Skoda Kylaq Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV: Official Specs Revealed
Skoda’s next big launch in India is the Kylaq. Ahead of the same, the carmaker has now released information on the key mechanical components- engine, transmission and platform- that are to be expected. The power and torque figures have also been disclosed.
Overview
Skoda Kylaq will be smaller than the Kushaq. It will be 3,995 mm in length with a 2,566 mm wheelbase. The ground clearance will be a good 189mm. The Kylaq will be strongly influenced by Skoda’s new-age Modern Solid design philosophy. It will likely borrow cues from the recently unveiled Elroq. The SUV will have a comfortable cabin with features like first-in-class six-way adjustable driver and passenger seats with ventilation.
Platform
The Kylaq is the fifth model and the third Skoda to be produced under VW Group’s India 2.0 program. It will be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform. This iteration of the MQB platform has extensive localisation gone into. It also forms the base for the Kushaq and Slavia. Unlike these, the Kylaq will be a sub-4m offering.
The platform made its debut in 2021, through the Kushaq. It was jointly developed by Skoda Auto’s teams in India and the Czech Republic, with the claim of being more cost-effective and possessing quick turnaround times. This also happens to be the first platform developed by Skoda outside Europe and specifically for the Indian and similar markets. The chassis, claimed to be a highly flexible, modular and versatile one, has already scored five stars in Global NCAP crash tests, for both adult and child occupant protection.
Engine Specifications
As was heard previously, the Kylaq will be powered by the smaller of Kushaq’s engines- the 1.0 TSI. This turbocharged petrol will produce 115 hp (85 kW) and 178 Nm. There will be two transmission options available- 6-speed manual and automatic.
Safety
The vehicle will feature 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Passenger airbag de-activation, Multi Collision Braking and ISOFIX seats among many others. The crashworthiness will likely remain the same as the Kushaq. The front crash module will use hot-formed steel for added protection in the event of a crash.
Extensive Testing Done
Skoda has done extensive testing on the Kylaq. The brand says they’ve driven it ‘to the moon and back’- no they haven’t sent it to the moon! The prototypes have completed 800,000 km of testing in the Indian soil, covering varies road, terrain and traffic conditions. This is more than the distance from Earth to the moon and back. Interesting… Also, the vehicle was tested in varying temperature spans ranging from -10°C to +85°C.
Launch Timeline
Recently a bunch of journalists and influencers got to experience a heavily camouflaged Kylaq on a track in South India. Staying true to the SUV’s Indian roots, Skoda chose a Camo design that was vocal about being Indian. Artist Rob ( famous for the TV show MAD) designed this camo for the mule. Looks brilliant even while keeping all the design cues neatly concealed. The official debut of the Kylaq will happen on 6 November 2024.
Skoda’s Ambitions With The Kylaq
The Sub-4m segment is one of the hottest in terms of footfalls. It is among the fastest-growing segments, constituting around 30% of the market. India is also Skoda’s largest market outside Europe. Thus it is very reasonable for the brand to come up with something like the Kylaq and package it so well. From what the brand director Petr Janeba had stated previously, the Kylaq will have a competitive pricing, likely falling in the range of 8-12 lakhs.
Skoda seems to have aggressive sales targets for the SUV. They expect to sell 100,000 units in the first year of launch. On paper, the plan seems solid and realistic. It remains to be seen how well it translates into flesh.