Skoda has confirmed that its first-ever compact SUV will be called Kylaq and the launch has been slated for March 2025. The name was christened after it got finalized in a naming contest. At the final round of the contest, ten names were selected, out of which the 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. Like the other Skoda SUVs offered 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 teaser image of the Kylaq shows the silhouette of the compact SUV. Meanwhile, the initial teaser images and design sketches has suggested that it will feature a split headlamp setup, a slatted grille design and clear surfaces with a kinked glasshouse.
It will come with a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq. According to spy shots, the front and rear parts of the Kylaq seems to have been cut to place it into the sub-4-metre segment. The car will be the first model in India that will feature the brand’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language with typical SUV attributes, claims Skoda.
The Kylaq’s interior is expected to be similar to that of the Kushaq. However, the Kylaq will have more features than the Kushaq and Slavia. The added feature might include a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite.
Mechanically, the Skoda Kylaq will be powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes. The engine will produce 115hp and 178Nm of torque. It will be the only engine option on the Kylaq.
The Kylaq will compete against the likes of Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza, among others. Skoda is likely to price the Kylaq aggressively in this very competitive segment, and we expect it to be in the Rs 8 lakh-14 lakh (ex-showroom) range.
Skoda naming contest’s winners reward
Skoda says it received over 2 lakh entries with over 24,000 unique names in this contest. The winner of the contest will receive the first unit of the Kylaq that rolls off the production line. Additionally, the other top 10 winners will visit the brand’s headquarters in Prague and be given tours of the Skoda Museum and the city. Skoda Auto India will announce the winners across its social media channels.