Skoda’s Flagship SUV Is Now More Affordable! Kodiaq Lounge Launched At Rs 39.99 Lakh: Here Are Its Details…

Skoda’s popular flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, gets a new entry-level Lounge variant, positioned below the Sportline and Laurin & Klement trims of the SUV. Being a lower variant, it misses out on some of the bling and feel-good factor that the higher-spec variants offer, but remains unchanged mechanically. There is a significant change in the seating layout, which we will cover later in the article.  

In this report, we take a look at its pricing, exterior and interior changes, features, and powertrain details. 

Skoda Kodiaq Variant-wise Prices

The new entry-level variant is Rs 3.8 lakh more affordable than the Sportline trim and Rs almost Rs 6 lakh cheaper than the top-spec L&K variant. Now, let’s see what the new variant misses out on and what it packs. 

Kodiaq Lounge Exterior

The Kodiaq Lounge features the same overall design language, with only minor tweaks made here and there. changes. But certain giveaways make this variant feel a bit basic when compared to the higher variants.  

This particular trim sports 18-inch alloy wheels that come with a single-tone silver finish. The fenders miss out on variant badging, and certain chrome elements on the front now get a silver finish. The absence of fancier alloys, badges, and chrome bits gives it a more understated and sober look when compared to higher variants.  

The Kodiaq Lounge can be had in three hues:  Moon White, Magic Black, and Graphite Grey.

Kodiaq Lounge Interior And Features

Step inside, and you will notice some clear differences when compared to higher variants. The dashboard design and layout remain similar, but you now get a smaller 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, down from the 12.9-inch unit offered with other variants. Apart from that, the base-spec variant comes with gray fabric-suede upholstery.  

The biggest change inside is that the Kodiaq Lounge gets only 5 seats, consisting of a 2+3 seating layout instead of the 7-seater configuration on higher variants. With one row less, you get more boot space of 786 litres (up from 281 litres). 

Apart from the infotainment, it gets features like a 9-speaker sound system, 3-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, two wireless phone chargers, and sliding and reclining second row seats. Safety-wise, you get a solid package comprising 9 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, and electronic parking brake with auto hold. The only miss here is a 360-degree camera, which has been replaced by a reverse parking camera. Driver drowsiness detected has also been omitted. An SUV that is as long and expensive as the Kodiaq should be getting a 360-degree camera, irrespective of the variant. 

Other feature misses include powered co-driver seats, along with ventilation and massaging functions for both front seats. Powered tailgate with gesture controls is also absent here. 

Kodiaq Lounge Powertrain 

The good thing is that the base variant gets the same 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the higher variants. This engine makes 204 PS and 320 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels. The Kodiaq has an ARAI-claimed mileage of 14.86 kmpl.

Kodiaq Rivals

The 5-seater Kodiaq competes with the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Meridian, and Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line.

ZigSays..

Someone who is buying a Rs 50 lakh car might not really care about a few extra lakhs, but someone who is looking for a Rs 35 lakh car might consider stretching their budget a bit and think about getting the Kodiaq Lounge. Except for the lack of a 360-degree camera, the Kodiaq Lounge is still a well-packaged SUV that will take care of most of your needs and requirements. However, if you want 7 seats, then you would have to shell out at least around 3.8 lakh more and update to a higher variant.

What this also does is get the pricing of the Kodiaq closer to top rivals such as the Meridian and Tucson, and further away from the Tiguan R-Line that comes at about Rs 50 lakh. 

So for those who want to save some significant lakhs, while getting the same design, a fairly well-packaged interior, and a strong powertrain, the Kodiaq Lounge could be the more sensible option.

Would you consider picking the Lounge variant over the higher trims? Let us know in the comments section below.