illuminated light bar, updated LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and front parking sensors. At the rear, it comes with an updated LED taillamp with illuminated Skoda lettering, which links the taillamps, and also features sequential turn signals. Available in three new colourways: Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.

Inside, the cabin greets you with a panoramic sunroof and dual-colour ambient lighting. It also features 6-way adjustable powered seats with ventilation for the driver and front passenger, along with a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with Google’s Gemini built-in. A Skoda sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer completes the multimedia experience. A new 10.25-inch driver’s display is also offered, along with a rear seat massager in the higher trims. Features like LED headlamps and tail-lamps with sequential turn signals, automatic climate control, electric sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper with defoggers, and alloy wheels are now standard across all variants.

Powering the Skoda Kushaq is the 1-litre TSI, producing 115PS and 178Nm, mated to either an 8-speed torque converter or a 6-speed manual. A 1.5-litre TSI producing 149 PS and 250 Nm is also available on higher trims, with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG, and disc brakes all round.

Skoda offers its super care package with a four-year or 1 lakh kilometre warranty, along with four years of roadside assistance. In addition, customers also get labour-free services for up to two years or 30,000 kilometres. The warranty can be extended on a paid basis up to the eighth year, complemented by a six-year corrosion and three-year paint warranty.

With a starting price of ₹10.69 lakh ex-showroom, the updated Kushaq is one of the most feature-loaded car from its base variant in its segment. Competing in the compact SUV segment with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.

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​The updated Kushaq is built under the group’s ‘Make in India, for India and the world’ initiative and is the first model to be built under its INDIA 2.0 strategy. The company is focusing on a high amount of localisation, quick turnaround times and low ownership costs.

​The Kushaq has a significant role in Škoda Auto’s journey in India. The compact SUV has contributed majorly to the brand’s record sales with 1,17,000 units sold alone in 2025 and remains an important product both in domestic and export markets.

​The updated Kushaq gets new features like a panoramic sunroof, rear seat massage function and most importantly, a new 8-speed torque converter transmission option. The company says that these features are added based on customer feedback and ever-growing market expectations. The Kushaq continues to focus on passenger comfort, safety and driving dynamics.

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To support the Kylaq’s production, SAVWIPL increased capacity at its Chakan manufacturing plant by 30 percent. Alongside the expansion, SAVWIPL has strengthened engagement with domestic suppliers, enabling higher localisation levels and greater scale in its India operations.

The Kylaq’s local production aligns with the Make-In-India initiative, underscoring the group’s long-term focus on India. As SAVWIPL continues to expand its ecosystem in India, it is increasing localisation across its product portfolio.

The post Škoda India Hits 50,000 Kylaq Production Mark in a Year first appeared on Turbocharged.

This 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission is a first in the segment and comes only on the 1.0 TSI engine. The 1.5 TSI will be offered with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG. 

The Kushaq facelift includes a revised front grille and an illuminated light band with updated LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. The vehicle now features an illuminated Skoda badge which links the tail lamps and sequential turn indicators at the rear.

The interior witnesses a larger 10.25-inch driver’s digital display (previously an 8-inch one) and a slightly larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen (previously 10.0 inches). The rear seat massager, which is another first-in-segment feature, is offered on the higher trims. 

It now also gets a few features as standard across all variants, such as automatic climate control, rear wiper and defogger, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM (internal rear-view mirror), electric sunroof (a panoramic sunroof is available for higher trims), and alloy wheels. 

It is priced to compete with the VW Taigun, Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor and others in the compact SUV segment. By making a host of features standard equipment, Skoda is increasing the value proposition of its popular SUV. Deliveries are expected to commence by the end of March 2026.

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Škoda Auto India is planning to revive the vRS legacy, and there is no better car than the Octavia vRS to kick-start things. Soon after the Octavia launch, we can also expect to see another RS variant go on sale in India, possibly the Kodiaq RS. Škoda plans to capitalise on the current demand from enthusiasts who are keen on performance-oriented models from the Czech brand. The Octavia vRS will pave the way for other RS cars as well.

As for the Octavia vRS, the car coming to India is Czech-made, UK-spec car. It will feature the 2.0-litre TSI engine, which, by the way, is powered by gasoline; no hybrids here. This motor produces 265PS and 370Nm, making it the most powerful Škoda car on sale in India and also the most powerful Octavia vRS to date. It will come with a seven-speed DSG; however, we are unsure if the Indian-spec car will get Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows you to adjust the chassis, and as Škoda claims, makes the drive even more engaging. It is part of an optional package in the UK, but if Škoda can bring it to India, it would be much appreciated.

