Skoda Kylaq SUV to make global debut on November 6. Here's what we know so far

Skoda Auto India has revealed some details about its upcoming Kylaq compact SUV that will make its global debut on November 6. Kylaq will be the first SUV from Skoda India in the fast-growing sub-4 meter segment, which commands almost 30% of the total Indian car market share. With the launch of the new car, the carmaker will have three SUVs in its portfolio including the Kodiaq and Kushaq.

Skoda Kylaq Design:

Skoda has released a camouflaged image of the pre-production Kylaq which borrows cues from the brand's global design language. It features clear and reduced lines, reflecting simplicity, solidity and modern demeanor. Further, bold and muscular shapes around the fenders provide an enhanced and bold stance to the car. The SUV boasts a high ground clearance of 189 mm and space around the wheel for tackling uneven terrains with ease while lending the car its SUV characteristic. The front of the vehicle retains typical Skoda SUV design with added details like precise DRL light signatures. The upcoming SUV also features a hexagon pattern on the side and rear of the car.

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MQB-A0-IN Platform:

The vehicle is based on the the MQB-A0-IN platform which debuted on the Kushaq in 2021, and later on Slavia in 2022. The versatile and flexible platform has been tailormade for the Indian market and can accommodate an under 4-metre car like the Kylaq as well. Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, "Kylaq is designed and made with high levels of localisation, thereby strengthening our ‘Make In India’ commitment. It represents the Group’s DNA of driving dynamic, safety and comfort, along with the practical features desired by our value conscious customers."

Skoda Kylaq Safety & Performance:

The vehicle will offer some segment-leading features such as 25+ active and passive standard safety features including six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection and ISOFIX seats, to name a few; and about 30 safety features in specific variants. It will come with first-in-class six-way adjustable driver and passenger seats with ventilation function.

In terms of mechanics, the Kylaq is powered by the 1.0 TSI engine, mated to the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 85Kw of power and 178Nm of torque.

Skoda Kylaq Testing:

The Kylaq is currently undergoing its final set of testing ahead of its global debut next month. It has already been tested over 800,000 kms of Indian terrain including urban, highway, uphill and rough roads. The upcoming compact SUV has been put through temperatures varying from -10 to +85 degree Celsius and across elevation ranging from sea level to 3,000 metres above sea level. In order to ensure thorough monsoon preparedness, 100 random samples of the Kylaq have been exposed to 25-30 litre per minute/sq mt. of water at an angle of upto 16 degrees. This test ensures the Kylaq has zero water ingress in extreme monsoons.

Another test is a vehicle shaker test that ensures the interiors remain silent and rattle-free under all road surfaces. The car has also spent two years in open weather to test all the polymeric parts to ascertain there is no discolouration, distortion or loss of function under extreme sun or other external elements. Additionally, the vehicle undergoes many quality practices in the manufacturing process to ensure safety and dynamics.

The vehicle's roof and other joints are laser-blazed, the geometry setting of the Kylaq is robotised, inline measurements of the chassis are done at two locations and AI cameras at the assembly line inspect for variations and inconsistencies on the engine surface. To ensure the best possible safety in the Klyaq, the company uses hot-stamped steel and a redone crash management system.

Skoda is touting the launch of its upcoming SUV as its biggest-ever India launch with an aim to enter newer markets in Tier 3 and Tier 4. The company aims to double its market share by bringing more customers into its fold.