Czech Mate

The second generation of the Czech flagship takes a full step forward, all of the good bits, refinement, luxury and those simply clever features, but should you consider this over a German badge?

- Dipayan Dutta

It may share its badge with its predecessor, but the new Kodiaq L&K quietly levels up everything — space, quality, and refinement — all while keeping its head down in a segment where flash sells more than substance.

Spend Rs 50 lakh on an SUV in India today and chances are you'll be shown something large, diesel-powered, and dressed for adventure. The Toyota Fortuner still runs this segment by sheer momentum — a vehicle bought as much for what it represents as what it offers. But if you’re someone looking for more civility, refinement, and tech-savvy features in your full-size SUV, your options narrow fast.

Enter the Skoda Kodiaq L&K. It’s not trying to out-badge or out-muscle the Fortuner. Instead, it goes about solving a different equation — one that’s based on daily usability, cabin quality, and the kind of polish that isn’t always visible in spec sheets. And in its newest form, it’s the most convincing version of that idea yet.

At first glance, the Kodiaq hasn’t thrown its old design away — and that’s a good thing. The crystalline LED headlights, upright proportions, and now-illuminated grille elements give it the familiar Skoda face. It’s recognisable, not redundant.