Skoda Kylaq: The Skoda Kylaq burst onto India’s scene in November 2024, and by early 2026, it’s the star driving Skoda’s highest-ever sales in its 25 years here — over 45,000 units sold, reshaping volumes in the cutthroat sub-4m SUV segment.
Priced from ₹7.59 lakh to ₹12.99 lakh post-January 2026 hikes (up 1.51%, max ₹19k on Prestige AT), it blends European build, a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and punchy turbo power — making it a value champ against Nexon, Brezza, and XUV3XO.
Production kicked off at Pune’s MQB-AO-IN plant (capacity up 30% to 255k units), marking Skoda’s third India-made model. With 30,000 units moved in eight months and CNG rumors brewing, the Kylaq’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Price Tweaks and Buzz: January 2026 Hike Hits Prestige Hardest
Skoda rang in 2026 with a stealth price bump on January 1 — base Classic MT up ₹10k to ₹7.59 lakh, top Prestige AT ₹19,295 dearer at ₹12.99 lakh. Blamed on input costs, it’s still competitive post-2025 GST cuts that shaved up to ₹1.19 lakh.
Year-end deals sweetened the pot: corporate discounts to ₹50k, loyalty offers, and free accessories. CNG variant teases for early 2026 could start sub-₹10 lakh, targeting Maruti’s green army.
Four variants (Classic, Signature, Signature+, Prestige) and seven colors like Olive Gold and Tornado Red keep choices wide.
Owners report seamless Android Auto/CarPlay and average audio, hinting at upgrades ahead.
Striking Design: Modern Solid Meets Indian Roads
The Kylaq channels Skoda’s new Modern Solid language with a bold grille, C-shaped LEDs, and sculpted haunches on its 3,995mm frame (189mm clearance).
17-inch alloys and roof rails amp the SUV stance, while the 446L boot — class-leading — swallows groceries or gear effortlessly.
Simply Clever touches shine: parcel tray holder, F-stag clip, and cubbies everywhere. Build feels robust, shrugging potholes better than softer rivals. Interiors mix bamboo sustainable fabrics with clean lines — premium yet practical for our dusty streets.
Power and Drive: 1.0 TSI Turbo Delivers Punch
A lone 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol (114PS/178Nm) powers all, with 6MT (19.68kmpl ARAI) or 6AT. Real-world zip hits 0-100kmph in ~10s, overtaking with ease on highways. MT feels engaging, AT smooth but occasionally hesitant in traffic.
Ride is firm yet composed, soaking bumps without drama. Light steering suits cities, NVH low for turbo refinement. Mileage settles at 16-18kmpl mixed — thirsty turbo tax, but fun compensates. CNG could stretch it to 25+ km/kg if launched.
Feature Feast: Tech and Comfort in a Spacious Cabin
The 10-inch touchscreen (wireless AA/CP), 8-inch digital cluster, and ventilated/power seats (top trims) feel upscale. Sunroof, wireless charger, Auto Climatronic, HUD, and 360-cam pack segment-firsts. Rear space impresses for adults, with vents and armrest.
Connectivity via MySkoda app offers remote start and OTA updates. Audio’s decent but upgrade bait; UI responsive per owners.
Safety Standout: 5-Star Fortress with 25+ Features
Kylaq’s ace is safety: 5-star Bharat NCAP, six airbags standard, ESC, traction control, multi-collision brake, TPMS, hill-hold, and ISOFIX from day one. Over 25 aids make it the segment’s safest, outscoring some pricier foes.
Disc brakes all-round (higher trims) and e-diff lock boost wet grip.
Sales Surge: 45k Units and Counting
Kylaq single-handedly lifted Skoda’s 2025 volumes, clocking 30k in eight months and pushing total to record highs. November 2025: strong despite hikes, thanks to waitlists and service perks.
Low ownership costs (₹5k-7k/year) and resale shine, though network expansion lags VW cousins.
Rival Face-Off: Kylaq’s Edge in Premium Punch
Vs Tata Nexon (5-star too, but pricier top-end), Brezza (roomier but bland), Fronx (cheaper twin sans Skoda badge), XUV3XO (techier), Venue/Sonet (flashier). Kylaq wins on build, safety, boot — pick Signature MT (₹9.5 lakh) for balance, Prestige AT (₹13 lakh on-road) for luxe.
Skoda Kylaq isn’t just an SUV — it’s a statement of solid engineering at sharp prices. With sales soaring and CNG on horizon, it’s cementing Skoda’s comeback in India’s SUV wars.