With the launch of Kylaq, Skoda Auto has turned around its fortunes quite a bit. It is its cheapest offering yet. Kylaq has turned out to be the company's best seller within a month of its introduction. Overtaking erstwhile best-seller, the Kushaq.
Not just is Kylaq bringing in sub 4m SUV buyers, but it is bringing in Kushaq buyers as well, and you can see our comprehensive sales analysis.
Is the new car a 1.5 TSI?
The idea of a 1.5 TSI Kylaq with better braking in the shape of rear disc brakes is attractive. Yet, Skoda doesn't equip rear disc brakes on the bigger, pricier, and more luxurious Kushaq 1.5 TSI and Slavia 1.5 TSI. So, the chance of this test mule being a 1.5 TSI is as slim as a razor.
Also, a 1.5 TSI Kylaq would take away the sales of Kushaq more than it already is. This brings us to the second option of this being an export spec variant of Kylaq for international markets.
SAVWIPL's production plants in India can be a global manufacturing hub for the company to make Kylaq for international markets. This could be a huge boost in volume for the operations of the brand in India.
Is this car an export-spec model?
Spec export Skoda Kylaq will be better equipped and will have improved components than the Indian model. Disc brakes at the back are just one such enhancement that would fulfill all requirements in such international markets. Such wheels may be 18 inches in diameter to accommodate the bigger disc brake pieces.
Propelling this vehicle is also expected to be the same 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI engine producing 114 bhp of max power and 178 Nm of max torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6 speed torque converter transmission. Kylaq is likely to receive a 1.5 TSI engine producing 147 bhp and 250 Nm paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG for an export spec variant. But likely not for India.
Conclusion
The spotting of the Skoda Kylaq with rear disc brakes has indeed caused quite a bit of excitement and speculation. Although the idea of a 1.5 TSI variant for India is still a long shot considering Skoda's current product positioning, the chances of this being an export-spec variant seem much more plausible. Providing higher specifications, such as rear disc brakes and possibly larger wheels, makes sense for international market demands. If SAVWIPL has plans to utilize India as a production base for international Kylaq models, it would go a long way in increasing Skoda's popularity within and outside India. Skoda's enthusiasts and auto industry observers will be eagerly watching its next steps on this promising front.
Also Read: