Skoda asked people to help choose the name through an online vote. Over 200,000 folks joined in on social media to pick from 10 finalists. They stuck to Skoda's naming rule for SUVs - it had to start with K and end with Q. Kylaq comes from a Sanskrit word meaning crystal, fitting right in with Skoda's other SUVs like the Kushaq, Kamiq, Karoq, and Kodiaq.
The Kylaq will be shorter than 4 meters (157.5 inches), making it more compact than Skoda's current smallest SUV in India, the Kushaq. To give you an idea, the Kushaq is 4,225 mm (166 inches) long, while even Skoda's Fabia hatchback stretches to 4,108 mm (161.7 inches).
Skoda given us a sneak peek at the Kylaq's look. It'll feature the company's "Modern Solid" design language with a distinct LED lighting signature, familiar silhouette, roof rails, and split LED headlights. The short rear overhang emphasizes its compact size.
Under the hood, the Kylaq will pack a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, pushing out 113 hp. Drivers will get to choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with power going to the front wheels.
The new SUV will be built on the MQB A0 IN platform, which Skoda already uses for other Indian models like the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan.
When it launches in 2025, the Kylaq will face off against a bunch of local rivals in the Indian market. These include the Citroen New C3, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Suzuki Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3XO, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite.
Skoda hasn't said if they'll sell the Kylaq outside of India. For now, it looks like this little SUV is tailor-made for the Indian market, where small, affordable SUVs are a big hit.
Source: Skoda