Pune: Skoda, the Czech car brand, on Wednesday, forayed into the hotly contested sub-4 metre SUV segment with its Kylaq compact SUV priced at Rs 7.89 lakh at the Delhi showroom. It wants to go big by going small.Bookings will commence on December 2 and deliveries start on January 27.The company has aggressively targeted to sell 1,00,000 units yearly by 2026.With premium features and a European design, the Kylaq is all set to disrupt the growing compact SUV segment in India.“Europe is the key market but the strategic focus for Skoda is expanding key global markets and India is our second pillar. 50% of our cars outside the Czech Republic are made in India,” said Klaus Zellmer, Chairman and CEO, of Skoda Auto.He said India is the key to our internationalization plans as it is the world’s third-largest car market, where SUVs make up 50 per cent of new vehicle sales.“At a very competitive starting price of Rs 7,89,000, the Kylaq is the most accessible Skoda model in India,” Zellmer said.“India is the most important market for Skoda outside Europe, Kylaq is the answer to drive up volumes in the competitive car market in the country,” Piyush Arora, MD and CEO at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India remarked, adding that that was why it had increased its local supply base by 10 per cent and production capacity by 30 per cent.Skoda, perceived as a premium brand, faces tough competition to the Kylaq despite its competitive price at Rs 7.89 lakh. To be successful, it has to break into the strong territory of the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet.However, Skoda has done its homework well. “We are aware we are entering what is currently the most competitive segment in India. And are confident the Kylaq has what it takes to make an impact with its safety and driving dynamics,” said Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Škoda Auto India.“We entered the Indian market 24 years ago and Kylaq is a part of our biggest mission in India. It sets a new benchmark in the sub-4 m segment. This is the biggest and the most competitive segment in India and we will expand Skoda’s footprint in India,” he said.Skoda plans to expand its footprint from 260 to 350 touchpoints next year to be closer to customers.
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