Volkswagen’s Version Of The Skoda Kylaq Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV: Fresh Details Surface
Volkswagen is said to be working on a sub-4 meter SUV. The MQB A0-SUV has now entered the final testing phase globally. The Indian version could be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform. Several spy images have surfaced, showing mules undergoing test abroad.
A part of project VW246, the production SUV will slot below the Taigun when launched in India. In global markets, however, it will be positioned under the Nivus and T-Cross, and compete with the Fiat Pulse, Renault Kardian, and the upcoming Chevrolet Onix SUV. Market launch is expected in mid-2025.
Volkswagen’s Sub-Compact SUV: What Could It Be?
The sub-compact SUV space in India is very potent. Volkswagen (VW) recently reasserted its intentions to focus more on SUVs here. It has, however, been tight-lipped about sub-4 meter plans.
Skoda, on the other hand, is planning to launch a new sub-4 SUV in the country, christened Kylaq. Slated for 2025, the Skoda Kylaq will compete with the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Mahindra 3XO, Renault Kiger and Tata Nexon here.
Rolling out a VW version of the Skoda Kylaq seems very likely. Much like the two brands had done with the Virtus-Slavia and Taigun-Kushaq, the Kylaq could also have a VW version to it.
The VW SUV would borrow its mechanicals from the Kylaq, while featuring an all-new design. Like the Kylaq, the VW SUV could also use a 1 liter-3 cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine.
The 1.5 TSI would not make it to the sub-four SUV, as it wouldn’t benefit from tax exemptions. The 1.0 TSI is expected to produce around 120 Bhp and 170 Nm. The monocoque SUV will offer the choice of both manual and automatic gearboxes.
The VW version of Kylaq is expected to debut Volkswagen’s new visual identity. Expected design highlights include a refreshed rising waistline, well-defined side creases, new tail lamps, and prominent fenders.
Skoda Kylaq: What Do We Know About It Yet?
The Kylaq will be manufactured at the Skoda-Volkswagen factory in Chakan. The vehicle will have a high degree of localisation in it. It will have its debut in India, sometime next year.
Skoda also has plans to export the vehicle from India. The 1.0 TSI petrol engine is expected to produce 120 Bhp. Kylaq is also expected to have an electric sibling in the coming years. In European markets, the SUV will have an electric crossover sibling called Epiq.
Skoda has been extensively testing the Kylaq in India. Several test mules have been spotted, raising strong assumptions about what is coming. With the launch of Kylaq, Skoda (and Volkswagen) could use its full factory capacity and ramp up exports. The Czech brand could finally play the volume game with this product.
Skoda currently sells two mass market cars in India in the form of the Kushaq mid-sized SUV and the Slavia full-size C-Segment sedan. While both are bringing in decent volumes, the next logical step for the brand would be to double these numbers. If Volkswagen’s sub-4 meter compact SUV is added to the mix, Skoda will be looking at producing at least 10,000 sub-4 meter compact SUVs each month from its Chakan factory, and this is something that could make its Indian operations quite profitable.