Škoda's New Compact SUV, Kylaq, Named by the People of India
Škoda Auto India announces the name of a new compact SUV, the first of its kind named through the national ‘Name Your Škoda’ campaign. According to the rules, The most popular name among 10 finalists secures the top spot, with the grand prize winner receiving the first vehicle off the production line in 2025; ten other participants win an exclusive trip to Prague. Read below to gain in-depth insights:
The journey of naming this SUV began in February 2024, when Škoda launched the "Name Your Škoda" campaign. This campaign allowed the people of India to actively participate in choosing the name for the new compact SUV, which had to start with a 'K' and end with a 'Q,' in keeping with Škoda’s naming tradition for its ICE SUVs. The response was overwhelming, with over 200,000 entries pouring in, reflecting the enthusiasm and connection that people feel towards the Škoda brand.
From the vast number of submissions, 24,000 unique names were suggested. These were then narrowed down to 15, and participants were invited to vote for their favorite. Ultimately, the name "Kylaq" emerged as the winner. Kylaq, inspired by the Sanskrit word for crystal, resonates with the vehicle’s pristine qualities and symbolizes a connection to India’s rich cultural heritage.
To make the campaign even more engaging, Škoda offered exciting rewards for those who participated. The grand prize winner, who suggested the name Kylaq, will receive the first vehicle off the production line when it launches in 2025. This offers a unique opportunity to own a car they named themselves. Additionally, ten other lucky participants will be treated to an exclusive trip to Prague, where they will get a tour of the Škoda Museum and explore the beautiful city.
The Kylaq represents Škoda’s first venture into the compact SUV segment in India. Built on the versatile MQB-A0-IN platform, which also underpins the popular Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan, the Kylaq is designed with an emphasis on versatility, safety, and a comfortable driving experience. This platform was specifically developed for the Indian market by a collaboration between teams in India and Europe.
One of the standout features of the Kylaq is its design, which will showcase Škoda’s Modern Solid design language in India for the first time. The SUV is expected to have a high ground clearance and ample space around the wheels, making it well-suited for the diverse and sometimes challenging road conditions in India. The exterior will retain the signature Škoda SUV look, with refined details like precise DRL light signatures and a distinctive hexagon pattern on the sides and rear.
As the Kylaq undergoes rigorous testing across India, Škoda is ramping up its production capabilities and preparing local suppliers to ensure a smooth launch. The SUV, although compact, is built on a larger car platform, which means it will offer the feel of a big car within a more manageable size, appealing to a broad range of customers.
The name Kylaq is not just a random selection; it’s a continuation of a proud tradition that Škoda has maintained for its SUV lineup. This tradition began in 2017 with the introduction of the Kodiaq, a full-fledged 7-seater luxury 4x4, whose name was inspired by the Kodiak bear and the rugged Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. The Kushaq, another popular SUV from Škoda, takes its name from the Sanskrit word for "Emperor," reflecting its commanding presence on the road.
The Kylaq, named by the people of India, carries forward this legacy while also representing a fresh and exciting chapter for Škoda Auto India. It’s a name that connects with the heritage of the brand while also resonating with the modern, dynamic spirit of India.
Škoda Auto India has been steadily increasing its presence in the Indian market, with the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan leading the charge. The Kushaq made its debut in July 2021, followed by the Slavia in March 2022. Both vehicles were developed specifically for the Indian market and have helped Škoda achieve significant milestones, including crossing the 100,000 cars sold mark in record time.
With the Kylaq set to join this lineup, Škoda is poised to further strengthen its position in India’s automotive market. The compact SUV segment is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and the Kylaq is expected to make a significant impact when it hits the roads in 2025.
The Škoda Kylaq is more than just a new compact SUV; it’s a symbol of Škoda Auto India’s commitment to its customers and its ability to innovate and engage with them in meaningful ways. Named by the people, for the people, the Kylaq represents a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a vehicle to watch out for in the coming years. As Škoda continues to expand its footprint in India, Kylaq is set to play a key role in shaping the future of the brand in this vibrant and dynamic market.
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