Skoda’s flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, has finally received the L&K treatment in Europe. The new variant is scheduled to make its public debut at the upcoming 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March. For the uninitiated, L&K stands for the initials of the Czech automaker’s founders – Laurin & Klement. The L&K badging is reserved for the top-of-the-line variant which features a host of tech and luxury-enhancing features. The Superb sold in India, for instance, is available in the L&K variant in India. Even the first-gen Octavia and the Laura were available with the L&K trim. Here’s what the Skoda Kodiaq L&K packs over the regular SUV.
The Skoda Kodiaq now comes with VW Group’s new 1.5-litre TSI EVO turbocharged petrol engine. This engine is set to be the most powerful motor to be offered with the India-bound Skoda Karoq (Yeti replacement). Like the India-spec Kodiaq diesel, the 1.5-litre petrol engine too puts out 150PS of power. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. The existing 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine of the Kodiaq has received a power bump from 180PS to 190PS as well.
In India, the Skoda Kodiaq is only available in a single variant with a diesel powertrain. It is priced at Rs 34.49 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Currently, only Toyota offers a petrol option in the form of the Fortuner. Priced at 26.20 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), it packs a 2.7-litre engine and is based on a ladder-frame chassis. Hence, we believe Skoda would do well if they give customers an alternative which offers a more comfortable and plusher ride thanks to the Kodiaq’s monocoque construction. Our guess is on Skoda launching the L&K variant with the 2.0-litre petrol engine in India. Also, since diesel still rules in the premium SUV segment, we cannot rule out a diesel-powered L&K variant as well. If greenlighted by Skoda India, expect it to be introduced later this year.
