Škoda Kodiaq Lounge launches in India

Maharashtra- Škoda Auto India has introduced a new Lounge variant of the Kodiaq, positioned as the entry point to the lineup for buyers who want a premium, spacious SUV without the seven-seat layout or the extra frills of higher trims. It sits below the Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K) versions and is aimed at families prioritising practicality and space.

On the outside, the Lounge keeps the Kodiaq’s familiar, upright stance but opts for a cleaner, subtler look. It is offered in Moon White, Magic Black, and Graphite Grey. All variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, though the Lounge forgoes the aero inserts and dual-tone finishes seen higher up the range. Trim highlights are finished in dark chrome, offering a more understated alternative to the Sportline’s blacked-out elements and the L&K’s bright chrome accents.

Inside, the Lounge delivers a solidly built cabin with soft-touch materials and fabric upholstery, distinguishing it from the Sportline’s all-black leather and the L&K’s Cognac leather. The front seats are manually adjustable and do without heating, ventilation, and memory functions. Infotainment is handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and audio is provided by a 9-speaker system, rather than the 13-speaker Canton setup available on higher trims.

Core safety and driver assistance technology is carried over across the range. The Lounge includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera as standard, while a head-up display remains exclusive to the L&K.

The Lounge is a five-seater only, unlike the seven-seat Sportline and L&K variants. This configuration liberates a substantial 786 litres of boot space, up from 281 litres in the seven-seat layout, catering to buyers who value luggage capacity and everyday practicality.

There are no changes under the hood. All Kodiaq variants use a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 201 hp and 320 Nm, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Claimed efficiency stands at 14.8 km/l, which is respectable for an SUV of this size.

In terms of positioning, the Kodiaq Lounge competes with five-seat premium SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, Hyundai Tucson, and Citroën C5 Aircross. While rivals offer a spread of petrol and diesel options and differing drivetrain choices, the Kodiaq maintains its appeal with robust build quality, a refined powertrain, and the reassurance of all-wheel drive.

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