Mumbai: ŠKODA AUTO India unveiled the new KODIAQ SCOUT at an attractive introductory ex-showroom price of INR 33.99 lacs. Introduced in 2017, the KODIAQ marked ŠKODA’s foray into the popular full-size SUV segment, in India. The SCOUT variant, with its characteristic design, robust appearance, generous proportions, all-wheel drive and off-terrain capabilities, pushes the yardstick further. Its muscular body frame with silver protective elements radiates wild beauty, toughness, and an appetite for adventure.

The KODIAQ SCOUT comes equipped with the 2.0 TDI (DSG) diesel engine that generates 150 PS (110 kW) of power and a peak torque output of 340Nm. The seven seater ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT will be available in four colour options: Lava Blue, Quartz Grey, Moon White, and Magic Black, across all authorized ŠKODA AUTO dealership facilities in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zac Hollis, Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, ŠKODA AUTO India, said “The KODIAQ model range caters a growing class of discerning customers with the penchant for luxury as well as the right 'value for money' proposition. The new KODIAQ SCOUT is an integral part of our SUV campaign in India. While retaining its strong family characteristics - emotive design, exquisite interiors, class-leading safety as well as intelligent connectivity features - the SCOUT, with its distinctive design and all-terrain capabilities, offers a compelling combination and will continue to drive ŠKODA's success in India.”

DESIGN

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT inherits the signature contoured body of the KODIAQ, and arms it with dynamic details. The fascia is dominated by distinctive chrome surround on the radiator grille, and the front bumper with silver-coloured spoiler emphasize the off-road capabilities of the KODIAQ SCOUT. The characteristic LED headlamps with illuminated 'eyelashes' of the KODIAQ finds its way inside the SCOUT, too. The location of the sharply drawn fog lamps at the height of the grille, protected from damage, clearly shows the off-road ambitions of the latest offering from the Czech marque. The KODIAQ SCOUT opens up new vistas with the electrically-adjustable panoramic sunroof, which enhances the feeling of space.

At the rear, the KODIAQ SCOUT dons crystalline elements in the ŠKODA-typical C-shape LED taillights. The rear bumper with silver protective cover borders the exhaust pipes and the diffuser; lending the KODIAQ SCOUT a robust appearance.

New sculptural shapes, dynamic elements, and precise features lend the vehicle an emotive and authentic appearance with a strong identity of its own. The new KODIAQ SCOUT is characterized by the next development stage of the ŠKODA design language, which will be also present in future ŠKODA models. The new KODIAQ SCOUT is the first product, in India, to bear ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering on the tailgate instead of the ŠKODA logo.

The square wheel arches housing the dual-tone Anthracite R (18) Trinity alloy wheels, angular mud flaps with plastic edges, protective sill covers, and underbody Rough Road Package ensures that one may go off the paved roads, without fear. The silver roof railings, matte silver wing mirror housings, and the chrome strips around the side window intensify the premium feel of this new ŠKODA SUV. The SCOUT plaque, sitting on the front fenders, is tastefully complemented by the KODIAQ-embossed aluminium scuff plates that entice all into the interior.

The all-new KODIAQ SCOUT gets brushed wooden décor. The decorative elements are black and gracefully complemented by chrome highlights. Elegant touches such as the SCOUT logo on the black Alcantara® leather upholstery, and the infotainment system home screen, are eye-catching and appreciated details. The LED ambient lighting, running along the inside of the KODIAQ SCOUT, offers ten appealing colour options.

PERFORMANCE

The SCOUT comes equipped with the 2.0 TDI (DSG) diesel engine from the ŠKODA KODIAQ model range. With 16 valves Dual Over-Head Camshaft (DOHC), it generates 150 PS (110 kW) of power and a peak torque output of 340Nm while delivering a fuel efficiency figure of 16.25 km/l and a top speed of 194 km/h.

The all-wheel or 4x4 drive system is based on an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disc inter-axle clutch designed to smoothly distribute the torque between the front and rear axles in a ratio ranging between 96%- 4% and 10%-90%. The system can transmit as much as 85% of the available torque to a single wheel (in conjunction with the EDS). The coupling of the rear axle is automatic, so under normal conditions, the car can utilize the advantages of front-wheel drive, and under extreme conditions the excellent traction of the 4x4 drive.

Activated with mode button on the center console, Driving Mode Select offers Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes as well as the Snow Mode, which ensures good handling even on low-grip surfaces.

With the intelligent Off-Road-Mode system, which operates at speeds of up to 30 km/h, one can handle extreme terrains. It is designed to adjust the characteristics of the engine, electronic assistants, and stability control systems. The activated functions, which includes the steering wheel angle, the compass, the altimeter, and the oil and coolant temperature, are shown on the infotainment display.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Standard safety equipment on the KODIAQ SCOUT includes a wide range of features such as nine airbags, which remains the segment benchmark.

As standard, the bottom part of the KODIAQ SCOUT is protected by plastic covers that, besides serving the protective function, are shaped aerodynamically to optimize the air flows under the vehicle. To increase the degree of chassis protection, the vehicle is fitted with the Rough Road Package, taking the form of additional protection for the engine bay, oil sump, gearbox, rear suspension, lateral arms, and brake hoses.

