Pune, India – Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has officially begun production of its much-anticipated sub-4 meter compact SUV, the Skoda Kylaq. The first unit of the Kylaq rolled off the assembly line at the Volkswagen-Skoda facility in Chakan, near Pune, marking a significant milestone for the automaker.
The factory, which serves both domestic and export markets, recently increased its production capacity by 30%, now able to manufacture 2.55 lakh cars annually. Dealer dispatches of the Kylaq are expected to begin shortly, as Skoda ramps up its dealership and service center network to meet growing demand.
Test Drives and Deliveries Scheduled
Starting January 2025, customers across India can take the Kylaq for a test drive, allowing them to experience Skoda’s first offering in the sub-4 meter SUV segment. Deliveries are set to begin in February 2025. The Kylaq has already generated a buzz, with 10,000 bookings recorded within just 10 days of opening.
Key Features and Competitive Pricing
The Skoda Kylaq is built on the MQB Ao IN platform, designed specifically for India and other emerging markets. Sharing its engine and gearbox options with the larger Kushaq SUV, the Kylaq comes with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine producing 115 Bhp and 178 Nm of torque. It offers a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.
The pricing is competitive, with the base Classic trim starting at ₹7.89 lakh, equipped with a manual gearbox. Higher trims, including Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige, offer both manual and automatic options. The top-end Prestige Automatic variant is priced at ₹14.4 lakh. This broad price range allows customers to choose a variant that fits their budget.
Potential Volkswagen Variant in the Pipeline
Volkswagen India is reportedly lobbying its German headquarters to develop a badge-engineered version of the Kylaq. If approved, this SUV might include a GT variant powered by a 1.5-liter TSI turbo petrol engine delivering 150 Bhp and 250 Nm of torque. However, a Volkswagen-badged Kylaq-based SUV is unlikely to hit the market before 2026.
A Milestone for Skoda in India
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, expressed his excitement about the launch, emphasizing the Kylaq’s local production as part of the Make-in-India initiative. Andreas Dick, a board member for production and logistics at Skoda Auto, praised the teamwork between the Indian and Czech teams in bringing the Kylaq to life.
With its local manufacturing, thoughtful design, and competitive pricing, the Skoda Kylaq is poised to make a significant impact in India’s compact SUV segment. As test drives begin and deliveries roll out, the Kylaq stands ready to attract a broad spectrum of buyers looking for a reliable and stylish European SUV.
