Škoda Auto is making waves in the Indian automotive market with its latest addition, the Škoda Kylaq, an SUV crafted meticulously as a “Made-in-India masterpiece.” Yesterday marked the start of its series production at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited’s (ŠAVWIPL) state-of-the-art Pune manufacturing plant, just weeks after its dazzling world premiere in Mumbai. With bold ambitions and a sharp focus on India’s thriving sub-4-metre SUV market, Škoda is not just entering the race but is aiming to dominate it with this head-turner.
Tagged as “a car made in India for India,” the Kylaq reflects Škoda’s deep dive into understanding India’s love for compact, stylish, and feature-rich SUVs. The Kylaq isn’t just another car; it’s a declaration – a statement of Škoda’s intent to set new standards with its cutting-edge MQB A0-IN platform, ingenious engineering, and the debut of the brand’s bold Modern Solid design language in India.
Kylaq: Compact Dimensions, Limitless Possibilities
Breaking into the fiercely competitive sub-4-metre SUV category – a segment commanding nearly half of India’s car sales – is no small feat. But Škoda seems ready to take on the market heavyweights with its compact-yet-spacious Kylaq, boasting India’s largest boot capacity in its class (a whopping 446 litres). Powered by a zippy 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivering 85 kW, the Kylaq offers driving options to suit every mood, whether with a smooth six-speed manual gearbox or a seamless automatic transmission.
Škoda promises that the Kylaq will put comfort, safety, and sustainability at the heart of its offering. Over 25 active and passive safety features come standard—including multi-collision brakes and six airbags—setting the bar high in the budget SUV segment. And let’s not forget the little luxuries that make a big difference: ventilated front seats with six-way electric adjustment, a panoramic electric sunroof, and sustainable bamboo fabric interiors that are as forward-thinking as the car itself.
“Kylaq” – A Name Inspired by India, Chosen by Indians
The Kylaq isn’t just made for India—it’s named by India. In an innovative marketing move, Škoda held the “Name Your Škoda” contest, inviting suggestions from Indian customers nationwide. Out of 24,000 entries, the winning moniker, Kylaq, emerged. A fusion of local pride and spirituality, the name draws inspiration from Mount Kailash and the Sanskrit word for “crystal,” perfectly encapsulating the carmaker’s meticulous attention to detail and timeless design.
More Than a Car – A “Made-in-India” Achievement
Škoda isn’t cutting corners when it comes to its commitment to India. With the launch of the Kylaq, the Pune plant’s production capacity has been turbocharged by 30% to a staggering 255,000 vehicles annually. This expansion mirrors Škoda’s aggressive globalisation strategy and its long-term goal of conquering dynamic growth markets such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and the ASEAN region.
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, called the achievement a “collaborative masterpiece,” paying tribute to the seamless teamwork between India and the Czech Republic. “The Kylaq sets a new benchmark for safety, comfort, and driving dynamics, reinforcing our goal to cater to one of the most dynamic car markets on the planet,” he said.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of ŠAVWIPL, echoed the sentiment: “The Kylaq is much more than just a car—it’s a vehicle of change. Fully engineered and developed in India, it represents the evolving needs of Indian buyers while showing our alignment with the government’s Make in India initiative.”
Driving into the Future, One Kylaq at a Time
Scheduled to hit Indian dealerships in January 2025, the Kylaq will serve as a critical entry point into the highly price-sensitive compact SUV market. By offering premium features at a competitive price point, Škoda aims to shake up the sub-4-metre market dominated by local heavyweights like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors.
Škoda’s confidence in the Kylaq is palpable, buoyed by the overwhelming reception it received during its Mumbai premiere in November. With sleek styling, practical engineering, and features Indians didn’t know they needed (hello, ventilated seats and bamboo trim panels!), the Kylaq is poised to capture the hearts — and wallets — of SUV enthusiasts across the country.
As Škoda revs its production engines in Pune, one thing is abundantly clear: the Kylaq isn’t just a car. It’s a revolution in the sub-4-metre SUV segment. And with Škoda roaring full throttle into 2025, India’s roads may soon see a crystal-clear shift in the automotive landscape.
