Skoda has officially commenced production of the Kylaq SUV model at its manufacturing plant in Pune, India. This marks a significant milestone for the company as the Kylaq becomes Skoda’s third locally developed model, following the successful launches of the Kushaq and Slavia. The Kylaq is built on the MQB A0-IN platform, specifically tailored to meet the demands of the Indian market.
One notable feature of the Kylaq is that it is Skoda’s first vehicle in the sub-4-metre segment, a popular category that accounts for nearly half of all car sales in India. To support the production launch of this new model, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has increased the capacity of the Pune plant by 30%, enabling it to achieve an annual output of 255,000 vehicles.
Andreas Dick, Å koda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, expressed his satisfaction with the successful start of production for the Å koda Kylaq, emphasizing the collaboration between teams in India and the Czech Republic. He highlighted the meticulous planning and execution of every detail, from design to the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, also shared his excitement about beginning production of Å koda Auto India’s first sub-4-metre SUV. He praised the engineering and development of the Kylaq in India to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. By manufacturing the Kylaq locally, the company supports the Made-in-India initiative while delivering on Skoda’s commitment to safety, comfort, and driving dynamics.
The Kylaq is built on the MQB A0-IN platform, a joint development effort between engineers in the Czech Republic and India. This platform serves as the foundation for the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia saloon, all designed specifically for the Indian market. Skoda Auto’s increased production in India at the Pune plant is a crucial component of its internationalization strategy, focusing on growth markets and leveraging expertise in price-sensitive entry segments to benefit the Volkswagen Group.
The name Kylaq was chosen through a public contest, with over 24,000 suggestions received. The winning name, inspired by Mount Kailash and derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘crystal,’ reflects Skoda’s traditional design inspirations. The Kylaq comes equipped with a range of safety features as standard, including a multi-collision brake and six airbags. It is powered by a 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivering 85 kW and offers a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Noteworthy features of the Kylaq include ventilated front seats with six-way electric adjustment and an electrically operated sunroof in select variants, a highly valued feature by Indian customers. The interior incorporates sustainable materials such as trim panels made from bamboo fabric.
Overall, the Skoda Kylaq represents a significant step forward for Skoda Auto in India, embodying the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the competitive Indian automotive market.
