Czeching All the Boxes

The Skoda Kylaq is the Czech car-maker’s first-ever sub-four metre sport utility vehicle SUV) in India and the third car tailor-made for our country

- Sayantan De

SKODA ENTERED THE INDIAN MARKET WITH THE Octavia back in 2001 and since then they did not have a volume market SUV in their portfolio during their 25-year innings in India. All that is about to change, however, as the Škoda Kylaq is entering the Indian market with a sub-Rs 10 lakh starting price, Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Kushaq and Slavia were both launched with prices just above the Rs 10-lakh mark, so this pricing is significant for many Škoda fans who wanted a more affordable and compact car and they have responded with the bookings. The Kylaq has received more than 10,000 bookings in less than 10 days and the base Classic trim is completely sold out for the first batch.

The company expects the Kylaq to take its annual sales volume to over the magical one-lakh mark and if the initial flurry of bookings is anything to go by, this estimate seems mildly conservative. They are, however, prepared for the Kylaq's popularity, as evidenced by the fact that they have increased their production capacity by 30 per cent. Škoda also expect the Kylaq to increase their presence in Tier III cities and less urban markets, opening up opportunities for more Indian customers to experience their first tryst with the brand.