The entry of Skoda Kylaq and Kia Syros seems to have revived the sub-4 metre SUV segment, pushing its share in the overall passenger vehicle (PV) market to near-record levels in the first half of the current calendar year (January-May). These two new launches, introduced in late January and early February respectively, have made a noticeable impact not just on individual brand sales, but on overall segment dynamics.
Since its launch on January 27, Skoda’s Kylaq has sold 20,518 units, while Kia’s Syros, which entered the market on February 1, has sold 23,597 units. Together, these models have contributed significantly to the rise in the market share of sub-4 metre SUVs, from 25.06% in January to a high of 29.4% in February. Although the share has seen slight fluctuations since, it remained elevated, standing at 28.4% in May.
This upward trend is particularly notable against the backdrop of a general slowdown in PV sales. From January to May 2025, the overall PV market witnessed a 13.7% decline, from 351,310 units in January to 303,099 units in May.
However, the sub-4 metre SUV segment has proven more resilient. It peaked at 97,456 units in February and remained relatively strong through the next few months, settling at 86,174 units in May, nearly back at its January level of 88,029 units.
This can be attributed to the success of the Kylaq and Syros. They have not only boosted the segment but also provided a lifeline to their respective manufacturers. Skoda, for instance, has seen a 63.1% surge in sales over the January to May period. The Czech carmaker recorded 4,133 units in January and scaled up to 6,740 units by May, with March marking its best-ever monthly sales at 7,422 units.
Kia India, on the other hand, has managed to moderate its overall sales decline to 10.8%, despite facing headwinds in other model lines like the Seltos and Carens. Its March sales also peaked at 25,525 units, its best monthly performance to date, with the Syros playing a major role.
Industry experts point to the ongoing popularity of the SUV body style as a key factor behind this success. The higher seating position and improved ground clearance offered by compact SUVs make them more appealing to buyers than hatchbacks. The trend has been reinforced by models like Maruti Suzuki’s Fronx, a crossover adaptation of the Baleno hatchback.
The Syros is Kia’s second offering in the sub-4 metre SUV segment, joining the Sonet, while the Kylaq marks Skoda’s debut in this competitive space. With these two additions, the segment now includes 16 distinct models.
Going forward, the sub-4 metre SUV segment is expected to grow even further with the anticipated launches of new versions of the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet later in the year.