In a move that blends the art of cinema with the excitement of automotive innovation, Skoda Auto India has taken a unique approach to the launch of its latest compact SUV, the Kylaq. Much like a blockbuster film captivating audiences with drama, anticipation, and a memorable experience, Skoda’s unveiling of the Kylaq was designed to engage and connect with a wider audience across India. The OEM aims to replicate this concept to captivate and attract customers.
The automaker has announced that the base variant of Kylaq will be priced at INR 7.89 lakh. Bookings for the vehicle open on 2 December 2024, with delivery starting from 27 January 2025. The SUV is available in six colours, including Lava Blue, Tornado Red, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, and Candy White, along with a distinctive new Olive Gold option.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, set the stage at the launch, saying, 'We’re exploring new possibilities, reaching out to new audiences, and expanding our product offering. We’re bringing together the magic of cinema and the thrill of Skoda.'
Arora likened the journey of launching a new car to producing a hit film, beginning with a creative spark and culminating in a product that resonates with the audience. For Skoda, that creative spark lies in blending “Simply Clever” ideas with bold design and practical features, tailored specifically for the Indian market.
Skoda’s strategy is more than just a clever metaphor. Just as a film’s success hinges on mass appeal, Kylaq is set to address India’s fastest-growing automotive segment—the sub-4 metre compact SUV. With 30% increased capacity and a 10% expansion of its supplier base, the carmaker has committed resources and strategy to ensure that Kylaq reaches every corner of India, appealing to both existing customers and new markets. For Skoda, India isn’t just another market; it’s the most important one outside of Europe, and Kylaq represents the brand’s vision for a vehicle that can truly become a household name.
In every great movie, the script is key, and for Kylaq, this “script,” according to Arora, is written around four core pillars: Comfort & Quality, Safety, Global Design Language, and Value for Money. He highlighted the MQB-A0-IN platform as the foundation of Kylaq’s comfort and quality, bringing features from higher segments into a compact, locally engineered SUV. With more than 25 active and passive safety features standard, and over 35 in the top-of-the-line variant, safety remains paramount. 'Safety and Skoda are synonymous,” Arora emphasised, underscoring the brand’s commitment to uncompromising protection for all passengers.
Kylaq also personifies the brand’s new global design language, with clean, minimal lines that evoke simplicity, solidity, and its reputation for quality. This new design approach, tailored to the tastes and aspirations of Indian consumers, ensures the vehicle stands out with both elegance and functionality.
Value for money is often the deciding factor for any product in India, a concept captured by the term “Paisa Vasool.” In cinema, it’s about delivering entertainment worth every rupee; for Kylaq, it’s about offering an exceptional value proposition, Arora said. Through high localisation, reduced ownership costs, extended 15,000 km service intervals, and expanding service outlets from the current 260 to 350 by 2025, the brand aims to deliver more for less, making the Kylaq an attractive choice for Indian consumers.
Skoda has scripted Kylaq’s journey like a blockbuster film, crafted meticulously for success. With its seamless blend of European design adapted to Indian sensibilities, robust safety standards, an accessible pricing and a greater value proposition, it turns out to be more than just a car—it’s a new chapter in Skoda’s story in India, set to capture hearts and open doors across the country. As the spotlight shines on this compact SUV, it is clear that Kylaq is ready for its role as a crowd-pleaser and game-changer on Indian roads.
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Skoda’s Global Vision Takes Shape: India Emerges As Key Pillar With Kylaq’s World Debut