Skoda is all set to re-enter the sub-4 metre space in the passenger vehicle segment in India after five years since the Fabia was discontinued. Named Kylaq, it will be the Czech carmaker’s smallest SUV which has been developed for the Indian market and most likely will be exported to other international markets.
Over the last year or so, test units of Skoda Kylaq have been spotted on numerous occasions. The upcoming subcompact SUV broke covers a few weeks ago albeit a camouflaged form. The Czech carmaker today officially unveiled the Kylaq in its full glory.
It was also the first time that the official unveiling of a car was web casted on an OTT app. The Kylaq was digitally unveiled on Jio Cinema in the presence of ace Bollywood director Rohit Shetty who’s known for his high octane action sequences. Here’s a rundown of all the key highlights from the unveiling of the Skoda Kylaq in India.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling highlights
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: More details during launch
More details regarding the Skoda Kylaq will be revealed when the entire price list of the subcompact SUV is announced around January 2025. For the full unveil report of the Skoda Kylaq, click here.
Skoda will launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in India next year. It is most likely to be the Enyaq which made its maiden appearance here at Skoda’s annual general conference earlier this year. Skoda is also contemplating on introducing hybrid vehicles in India but the Czech carmaker will wait for more clarity on emission norms before taking call. If everything fall in place, we might see a Kushaq Hybrid in the future.
Skoda Kylaq competes against the likes Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3X0, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue to name a few. Besides Brezza, all other models offer a turbocharged petrol engine option. Only a select few models offer a diesel engine including Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Interiors
The interiors of the Kylaq mimics the layout of the Kushaq and Slavia with a multi-layered dashboard, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an 8-inch digital instrument console. Other features on offer include wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 6-way electrically adjustable front seats, electric sunroof, and advanced connected car technology.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Class-leading boot space
Skoda claims a class-leading boot space of 446 litres for the Kylaq which beats its rivals by an overwhelming margin.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Safety & Rivals
Speaking of safety, the Kylaq will be based on the same MQB A0 IN architecture as the Kushaq and Slavia, and therefore it is likely to gain a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP like Kushaq and Slavia. The Kylaq will be the safest subcompact SUV in India alongside Tata Nexon and Mahindra 3X0 who also have 5-star safety ratings from Global NCAP. While it is expected to offer better safety than the likes of Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Features
The Kylaq’s cabin, reminiscent of the Kushaq and Slavia, boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 6-way electrically adjustable front seats, electric sunroof, and advanced connected car technology.
Safety is a cornerstone of the Kylaq, with over 25 features including multiple airbags, traction control, ABS, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. However, the absence of ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, is a notable omission in an increasingly competitive market.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Powertrain
Powering the Skoda Kylaq is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which kicks out 114 bhp and 175 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter gearbox.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Deliveries to start in January
Skoda Kylaq will be on display for the public at the next edition of Bharat Mobilty Expo in January. Deliveries of the new subcompact SUV will begin from 27 January 2024 onwards.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Kylaq prices out, bookings open Dec 2
Prices for the Kylaq have been revealed. The Kylaq is priced at a starting introductory price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom) which undercuts direct rivals such as Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
Bookings for the Kylaq will officially begn December 2 onwards. Interested buyers can book the Kushaq at any authorised Skoda dealership or via Skoda’s official India website.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Kylaq officially breaks covers
Skoda Kylaq has finally broken covers in its full form. Visually, the Kylaq sticks to the signature design ethos of the Czech carmaker with the traditional butterfly grille which recieves a paino black finish. The grille is flanked by a split lighting setup with sleek LED DRLs on top and projector LED headlamps below in the bumper. On the face of it, it looks and feel very similar to the Kushaq, just a tad bit smaller.
Skoda Kylaq unveiling live updates: Based on MQB A0 IN
The Kylaq will be based on a modified version of the MQB A0 IN architecture that currently underpins Kushaq and Slavia in Skoda‘s lineup in addition to Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus. This means heavy localisation which will help keep the cost of the vehicle under check.
