Mumbai, India

Škoda Auto India has officially launched its much awaited compact SUV, Kylaq, marking the brand’s expansion plans for the Indian market. Škoda Kylaq, a sub 4 meter SUV, is the latest entrant within the brand's Indian lineup that would appeal to a newer group of customers. The company marks its first model under its new design language, to be featured in future Škoda vehicles.

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Speaking at the world premiere, Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer said such sales in India, the world's third largest car market, are now moving into SUVs, which are claimed for 50% of newly sold vehicles. Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of Auto Expo 2010, where the Kylaq was showcased, he had said that 'the Kylaq is specifically designed for the Indian market and the main elements are affordability, safety and functionality.' Škoda’s most affordable model in India, the Kylaq, stands priced at INR 7,89,000 and comes with all the standard safety equipment.

A grabber feature of the Kylaq is the name, which was selected by a countrywide campaign, inviting Indian citizens to suggest the new SUV's name. From the word for a crystal (Kilq) according to Sanskrit and referring to Mount Kailash, we came up with the name, Kylaq, to spite the linguistic credulity and to bring some local cultural touch to the brand.

The Kylaq gets clean lines, distinctive front grille and bold new headlight graphics that provide the Modern Solid design language. Compact, but spacious, the vehicle has a 446 liter boot (448 litres with a raised boot floor), one of the largest in its class, or 1,274 liters with the rear seats folded down. Inside, the Kylaq also features segment first features including six-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, intuitive 25.6 cm infotainment screen, wireless charging and advanced safety technologies.

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Under the hood, the Kylaq is powered by a 1.0 TSI engine producing 85 kW of power, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The SUV is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the same as Škoda's Kushaq and Slavia, both of which have earned high safety ratings in Global NCAP tests.

Manufactured at Škoda’s Chakan plant with a focus on sustainability, the Kylaq undergoes rigorous testing on Indian terrain to ensure reliability in the country's diverse conditions. The plant itself operates with a commitment to environmental sustainability, using solar energy and maintaining a water-positive facility.

With a focus on local production and a pricing strategy aimed at democratizing European technology, Škoda aims to strengthen its position in India and target sales of 100,000 units annually by 2026. The Kylaq is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, offering a combination of performance, safety, and features tailored for the Indian market.