Škoda Kylaq Unveiled: A New Era in India’s Sub-4-Metre SUV Market (Price, Design, Specs, and More..)

The all-new Škoda Kylaq marks Škoda’s debut in India’s bustling sub-4-metre SUV segment. Engineered specifically for India and manufactured locally, this model represents the brand’s third indigenous development after the Kushaq and Slavia. Equipped with modern features, robust safety, and a new design language, the Kylaq aims to be the ideal choice for Indian SUV enthusiasts looking for a compact yet capable vehicle.

Available in four variants—Classic, Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige—the base model includes notable features like manual air conditioning with rear vents, a day/night IRVM, powered ORVMs, and six airbags. 

Let’s dive into more features and specs of Škoda Kylaq.

Design and Exterior

Adopting Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, the Kylaq stands out with its sleek black grille and eye-catching aluminum optics lower front spoiler. Slim LED headlights with a four-eye configuration enhance the vehicle’s modern appeal. Distinctive side cladding, high ground clearance, and five unique color options, including Olive Gold, add to its strong, SUV-inspired look.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Kylaq is powered by a 1.0 TSI engine that delivers 85 kW (115 hp) and 178 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This setup enables the Kylaq to reach 188 kph, with a swift 0-100 kph acceleration time of 10.5 seconds in the manual version. The compact SUV is also equipped with 189 mm of ground clearance, making it suitable for city drives and light off-road adventures.

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Safety Features

Škoda prioritizes safety in the Kylaq with over 25 active and passive safety features standard across all variants. Key elements include six airbags, Multi-Collision Brake, Roll Over Protection, Electronic Differential Lock, XDS+, and Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Advanced options available in select variants add features like cornering lights, Hill Hold Control, automatic headlights and wipers, and tire pressure monitoring.

More safety features:

• LED Daytime Running Lights

• Rear fog lights

• AFS (Adaptive Front Light System) with automatic headlight leveling and curve light assistant

• Retractable headlight washers

• Front fog lights with corner function

• Front and Rear Diffused footwell illumination

• LED reading spot lamps for all three rows of seats

• Automatic illumination of vanity mirrors

• External mirror defogger

• Rear windscreen defogger 

• 360° Surrounding Area View

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

• EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)

• MBA (Mechanical Brake Assistant)

• HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistant)

• MKB (Multi collision brake)

• Prefill (Hydraulic Braking System Readiness)

• ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) 

• EDS (Electronic Differential Lock)

• Hill Descent Control 

Interior and Spaciousness

Inside, the Kylaq balances simplicity with spaciousness. Its 446-litre boot is the largest in its segment, expandable to 1,265 liters with folded seats, and includes clever storage options such as bag hooks, ticket holders, and a designated parcel tray space. The vehicle’s infotainment system is headlined by a 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with wireless charging. The driver’s Digital Cockpit displays crucial data on an 8-inch screen for convenience and ease of access.

More interior features:

• Panoramic Electric sunroof with Bounce Back System

• Stone Beige leather upholstery

• Leather-wrapped gear-shift knob

• 12-way electrically adjustable driver/ co-driver seat including lumbar support with three programmable memory functions

• Front seats with cooling and heating function

• Height and length adjustable front center armrest

• USB-C Port connectivity

• Voice command control

• Co-driver upper storage compartment

• Front glovebox with cooling and illumination

• Jumbo box – storage compartment in front center armrest

• Cup holder in the rear center armrest 

• Two foldable hooks in the luggage compartment

Colors and Images

The Kylaq comes in five monotone colors: 

• Olive Gold

• Tornado Red

• Carbon Steel

• Candy White

• Brilliant Silver. 

Olive Gold, exclusive to the Kylaq, adds a distinctive and modern look to this compact SUV.

Škoda Kylaq Price

Škoda has officially introduced the production-ready Kylaq, a sub-4-metre SUV starting at an introductory price of ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). Reservations for the Kylaq will open on December 2, 2024, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin on January 27, 2025. Additionally, the Kylaq will be showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo, where the complete price lineup is expected to be unveiled.

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Competing Models in the Sub-4-Metre Segment

The Kylaq is poised to challenge established players in the sub-4-metre SUV and crossover categories. Key rivals include:

• Tata Nexon: A dominant player known for its performance and safety.

• Maruti Brezza: Popular for its fuel efficiency and extensive service network.

• Mahindra XUV 3OO: Recognized for its powerful engine options and safety features.

• Renault Kiger: Valued for its affordability and stylish design.

Additionally, the Kylaq is expected to compete with sub-4-metre crossovers like the Toyota Taisor and Maruti Fronx, which offer compact versatility and appeal to urban drivers seeking style and functionality.

Features for Indian Conditions

Designed with Indian drivers in mind, the Kylaq offers features like six-way electric ventilated front seats, Auto Climatronic, and an electric sunroof in select variants, ensuring comfort in diverse climates. Additionally, leatherette seats, steering-mounted paddle shifters (automatic variants), and single or dual-tone interior designs add to its appeal.

Extensive Testing

Škoda subjected the Kylaq to over 800,000 km of testing across varying Indian terrains, altitudes up to 3,000 meters, and temperatures from -10°C to 85°C. It also underwent water ingress tests, facing simulated monsoon conditions to ensure resilience in all weather.

Sustainability Focus

The Kylaq is manufactured at Škoda’s Chakan plant, where 30% of energy comes from solar power, with a goal to reach 75% by 2026. The plant is also water-positive and utilizes sustainable materials in the vehicle itself, like bamboo-fibre-infused dashboard pads.

As the most accessible Škoda SUV in India, priced at INR 789,000, the Kylaq is a promising addition to Škoda’s lineup. Blending style, safety, performance, and sustainability, it’s set to become a strong contender in India’s sub-4-metre SUV market, welcoming new customers to the Škoda brand with its unique offerings.