The next big from Skoda is the Kylaq- a compact SUV that would be positioned below the current Kushaq in the manufacturer’s Indian lineup. Scheduled to launch in early 2025, the Kylaq is already sparking discussions within the auto-enthusiast communities. News has it that the production of the SUV will begin in October 2024.
The annual production target will be 50,000-70,000 units! Around 4,000 to 5,800 units of the Kylaq will be made every month. This will allow for the maximum utilisation of the Skoda-VW production facility in Chakan. It will initially be sold in the domestic market. However, there will be a strong focus on exports as well. Sources say that one out of ten units made will be exported.
The new SUV will aim to penetrate the sub-compact SUV space, which as a matter of fact, is experiencing high footfalls. It will likely battle the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet. The prices are anticipated to fall in the range of 8-12 lakh ( quite competitive for a Skoda!).
The manufacturer is quite ambitious with the sales target as well. It expects to sell 100,000 units in the first year of launch. Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, recently stated that the brand has been very attentive to the price-sensitive nature of Indian market, and confirmed its vision to drive volumes in.
Sko Kylaq: What Do We Know About It?
The Kylaq will be based on the same platform as the Kushaw and Slavia- the MQB A0 IN, a heavily Indianized version of Volkswagen Group’s famous MQB architecture. This made-in-India chassis will allow Skoda to keep the prices in check. The SUV will become the fifth product of the India 2.0 program, and to be underpinned by this platform. Others are Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, VW Taigun and Virtus.
The first official teasers show a design treatment similar to the one on the Kushaq. Skoda has also revealed that the vehicle will have its new design philosophy- ‘Modern Solid’. We will have to wait for more official sketches and renders to know the entirety of this design. ‘Modern Solid’ design ethos can also be seen on the upcoming Skoda Elroq.
The Kylaq is expected to get split sleek headlamps, a wide grille with vertical slats, Black detailing, roof rails, and tighter front and rear overhangs. The SUV will have a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq, and the net length will be under four meters.
The interior is expected to resemble that of the Kushaq in design and layout. It is likely to be equipped with more features than the already popular SUV. The feature list would include a 360-degree camera and likely even an ADAS suite.
The powertrain will be borrowed from the Kushaq. Out of its two engine options, the 1.0 TSI, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine will be used in the Kylaq. It could produce 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque. Gearbox choices could include a 6-speed manual and 6AT. The vehicle will have FWD drive and a monocoque chassis.
Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed a badge engineered car based on the Kylaq for India. In Latin America though, it’s using the same platform to build a compact SUV. If demand in India persists for such an offering from the German automaker, a badge engineered version of the Kylaq wearing the VW badge is likely.
