Skoda Kylaq will go into production in October this year

Skoda Kylaq will go into production next month and is expected to go on sale in early 2025

Skoda India is gearing up for the production of its much-anticipated compact SUV, the Kylaq. Positioned below the Kushaq, the Kylaq will be a key model in Skoda’s lineup and is scheduled to be launched in early 2025. Production of the model is reportedly scheduled to start in October 2024, with the brand setting an ambitious production target of 4,000 to 5,800 units per month.

Production and Platform

The Kylaq rides on Skoda’s MQB A0 IN platform, which also underpins the Kushaq, Slavia and Volkswagen’s Virtus and Taigun models. Production will take place at the company’s Chakan plant along with the Kushaq. Skoda plans to produce 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles per year, indicating the company’s high focus on expanding production to meet domestic demand while also supporting exports.

This two-pronged strategy will not only allow Skoda to increase its market share but also help achieve better economies of scale. Initially, the Kylaq will be sold in India with plans to export the model to other markets soon.

Design and Features

The Kylaq will launch Skoda’s ‘Modern Rugged’ design language in India, offering the brand’s typical SUV styling. The teaser sketches show familiar Skoda design cues and new elements such as split headlamps and a wide grille with vertical slats. The compact SUV will have a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq, with tighter front and rear overhangs to accommodate a length of less than four metres – crucial for tax benefits in India’s compact car market.

Inside, the Kylaq is expected to follow the Kushaq’s interior layout but with more features added in. Skoda is likely to offer a 360-degree camera and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) kit at launch, thus increasing the Kylaq’s appeal in the competitive compact SUV market.

Powertrain and performance

The Skoda Kylaq will be powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with an output of 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. While this is the only engine option confirmed so far, it fits in with Skoda’s focus on efficiency and performance in this segment.

Market Positioning and Competition

Kylaq will compete with established compact SUVs like Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Pricing will be a key factor in its success and Skoda is expected to adopt an aggressive pricing strategy, leveraging the highly localized MQB A0 IN platform to keep costs competitive.

The Kylaq blends design, functionality and Skoda’s reputation for build quality and is expected to make a significant impact in India’s growing compact SUV market. With production ramping up in October, all eyes will be on how Skoda prices and markets this new competitor.

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