Kylaq, the Skoda you’ll never drive (except in India)

Thought, developed, and sold exclusively in India, the new Skoda Kylaq will (theoretically) never make the trip to Europe.

Škoda Auto India has just unveiled the brand new Škoda Kylaq, a compact SUV specially designed to meet the expectations of the Indian market. With its smaller dimensions but spacious interior, the Kylaq marks the Czech brand’s entry into the popular segment of sub-4-meter SUVs, which accounts for about 50% of vehicle sales in India.

The Kylaq is the third Škoda model designed and manufactured locally after the success of the Kushaq and Slavia. This local production enables the brand to meet the specific needs of the Indian market with a vehicle that is suitable, sturdy, and affordable. Priced at a starting point of 789,000 INR (approximately 8,700 euros), Škoda aims to attract a broad audience in the expanding SUV segment in a country where roads are still quite rough.

A robust design

The Kylaq is the first Škoda model in India to adopt elements of what’s called Modern Solid design, emphasizing an elegant yet sturdy look. This SUV features a glossy black grille with 3D ribs and a bold front bumper. The headlights are designed to provide optimal illumination, with sleek lines and standard LED technology, enhancing the modern and dynamic appearance of the vehicle.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Kylaq focuses on safety. All versions of the SUV come standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, such as multi-collision braking, electronic stability control (ESC), and front and side airbags. Some models even offer over 35 safety devices, including cornering headlights, automatic wipers, and tire pressure monitoring systems.

Comfort and space inside

Despite its compact size (3,995 mm long), the Škoda Kylaq offers a spacious interior with exceptional comfort for city drives as well as outdoor adventures. With a generous wheelbase of 2,566 mm, the cabin is optimized to provide ample space for passengers while offering a luggage capacity of 446 liters, the largest in its category. This volume can reach 1,265 liters by folding down the rear seats, making it easy to transport bulky items.

The interior is characterized by a simple yet elegant design, incorporating durable materials and several clever storage options, such as bottle holders, bag hooks, and phone supports, maximizing space efficiently.

Kylaq also stands out for its advanced technological features. The SUV is equipped with a 10.1-inch (25.6 cm) central infotainment screen offering an intuitive interface, compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system supports wireless charging and offers numerous connectivity options. An 8-inch (20.32 cm) digital cockpit displays essential driving data such as speed, tire pressure, and cruise control.

Designed for the needs of the Indian market

Škoda developed the Kylaq considering the specific climatic conditions of India, including features like ventilated electric seats for the driver and front passenger. The Auto Climatronic system ensures optimal thermal comfort even in extreme climates. Popular equipment such as an electric sunroof, cruise control, and steering-mounted paddles for the automatic transmission are also available in certain variants.

Under the hood, the Kylaq is powered by a 1.0 TSI engine producing 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque. Coupled with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, it provides a lively driving experience while remaining fuel-efficient. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 188 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.5 seconds with the manual gearbox.

The Kylaq has undergone rigorous testing over more than 800,000 kilometers in various road and climate conditions, simulating extreme environments to ensure reliability. Škoda also tested vehicle polymer components over two years in outdoor conditions, demonstrating their durability against weather exposure.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly production?

The Škoda factory in Chakan, where the Kylaq is manufactured, uses 30% solar energy, aiming for 75% by 2026. This ecological commitment includes certification for “zero waste to landfill” and “zero liquid discharge,” as well as planting over 660,000 trees around the factory. The Kylaq also incorporates sustainable materials, such as a bamboo fiber panel with textile finish, offering an original and eco-conscious interior design.

The Kylaq represents a strategic shift for Škoda in the Indian market. This compact SUV not only meets consumer expectations in terms of style, comfort, and safety but also marks a new step for the brand in adhering to environmental standards and sustainable production. With its modern design, enhanced safety features, and affordable price, the Škoda Kylaq is well positioned to attract SUV enthusiasts in India, consolidating Škoda’s presence in this rapidly growing segment.

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