Skoda Kylaq Sub-4 Meter SUV Launched At 7.89 Lakh
Skoda India has finally taken wraps off their newest SUV offering for India- the Kylaq. The unveiling happened in pure Bollywood fashion. The reveal followed a high-octane motion picture helmed by Rohit Shetty. Skoda had previously released a teaser showing the car being air-dropped and starring Rohit Shetty. The carmaker also streamed the launch film on OTT platforms and Jio Cinema. The Kylaq has become the first model to have had such a premiere. It even announced that the SUV will have a starting price of ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Named from over 200,000 contest entries, “Kylaq” is inspired by Mount Kailash and reflects Skoda’s tradition of SUV names like Kushaq, Karoq, and Kodiaq.
Design and Dimensions
The Kylaq brings Skoda’s latest “Modern Solid” design language to the Indian market. It echoes bits of the larger Kushaq but on a smaller 3,995mm frame. Design highlights include a slimmer Skoda grille, split headlamps, pronounced bonnet creases, and a two-tone bumper with an aluminium-look spoiler. With a wheelbase of 2,566mm and 189mm of ground clearance, it rivals the Mahindra XUV300 in terms of proportions. The colour palette now gets a new Olive Gold shade.
Interior and Features
The Kylaq’s cabin shares many elements with the Kushaq, such as the two-spoke steering wheel and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. It also features a 10-inch touchscreen with an updated OS, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, and a single-pane sunroof. Notably, it offers powered seat adjustments for both front seats, a segment-first feature, adding a premium touch.
For rear-seat comfort, the Kylaq provides ample knee room even for taller occupants, with a 60:40 split rear seat and a class-leading 446-litre boot space. Practical features include a cooled glovebox, rear armrest, three-point seatbelts, and a fold-down armrest.
Safety and Performance
Built on the MQB-A0 IN platform shared with the Kushaq and Slavia, Skoda Kylaq aims for a 5-star safety rating and comes standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX mounts. However, ADAS features are not offered at launch.
Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.0L TSI petrol engine producing 115hp and 178Nm, paired with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. This is the same configuration found in the Kushaq. Skoda claims the 0-100kph acceleration to be done in 10.5 seconds. The suspension setup is designed for a softer, more comfortable ride, and with the reduced length, the Kylaq weighs 38kg less than the larger Kushaq.
Pricing and Market Ambitions
Skoda has set an ambitious target with the Kylaq, and had previously announced plans to price it competitively within the ₹8-12 lakh range (ex-showroom). The actual prices tuck in neatly below the predicted numbers. The production-spec Kylaq starts from 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom.
Skoda is yet to announce the full variant-wise prices. Having said that, it is still a very attractive price for a Skoda. Bookings will start on December 2, 2024. Deliveries will commence from January 27, next year. The carmaker also said that those who express their interests today will get exclusive benefits including booking advantages etc. The SUV will be displayed at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Expo.
Key rivals to the Kylaq are Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. Some variants of the Magnite and Kiger would also raise competition. Plus, Skoda’s expanded sales and service network will ensure a wider reach across India, targeting smaller cities and towns.