Skoda Kylaq: A New Compact SUV Named and Designed for India

Today is a significant day for Škoda Auto India as it steps into a new era with the announcement of its all-new compact SUV. Initially revealed in February and recently teased, the vehicle’s name has been chosen through a unique nationwide campaign. Reflecting the choices of thousands, the new SUV will be called the Kylaq, symbolizing a strong connection between Škoda Auto and its future drivers in India.

At the name unveiling, Petr Janeba, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, said, “Our new compact SUV Kylaq is designed for the people of India. We wanted them to be a part of every milestone of this grand launch. The ‘Name Your Škoda’ campaign aimed to instill a sense of pride and belonging among participants and future customers. We received over 200,000 entries, which is truly humbling and reinforces the brand’s strong legacy in India. The process of naming a car is critical, and this new SUV represents a key moment in the fastest-growing segment in India. The Kylaq has been named by the people themselves, and it’s developed by both Indian and European teams and will be manufactured locally.”

Public-Inspired Naming

Škoda launched the “Name Your Škoda” campaign in February 2024, encouraging fans, customers, and potential buyers to choose a name for the new compact SUV. The guidelines asked for a name that started with the letter “K” and ended with “Q,” following Škoda’s SUV naming tradition. The campaign drew over 200,000 entries, with more than 24,000 unique name suggestions.

In the next stage, participants voted on a shortlist of 15 names. Based on these votes, Škoda Auto India narrowed the list to 10 names. The name Kylaq, which garnered the most votes and met all legal criteria, was selected. It is derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal, embodying the car’s refined qualities and its inspiration from Mt. Kailash.

Rewards for the Voters

The winner of the naming contest will be the first owner of the Škoda Kylaq when it officially launches in 2025, providing a unique chance to own the car they named. Additionally, 10 other winners will get to visit Škoda Auto in Prague, including a tour of the Škoda Museum and the city. Winners will be announced today at 2 PM via Škoda Auto India’s social media platforms.

The Kylaq: What to Expect

Now officially named Kylaq, the new compact SUV will be marketed as the “SUV for you” and will mark Škoda Auto India’s entry into the compact SUV segment. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which also underpins the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan, the Kylaq is designed to offer versatility, safety, and low maintenance costs, all while maintaining a focus on localization and an easy ownership experience.

This new SUV will be the first in India to feature Škoda’s Modern Solid design language. It will have high ground clearance and a spacious wheel design, perfect for handling uneven roads. The design will also showcase Škoda’s signature refined DRL light patterns, while the hexagonal pattern will be a distinct feature on the sides and rear of the car. Currently undergoing rigorous testing, the Kylaq is in the final stages of development, with local supplier preparations well underway.

Škoda’s Naming Tradition

The naming tradition for Škoda SUVs dates back to the 2017 launch of the Kodiaq, a luxury 7-seater 4×4 SUV named after the Kodiak bear and the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. The name was chosen to reflect the strength, beauty, and grandeur of both the bear and its environment. Continuing this tradition, the Kushaq was named after the Sanskrit word for Emperor, and now the Kylaq follows, selected by the people of India while adhering to Škoda’s SUV naming pattern.

Škoda’s Journey in India

The Kushaq SUV debuted globally in July 2021, followed by the Slavia sedan in March 2022. These two India-specific models have helped Škoda achieve its best sales year and surpass 100,000 units sold in record time. The Kylaq will be the third product designed specifically for the Indian market.