There’s a peculiar magic to Mumbai at night. The frenzied pulse of the day recedes into a quieter, steadier rhythm. The honks fade, the chaos breathes, and the city, for once, stops shouting. It is in these rare nocturnal hours, when the city shifts into a different gear, that the all-new Skoda Kodiaq reveals its true character.
Refreshed and refined, Skoda’s flagship SUV returns to Indian shores with sharper design details, a lavishly appointed cabin, and an evolved driving experience. And there’s no better canvas on which to experience its range of capabilities than Mumbai after hours - a place where contrasts come alive under the glare of street lamps and neon signs.
The Kodiaq's sleek silhouette makes an impact as it glides past the urban jungle.
At the heart of the new Kodiaq lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, punching out 204hp and 320Nm. Mated to a slick 7-speed DSG gearbox and with the surefootedness of all-wheel drive, it’s a drivetrain that can hustle when asked, but more importantly, knows how to relax. In the calm of a tunnel echoing with nothing but its own emptiness, the Kodiaq hums along quietly, composed, and confidently poised.
That duality is the Kodiaq’s calling card. It wears its versatility like a finely tailored suit. There’s athleticism in its Sportline guise, with gloss black trim and muscular 18-inch Soira alloys. In contrast, the Lauren & Klement variant leans into luxury, with dark chrome detailing, aero-trimmed Mazeno wheels and a singular horizontal light strip on the grille - subtle cues that lend the SUV a regal stance.
But perhaps it’s inside where the Kodiaq truly shines. It’s not just a cabin - it’s a cocoon. One wrapped in ambient light, premium materials, and an unmistakable air of sophistication. On our drive through Mumbai’s neon-splashed silence, the 13-speaker, 725-watt CANTON sound system offers a cinematic soundscape, while the ventilated, massaging Ergo front seats ensure every mile feels like a privilege.
While you might not be able to see too many stars in Mumbai, the massive panoramic sunroof of the Kodiaq gives you a theatre-like view of the glittery skyline.
Skoda has also brought its characteristic 'Simply Clever' philosophy to the fore. Wireless charging pads for two smartphones, Smart Dials for temperature and volume, a cooled glovebox, and even a waste bin in the door - all these thoughtful touches quietly elevate the everyday. In a world where attention is constantly demanded, the Kodiaq chooses to earn it instead. And brilliantly so.
With its generous wheelbase, the Kodiaq comfortably seats seven. The second row slides and reclines, while the third can be folded flat to liberate up to 1,976 litres of boot space. Whether it’s weekend luggage, a late-night film adventure with all your friends, or a spontaneous airport run, the Kodiaq is always ready to accommodate.
Mumbai's Asiatic Library is best appreciated after sunset.
Safety, naturally, takes centre stage. Nine airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision braking, a Driver Attention Monitor, and even a Pre-Crash system reflect Skoda’s commitment to peace of mind. And when the city’s dimly lit backstreets threaten to play tricks, the Kodiaq’s 360-degree camera and Intelligent Park Assist are almost feline - always alert and ready for whatever the night might throw at it.
But beyond the numbers and features, the new Kodiaq offers something more intangible: presence. Driving down the newly minted coastal road, flanked by a moonlit sea on one side and a sleepy city on the other, the SUV’s silhouette paints a picture as pretty as a starlit sky. It catches the eye even in passing, its clean European lines asserting their elegance with restraint as we catch glimpses of its reflection on glass storefronts and silent showrooms.
This is more than just a late-night drive - it’s a reset from all the usual chaos of the day. In a city where ambition never sleeps, where roads are more often rivers of noise and motion, the Kodiaq offers a rare moment of stillness. The outside world may blur, but inside this SUV, clarity returns.
You might not see stars in the Mumbai sky on most nights, but glance upward from the panoramic sunroof and you’ll see something just as captivating: a city bathed in possibility. And nestled within it, a car that truly fits the narrative.
So, as the night wanes and the sun threatens to rise, there’s a brief pang of reluctance. You almost wish the moment wouldn’t end, and that you and the Kodiaq could keep slipping between shadows, navigating the city’s quieter truths. But reality calls, as it always does. And as always, the memories will linger.
Come daylight, when the traffic snarls and your inbox chimes, you’ll find yourself plotting the next excuse. The next opportunity to step out, to switch off, and to embrace Mumbai in its after-hours avatar. Because the new Skoda Kodiaq isn’t just about getting somewhere - it’s more about discovering something new every time you drive. Even if it’s just yourself.