As for the pricing, we expect it to be in the ₹40 lakh to ₹45 lakh bracket, making it an expensive Octavia. However, we are sure enthusiasts who can afford it would make a beeline for it on October 6, 2025. Unfortunately, Škoda will only be bringing in 100 units of the Octavia vRS; however, with the love for the RS badge, Škoda might consider extending the 100-unit limit in the future.

The post Škoda to launch the Octavia vRS in October first appeared on Turbocharged.

Skoda has applied its latest ‘Modern Solid’ design language to the new Kodiaq, which used to sport a clean, somewhat monolithic design earlier. The new design has introduced many more curvy creases, bling elements, and looks contemporary and fairly more attention-grabbing than the old one. The Sportline trim is targeted at the enthusiasts with its blacked-out exterior trim and 18-inch alloys of an athletic design. The Selection L&K variant looks posher with its LED-bejwelled grille, dashes of chrome and aero aesthetic 18-inch alloys. A wide range of appealing exterior colourways are on offer.

The interior, which was already a nice place to be in, has been thoroughly re-designed and ups the premium quotient by quite a bit with upscale materials while also packing in many latest tech features. The Sportline gets a sporty, all-black interior while the Selection L&K features Cognac leather upholstery. The 13-inch infotainment screen and the 13-speaker Canton sound system it controls are a highlight. A customisable ’smart dial’ with an embedded screen that can switch between controlling the seat ventilation (only for Selection L&K variant), fan speed, and drive modes is a signature ‘Simply Clever’ touch. A panoramic sunroof, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, sliding and reclining rear seats, customisable ambient lighting, ventilated front seats with massage function (only for Selection L&K variant) and park assist are some of the other tech highlights.

So far as the powertrain is concerned, the trusty 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol EA888 motor has been retained along with the 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. Power is up to 204PS from 190PS while the torque output remains 320Nm. Safety features include nine airbags, parking sensors (front and rear), electronically locking differential and driver attention and drowsiness monitor. There is no ADAS though. The new Kodiaq is significantly more expensive than the older one, which used to retail for around ₹37 lakh, ex-showroom. Now because of the increased price, this SUV will compete chiefly with the Toyota Fortuner (top variant), Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, Citroen C5 Aircross, and its own cousin, the newly launched Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line.

The post 2025 Skoda Kodiaq Launched first appeared on Turbocharged.

When you think of Skoda, it’s hard not to picture the iconic Octavia or the stately Superb—one built for the spirited driver, the other for the backseat boss. Sedans were the heart of Skoda in India, but like the rest of the world, we eventually gave in to the SUV craze. Enter the Kodiaq—Skoda’s first proper family SUV. Sure, the Yeti had its moment of cool-weird charm, but the Kodiaq felt right. Built on VW’s MQB platform, it struck the perfect balance of practicality, premium feel, and presence. It’s been on Indian roads since 2017, just after its global debut, and with nearly a million sold worldwide (over 9,000 in India alone), it’s fair to say it’s earned its stripes. Now in its second generation, the Kodiaq MK2 isn’t just new—it’s evolved. It wants to bring back that high-end Skoda magic that made us fall in love with the brand in the first place.

One look at the new Kodiaq, and it’s clear—this SUV isn’t here to blend in. The face is sharper, bolder, and more confident. The grille’s grown up, the LED headlamps are sleeker, and in the L&K trim, you get tiny, jewel-like DRLs tucked between the slats that sparkle when the sun goes down. It’s the kind of touch that makes you go “nice.” The Sportline keeps it sporty with a gloss black grille that looks especially good in Race Blue or Steel Grey, while the L&K dials up the contrast with a matte silver finish that skips chrome and nails the look.