The car is equipped with iBuzz Fatigue Alert which detects signs of fatigue in the driver and prompts him or her to take a break. In addition, a host of security equipment and safety support functions include AFS (Adaptive Front light System), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), MBA (Mechanical Brake Assist), MKB (Multi Collision Brake), HBA (Hydraulic BrakeAssist), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), and EDS (Electronic Differential Lock).

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also features the all-new state-of-the-art Anti-Theft alarm with interior monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring system, acoustic warning signal for overrun speed, engine immobiliser with floating code system, dual-tone warning horn, and Parktronic sensors at front and rear.

‘SIMPLY CLEVER’ TOUCHES

The Power Nap Package of the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT will enable rear passengers to sleep soundly on a long journey. It includes variable headrests of the outer seats for a comfortably supported head posture while sleeping, and two blankets.

The Hands-Free Parking minimizes the hassle of parking in tight spots by automatically selecting an appropriate parking place in a row of parallel or perpendicularly parked vehicles. In today’s crowded cities and space-starved streets, hands-free parking is a blessing indeed and needs a space 60 cm longer than the car itself when parking in parallel.

The KODIAQ SCOUT also features a Digital Voice Enhancement feature, which transmits the driver’s and front passenger’s voice to the passengers in the rear via a microphone in the cockpit, thereby facilitating a smooth interaction among occupants.

With the largest boot capacity within its class, the KODIAQ SCOUT will never make a compromise on business, pleasure, and practical essentials. The KODIAQ SCOUT offers an impressive capacity of 270 litres, which extends to 2,005 litres with the rear seats folded down. The swipe foot movement underneath, withthe Virtual Pedal enables contact-free access to this unrivalled luggage space.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The state-of-the-art 20.32 cm capacitive touch display features a glass design and is a part of the new generation Amundsen Infotainment and Navigation System developed by ŠKODA. The SmartLink+TM all-in-one technology integrates SmartGateTM, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLinkTM, as standard. The premium Canton Sound System features 10 speakers, including subwoofer, and has a power output of 575 watts. New age connectivity solutions along with BossConnectTM, integrated with the ŠKODA Media Command

App, help occupants control functions like navigation, entertainment, and assistance, from the comfort of the back seat.

The Three-Zone Climatronic air conditioning system enables different temperatures to be set for the driver, front and rear passengers. It is also fitted with a humidity sensor, which reduces windscreen misting, and a sun sensor. The Boarding Spots, designated to illuminate the entry area, are located on the external side-view mirrors.

For details, quesries and bookings contact: Mangaluru: +917874334444, Bengaluru +917874223333

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Report: Thufail Muhammad Abudhabi

Dubai: The funeral of four young brothers who died in a tragic road accident near Abu Dhabi drew hundreds of mourners to the Al Qusais cemetery on Tuesday evening, leaving the UAE’s expatriate community in deep shock and grief.

The children Ashaj (14), Ammar (12), Azaam (8) and Ayyash (5) were the sons of Abdul Latheef and Ruksana, natives of Kerala’s Malappuram district. The family was returning to their Dubai residence after attending the Liwa Festival on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi when their car met with a fatal accident early Sunday morning.

Three of the children died on the spot, while Azaam succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening during treatment. The family’s domestic helper, Bushra Fayaz (49), also lost her life in the crash. Her body was repatriated to India on Monday night, and funeral rites were held in Kerala on Tuesday.

Abdul Latheef, who sustained injuries in the accident, arrived at the cemetery from Abu Dhabi in a wheelchair, his hand in a sling, to attend the burial of his sons. Mourners described the scene as one of the most heartbreaking they had ever witnessed.

“I have never seen the mass burial of children from the same family. It was devastating for everyone present,” said a social worker who assisted the family.

The couple’s only daughter, Izza (10), survived the accident with minor injuries and is undergoing treatment. Unaware of the loss of her brothers, she was seen playing on a mobile phone from her hospital bed.

Relatives said informing the parents about the tragedy was handled with extreme care. Abdul Latheef was told late on Sunday night, while Ruksana who had undergone surgery for an injury to her hand was informed only on Tuesday after counsellors were brought in to break the news professionally.

Before the burial, the parents were allowed to see their children one last time. Ruksana was taken by ambulance to the mortuary, while Abdul Latheef obtained special permission for temporary discharge from hospital to attend the funeral. Ruksana remained hospitalised with her daughter.
Though the family holds Ras Al Khaimah visas, special permission was obtained to conduct the burial in Dubai, where the family resides and where most relatives are based. Community members expressed gratitude to the Dubai authorities for facilitating the process.

Abdul Latheef runs a business in Ras Al Khaimah, while Ruksana works as a property consultant in Dubai. All five children were students of Arab Unity School in Dubai, following the British curriculum. The school management issued a circular to parents outlining measures to support students and families affected by the tragedy and advising on how to discuss the loss sensitively with children.

The cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed by Abu Dhabi Police. Public discussions have pointed to possible factors such as dense winter fog and overspeeding, though authorities are yet to release findings.