Skoda Launches Sub-compact SUV Kylaq At Rs. 7.89 Lakh

German automotive manufacturer, Skoda Auto has officially forayed into the sub- 4-metre category with the launch of Kylaq. The car has been priced at Rs. 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom). With this entry, Skoda expands its footprint in India's high-demand compact SUV market, aiming to attract new customers and deepen its market reach.

A New Segment Entry for Skoda

 Positioned as an entry model into the Skoda lineup, the Kylaq embodies the brand’s new Modern Solid design language, prioritising minimalist aesthetics and robust structure. This is the first Skoda model in India to feature the updated Skoda wordmark on its rear, showcasing the latest brand identity.

Design and Features

Engineered with segment-first features, the Kylaq incorporates advancements tailored to the Indian market. Highlights include six-way electric seats with ventilation for front occupants, Auto Climatronic, and a spacious 446-liter boot, expanding to 1,256 liters with folded seats. The car is available with amenities like a 25.6 cm infotainment display, Virtual Cockpit, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, paddle shifters, and an optional electric sunroof.

Skoda’s Modern Solid design gives the Kylaq a distinctive look, including a black grille with 3D ribs, streamlined headlights with LED elements, and a hexagon pattern along the body. The vehicle’s exterior dimensions are compact, yet optimised for high ground clearance, with 189mm ground clearance suitable for diverse Indian road conditions.

Powertrain

The Kylaq features a 1.0 TSI engine, generating 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. Available in both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions with paddle shifters, the SUV reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 188 km/h. Built on Skoda’s MQB-A0-IN platform, also used in the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq promises robust performance aligned with Global NCAP safety standards.

Details on rest of the variants will be announced on December 2, 2024.

Safety and Testing

Equipped with over 25 active and passive safety technologies, the Kylaq includes features like six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Multi-Collision Braking, ISOFIX seats, and more. The vehicle has been tested extensively on Indian roads, covering 8,00,000 km across varied terrains and temperatures from -10 to +85 degrees Celsius. It has also been subjected to rigorous monsoon and shake tests to ensure durability and stability under challenging conditions.

Manufacturing & Sustainability

Manufactured at Skoda’s Chakan plant, the Kylaq production integrates sustainability initiatives. The facility sources 30 per cent of its power from solar energy, with plans to increase this to 75 per cent by 2026. The plant holds Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Liquid Discharge certifications, and Skoda has planted over 6,60,000 trees on the premises. Sustainable materials like bamboo-fiber-infused textiles are also used within the vehicle.

Market Strategy and Growth Potential

Skoda plans to use the Kylaq to strengthen its presence in India, targeting 1,00,000 sales annually by 2026. The Kylaq joins the Kushaq and Slavia in Skoda’s India-focused lineup, aimed at delivering European technology and design at accessible prices to Indian consumers. Positioned in a fiercely competitive segment, Skoda seeks to leverage Kylaq’s pricing and features to attract customers in India's growing SUV market.

Utkarsh Agarwal

BW Reporters The author is the Editorial Lead of BW Auto World