From the side, this Kodiaq looks noticeably longer. The silhouette leans more toward estate-crossover than a traditional SUV, which gives it a nice Euro vibe. The Sportline’s D-pillar in gloss black makes the rear quarter glass look bigger, while the L&K goes with dark chrome that catches the light just right. The squared-off wheel arches add some muscle, and while the 18-inch wheels suit our roads perfectly, the international 19s do look the business. The Sportline’s dual-tone wheels fit the theme well, while the L&K’s aero-focused flat design might split opinions. Side skirts in body colour keep things tidy, and overall, the design is clean, classy, and refreshingly free of unnecessary creases. The rear gets a full makeover too, with sleeker, more angular C-shaped LED tail lamps and dynamic indicators. A long reflector runs across the tailgate, giving off connected-light-bar vibes… though sadly, it isn’t one. The rear bumper is also body coloured if you opt for the Sportline.

Step inside and things get properly swanky. The layout remains symmetrical like before, but everything else feels next-gen. The new two-spoke steering wheel (Sportline gets a sportier three-spoke) looks elegant, and the mix of materials, especially in the L&K, makes the cabin feel genuinely premium. There’s a huge 13-inch touchscreen front and centre, with slick graphics and a smart UI. And instead of just going full touchscreen chaos, Skoda has nailed the balance with these clever “smart dials” below the screen. They can be pressed to toggle between different functions—like seat ventilation, fan speed, and drive modes—and customised to suit your style.

The 10-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp, with various themes, including a cool analogue-style layout. Even the colour schemes can be matched across both screens. It’s all very thoughtfully done.

Skoda’s also embraced sustainability with eco-friendly leather-like materials wrapping the dashboard, centre console, and seats. The Sportline swaps leather for grey-and-black Alcantara, giving off a racier vibe. The front seats are properly comfortable, and in the L&K, they even get massage functions with different modes and timers—yes, massage seats. In a Skoda.

Of course, being a Skoda, you get all the clever little extras that make you smile: a door-embedded umbrella, a windscreen ticket holder, a screen cleaner, hidden trash bins, a charging port near the IRVM for your dashcam, two wireless chargers up front, and a surprisingly spacious centre area now that the gear lever has moved to a twisty stalk near the steering wheel and is effortless to operate as well. Even the light controls have ditched knobs for sleek touch panels. The panoramic roof? Just swipe to open it. The ambient lighting system is next level—choose any colour you want, and the strip runs across the dash and doors. Plus, when a door is open, that side glows red as a warning for oncoming traffic. There’s even a Skoda puddle lamp that beams down from the ORVMs. Subtle flex.

In terms of space, the longer body pays off. The second row is spacious and plush—perfect for those who like being driven—and there’s even a modular centre tunnel console that can be removed if needed. Boot space is generous: 281 litres with all three rows up, 786 litres with the third row down, and a massive 1976 litres if you fold everything flat. The third row’s still best for kids, but this is hands down the most spacious Kodiaq yet. Storage nooks are everywhere—dual gloveboxes, deep door pockets, mobile slots, four cup holders up front, and even a tablet mount for the rear. The boot gets bag hooks, a net, and a bit less space than the international version due to the space-saver tyre and 13-speaker Canton subwoofer setup, but it’s more than enough.

Now, performance. The diesel’s gone, and while that’ll disappoint some fans, the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine more than makes up for it. The EA888 motor is smooth, punchy, and well-paired to the 7-speed DSG. It makes 204PS and 320Nm, and the AWD Haldex system has been updated—it stays in FWD most of the time and switches to AWD as needed. Claimed mileage is 14.86kmpl. On our relaxed, late-night run through South Bombay, the onboard computer read 7.5kmpl, but we’ll need a full test to see what it can do.

The engine pulls well, the gearshifts are seamless, and despite its size, the Kodiaq feels surprisingly light on its feet. We didn’t get to take it outside the city this time, but it’s easy to imagine this being a brilliant highway cruiser. Paddle shifters are standard, and you’ve got a full suite of drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, Off-road, Snow, and Individual.

Ride and handling? Smooth as expected. The chassis feels stiff and confidence-inspiring, and the 18-inch wheels help soften out our not-so-perfect roads. There’s no dynamic chassis control like the Euro version, but the standard suspension setup works just fine here.

Safety-wise, the Kodiaq gets 9 airbags as standard, along with an electronic diff lock, drowsiness detection, hill start assist, and hill descent control. ADAS isn’t here just yet—it’s expected to come later once certifications are in. For now, there’s a 360-degree camera, auto park assist, and a hands-free tailgate with the virtual pedal feature for those hands-free tailgate opening situations, to name a few.

