Škoda Auto India has introduced its most affordable offering yet, the Kylaq, a sub-4-metre compact SUV tailored specifically for Indian buyers. Announced on December 2, 2024, with bookings now open, the Kylaq had been unveiled earlier on November 6, 2024, at a launch event in Mumbai. Deliveries are scheduled to start from January 27, 2025.
At the unveiling, Škoda Auto's top leaders, including Klaus Zellmer (CEO, Škoda Auto), Petr Janeba (Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Brand Director), and Piyush Arora (MD & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India), highlighted the Kylaq's importance in their growth strategy. Zellmer described the SUV as a "new entry point to the Škoda brand," emphasizing India’s role as a cornerstone of the company’s global expansion.
Price, Dimensions and Market Strategy
The Kylaq is priced competitively at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most budget-friendly Škoda model in the country. With SUVs constituting 50% of India’s new car sales, this compact vehicle is expected to play a significant role in Škoda's ambitious goal of selling 100,000 cars annually in India by 2026. Notably, the brand has already seen remarkable progress, cutting down the time to achieve 100,000 sales from six years in the past to just two years by 2023.
Designed for India’s unique roads, the Kylaq offers compact dimensions and impressive capabilities:
- Length: 3,995 mm
- Width: 1,783 mm
- Height: 1,619 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,566 mm
- Ground Clearance: 189 mm
Equipped with a 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine, the Kylaq delivers 114 bhp (85 kW) of power and 178 Nm of torque. It achieves 0-100 km/h in just 10.5 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission and reaches a top speed of 188 km/h. An automatic variant featuring a six-speed torque converter and paddle shifters is also available for select trims.
Safety: A Priority for Škoda
The Kylaq continues Škoda’s legacy of prioritizing safety. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform—proven with Global NCAP 5-star ratings for the Kushaq and Slavia—the Kylaq offers over 25 active and passive safety features. Key safety highlights include:
- Six airbags
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Roll Over Protection (ROP)
- Multi-Collision Braking (MCB)
- Brake Disc Wiping (BDW)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Stylish and Functional Design
The Kylaq is Škoda's first model in India to introduce the "Modern Solid" design philosophy, which embodies strength and simplicity. The SUV boasts a glossy black grille with 3D ribs, an aluminum-accented front spoiler, and a modern interpretation of Škoda’s iconic “four eyes” headlights. Additionally, the Škoda wordmark debuts on the rear of the Kylaq for the first time.
Interior Comfort and Features:
- Ventilated, six-way power-adjustable front seats
- Bamboo-fiber dashboard inserts with a textile finish
- 25.6 cm touchscreen infotainment system
- 20.32 cm Virtual Cockpit with an upgraded interface
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Cruise control and wireless charging
- Boot capacity of 446 litres, expandable to 1,256 litres
Sustainability and Manufacturing Excellence
Škoda has integrated eco-conscious manufacturing into the Kylaq’s production at its Chakan plant. Currently, 30% of the plant's energy comes from solar power, a figure Škoda aims to boost to 75% by 2026. The facility also boasts water-positive operations and Zero Waste to Landfill certifications, with over 660,000 trees planted to enhance its sustainability credentials.
The Kylaq underwent rigorous testing over 800,000 km across India, simulating conditions from urban roads to mountainous terrains and temperatures ranging from -10°C to 85°C. Its resilience was tested from sea level to altitudes of 3,000 metres.
The Kylaq is offered in four variants: Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige, each tailored for different customer needs. Buyers can choose from seven colour options, including the exclusive Olive Gold, inspired by Lonavala’s lush greenery during monsoons. Other choices include Tornado Red, Carbon Steel (Black), Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Deep Black, and Lava Blue.
Highlights of Each Variant:
Classic:
- 16-inch steel wheels with covers
- Blacked-out grille and roof rails
- Six airbags and manual AC
Signature:
- Alloy wheels and metallic interior accents
- 7-inch infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Signature+:
- Hill-hold control and reverse camera
- 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless connectivity
Prestige:
- 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
- LED projector headlights, rain-sensing wipers
- Electric sunroof and ventilated leatherette seats
The name "Kylaq" was selected through a nationwide campaign and is derived from the Sanskrit term for crystal, reflecting Škoda’s focus on clarity and precision. The moniker also pays homage to Mount Kailash, a symbol of strength and serenity.
Conclusion
The Škoda Kylaq is more than just an entry-level SUV; it is a testament to Škoda’s commitment to blending innovation, safety, and sustainability for Indian consumers. With its bold design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the Kylaq is set to revolutionize the compact SUV market. Whether navigating bustling city streets or exploring rugged terrains, the Kylaq promises reliability, comfort, and a premium driving experience tailored to India’s diverse needs.
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