Skoda Kylaq Buyers Face Up to 5-Month Wait as Demand Soars
The Skoda Kylaq, launched earlier this year, has become a surprise hit in India’s competitive compact SUV market. With waiting periods stretching to five months for some variants, the car’s popularity highlights shifting consumer preferences and the challenges automakers face in balancing production with demand.
Why the Long Wait?
Skoda’s decision to prioritise production of higher-spec models is a key factor behind the extended waiting periods. The base Classic trim, priced at ₹7.89 lakh, now requires a five-month wait – the longest among all variants. This trim, available only with a manual gearbox, accounts for a smaller share of Skoda’s manufacturing output. Mid-tier Signature and Signature+ variants have a three-month wait, while the top Prestige trim (₹14.40 lakh) can be delivered in two months.
The Kylaq’s strong start – over 5,000 units sold in March 2025 – contributed to Skoda’s record monthly sales of 7,422 vehicles in India. This surge comes despite ongoing supply chain pressures affecting the global automotive industry, including semiconductor shortages and logistics delays.
Production Strategy and Market Ambitions
Skoda has allocated 33,000 units for production through May, focusing on higher-margin premium variants. This approach mirrors industry trends, where manufacturers increasingly favour feature-rich models to boost profitability. The strategy appears to be paying off: the Kylaq has helped Skoda climb from India’s 10th-largest carmaker to potentially breaking into the top five by year-end.
The company’s global sales director, Martin Jahn, recently identified India as a critical growth market, targeting 100,000 annual sales by 2025. The Kylaq’s accessible pricing (₹7.89–14.40 lakh) and 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating have made it central to this push, appealing to first-time SUV buyers and upgraders from hatchbacks.
Broader Market Trends
Urban buyers particularly favour compact SUVs for their blend of manoeuvrability, elevated seating, and perceived safety. The Kylaq’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (115hp, 19.05kpl mileage) aligns with these preferences, though some enthusiasts on automotive forums have noted concerns about smaller engines’ long-term reliability.
Globally, supply chain uncertainties continue to impact production. While electric vehicles dominate headlines, traditional petrol SUVs still command 75% of India’s market. Skoda has capitalised on this trend, though its upcoming electric models could face challenges given the current infrastructure gaps and high EV costs.
What You Should Know
Prospective owners face a tricky decision: wait for lower variants or opt for readily available premium models. Dealers report increased interest in the Prestige trim’s features like ventilated seats and advanced infotainment, despite its ₹14.40 lakh price tag. Skoda has extended the Kylaq’s introductory pricing until month-end, a move likely to maintain momentum but potentially exacerbating delivery delays.
The waiting period situation underscores a broader industry reality – strong demand often outpaces production capabilities in today’s complex automotive ecosystem. For Skoda, managing these delays effectively will be crucial as it seeks to transform India from a peripheral market to a global stronghold.