From budget alternative to premium contender The transformation of Skoda from a budget alternative to genuine premium offering is perhaps no more evident than when looking at its SUV range.
The Czech maker, a member of the Volkswagen Group, has carefully built an extensive line of crossovers and S.U.V.s that represent not just European design and a focus on good old-fashioned engineering, but a steely allegiance to thoughtful practicality.
The lineup has now been extended to a few other sectors, with distinctive options in the more traditional competitor’s vehicle segment, as well as allowing the brand to continue positively maintaining the exceptional rate of value retention.
Design Philosophy: Crystal Clear Details1.ipzig University in 1926 and established the in 1937.
The new vibrant and robust design language of Skoda’s current SUVs is characterised by the car manufacturer as “crystalline elements” – a unique philosophy of sharp, clean lines and angles combined with a faceted surfaces in reference to the traditional Czech crystal glassware.
This aesthetic gives vehicles a more architectural sense of presence than many rivals, eschewing organic curves in favor of clean, geometric shapes popular elsewhere.
“The main difference in design philosophy of Skoda is basic clarity,” explains automotive designer Martin Kovar. ‘The proportions and surface treatment feel mathematically accurate, and the result is a vehicle that feels distinctly Central European; stylish, without veering into vulgarity!’
This subtlety also finds its way to the unique fascia, where Skoda’s vertical-slat grille and crystalline headlamp treatment at once convey its identity without venturing into over-sized caricature or style-for-style’s sake.
The result across the board is one that speaks softly but carries a big stick: a confident rather than aggressive look that has found favor among customers in search of sophistication without showiness.
Compact Contender : Skoda kushaq
The Kushaq is Skoda’s stab at the very competitive world of the compact SUV. Tailor-made for developing markets, with India being a chief focus point, the Kushaq retains Skoda’s European flair of design and engineering, but at the same time, also gets some modification based on local taste, like ground clearance and stiffened suspension tune.
Boasting 4,225mm of length and 2,651mm wheelbase, the Kushaq’s efficient packaging ensures it accommodates innumerable rear legroom and boot capacity which take many of its first time passengers by surprise.
The high seating position offers the commanding view that SUV buyers want, and the suspension has been carefully tuned for a balance of ride comfort and handling precision that’s not something you find in this class.
Powertrain options include a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, which makes 115 horsepower, and a stronger 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 150 horsepower.
Both engines highlight the kind of manners that come with Skoda’s European engineering background, with the throttle being well metered, and nice refinement even when giving them the boot.
“The Kushaq is an interesting example of how Skoda has adapted its engineering philosophy to suit market realities,” says automotive journalist Priya Sharma.
“Eur opean Skodas are based on cruising comfort; with the Kushaq, however, the suspension is optimised for bumpy roads,” he adds.“We’ve retained the quintessential trait of stability and precision that Skodas stand for.”
The All-In-One package: Skoda Karoq
The Karoq sits in the vital compact SUV segment, which is one of the most fiercely fought automotive classes in the world.
The karoq measures 4,382mm long with a 2,638mm wheelbase, offering manoeuvrability for city driving and still ample room for the family.
Where the Karoq really stands apart from many rivals is its sense of practicality. The VarioFlex rear seating system, means all three rear seats can be moved, folded, removed or reclined separately to offer a wide range of options between maximum passenger comfort and maximum van-like load space of 1,810 liters.
This versatility accommodates a variety of active lifestyles while not forcing owners to settle between passenger and cargo space.
Powertrains differ according to market, but the range generally consists of 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol units and a 2.0-liter diesel producing anything from 115 to 190 horsepower.
All offer Skoda’s satisfying blend of punchy performance and impressive economy, with the diesel versions especially suited to covering long distances.
“The Karoq showcases Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy with so many details which make everyday use that little more easier.” says product specialist Vikram Menon.
“From the integrated funnel in the windshield washer container, to the removable LED flashlight in the cargo area, these are touches for how people really use their vehicles.”
