Skoda has introduced its most budget-friendly SUV, the Kylaq, specifically designed for India’s growing automotive market. This model marks Skoda's third locally developed vehicle, following the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan, and aims to make its mark in the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment, which currently accounts for almost half of India’s car sales.
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The Kylaq sports Skoda’s Modern Solid design language, tailored with a simplified aesthetic to suit its more accessible price range. Its design includes split LED headlights framing a black grille, while rugged styling touches have been added, such as plastic cladding, aluminum-style skid plates, roof rails, and squared wheel arches. The SUV sits on 189 mm of ground clearance, giving it a robust and practical stance for city and off-road needs. Buyers can choose from five exterior color options, including a new Olive Gold shade. Measuring 3,995 mm in length, the Kylaq is Skoda’s most compact model, positioned below both the India-specific Kushaq (4,225 mm) and the Europe-based Kamiq (4,241 mm). Despite its smaller dimensions, Skoda emphasizes that the Kylaq offers a spacious interior and claims a best-in-class cargo capacity of 446 liters. The SUV also incorporates several of Skoda’s signature “Simply Clever” solutions to further enhance practicality.
Inside, the Kylaq features a digital cockpit with a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration, as well as wireless charging. Higher trim levels come with additional amenities, such as six-way electrically adjustable seats with ventilation, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, and an electric sunroof—an especially popular feature among Indian buyers. In terms of safety, Skoda has equipped the Kylaq with 25 standard active and passive safety features, including six airbags, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers, although the model does not include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Under the hood, the Kylaq is powered by a modest three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-liter engine, producing 114 hp and 178 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. For those opting for the manual variant, the Kylaq can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h, delivering a balanced mix of performance and efficiency.
Production of the Skoda Kylaq will take place at the Chakan plant in India, with the official market launch anticipated for early 2025. The starting price is expected to be around $9,400, making it a competitive option in the sub-compact SUV category.