The Skoda Kodiaq, after 7,000 kilometers, has demonstrated its impressive versatility across various driving conditions. This SUV excels in city traffic, expressway cruising, and mixed terrain driving, proving its adaptability and performance.
City Driving in Bangalore
In Bangalore's notorious bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Skoda Kodiaq performs best when driven sedately. The initial lag makes quick sprints less ideal, causing jumpiness during rapid accelerations. A relaxed driving style yields better results. During a typical 9-kilometer morning commute, the Kodiaq achieves around 7 km/l. This figure improves to double digits when driven conservatively, taking the same amount of time to reach the destination in heavy traffic.
Expressway Drives on the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway
On the Bangalore-Mysore expressway, the Kodiaq transforms into a serene cruiser. The excellent road surface, three lanes throughout, orderly traffic, and a consistent speed limit of 100 km/h make this route ideal for using cruise control. The Kodiaq's Canton music system enhances the driving experience, making it a relaxing journey. Under these conditions, the vehicle achieves an impressive mileage of 16.4 km/l, making the expressway drive a Zen-like experience.
Long-Distance Drives: Bangalore to Coimbatore
The drive from Bangalore to Coimbatore presents a more challenging environment. With heavier traffic, two-lane roads for about 40% of the distance, undulating surfaces, construction detours, and occasional ghat sections, this route tests the Kodiaq's adaptability. Using cruise control on the onward journey proved less effective due to erratic traffic patterns. Constantly switching the cruise control on and off, tapping the brakes, and aggressive acceleration made the drive feel "digital" and less smooth, resulting in a mileage of 11 km/l.
On the return trip, avoiding cruise control significantly improved the driving experience. Manual throttle control allowed for smoother deceleration and effortless acceleration through erratic traffic. This approach enhanced driving comfort and reduced brake wear. The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) set to comfort mode, combined with normal engine mode, provided a floaty yet comfortable ride over occasional undulations. This setup did not adversely affect handling, allowing for sweeping lane changes and a refined journey. The return drive resulted in a fuel consumption of 12.4 km/l, showcasing the Kodiaq's capability to handle mixed terrain effectively.
The Skoda Kodiaq proves to be a versatile performer, adapting its characteristics to suit different driving conditions. Whether navigating city traffic, cruising on expressways, or tackling mixed terrain on long-distance drives, the Kodiaq provides a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience.
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