So, what’s the verdict? The Kodiaq is bigger, better, and more luxurious than ever. It’s stylish, well-equipped, cleverly packaged, and packs a strong engine to back it all up. Yes, it’s in a competitive price segment, and yes, some rivals have flashier badges. But honestly? If you’re looking for a premium 7-seater that nails the balance between family SUV and understated luxury, this is one Kodiaq that absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist.

The post 2025 Skoda Kodiaq First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

Styling and dimensions:
The Kylaq is the third SUV in Skoda India’s portfolio and as such, has the distinctive design language that’s seen in the Kushaq and Kodiaq. It gets a clean design with a bold imposing front end that’s dominated by a familiar yet slimmer grille. It features a different headlamp assembly than the Kushaq which has a vertically stacked setup with the headlamp positioned above and the fog lamp/cornering lamp positioned below. The Kylaq gets a more compact setup with a DRL strip positioned above the headlamp assembly that has the fog lamp/cornering lamp stacked together. The bumpers feature a two-tone finish with a spoiler lip positioned at the bottom. It gets thick cladding on the sides which with the chunky 17-inch machine-cut alloys offer a butch look. The tail lamps are all-new and are connected with a black plastic strip carrying the new Skoda lettermark logo, the first Skoda in India to do so.

The Kylaq sits on the same MQB-A0-IN platform that underpins the larger Kushaq (and Slavia). It is quite compact compared to the Kushaq, its 3,995mm length sitting just below the sub-4 metre mark and being 230mm shorter than its SUV sibling. The wheelbase (2,566mm) though is just 85mm shorter than the Kushaq, ensuring there’s not much compromise on cabin space. The cabin has ample space for both rows and while the rear passengers have ample knee room, placing three passengers on the rear seat is going to be a squeeze. In terms of storage, it gets a bottle holder for each door, a cooled glovebox, cup holders and a storage space with a wireless charging pad fore of the gear lever.

The boot space, at 446 litres, is the largest in the sub-compact SUV segment. The back of the rear seat has a clever slot to hold the rear parcel shelf which helps maximise boot space. Overall, the Kylaq looks larger than its dimensions suggest and feels as premium as the rest of the Skoda lineup.

Interior and features:
The cabin feels familiar with a dashboard layout, touch-screen climate control and two-spoke steering wheel similar to the Kushaq. The dash though gets a unique bamboo-infused fabric finish. The seats get leatherette covers while the driver and co-driver seats both get six-way height adjustment and ventilation as well.

It shares a host of features with the Kushaq, like the 8-inch digital instrument console and 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which runs an updated operating system. It gets features such as keyless entry, wireless charging, ambient lighting, sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and more.

In terms of safety, the Kylaq gets more than 25 safety features on the lower variants and up to 35 features on the top models. It gets six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and an electronic differential besides safety features shared with the Kushaq, like multi-collision braking and disc brake wiping. Given that the Kylaq also sits on Skoda’s advanced MQB-A0-IN platform, Skoda is confident that the Kylaq should score a full five stars in GNCAP and Bharat NCAP safety tests.

Powertrain and underpinnings:
The Kylaq will be offered only with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol powertrains also seen in the Kushaq and Slavia. The 999cc mill offers 115PS and 178Nm which makes the Kylaq one of the most powerful SUVs in its class while also being the quickest given a claimed 0-100kmph acceleration time of 10.5 seconds.
Besides sharing its platform, the Kylaq also shares its suspension setup with the Kushaq. It runs a comparably softer state of tune which should offer a more absorbent ride. In terms of braking, the Kylaq gets front discs and rear drum brakes setup.

Pricing and rivals:
While Skoda has not received the entire price list for the Kylaq, prices for the sub-compact SUV will start at Rs 7.89 lakh ex-showroom. While that’s closer to the higher end of the sub-compact SUV pricing spectrum, it undercuts sub-compact SUVs such as the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon. The Skoda Kylaq will go up against the Mahindra 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger as well.

It looks like Skoda has researched the sub-compact market well and has quite a strong product with the Kylaq. The Kylaq plays on Skoda’s strengths like tough build quality, premium feel and features and powerful engines while also coming at a competitive price point. Skoda’s new sub-compact SUV looks set to be a gamechanger for the Czech carmaker and help it reach its vision to be a European bestseller.

The post Skoda Kylaq: First Look Review first appeared on Turbocharged.