Škoda Set to Enter the Competitive Compact SUV Market with the Kylaq
Škoda Auto India has announced its latest compact SUV, the Kylaq, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion in India. The Kylaq is the brand’s first entry into the highly competitive sub-4-meter SUV segment, which accounts for around 30% of the Indian car market. It is expected to make its global debut on November 6, 2024.
Compact SUV Segment: A Strategic Move
With the Kylaq, Škoda Auto aims to compete in one of the fastest-growing segments in India. The Kylaq will join Škoda’s existing SUV lineup, which includes the larger Kodiaq and Kushaq, making it the company’s most compact SUV to date. This launch is part of Škoda’s broader strategy to increase its presence in India, which the company considers its most important market outside Europe.
The Kylaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a modular platform developed specifically for India. This platform is already in use in the Kushaq and the Slavia sedan and has been designed to accommodate cars under and above 4 meters. High levels of localisation in the production process allow Škoda to reduce costs and tailor the vehicle to Indian road conditions.
Design and Features
The Kylaq will bring Škoda’s global design language to the compact SUV segment in India, with bold and muscular styling that enhances its road presence. The car features a high ground clearance and a design tailored for Indian roads. This includes a hexagon pattern on the side and rear, refined DRL light signatures, and a spacious interior aimed at providing comfort for both driver and passengers.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of six-way adjustable ventilated seats for both the driver and passengers—a first in the segment. The car also incorporates over 25 active and passive safety features standard across all variants, including six airbags, traction control, and Electronic Brake Distribution.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Kylaq will be powered by a 1.0-liter TSI engine, producing 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. Buyers will have the choice between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine and transmission combination is designed to offer a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, similar to other models in Škoda’s lineup.
Built on the same platform as the Kushaq and Slavia—both of which have achieved 5-star Global NCAP safety ratings—the Kylaq is expected to offer similar safety standards, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
Rigorous Testing for Indian Conditions
Škoda Auto has put the Kylaq through extensive testing across Indian terrains, clocking over 800,000 kilometers in conditions ranging from urban roads to mountainous terrain. The vehicle has been tested in temperatures between -10 to +85 degrees Celsius, and its 189 mm ground clearance ensures it can handle the uneven roads commonly found in India.
Water resistance has also been a key area of testing. 100 random samples were exposed to heavy rainfall simulations, ensuring the car’s water-sealing capabilities during the monsoon season. The Kylaq has also undergone a shaker test to ensure interior silence and a lack of rattling over rough surfaces, adding to passenger comfort.
Our Thoughts
The Škoda Kylaq represents a bold move by Škoda Auto India to capture a share of the sub-4-meter SUV market, which is expected to continue growing. While the vehicle’s extensive testing, high localisation, and strong feature set give it potential, its success will largely depend on how well it can stand out in a segment dominated by competitors with a much longer history in India. Škoda has seen growth in recent years, but it remains to be seen if the Kylaq can sustain this upward trend in such a competitive market.
