NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a move that’s sending ripples through India’s premium SUV segment, Skoda Auto India has unveiled the Kodiaq Lounge – a sleek, five-seater iteration of its flagship model – just as the festive buzz of Navratri kicks into high gear. Priced at an enticing Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom), this entry-level trim arrives like a breath of fresh air, undercutting its seven-seater siblings by up to Rs 6 lakh thanks to the freshly implemented GST 2.0 reforms. For families craving that blend of European sophistication and everyday practicality without breaking the bank, the Lounge promises to be a game-changer, blending potent performance with newfound affordability in a market flooded with high-octane rivals.
Key Facts Table: Skoda Kodiaq Lounge 5-Seater
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Variant Name | Skoda Kodiaq Lounge (5-Seater) |
| Launch Date | September 22, 2025 |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs 39.99 lakh |
| Price Difference | Up to Rs 6 lakh cheaper than 7-seater trims |
| Available Trims | Lounge (Rs 39.99L), Sportline (Rs 43.76L), Laurin & Klement (Rs 45.96L) |
| Boot Space | 786 litres (vs 281 litres in 7-seater) |
| Engine | 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol, 201 hp, 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG automatic, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Efficiency | 14.86 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,758 mm (+59 mm over predecessor) |
| Colors | Moon White, Magic Black, Graphite Grey |
| Wheels | 18-inch Mazeno alloys (silver finish) |
| Interior | Grey Suedia faux-leather + fabric, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Audio System | 9-speaker setup |
| Top Speed | ~210 kmph |
| Safety | 9 airbags, ESC, Hill Hold, TPMS, 5-star Global NCAP |
| Warranty & Support | 5 years/1.25 lakh km warranty + 10 years RSA + Skoda Supercare |
| Main Rivals | VW Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Citroen C5 Aircross, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA |
Strategic Launch: Capitalizing on Tax Reforms and Festive Demand
Skoda’s timing couldn’t be sharper. Rolled out on September 22, 2025 – the very day the revamped GST structure took effect – the Kodiaq Lounge benefits from a broad-based tax relief on automobiles, trimming effective costs across the board. This variant slots neatly below the existing Sportline (now ₹43.76 lakh) and Laurin & Klement (L&K) trims (Rs 45.96 lakh), expanding the Kodiaq lineup’s price spectrum to ₹39.99-45.96 lakh. Industry insiders at Skoda’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar assembly plant whisper of an anticipated 15-20% sales uplift this quarter, as budget-conscious buyers flock to showrooms amid Diwali preparations.
The second-generation Kodiaq, which made its Indian debut at Auto Expo 2025 and hit roads in April, has already carved a niche with its MQB37 platform-derived robustness. Now, the Lounge edition democratizes access, appealing to urban professionals and nuclear families who prioritize cargo space over extra seating – a nod to evolving lifestyles where weekend getaways demand more trunk room than third-row benches.
Design and Comfort: Subtle Elegance Meets Spacious Practicality
Gone is the seven-seater constraint that cramped the original’s boot to a mere 281 litres; the Lounge’s five-seat configuration unleashes a generous 786 litres of cargo capacity, perfect for hauling festive hauls or golf clubs. Measuring 4,758mm in length – 59mm longer than its predecessor – this SUV cuts an imposing yet refined silhouette, wrapped in three sophisticated hues: Moon White for a clean, modern vibe; Magic Black for understated drama; and Graphite Grey for versatile urban camouflage.
Externally, it sports 18-inch Mazeno alloy wheels in a silver finish, accented by matte Dark Chrome elements on the grille and door handles, lending a premium sheen without the flashiness of higher trims. Step inside, and the cabin whispers luxury: grey Suedia faux-leather and fabric upholstery wraps the seats in supple comfort, while a minimalist two-spoke multifunction steering wheel keeps controls intuitive. The panoramic sunroof floods the space with light, complementing the three-zone automatic climate control and rear sunshades for those long monsoon drives.
At the tech helm sits a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wired for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired seamlessly with a matching digital driver’s display. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the nine-speaker setup, delivering immersive sound for Bollywood road trips, though purists might miss the gesture-controlled tailgate or 360-degree cameras reserved for pricier variants.
Powertrain and Handling: Uncompromised Thrills Under the Hood
No corners cut here – the Lounge inherits the full mechanical prowess of its lineage. Heart-pumping a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, it unleashes 201 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a slick seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive ensures confident grip on slick city streets or twisty highways, with an ARAI-rated efficiency of 14.86 kmpl that balances vigor with sensibility.
Skoda’s engineering shines in everyday usability: Hill Hold Assist and Electronic Stability Control keep things planted, while adaptive cruise control eases highway fatigue. Recent test drives by enthusiasts on forums like Team-BHP praise its refined ride quality, noting minimal turbo lag and a top speed nudging 210 kmph – ideal for overtaking lumbering trucks on NH44.
Safety First: Robust Protection Without the Bloat
In an era where ADAS is the buzzword, the Kodiaq Lounge holds its own with a comprehensive nine-airbag array, including curtain and knee variants for all-around cocooning. Standard fare like ABS with EBD, traction control, and tyre pressure monitoring rounds out the package, earning it a five-star Global NCAP nod from prior iterations. While it forgoes advanced driver aids like drowsiness detection or autonomous parking, its core safety suite – bolstered by a rigid high-strength steel chassis – instills confidence for family hauls.
Skoda backs this with a standard five-year/1.25 lakh km warranty and complimentary roadside assistance for a decade, plus the innovative Skoda Supercare maintenance plan that covers the first year’s servicing at no extra cost. It’s a savvy touch, especially as resale values for Kodiaqs have climbed 8-10% year-on-year, per recent CarWale data.
Rivals in the Ring: Positioning Against Premium Pack Leaders
The Lounge doesn’t enter a vacuum; it spars directly with the Volkswagen Tiguan (starting Rs 35 lakh, but pricier in equivalent spec), Citroen C5 Aircross (Rs 37.67 lakh for diesel luxury), and Hyundai Tucson’s tech-laden appeal (Rs 29.02 lakh base). Against BMW X1 (Rs 49 lakh) and Mercedes GLA (Rs 50.5 lakh), it undercuts on price while matching – or exceeding – in space and drivetrain sophistication. The Tiguan’s shared VW Group DNA makes it a close cousin, but the Kodiaq’s superior boot and seven-color palette (up from three in Lounge) give it an edge for value hunters.
As India’s SUV market swells to 4.5 million units annually (SIAM figures), Skoda’s bet on affordability could snag a larger slice of the premium pie, especially with exports to 50+ countries bolstering its global cred.
The Road Ahead: Why Now’s the Time to Test Drive
With Navratri’s energy charging the air and GST savings padding wallets, the Kodiaq Lounge arrives as more than a vehicle – it’s a statement of accessible aspiration. Bookings are live at Skoda dealerships nationwide, with deliveries slated from October. For those eyeing a festive upgrade, this could be the spark: a SUV that hauls hearts and luggage in equal measure, all while keeping the odometer – and your budget – happy.
(India CSR)
