The premium SUV segment in India has just received an interesting addition. Skoda Auto India has launched a new variant of its popular flagship SUV — the Kodiaq Lounge 5-Seater — at an introductory price of ₹39.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Unlike the standard Kodiaq which is offered as a 7-seater, this new variant comes with only two rows of seats, making it a more practical and luggage-friendly option for buyers who don’t really need the third row.
More Space, More Utility
By dropping the third row, the Kodiaq Lounge offers a significant boost in boot capacity. Instead of the compact 281-litre luggage area available in the 7-seater configuration, the new Lounge trim provides a massive 786 litres of cargo space. For families who love road trips, frequent travellers, or those who simply value practicality over extra seats, this is a huge plus.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, nothing changes. The Lounge variant is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 201 bhp and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels through Škoda’s 4×4 system, ensuring a confident drive across varied terrains. The proven setup guarantees smooth performance, highway stability, and the ability to tackle rough patches with ease.
Features: What You Get and What’s Missed
Skoda has balanced features smartly to make this variant more affordable while keeping the essentials intact.
Highlights you still get:
- Large 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech
- Dual-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Full safety kit with multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, hill hold, and traction control
- 18-inch alloy wheels giving it a bold stance
Features not included in this trim:
- Gesture-controlled powered tailgate
- 360-degree camera system
- High-end Canton sound system
- Premium leather upholstery and wood inserts seen in higher trims
The Lounge instead comes with a grey suede and fabric upholstery, a simple two-spoke steering wheel, and a cleaner interior theme. It may not feel as luxurious as the top-spec L&K trim, but it still carries Skoda’s trademark premium build quality.
Pricing and Positioning
At ₹39.99 lakh, the Lounge sits below the Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K) trims in the Kodiaq lineup. By offering fewer seats and trimming some luxury features, Skoda has managed to make the Kodiaq more accessible to buyers.
It directly rivals the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, and Citroën C5 Aircross, but stands out for being the only one in its class to offer a 4×4 system as standard in this price bracket.
Who Should Buy It?
The Skoda Kodiaq Lounge 5-seater is aimed at:
- Buyers who rarely use the third row but want extra boot space
- Families who enjoy long drives with plenty of luggage capacity
- Customers who prefer performance and practicality without spending extra on top-end luxury features
- SUV enthusiasts who want all-wheel drive confidence at a slightly lower price point
Final Thoughts
With the new Lounge 5-seater, Skoda has made its flagship SUV more practical and relatively more affordable without compromising on performance or safety. It may not offer all the bells and whistles of the L&K trim, but for those who want a solid, spacious, and versatile premium SUV, the Kodiaq Lounge is a well-balanced choice.