Skoda Expands Kylaq Lineup: New Version Promised by Year-End

Skoda is preparing to expand the lineup of its compact crossover Kylaq, which debuted in the Indian market in 2024. By the end of the current year, the manufacturer will present a new intermediate version that will sit between the base Classic and the more equipped Signature. This move will help to bridge the noticeable price gap of 1.51 lakh rupees (approximately $2000 at the current exchange rate), making the model more attractive to a wider range of buyers.

Currently, the Signature version offers a more comprehensive equipment list compared to the Classic. The list includes cruise control, tire pressure sensors, a media system with a 6.9-inch screen, four speakers, rear ventilation deflectors, a smartphone compartment, and chrome door handles. Additionally, only the Signature is available with a 6-speed "automatic", while the Classic is offered exclusively with a manual transmission.

Regardless of the trim level, under the hood of the Kylaq is the same engine: a 1.0-liter turbocharged TSI petrol engine producing 118 hp and 175 Nm of torque. This engine is well known from other Skoda and Volkswagen models on the MQB-A0 IN platform, adapted for the Indian market.

According to brand representatives, demand for the initial version of the Kylaq exceeded expectations, which is not surprising as the model became the most affordable in Skoda's lineup in the Indian market. Introducing an intermediate trim is an obvious and wise step. Similar strategies are successfully employed by competitors, including Hyundai and Tata Motors, who regularly offer models with a wide range of options and pricing levels. This allows for flexible responses to customer requests, broadening audience reach, and improving market positions.

Details about the name of the new version and its exact launch date have not been disclosed yet, but according to Autocar India, the premiere could happen as early as autumn, with sales starting by the end of 2025.