Production-Ready Skoda Kylaq Spied Testing

Indicating an imminent launch, Skoda India is aggressively testing the Kylaq SUV. A near-production prototype of the sub-four-meter SUV was recently spotted on test in heavy rain. Aimed at the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment which is dominated by the likes of Brezza and the Koreans, the Kylaq will debut in early November. The pictures show the Black alloy wheels of the vehicle.

Skoda Kylaq: What We Know So Far

The Kylaq is one of the most anticipated launches from the Czech carmaker’s Indian vertical. It will introduce Skoda’s latest ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy, and will likely look different from the Kushaq. It will come with split headlamps, a wide grille with vertical slats and black detailing, roof rails and redesigned front and rear bumpers.

Although shorter than the outgoing Kushaq, it will maintain a compact, yet muscular profile, with a reduced wheelbase. Full clarity on the design will come closer to the launch, but the available teaser images suggest a modern and streamlined exterior.

 

Interior and Features

On the inside, the Skoda Kylaq is expected to share a similar design and layout as the Kushaq. Skoda is known for packing its vehicles with features, and the Kylaq will mostly be no exception. It will likely come with features such as a 360-degree camera and ADAS, though further details of these will only surface in the coming weeks.

Platform and Powertrain

The SUV will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 IN platform, the same chassis found in the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus, and Slavia. This platform, which has been heavily localized, is a product of VW Group’s India 2.0 program. It is versatile and cost-effective.

Under the hood, the Kylaq will likely be powered by a 1.0-litre TSI (3-cylinder) turbocharged petrol engine. This engine, already seen in the Kushaq, will likely deliver 118 hp and 170 Nm of torque. The Kylaq is expected to come with two transmission options—a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. It will feature a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) layout as well.

Skoda’s Plans with the Kylaq

Skoda has aggressive plans for the Kylaq. It will be positioned as a rival to the Maruti Brezza, taking on competitors like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and the upcoming Nissan Magnite facelift. According to Petr Janeba, Skoda India’s brand director, the company aims to sell 100,000 units of the Kylaq in its first year of launch, banking on the price-sensitive nature of Indian customers to drive sales. This ambitious target shows the carmaker’s confidence i the product.

With an anticipated price range of Rs. 8-12 lakh, the Kylaq will stand fairly competitive. Sub-4 meter SUVs in India currently start at around Rs. 6 lakh, with models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter dominating the B-segment market. More premium options like the Brezza and Nexon start at Rs. 7.50 lakh. If Skoda prices the Kylaq competitively, it could easily capture a significant share of these growing segments.

Export Plans and Global Reach

Skoda has set its sights on using India’s cost-effective manufacturing capabilities to bolster its presence in both domestic and international markets. The company plans to export one out of every ten Kylaqs produced, making the SUV a key part of Skoda’s export strategy.

Story Behind the Name

The name ‘Kylaq’ has a deep cultural meaning. It is derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal, symbolizing the purity and elegance of the vehicle, with inspiration drawn from the sacred Mount Kailash. Skoda conducted a contest inviting people to suggest names that start with K and end with Q. The winning entry, ‘Kylaq’, was submitted by Mohammed Ziyad, a Quran teacher from Kerala. As a reward, Ziyad will receive a new Kylaq SUV along with other prizes.

More details are expected to be out as we move closer to the launch date. For now, Skoda Kylaq looks like a strong player for the sub-four SUV space.