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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Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.

Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.

Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.

Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.

Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.

“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.

The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.

Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.

Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.

“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.

Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.

BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.

He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.

Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.

“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.