Skoda’s first SUV below 4m, Kylaq, unveiled

Skoda Auto India has launched its latest compact SUV Kylaq, marking the global debut of the new model ahead of its official launch in January 2025. Priced at a competitive starting price of INR 7,89,000, Kylaq is Skoda’s first model to enter the segment. India’s 4 million SUV market. Kylaq has a clear focus on the Indian market and aims to cater to the growing demand for compact SUVs, a segment that currently accounts for a large portion of new car sales in the country.

Design and features

The Kylaq brings a new design under Skoda’s new ‘Modern Three-dimensional’ aesthetic, with a unique black grille, 3D ribs and redesigned headlights. With a length of 3,995 mm, a width of 1,783 mm, a wheelbase of 2,566 mm and a ground clearance of 189 mm, Kylaq has a rugged appearance and is suitable for urban and semi-rural driving. The model is available in five color options with a new Olive Gold finish inspired by the lush landscape of Lonavala.

Kylaq’s interior is spacious, with a best-in-class luggage capacity of 446 liters, which can be expanded to 1,256 liters with the rear seats folded. Interior features include six-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, wireless charging, cruise control and a 25.6cm infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Some models will also be equipped with electric sunroof, further enhancing the appeal of the compact SUV market.

Safety and Powertrain

Skoda has emphasized safety on the Kylaq, equipping it with six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and more than 25 active and passive safety technologies. It comes with a 1.0 TSI engine that produces 85kW and 178Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. The model is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which was previously used in Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, both of which received Global NCAP five-star safety ratings.

Local manufacturing and sustainability efforts

The Kylaq is produced at the Skoda Chakan plant in line with Skoda Auto India’s sustainability goals. The plant currently generates 30% of its electricity from solar power, with plans to increase this to 75% by 2026. The facility is certified with zero waste to landfill and zero liquid discharge, and also uses sustainable materials in the Kylaq’s dashboard, including bamboo fiber mats.

Market position and future goals for Skoda

The launch of Kylaq is part of Skoda Auto India’s wider strategy to expand its footprint in the Indian automotive market. Following the success of the Kushaq and Slavia models, the Kylaq is expected to strengthen Skoda’s presence in India by targeting the fast-growing compact SUV market. Skoda has set an ambitious target of selling 100,000 vehicles per year in India by 2026.