Sibling rivalry - Skoda Kodiaq Vs Skoda Superb

Reducing price difference between the SUV and sedans from the premium segment has made it difficult for car buyers to make up their mind. Recently, Czech car manufacturer launched the Kodiaq in a single top spec 4x4 version at a price of Rs 34.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new product has been further widened options for customers who have been looking out for the Superb sedan which is priced between Rs 24.24 lakhs to Rs 31.99 lakhs ((ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top-spec L&K diesel variant.

Mechanically, the Kodiaq gets the 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a DSG automatic gearbox and AWD system. The turbo-diesel engine generates 150bhp of power at 3500rpm and 340Nm of torque at 1750rpm. The Superb on the other hand is available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The petrol version gets a 1.8-TSI which generates 180bhp while the diesel gets a 2.0-litre TDI engine which produces 177bhp and 350Nm of torque. The 1.8-TSI tuned for 320Nm of torque output is mated to a six speed manual while 250Nm setup gets the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The diesel gets the six-speed automatic option only.

The Kodiaq gets the traditional moustache grille and rectangular headlamps. The vertically slatted grille dominates the fascia and a three-part air dam lending it the required aggression. The swept back headlamps are projector units. The Kodiaq is a full-size SUV which measures 4.7 metre in length. It gets a long hood, a prominent shoulder line, squared wheel arches and a sloping roof. The tail looks sleek with the wrap around tail lamps, a raked windshield and a hemline on the tail-gate. The fascia of Skoda Superb gets a new bumper, revised Skoda proprietary grille and a seemingly longer hood. The projector headlamps get cornering function and have integrated daytime running lamps. As for the sides, the roof line has been lowered slightly while the shape remains same as the older car. It gets a new design for the alloy wheels as well as the wing mirrors. The angularity continues to the rear with the crease on the boot lid getting prominent and the chrome strip getting a miss. The wrap around tail lamps are all LED with integrated fog lamps.

As for features, the Skoda Kodiaq gets premium leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, leather seats, touchscreen infotainment system with 12 speakers, multiple 12V charging sockets, panoramic sunroof and a plethora of storage spaces across all three rows. The SUV also gets electric tail gate, ambient lighting in the cabin, hands free parking and electric front seats. The Skoda Superb gets Leather upholstery is standard along with a panoramic sunroof with a bounce back function. The top end Laurin and Klement trim gets a three-zone automatic climate control instead of the standard dual-zone system. The front seats are power adjustable with memory function reserved for the top spec car. The in-car infotainment system gets a touch-screen TFT display and comes with MirrorLink, Apple Car Play and Android Auto for the seamless integration of your smartphone. The top spec car gets a 12-speaker audio system from Canton. The Superb also gets ambient lighting for the interior along with an optional rear entertainment package.

In terms of performance, the Superb does win the game, however, the Kodiaq stands out with all-wheel drive as standard. The Superb is a good choice for people who prefer to be chauffer driven and are also looking for petrol options in manual as well as automatic. While the Kodiaq is purely for those who love to head out on that occasional off road trips as well as tag along seven occupants comfortably. However, customers looking for the top spec-spec Superb L&K TDI AT, the Kodiaq comes as better option which can be opted for by throwing in a few lakhs extra.