Global reveal made ahead of January 2025 launch
Comfortable and roomy: Great driving dynamics and spacious interior with segment-leading boot-space of 446 litres
Comprehensive safety systems: Wide range of active and passive safety features as standard, including six airbags
Modern Solid: The new Kylaq bears elements of Škoda’s new design language, boasting a robust look
Proven powertrain: The powerful yet efficient 1.0 TSI provides 85kW and 178Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission
Škoda Auto India has created a buzz in the auto market with the unveiling of its first ever sub-4 metre SUV, Kylaq, aggressively priced at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The company claims that with the Škoda Kylaq, designed in India and for India, and planned as a new entry point to the brand, will usher in a new era for Škoda Auto in India as it enters new markets and attracts new customers into its fold.
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Bookings open from December 2, 2024. The launch will happen in January 2025.
Says Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto: “India, world’s third-largest car market, is key to our internationalisation plans and SUVs make up 50% of new vehicle sales. We want the Kylaq to welcome new customers who are looking at this popular and fast-growing segment.
“Adding to its appeal, the Kylaq marks the debut in India of our Modern Solid design language, with new visual accents. It also beckons with a wide choice of variants, colours, features and a standard package of over 25 active and passive safety technologies. At a very competitive starting price of INR 7,89,000 (ex-showroom), the Kylaq is the most accessible Škoda model in India.”
Škoda says that Kylaq has been named by India and is derived from the Sanskrit term for a crystal and is named after Mount Kailash, just as the larger SUV Kushaq, which is the Sanskrit word for an emperor.
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The Kylaq adds to the company’s roster of SUVs like Kodiaq, the large 4×4, and the mid-sized Kushaq.
Adds Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing: “The Škoda Kylaq is our third model that is ‘made in India for India’ and it represents a significant milestone in our regional sales strategy.
“By offering an exceptional price-value proposition, a spacious and functional interior, numerous advanced safety features, and superior handling, the Kylaq is poised to attract a broad range of new customer groups. We are confident that the Kylaq is the right step to make European technology more accessible to potential customers and strengthen our brand presence on the Indian market.”
Segment-first tailored features
• Six-way electric seats with ventilation for the driver and front passenger.
• Best-in-segment boot space measuring 446 litres (expandable to 1,256 litres with rear seats folded)
• Auto Climatronic, with ventilation for the electrically adjustable front seats
• Select variants available with electric sunroof
• Cruise control, steering-mounted paddle-shifters with the six-speed automatic gearbox, leatherette seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and wireless charging among other features.
• 25.6cms infotainment screen with an even more intuitive user interface.
• Driver gets a 20.32cms Virtual Cockpit with a renewed interface
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India says, “I’m extremely proud to unveil the Škoda Kylaq to India and to the world. With its high levels of localisation, unmatched driving dynamics and uncompromising safety, Kylaq will make a significant impact in the market.”
In a press release, Škoda Auto shared that its biggest year in terms of sales in India was 2022. Combined with the year 2023, the company sold over 100,000 cars in a 2-year period. Earlier, it had taken the company six years to achieve the landmark, highlighting the rapid pace of growth undertaken by the company ever since the MQB-A0-IN platform has been put into action. With Kylaq, Skoda Auto will significantly increase its addressable market share in India, with a target of 100,000 sales annually by 2026.
Shares Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India: “We are aware of entering what is currently the most competitive segment in India. And are confident the Kylaq has what it takes to make an impact with its safety and driving dynamics. We believe we have stuck to our promise of accessible pricing of the Kylaq and look forward to ensure that it democratises European technology in India.”
Power with performance and safety
The Kylaq is claimed to accelerate to 100kph in 10.5 seconds with the manual transmission. The SUV also has a top speed of 188kph. Its 1.0 TSI engine produces 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters in select variants.
The car is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform as the Kushaq and Slavia. These two cars have already scored a full 5-stars in Global NCAP tests for adults and children. The Kylaq comes standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Passenger airbag de-activation, Multi Collision Braking and ISOFIX seats and many others.
Škoda Kylaq walkaround by Overdrive:
Autocar India:
