Skoda has just announced that its first-ever compact SUV, slated to be launched by March 2025, will be called the Kylaq. The company had been running a contest to finalise the name from a selection of ten names, and Kylaq received maximum public votes. The name Kylaq is derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal, and Skoda says the vehicle is inspired by Mount Kailash. As with Skoda’s existing SUVs in India, the name starts with a K and ends with a Q.
The Skoda Kylaq will be based on Volkswagen’s MQB A0 IN platform and can essentially be considered a more compact derivative of the Kushaq.
Skoda Kylaq: what to expect?
The initial teaser images and design sketches suggest a familiar Skoda design language with a split headlamp setup, a slatted grille design and clear surfaces with a kinked glasshouse. It will have a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq, and spy shots also hint at chopped front and rear overhangs to make the Kylaq slip into the sub-4-metre segment. Skoda also says that this will be the first model to bring the brand’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language with typical SUV attributes to India.
On the inside, Skoda is expected to equip the Kylaq with more features than what it currently offers in the Kushaq and Slavia. So, things like a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite are expected to be part of the package right from launch. Overall, the interior is expected to bear a close resemblance to the Kushaq's.
Skoda has previously confirmed that the Kylaq will be powered by the brand’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. The 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes will also be carried over. The 1.0-litre TSI engine, however, will be the only engine option on the Kylaq while most of its competition get at least two.
The Kylaq will be positioned to rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza and more. Skoda will be keen to price the Kylaq aggressively in this very competitive segment, and we expect it to range between Rs 8 lakh-14 lakh (ex-showroom).
Skoda to reward the winners of the naming contest
Skoda says it received over 2 lakh entries with over 24,000 unique names in this contest. The brand will be awarding the winner of this contest with the first unit of the Kylaq that rolls out of the production line. Additionally, another 10 winners will visit the brand’s headquarter in Prague with a tour of the Skoda museum and of the city. The winners will be announced across Skoda Auto India’s social media channels.
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