Mumbai, October 15, 2024 – Škoda Auto India is gearing up to make waves in the Indian car market with the upcoming launch of its all-new compact SUV, the Kylaq. Unveiling on November 6, 2024, this highly anticipated model marks the brand’s bold step into the sub-4-meter SUV category, one of the fastest-growing segments in the country, making up nearly 30% of the market. The Kylaq will join Škoda’s lineup alongside the Kodiaq and Kushaq, offering a new, accessible option for buyers seeking a blend of style, safety, and performance.
Škoda has designed the Kylaq with the evolving tastes of Indian consumers in mind, and it is poised to redefine the compact SUV segment. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which was first introduced in India with the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq is a testament to the company’s commitment to high localization and low cost of ownership. This platform has already earned Škoda success in India, and the Kylaq is expected to further strengthen the brand’s presence in the competitive SUV market.
A Gamechanger for Škoda’s ‘Make in India’ Initiative
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “Kylaq is designed and made with high levels of localisation, strengthening our ‘Make In India’ commitment. It represents the Group’s DNA of driving dynamics, safety, and comfort, with features tailored to the needs of Indian customers. We believe the Kylaq will resonate deeply with India’s value-conscious buyers.”
The Kylaq’s entry into the compact SUV segment is expected to draw in a new wave of customers from across India, including tier-3 and tier-4 cities. With its bold and muscular design, high ground clearance, and Škoda’s signature safety features, the Kylaq promises to offer a dynamic driving experience alongside class-leading features like six-way adjustable ventilated seats and robust crash safety modules.
Safety and Performance: A Kylaq Promise
Safety has always been a top priority for Škoda, and the Kylaq is no exception. It comes packed with over 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, traction and stability control, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The hot-formed steel used in the vehicle’s front crash module ensures enhanced cabin protection, and the SUV’s underpinnings are designed to offer a smooth, comfortable ride across varied Indian terrains.
Powered by a 1.0 TSI engine, the Kylaq delivers an impressive 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque. Customers will have the option of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, promising a flexible and powerful driving experience. Additionally, with rigorous testing over 800,000 km of Indian roads, from city streets to mountain passes, Škoda ensures the Kylaq is ready for any challenge the Indian market can throw at it.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Škoda in India
Škoda Auto India’s journey in the country has seen tremendous growth, particularly after the launch of the MQB-A0-IN platform. The company, which celebrated record sales in 2022, is confident that the Kylaq will accelerate its growth trajectory even further.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Škoda Auto India, shared his optimism about the Kylaq’s launch: “The Kylaq is a key part of our growth strategy, and with it, we aim to double our addressable market share in India. This SUV will democratise European technology and quality in a segment that holds immense potential.”
As the final preparations for the Kylaq’s debut are underway, all eyes are on November 6, when this compact SUV will be officially introduced to the world, marking Škoda Auto India’s entry into a new era of innovation and market expansion.
