Skoda Kylaq Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV To Debut On November 6th

Skoda India has announced the debut date of the upcoming Kylaq SUV. The sub-compact SUV will make its premiere on November 6, 2024. The production is set to begin in October. It will become the Skoda’s most affordable offering in India. It will be locally manufactured at the VW facility in Chakan and will be exported to multiple global markets as well. Retails are expected to begin in early 2025.

Skoda Kylaq: What We Know Of It Yet?

The Kylaq will encompass Skoda’s new  ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy. It will likely have fresh styling cues like split sleek headlamps, a wide grille with vertical slats, Black detailing, roof rails, and tighter front and rear overhangs. It will be shorter than the outgoing Kushaq, with a proportionate reduction in wheelbase as well. Clarity on the design is limited as all we have is a bunch of teaser images.

The interior will stand close to that of the Kushaq in design and layout. It could come with loads of features. The list could include a 360-degree camera and ADAS. More details of these are expected to surface in the coming weeks.

Skoda Kylaq will be underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 IN platform. It is the same chassis that is found on the Virtus, Slavia, Taigun and Kushaq. It will be the fifth product to be based on this heavily localised architecture, and Skoda’s third vehicle to be made under the India 2.0 program. Volkswagen MQB is among the most popular vehicle platforms globally. The manufacturer has infused high levels of localisation into it to create the MQB A0 IN.

The Kushaq has two engines on sale- 1.0L and 1.5L turbocharged petrol. Out of these, it will be just the 1.0 TSI (3-cylinder) that makes it to the Kylaq. It will likely produce 118 hp and 170 Nm on the new SUV. Both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic (6AT) transmission are to be expected. The Kylaq will feature a Front Wheel Drive layout.

Skoda’s Plans With The Kylaq:

Skoda has aggressive plans with the Kylaq. It will be positioned as a Brezza rival, targeting the increasingly popular sub-compact SUV segment. Brand director Petr Janeba recently revealed Skoda India’s ambitious plans for sales growth, with the Kylaq. Playing it wisely in the price-sensitive Indian market, Skoda hopes to sell 100,000 units of the SUV in its first year of launch. Most likely, it will be priced in the 8-12 lakh bracket.

The price of sub-4m SUVs in India now starts at Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom), with models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter leading the (micro SUV) segment. Meanwhile, popular sub-compact models such as the Brezza and Nexon begin at around Rs. 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Thus, if the Kylaq is priced right, it will be able to meet the brand’s expectations easily.

It will then be able to drive volumes in, for Skoda India. This can increase their market share and presence in both the Indian and international markets.

There will be a strong focus on the exports of Skoda Kylaq. One out of ten units made will be sent overseas. Skoda will likely capitalise on India’s status as a low-cost manufacturing hub. The Volkswagen plant will be utilized to its full production potential.

Story Behind The Name

The name ‘Kylaq’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal, symbolizing the vehicle’s purity and drawing inspiration from Mount Kailash. Skoda held a contest inviting people to suggest names that started with K and ended with Q. The winning entry, “Kylaq,” was submitted by Mohammed Ziyad, a Quran teacher from Kerala. As a prize, he will receive the new Kylaq SUV along with other gifts.