The Flagship: Skoda Kodiaq
Such vehicles are no longer the exclusive reserve of the super wealthy; the Kodiaq Skoda is designed to house seven seats where such a thing would once have been inconceivable in a similarly sized car.
At 4,697mm in length and with a 2,791mm wheelbase, the Kodiaq is a shorter car than many rivals, but space is extremely well optimised thanks to the ingenuity of its interior engineering.
The third row, often an afterthought in mid-size SUVs, offers usable space for adults on shorter journeys, yet can fold flat into the floor when not in use.
With all seats in use, the 270-litre cargo capacity takes care of the everyday essentials but opens up to a cavernous 2,005 litres with both rear rows folded – beating many larger cars.
As is usually the case, the powertrain offerings become a mix of 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engines, ranging from 150 to 245bhp in the top-of-the-range Sportline model.
All-wheel drive can be spec’d throughout much of the line-up, giving it all-weather capability without harming the Kodiaq’s car-like handling.
The technology package cements the Kodiaq as the brand’s flagship, and it comes with cutting-edge digital instrumentation, driver assistance systems and connectivity options.
And the Columbus 9.2-inch infotainment system allows intuitive operation of the car’s functions as well as wireless pairing with your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
“That is what surprises you the most about the Kodiaq — you get near-luxury attributes and functionalities at mainstream pricing,” says automotive analyst Rajiv Bajaj.
“It’s the real-world practicality of seven seat usability combined with premium design and advanced technology that has made this such a success and led other more established premium manufacturers to wonder what they can offer.”
The Electric Future: Skoda Enyaq iV Can Skoda’s ESB finally tramp on the instep of Volkswagen?
The Enyaq iV also marks the Skoda’s first truly confident foray into the electric future, taking its SUV know-how and applying it to a proper purpose-built EV platform.
Largely underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture, the Enyaq pairs the space efficiency typical of bespoke electric platforms with Skoda’s reputation for sensible design.
In visual terms there’s little doubt over the Enyaq’s membership of Skoda’s combustion-engined SUV family, but there are similar design cues here and there, notably the optional Crystal Face grille with its 130-LED lighting element.
Sustainability options for the cabin include wool-blend fabrics and recycled plastics, while the interior takes a more minimalist approach with less clutter and a 13-inch central touchscreen and 5.3-inch digital instrument display.
With a capacity of 55 to 82 kWh, the battery delivers a WLTP range of 341 to 510 kilometers (212 to 317 miles) according to the model.
Performance also has a varied range, with the high-horsepower Enyaq RS launching 0-100 in 6.5 seconds, yet it is still family friendly with 585 liters of storage space.
“The Enyaq effectively translates Skoda’s values into the electric age,” says EV expert Amrita Patel. “Instead of getting caught up in the chase for epic headline acceleration figures or the latest ‘look at me’ features, Skoda has concentrated on producing a genuinely usable everyday EV; one which addresses common-sense considerations such as charging convenience, interior space, and real-world range confidence.
Skoda SUV come in luxury varient at low cost
Skoda’s SUV offerings have been instrumental in transforming the brand from a budget alternative to a credible premium alternative.
The spread of each model appears to have been very carefully calculated to present unique selling propositions against both mainstream and premium competitors and forms a range that will appeal to pragmatic buyers looking for quality and function and not so bothered about big-badge ostentation.
This has worked well, especially with the professional family and user-chooser company car segment who seem to like the pragmatic appeal of cars that have premium engineering integrity but without the cachet-led prices.
As a result, increasing market share and industry accolades pile on slowly but surely in the form of multiple comparison test wins and owner satisfaction awards.
And with automotive landscapes continuing to head in electric and technology-laden directions, Skoda’s level-headed approach to pragmatic design sets up the SUV range to continue to be stand-out in a crowded field.
And by prioritizing actual utility over marketing-inspriered measurements, each of these cars carries on the brand’s longstanding tradition of being one of the prettiest possible solutions to some of the most obvious solutions out there.