Skoda Auto India Pvt Limited has announced its entry into the sub-four metre Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of the Kylaq. To be available at a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the subcompact SUV will be pitted against Hyundai, Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, etc. While the bookings will commence on December 2, deliveries will commence from January 27 next year, the company announced.
“The Škoda Kylaq is our first sub 4m SUV, designed in India and for India as a new entry point to our brand. India is key to our internationalisation plans, the world’s third-largest car market, and SUVs make up 50 percent of new vehicle sales. We want the Kylaq to welcome new customers who are looking in this popular and fast-growing segment," said Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto.
With the Kylaq, Škoda Auto India will now offer three SUVs including Kodiaq and Kushaq. The new model is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which also underpins the Slavia sedan and Kushaq SUV.
“From the outset, this platform was designed to accommodate a sub-4-metre car like the Kylaq. This SUV is built on four key pillars: comfort, quality, global design language, and safety. That’s why the Kylaq has been rigorously tested across varied terrains, altitudes, and weather conditions. It will lead our presence in India’s fastest-growing and most competitive segment,” stated Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development.
The vehicle is powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which produces 113 bhp of maximum power and 178 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a six -speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Skoda claims the Kylaq can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its segment.
As far as its interiors are concerned, the Kylaq is equipped with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver seat, a Canton sound system, ambient lighting, etc. It is also equipped with safety features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ISOFIX, three-point seat belts and headrests for all occupants.
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said: “The Škoda Kylaq is our third model that is 'made in India for India' and it represents a significant milestone in our regional sales strategy. We are confident that the Kylaq is the right step to make European technology more accessible to potential customers and strengthen our brand presence on the Indian market.”
Meanwhile, Czech carmaker affirmed that India is the most promising growth market and a key contributor as a future export hub in its global expansion plans. According to Zellmer, India's domestic potential as the world's third-largest car market is huge and the introduction of a new model in the domestic market will help Skoda achieve its target of selling 10,000 cars annually by 2026.
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