Skoda Kodiaq Lounge: Skoda has refreshed its flagship SUV lineup with a new entry-level model called the Kodiaq Lounge. Priced at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Lounge sits below the Sportline variant and is positioned as a more affordable way to own this luxury SUV. Despite being more budget-friendly, it retains many premium features, powerful performance, and a spacious design that makes it an appealing option for families.
Price and Variants
The Skoda Kodiaq Lounge undercuts the Sportline variant by Rs 3.8 lakh, making it an attractive alternative for buyers seeking value without compromising much on essentials. The SUV lineup now includes three variants, each with its own appeal:
- Lounge – Rs 39.99 lakh
- Sportline – Rs 43.79 lakh
- Laurin & Klement – Rs 45.96 lakh
The new Lounge variant ensures buyers have a wider price band to consider, balancing luxury with practicality.
Skoda Kodiaq Lounge Interior and Space
The interior of the Lounge strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. It features a grey fabric-suede upholstery, offering a softer and more durable alternative to leather. The biggest change is that this version is strictly a five-seater, which significantly enhances boot space.
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- Boot space: 786 litres (up from 281 litres in the 7-seater versions)
- Design: A floating touchscreen infotainment system at the center, with multifunction physical knobs for climate controls
- Cabin feel: Minimalist yet premium, with high attention to detail
The five-seat layout makes it ideal for families who prioritize cargo space for long trips without needing a third row.
Exterior Highlights
The overall styling of the Kodiaq remains familiar, but the Lounge brings subtle differences that mark it as the entry-level variant. It rides on new single-tone 18-inch alloy wheels finished in silver, giving it a clean, understated look.
Key exterior details include:
- No variant badging on the fenders
- Silver highlights instead of chrome on elements like the grille
- Three exterior colors: Moon White, Magic Black, and Graphite Grey
Though more minimalistic compared to higher trims, the Lounge maintains the elegant proportions and strong road presence that define the Kodiaq.
Features and Technology
Skoda has ensured that even as an entry-level variant, the Lounge offers plenty of technology and convenience features. While it misses out on a few luxuries from the Laurin & Klement trim, it still delivers a feature-rich experience.
Standard features include:
- 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 9 speakers (100W)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless smartphone chargers for two devices
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Sliding and reclining second-row seats
- Auto-dimming outside rearview mirrors
- Rear sunblinds
- Cruise control
Compared to the top-spec model, the Lounge misses out on ventilated and massaging front seats, co-driver seat power adjustment, gesture control for the powered tailgate, and the 360-degree camera. However, these omissions are unlikely to affect everyday usability for most buyers.
Safety Equipment
Safety remains a strong point for the Kodiaq Lounge. Skoda has retained most of the critical safety features that give the SUV its premium standing.
Safety features include:
- 9 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Assist
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Rear-view camera (instead of 360-degree system)
The only major feature missing is driver drowsiness detection, but the overall package remains very reassuring for families.
Skoda Kodiaq Lounge Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Kodiaq Lounge continues with the proven 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, ensuring the same performance as higher trims. It’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol
- Power: 204 PS
- Torque: 320 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Claimed efficiency: 14.86 km/l (ARAI)
The SUV delivers strong acceleration, smooth shifts, and confidence-inspiring grip on different terrains, making it versatile for both urban and highway drives.
Rivals in the Segment
The Kodiaq Lounge competes with other premium SUVs in the Indian market, offering a unique balance of affordability and luxury. Key rivals include:
- Hyundai Tucson
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Jeep Meridian
Among these, the Kodiaq’s strong safety credentials, premium interiors, and standard all-wheel drive make it a competitive choice.
Final Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq Lounge makes the brand’s flagship SUV more accessible while retaining its premium DNA. By removing the third row and a handful of luxury features, Skoda has created a spacious, well-equipped, and safer option for families who prioritize practicality and value. Its competitive pricing, strong performance, and rich feature set make it a smart buy in the premium SUV segment.
For buyers seeking a luxury SUV under Rs 40 lakh with ample space, modern tech, and dependable performance, the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge is a well-rounded package worth serious consideration.
