The Skoda Kodiaq has always been thought of as a premium SUV that pampers its occupants with comfort and refinement. But on the 9th and 10th of August in Mumbai, customers got to see another side of it. The Skoda Kodiaq Drive Experience was designed to push the SUV off its usual playground of city streets and highways and into a space where traction, balance, and composure really matter.
The day began with a warm welcome at the registration counter. Wristbands handed out, names ticked off the list, and the first stop for most was the snack stall. Coffee in hand, there was a buzz in the air as customers looked out at the track laid ahead. Soon after came the driver’s briefing. Instructors walked the group through the obstacles, explained the safety protocols, and doled out tips on how to let the Kodiaq’s all-wheel-drive system and off-road electronics do their work. The message was clear: be measured with your inputs and let the engineering shine through.
Then it was time for action. There was a palpable buzz in the air as each driver stepped into their machines for the day. The driver’s side incline was the first test. The Kodiaq leaned into the slope with remarkable stability, refusing to feel unsettled even when its weight shifted heavily to one side. That calm body control set the tone – a mix of strong suspension, solid chassis balance, and the reassurance of its 18-inch wheels.
Next came the steep mud mound. Inclines like this are a test of torque delivery and traction management. Skoda allotted each driver an expert instructor who guided them through the rugged course, making sure that the customer never felt uncomfortable despite the severity of the obstacles. A gentle press of the accelerator and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivered torque smoothly, while Hill Start Assist prevented rollback and Hill Descent Control kept the pace steady. From the driver’s seat, it felt almost easy, but the view from the sidelines told a story of clever engineering at work.
The passenger side incline mirrored the first challenge and reinforced the sense of balance built into the chassis. Despite the exaggerated tilt, passengers inside the cabin felt secure and composed.
The axle twister was perhaps the most dramatic test of all. Here, wheels on opposite ends lift into the air, and suspension articulation becomes critical. The Kodiaq took it in stride. Its Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) quietly sent torque to the wheels with grip, allowing the SUV to crawl through without hesitation. Watching from outside, the suspension arms worked hard while the body stayed composed. Inside, there was no drama, only steady progress – all while customers were cocooned in that familiar Skoda luxury that we’ve all come to know and love.
The chicken holes followed. These deep, uneven depressions mimicked the worst of broken roads. Many SUVs would jostle their occupants here, but the Kodiaq’s strong suspension absorbed the punishment, while underbody protection and skid plates offered peace of mind that nothing vital was exposed.
Finally came the ditch, the most striking obstacle of the day. With the right-side wheels riding high on the outer edge and the left-side wheels dipping deep inside, the Kodiaq once again showed off its articulation. Even with two wheels carrying most of the load, the SUV pressed on smoothly until all four wheels were level again.
Between runs, customers chatted over refreshments, shared first impressions, and some even queued up eagerly for another go. We caught up with one lucky customer, who said, “This was the best experience. I have never had an off-road experience. So, for me, this was the first time, and I loved it.” By the end of the day, the mood was unanimous. The Kodiaq had surprised everyone by showing that it is not just a luxurious family SUV, but also a capable, confident machine when the road gets rough.
In Mumbai, over two days, Skoda’s flagship SUV proved a point. The Kodiaq does not just carry you in comfort, it carries you with conviction, no matter what lies under its wheels.
