Škoda Auto India unveils all-new Kylaq
Škoda Auto India has taken the wraps off its much-awaited SUV, the Kylaq, revealing the vehicle for the very first time in India and the world. The Kylaq ushers in the New Era for Škoda Auto in India as it enters new markets and attracts new customers into its fold. The company had ascertained its ambitions to expand further in India with the announcement of this SUV in February this year. In October this year, Škoda Auto India conducted drives of a camouflaged pre-production version of the Kylaq. And a month later, the Kylaq has now made its world premiere, with bookings opening from December 2, 2024.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, says, “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% of new vehicle sales. We want the Kylaq to welcome new customers who are looking in this popular and fast-growing segment. Adding to its appeal, the Kylaq marks the debut in India of our Modern Solid design language, with new visual accents. It also beckons with a wide choice of variants, colours, features and a standard package of over 25 active and passive safety technologies. At a very competitive starting price of INR 7,89,000, the Kylaq is the most accessible Škoda model in India.”
With the announcement of its intent to introduce a sub 4m SUV in the Indian market, Škoda Auto India also actioned a unique and nation-wide naming campaign where it asked the people of India for names for this car. In effect, the Škoda Kylaq has been named by India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term for a crystal and is named after Mount Kailash. The larger Kushaq in Škoda Auto India’s SUV line up also gets its name from the Sanskrit word for an emperor. The Kylaq adds to the company’s roster of SUVs like Kodiaq, the large 4x4, and the mid-sized Kushaq.
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, adds: “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. By offering an exceptional price-value proposition, a spacious and functional interior, numerous advanced safety features, and superior handling, the Kylaq is poised to attract a broad range of new customer groups. 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.”
The Kylaq features quite a few segment-firsts. Like six-way electric seats with ventilation for the driver and front passenger. A Stowing Space for the parcel tray also constitutes a unique and key feature enhancing the usability and versatility of the boot. The boot in the Kylaq is the best in its segment measuring 446 litres. With the rear seats folded, this space maximises to 1,256 litres. The car also features Auto Climatronic, with ventilation for the electrically adjustable front seats. Select variants are also available with an electric sunroof. Also on offer are cruise control, steering-mounted paddle-shifters with the six-speed automatic gearbox, leatherette seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and wireless charging among other features. Taking centre stage is a 25.6cms infotainment screen with an even more intuitive user interface. The driver gets a 20.32cms Virtual Cockpit with a renewed interface.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India says, “Today is another important milestone in our India journey with the World Premiere of the Škoda Kylaq. Kylaq has generated tremendous excitement and buzz through 2024. And I’m extremely proud to unveil the Škoda Kylaq to India and to the world. With its high levels of localisation, unmatched driving dynamics and uncompromising safety, Kylaq will make a significant impact in the market.”
