Skoda Kodiaq: A BS-VI petrol to follow soon?

jordan maggie March 17, 2020 0 Comments

While this year’s Auto Expo seemed a bit dull in comparison, there were a few standouts from the companies that showed up. Skoda’s biggest highlight was, of course, the Octavia RS 245, which, needless to say, grabbed the attention of every automotive enthusiast.

In the mix, however, there was a slightly modified version of the Kodiaq too. In fact, the Kodiaq was right next to the Octavia RS 245 in the snazzy blue shade you see above. However, the lack of any significant changes led the audience to perceive it as the standard Kodiaq. Or, as some might say, used as a space filler.

But there’s a catch. And the catch is beneath that sculpted bonnet. As the title suggests, the Kodiaq will be getting a petrol engine, for when the stringent BS-VI emission standards come into play next month. Sadly, however, Skoda is expected to discontinue the 2.0-litre TDI engine, which had been the sole engine under the Kodiaq ever since its launch in the Indian market. So, will the transition from a diesel-only model to a petrol-only one affect the sales numbers? We’ll have to wait and see. But here’s an overview of what exactly will it bring to the table.

Specifications

Surprisingly, however, there aren’t any changes to the exterior of the SkodaKodiaq that require mention. There’s a slight chance the company might revamp some bits and call it a facelift, but there’s no official confirmation on the matter so far. As for the dimensions, they are expected to be the same at 4,697mm of length, 1,882mm of width, and 1,665mm of height. The wheelbase and boot-space capacity, too, will remain the same at 2,791mm and 270-litres, respectively. The kerb weight will be lower, however.

Formerly a diesel-powered SUV, the Kodiaq is soon expected to feature a 2.0-litre TSI engine, which is capable of producing 188bhp and 320NM of torque. It will be paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox as a standard fit. This also marks the end of the road for the 2.0-litre TDI engine, which will not be upgraded to meet the new emission standards. The Kodiaq will retain its all-wheel-drive layout, though. 

Mileage

The BS-IV spec Kodiaq, with the diesel engine, delivered an overwhelming 16.25km/l of fuel efficiency. The BS-VI update, however, will see the fuel efficiency numbers take a toll since petrol-powered full-size SUVs have never been too enticing in this regard.

Features

The European SUV is, of course, loaded to the gills with nice-to-have features and equipment. While the 2020 update might see some revisions to this list, expect the Kodiaq to still be a decently-kitted car.

For reference, the L&K variant of the Kodiaq SUV comes equipped with a fully-digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree cameras with parking sensors. It might also feature Hill Descent Control, which was exclusive to the Scout variant introduced last year.

Colours

The Kodiaq, as of early-2020, comes in five shades, namely, Magic Black, Quartz Grey, Moon White, Lava Blue, Magnetic Brown. Of all, it looks its best in the Lava Blue shade.

Brochure

All the details regarding the Skoda Kodiaq, namely, the engine, specifications, variant wise equipment, colours, dimensions, interiors, and exterior details are extensively covered in the brochure.

Variants and Prices

As of early-2020, the Skoda Kodiaq is available in three variants, all in the same diesel-automatic configuration. The prices start at Rs. 33.99 lakhs for the Scout variant going all the way up to Rs. 36.79 lakhs for the L&K 2.0 TDI 4×4 AT variant (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). For the variant-wise on-road prices, visit us at autoX.

For more on the Skoda Kodiaq, be sure to tune in to autoX.

The Inner Workings of a Car

jordan maggie March 6, 2020 0 Comments

If you are about to take driving lessons and enter into the adult world of driving, you may not fully understand how today’s cars actually work. A complex system controls most things and the newer cars are chip controlled, ensuring the best performance and fuel efficiency at all times, and with that in mind, here are a few essential components that can be found on a motor vehicle.

1. The Engine – The power component that delivers the power to the transmission, via the gearbox and then to the wheels, the engine needs regular maintenance throughout its life. The essential engine oil must be replaced at every service interval; which might be every 5-8,000km, as the lubricating qualities of the oil degrade over time. For the very best deals when looking for a used car, go to a manufacturer-approved car dealer in Canberra and you can’t really go wrong, as the vehicle will have a full warranty.
2. The Chassis – The very framework of the vehicle, the chassis would like be made from aluminium, or a composite, such as carbon fibre, which is still rather costly. The chassis is perfectly welded and balanced to ensure safe handling and in the event of a collision, the chassis must be inspected for alignment.
3. The Gearbox – Most vehicles today have automatic transmission, which means the car finds the ideal gear, depending on your speed, the gearbox is responsible for the raising or lowering of the rpm that is transferred from the camshaft, through the gearbox, then down the running gear (shafts with UV joints). Some cars have the engine and gearbox directly above the rear wheels, which removes the need of driveshafts, and the only drivers that prefer manual gears are racing drivers, as they have more control over the vehicle.
4. Suspension – The suspension could be of the spring variety, or uses gas, or a combination of both, and with fully independent suspension of every wheel, the ride is always smooth. Some performance cars have adjustable suspension, allowing for a softer, or harder ride, but generally speaking, cars today are set up to handle a full complement of passengers and luggage.
5. Brakes & Steering – Both would be hydraulically operated, ensuring maximum braking and power steering makes turning the wheel effortless, and the hydraulic fluid needs to be checked on a regular basis, topping up when necessary. Brake pads on a car will last anything from 30-50,000km, depending on how the vehicle is driven, and should be replace before they wear down to the rivets.
6. Wheels & Tyres – Essential for safety, the wheels would likely be alloy, which is both light and very strong; the tyres are critical, as they are the only surfaces that the car has contact with the road and are therefore critical for safety reasons.

The above is very much a generalisation of what it takes to produce a modern automobile, and we are moving into new technology, with driverless cars and electrically powered vehicles coming onto the scene.