Skoda Kylaq: Skoda’s Sub-Compact SUV

The Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda is now gradually nearing the launch of its sub-compact SUV, which will officially be called the Skoda Kylaq. This will be an important product for Skoda India, as they will make a foray into the highly competitive and sensitive four-wheeler market.

The company‘s ambitious goals are likely to storm the Indian sub-four-metre SUV market because of the entry of a premium carmaker like Skoda. Their new iteration will be priced aggressively, plus it will boast several features, good fuel efficiency, Skoda’s strong build quality, and superior driving dynamics.  

Naming

For starters, let’s understand the meaning of the Kylaq. The name ‘Kylaq’ is derived from a Sanskrit word, which stands for crystal. It is also worth mentioning that Skoda ran the ‘Name Your Skoda’ campaign a few months ago where the carmaker asked people to submit names for this sub-compact SUV. 

The criteria included that the name had to start with ‘K’ and end with ‘Q’, and be limited to two syllables. Reportedly, 2 lakh entries were recorded and over 24,000 unique names were submitted. Among them, the name ‘Kylaq’ received the highest number of votes. 

Powertrain

Since this will be Skoda India’s most affordable vehicle, we expect it to be powered by the existing 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (TSI) engine, which generates 114bhp between 5000-5500rpm and 178Nm of peak torque between 1750-4500rpm. 

This engine powers the Skoda’s Slavia and Kushaq and Volkswagen’s Virtus and Taigun.

It will likely have a standard 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Features

As far as the features go, the Skoda Kylaq SUV could be equipped with a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, soft-touch controls on HVAC panel, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and ambient lighting, to name a few. 

Other expected features include a wireless charging tray, a cooled glove box, USB Type-C ports, connected car technology, a 360-degree camera, a leatherette upholstery, a centre armrest with storage, etc. 

Further, this SUV could be equipped with LED lights at the front and rear with halogen foglamps, rain wipers (front and rear), alloy wheels, cornering lights, etc. 

On the safety front, the Kylaq is deemed to have disc-drum brakes, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking sensors, hill assist, traction control, ABS with EBD, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and up to 6 airbags.

Launch and Marketing 

The launch date of Skoda’s first sub-4 metre SUV is yet to be announced, but we expect it to arrive next year.

In terms of marketing, this vehicle will take the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and Citroen C3 Aircross, among others.