Skoda Auto India has announced the launch of its latest compact SUV Kylaq, marking a major step in the company’s expansion in India. Kylaq is the brand’s first entry into the highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment, which accounts for about 30% of the Indian car market. It is expected to be launched globally on November 6, 2024.
Compact SUV segment: strategic moves
Skoda Auto aims to compete in one of the fastest growing segments in India with the Kylaq. The Kylaq will join Skoda’s existing SUV range, which includes the larger Kodiaq and Kushaq, making it the company’s most compact SUV yet. The launch is part of Skoda’s wider strategy to expand its presence in India, which the company considers to be its most important market outside Europe.
Kylaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a modular platform developed specifically for India. The platform is already used in the Kushaq and Slavia sedans and is designed to accommodate cars below 4 meters and above. A high level of localization in the production process enables Skoda to reduce costs and tailor the vehicles to Indian road conditions.
Design and features
The Kylaq will bring Skoda’s global design language to the compact SUV segment in India, with bold and muscular styling that enhances its road presence. The car has a high ground clearance and a design tailor-made for Indian roads. These include hexagonal graphics on the sides and rear, subtle DRL light signatures and a spacious interior designed to provide comfort to the driver and passengers.
One of the standout features is the six-way adjustable ventilated seats for driver and passenger – a first in this segment. The vehicle also comes with more than 25 standard active and passive safety features on all models, including six airbags, traction control and electronic brake distribution.
Power and performance
The Kylaq will be powered by a 1.0-liter TSI engine that produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine and gearbox combination is designed to offer a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, similar to other models in Skoda’s range.
Built on the same platform as the Kushaq and Slavia (both of which have received a five-star Global NCAP safety rating), the Kylaq is expected to offer similar safety standards, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
Rigorous testing for Indian conditions
Skoda Auto has tested the Kylaq extensively in Indian terrain, from city roads to mountainous terrain, covering more than 800,000 kilometers. The car has been tested in temperatures ranging from -10 to +85 degrees Celsius, and its 189 mm ground clearance ensures it can handle uneven road surfaces common in India.
Water resistance was also a key area of testing. 100 samples were randomly selected for heavy rainfall simulation to ensure the car’s water sealing ability during the monsoon season. The Kylaq has also been vibration tested to ensure a quiet cabin and no rattles on rough surfaces, increasing passenger comfort.
our thoughts
The Skoda Kylaq represents Skoda Auto India’s bold move to capture share of the sub-4 meter SUV market, which is expected to continue to grow. While the vehicle’s extensive testing, high degree of localization and strong feature set give it potential, its success will largely depend on its ability to differentiate itself in a segment dominated by India’s long-established rivals. Skoda has seen growth in recent years, but it remains to be seen whether the Kylaq can maintain this upward trend in such a competitive market.
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