Skoda Kylaq: Skoda has managed to establish a strong foothold in the Indian market for its approach of selling European engineering, rich interiors and sturdy performance cars while keeping prices pretty competitive.
In the wake of the successful model introductions of the Kushaq and Kodiaq, Skoda will now launch a fresh mid-size SUV, known as the Skoda Kylaq.
I’m not sure why, but the car is still under embargo, but is meant to sit between the compact Kushaq and larger Kodiaq, and is aimed at urban families who want a premium yet feature laden SUV which is sure to have a commanding presence on the roads.
The Kylaq will be based on the locally produced MQB A0 IN platform which is now in use on other Skoda-Volkswagen vehicles in the India, and should help maintaining competitive pricing.
This SUV may well be the company’s response in the competitive segment against contenders such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara.
Design and Exterior Styling
The Skoda Kylaq is expected to inherit the brand’s design language. We’re anticipating a big butterfly grille, slender LED headlamps and crystalline tail lights, sculptured body panels and strong character lines.
It’s expected to courtesy of a slightly boxier and more upright stance than the Kushaq to maintain a slightly more rugged, SUV-inspired profile.
To cater more toward modern Indian families, Maruti Suzuki might throw in a dual-tone paint scheme, slightly bigger alloy wheels (perhaps 17 or 18 inches) and roof rails to up the desirability factor as well as practicality.
The build quality, like most Skodas, is likely to be sound, with sturdy door thuds and quality materials.
Interior and Features
On the inside, the Skoda Kylaq is likely to be product high on practicality and elegance, as the brand is famous for.
Dashboard design could ape the Kodiaq, with soft-touch materials, a floating touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.
Expect key features such as:
A 10-inch infotainment system that features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Virtual Cockpit All-digital instrument cluster
Ventilated seats up front and dual-zone climate control
Panoramic roof (on upper trims)
A couple of other missing features that I’d love to see included in a future version are wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and connected car tech
The cabin is expected to offer enough space to accommodate five adults comfortably, good legroom for all and the boot capacity is expected to be in excess of 400 liters, making it perfect for family outings or picnics.
Engine and Performance
The Kylaq is likely to share its 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol units with its siblings.
Power for the 1.0-litre engine will be around 115 hp, while the 1.5-litre TSI could produce 150 hp, with the latter featuring cylinder deactivation tech for higher fuel economy.
Gearbox choices may include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic.
We will concentrate on polished turbo charged performance for the city as well as highway 🙂 The Kylaq will be positioned as the second Skoda model offering better than average driver focused dynamics, so will look to offer assured handling and a very comfortable ride.
Safety
Skoda itself has always shown well in terms of safety. The Kylaq will likely have:
Six airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
Electronic stability control
Hill-hold assist
parking sensors and a rearview camera
ISOFIX child seat mounts
There are also suggestions that a top-model trim may even include Level 2 ADAS features to remain on equal footing.
Pros
European design with road presence.
TSI engines come with powerful and smooth transmissions
Top-line interior with top-notch materials
Inundated with modern features and tech
-Expected 5 star safety rating and heavy duty structure
Competitive Priced Based on Local Production
Cons
No diesel for rural market buyers
Rear seat could be more spacious than some competitors
More powerful versions could be pricey
Brand service network is continue expanding in tier-2 cities.
Limited off-road (no AWD likely)
Skoda Kylaq: Conclusion
The expected launch of Skoda Kyalaq could possibly bolster the existing range of Skoda’s SUV line-up in India with luxurious, sporty and utilitarian attributes all at once.
Placed to rival both compact and mid-sized SUVs, it may be the perfect perfect vehicle for purchasers demanding a premium driving experience, but are not ready to transition to full-size SUV.
It is a case of the European design sophistication and the flexibility that Indian families ask for and, showcased at the right price, the Kylaq could well be another bestseller in Skoda’s India success tale.