Skoda Auto India introduces the new Kodiaq Scout
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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Jammu and Kashmir enter maiden Ranji Trophy final; Bengal left stunned
Kalyani (West Bengal) (PTI): Sixty seven years after their maiden appearance, Jammu and Kashmir stormed into the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time on Wednesday, upstaging two-time former champions Bengal by six wickets in the semifinals here to add another historic chapter to a fairytale season so far.
Auqib Nabi's stunning nine-wicket match haul and their IPL star Abdul Samad's fearless strokeplay ensured that the side once labelled "perennial underachievers" now stands one step away from the title.
Chasing a modest 126 at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground, J&K rode on Samad's unbeaten 30 off 27 balls (3x6, 1x4) and rookie Vanshaj Sharma's composed 43 not out off 83 ball (4x4) as the pair stitched an unbroken 55-run stand for the fourth wicket to seal history on the fourth and penultimate day of the semifinal.
In a heartwarming gesture, Samad, who had done the bulk of the damage, allowed the 22-year-old Vanshaj to finish it in style and the youngster launched Mukesh Kumar over long-on for six to spark wild celebrations in the visiting camp.
From strugglers to history-makers
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Jammu and Kashmir had played 334 Ranji matches before this season, winning only 45. It took them 44 years to register their first victory, against Services in 1982-83.
Knockout appearances were rare. A breakthrough came in 2013-14 when they edged Goa on net run rate to reach the quarterfinals, and in 2015-16 they stunned Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium under state icon Parveez Rasool.
But consistency eluded them for decades as this season, under coach Ajay Sharma and captain Paras Dogra, they transformed belief into results.
After an opening loss to Mumbai, they bounced back with innings wins over Rajasthan and key victories against Delhi and Hyderabad to enter the knockouts.
A dramatic 56-run win over Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal, powered by Nabi’s 12/110, brought them to the semifinals for the first time.
Bengal's big names, bigger letdown
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With four India internationals in Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Shahbaz Ahmed, and India A star batter Abhimanyu Easwran along with home advantage to boot, this was Bengal's game to lose.
They did exactly that after folding for 99 in 25.1 overs on day three that set Jammu and Kashmir a paltry 126 to win.
Resuming at 43/2 on the penultimate day, J&K lost an early wicket but Bengal failed to sustain pressure despite Akash Deep's relentless 15-over morning spell (3/46) and Shami's probing 1/24 from 24 overs.
There were anxious moments when Shubham Pundir was cleaned up and Dogra edged behind -- a low diving catch by Abishek Porel off Akash Deep eventually upheld after review.
But Bengal looked fatigued and short of ideas once Samad counterattacked. The IPL batter, retained by Lucknow Super Giants, turned the tide in a single over against Akash Deep that fetched 18 runs.
He did not spare Shahbaz either, dancing down the track to deposit him over mid-wicket and then through covers as J&K crossed the 100-run mark.
From there, shoulders dropped in the Bengal camp.
The introduction of part-time options and a visible dip in intensity underlined a campaign that promised much but fizzled when it mattered most.
Nabi's season for the ages
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The foundations of Jammu and Kashmir's win, however, were laid by Nabi.
"Last time we missed it in the quarters but we did all the hard work and we deserved it," said Nabi after winning the man-of-the-match.
The 29-year-old pacer followed his 12-wicket match haul in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh with another devastating effort, finishing with nine wickets in the match, including a five-for in the first innings, to take his season's tally to 55 wickets at an average of under 13.
Nabi had also contributed with the bat playing a decisive knock at No.9.
J&K had posted 302 in their first innings, reducing the deficit to 26, thanks to Dogra's gritty 58 (112 balls), Samad's counterattacking 82 (85 balls) and a crucial late surge from Nabi (42 off 54) and Yudhvir Singh (33) in a 64-run last-wicket stand.
Dogra's milestone
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For 41-year-old captain Paras Dogra, it was a week of personal and collective milestones.
In a career spanning 24 years across Himachal Pradesh, Pondicherry and now J&K, Dogra also became only the second batter after Wasim Jaffer to score 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs.
Introduced to the game by his father Kultar, Dogra's journey has been one of endurance and quiet steel.
"It's a big achievement, never thought about it. I enjoyed the journey full of ups and downs. The game makes you a strong human being," Dogra said.
His resolute half-century in a 143-run partnership with Samad in the first innings set the tone for the side's resilience.
