NOCTURNAL ANIMAL

We pull an all-nighter with the new Skoda Kodiaq

- By Kurt Morris

The Kodiaq is back, but Skoda's relaunch of the new-generation car wasn't a standard press event but a detour from the usual automotive unveilings. Rather than ushering journalists through the traditional drill of airport pickups, hotel check-ins, and conference-room briefings, Skoda staged an overnight experience that concluded with the unveiling of their refreshed SUV aboard a yacht, gently rocking in the glow of Mumbai's moonlit harbour. It was a refreshing change from the routine, mirroring Skoda's quiet confidence in the vehicle it was about to showcase. With Mumbai's sparkling skyline as the backdrop and the Arabian Sea adding natural ambience, the yacht-based deep dive into the Kodiaq's technical evolution felt more like a private screening than a product reveal.

After the maritime briefing, when we returned to land, each of us was handed the keys to the all-new Kodiaq. What followed was an unorthodox drive experience, a nocturnal journey across Mumbai. For me, this came with a sense of déjà vu. Half a year ago, I had put the previous-gen Kodiaq through its paces in off-road conditions, pitting it against more rugged SUVs. It had held its own then, and my expectations for the new model were anchored in that solid memory. Škoda's reputation for sturdy, well-engineered vehicles — often with understated charm — sets a high benchmark.