The Skoda Kodiaq
L&K (Laurin & Klement) made its world debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor
Show in March. The flagship trim has now been launched in India at INR 35.99
lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
The range-topping
trim pays homage to founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement. It carries minor
visual tweaks with a gamut of additional features. On the outside, the Skoda
Kodiaq L&K features a more elaborate chrome garnish on the front grille and
rear bumper diffuser, silver roof rails, and ‘Laurin & Klement’ badges on
the front fenders. A new 'Magnetic Brown' exterior paint shade is exclusive to
the L&K variant.
The highlight of
the interior is the Virtual Cockpit all-digital instrument cluster, a first for
an India-spec Skoda model. Unlike the instrument console of the SUV's lower
trim, which carries analogue instrumentation, the new flagship features a large
digital screen that displays speed, drive range, navigation, et al.
Furthermore, the Skoda Kodiaq L&K offers a
360-degree surround view system, which is courtesy of four wide-angle
cameras placed at the car's front, back and on the ORVMs. Other highlights of
the cabin include a piano black trim, L&K insignias on the seat upholstery,
and aluminium pedals.
Mechanically, the
SUV remains the same. It continues to draw power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged
four-cylinder diesel motor that produces a maximum power of 150 PS and a peak
torque of 340 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission that
sends power to all four wheels. The engine boasts an ARAI-certified fuel
efficiency of 16.25 km/l.
The safety net of
the Skoda Kodiaq L&K includes nine airbags, iBuzz Fatigue Alert, AFS
(Adaptive Front light System), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), MBA (Mechanical
Brake Assist), MKB (Multi Collision Brake), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), ASR
(Anti Slip Regulation), and EDS (Electronic Differential Lock). The new model
is a direct rival of the VW Tiguan and locks horns with the lower trims of the
Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA.
