Today we are talking about the all-new Skoda Kodiaq, and let me tell you, it’s not just another SUV. The Kodiaq comes in with a fresh style, a more powerful engine, and tons of new features. So, the big question is: can it make a mark in the competitive premium SUV market? Well, after spending some time with the top L&K trim in Mumbai, I’m here to give you the lowdown. Friends, Skoda has always punched above its weight, and it’s done that again with the Kodiaq. The Octavia has always brought a premium feel, and the Superb continues to compete fiercely in the luxury sedan space. But let me tell you, friends, the Kodiaq is in a league of its own. It’s a seven-seater SUV, with an all-wheel drive, that’s tough, practical, and still a whole lot of fun to drive. It's a solid alternative to its rivals, even including its cousin from Ingolstadt, and it definitely holds its own. Now, let’s dive into what’s new with the Skoda Kodiaq. First up, the face of the SUV. The proportions remain generous, but there’s a smoother edge to the design, and some subtle curves that make it look even more appealing. The new grille and headlights are sharper, and the illuminated pattern between the grille slats is a nice touch. The tail-lights have been updated too, now sporting a C-shaped design that reminds us of early Skoda models. And here's an interesting bit, friends, the Kodiaq is no longer imported or assembled from a knocked-down kit. It’s now being built locally with some components sourced locally and others imported, which means it’s priced more competitively than the CBU Superb. The Kodiaq comes in two variants, the sporty Sportline and the luxurious L&K (Laurin & Klement). We got to drive the L&K trim. The Kodiaq, like most SUVs, is about utility, and it excels at that. Inside, the space is generous across all three rows. The quality of materials used is top-notch and on par with what you’d find in premium luxury cars. The front seats are really comfortable with adjustable slides, lumbar support, ventilation, and heating. Plus, the L&K trim comes with a massage function, making long drives a breeze. These “ergo seats”, as Skoda calls them, are designed to support your posture perfectly. Friends, in the second row, there's a lot of space too. You’ll find a useful center console when there’s no one sitting in the middle. The second row also has a 60:40 split, which slides and reclines, creating more room for passengers in the third row. While the third row works for children or average-sized adults, Skoda has managed to give an extra 15mm of headroom, but the knee and foot space could still be better. Surprising, right? But that’s not all. The boot space has increased too. Let me explain. The new Kodiaq is built on the MQB Evo platform, which allows for more flexibility in dimensions. It’s now 4,758 mm long, 59 mm longer than the previous model, with the same 2,791 mm wheelbase. It’s 1,864 mm wide and 1,679 mm tall. The boot space with all seats up is 281 liters, 11 liters more than before. If you fold down the third-row seats (which split 50:50), the capacity increases to 786 liters, and with the second row down, the total space goes up to a massive 1,976 liters. It's slightly less than the previous model but still ample. Friends, the Kodiaq’s interior isn’t just spacious; it’s packed with equipment. The 12.9-inch touchscreen sits at the top of the center console and controls most of the car’s features. It also comes with a 10.2-inch Virtual Cockpit and a head-up display. The MySkoda app gives you access to several remote functions, and you can also connect your smartphone wirelessly. The interior has a clean layout with sliding covers and a dual-part glovebox, making storage easier. Overhead, there's a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, which adds to the spacious feel. For audiophiles, there’s a 13-speaker Canton audio system as standard. And if you like a cozy atmosphere, the customizable ambient lighting is subtle and stylish, not overly flashy. The smart dials also provide a tactile feel, making it easy to control temperature, volume, or fan speed while on the move. So, friends, the Skoda Kodiaq is more than just an SUV. It’s a robust, practical, and luxurious ride, with an impressive set of features that can go toe-to-toe with more premium offerings. What do you think, friends? Would you drive the Kodiaq?