Škoda enters sub-4-metre SUV market with its first locally developed model tailored to Indian needs
Mladá Boleslav – Škoda Auto India has launched the Škoda Kylaq, marking its debut in the competitive sub-4-metre SUV segment, a key part of India’s car market where compact SUVs make up nearly half of total vehicle sales. The Kylaq, engineered and produced in India, introduces the brand’s new Modern Solid design language to the Indian market for the first time, and will hit roads in early 2025 with a starting price of INR 789,000 (approximately EUR 8,700).
“The Škoda Kylaq is our first entry in the sub-4-metre SUV category, crafted specifically for Indian customers,” said Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer. “We are eager to welcome new customers with a model that not only embraces our global design ethos but is also tailored to the unique preferences and needs of Indian drivers.”
Compact Yet Spacious, Tailored for Indian Terrain
The Škoda Kylaq, measuring just under four meters in length, offers a spacious interior with a segment-leading boot capacity of 446 liters, ensuring plenty of room for family trips or city errands. A 1.0 TSI engine powers the SUV, providing an efficient yet robust driving experience with 85kW (115 hp) and 178 Nm of torque, available in both manual and automatic transmission options. With 189 mm of ground clearance, the Kylaq is well-suited for India’s varied road conditions, whether navigating city streets or rough terrains.
Safety, Sustainability, and Advanced Features as Standard
Safety is a key feature in the Kylaq, with more than 25 active and passive features standard across all variants. Highlights include six airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision brake, and advanced roll-over protection, with higher-end models offering additional systems like hill hold control and automatic headlights.
In keeping with Škoda’s commitment to sustainability, the Kylaq is manufactured at Škoda’s Chakan plant, which is on track to generate 75% of its energy from solar power by 2026. The production facility has achieved Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Liquid Discharge certifications, while over 660,000 trees have been planted to offset environmental impact.
A Fresh Take on Škoda’s Design Language
The Kylaq is the first model in India to showcase Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, with a bold new front grille, streamlined headlights, and unique crystalline LED accents. A fresh palette of five paint colors is available, including the distinctive Olive Gold. Inside, the Kylaq boasts Škoda’s signature “Simply Clever” features, offering numerous storage options and the largest boot in the segment.
Tested for India, from the Ground Up
Škoda has rigorously tested the Kylaq on over 800,000 kilometers of Indian roads, from high-altitude passes to extreme monsoon conditions, ensuring durability and performance. The SUV has also been engineered for comfort in India’s diverse climate, with features like ventilated seats and a spacious interior that provide optimal comfort in both hot and cool conditions.
With the Kylaq, Škoda aims to set a new standard in India’s compact SUV market. Built on the local MQB-A0-IN platform that also supports the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq brings a balance of global design sensibilities and local insights, establishing Škoda as a formidable competitor in one of the fastest-growing segments in India.
