Škoda has introduced their new compact crossover, the Škoda Kylaq, which stands as their most affordable model to date. Designed specifically for the Indian market, Kylaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform – a budget-friendly variant of the well-known MQB platform. This makes Kylaq an economical addition to the Škoda family, although it’s not intended for the European market.
Smaller than a Fabia
At first glance, Kylaq resembles Škoda’s answer to the VW T-Cross, but it’s actually smaller than the Škoda Fabia, measuring just under 4 meters in length. This compact size is intentional, as Indian vehicle taxes are determined by length – cars under 4 meters receive lower tax rates, contributing to Kylaq’s affordable price. The design follows Škoda’s modern language, drawing inspiration from their electric models, giving it a contemporary and recognizable look.
Under the hood, Kylaq features the well-known 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine, delivering 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or automatic. In the manual version, Kylaq accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds.
Though compact, the interior is cleverly designed to maximize space. The trunk offers a generous 446 liters of cargo capacity, setting a new standard in the sub-4-meter vehicle category. The cabin resembles that of the European Fabia, featuring an 8” digital instrument panel and a 10.1” touchscreen supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard features include six airbags, electric seats, and a sunroof – equipment often expected in the Western market, even in entry-level cars.
An Indian affair ONLY
Although Kylaq is exclusively built for the Indian market, it could potentially fill a gap between the Citigo and Fabia in Škoda’s European lineup. The price in India starts at 789,000 INR (about 65,000 DKK), making it highly attractive, though it would incur a higher tax rate in Europe.
In 2025, Kylaq is expected to be joined by a Volkswagen sibling model called Terra. With Kylaq and Terra, there are high expectations for VAG’s upcoming models in India – and who knows, this could mark the beginning of a new era for budget-friendly cars from Škoda and Volkswagen. We certainly wouldn’t say no to that!
