Skoda Kylaq Launched in Nepal: Skoda’s Most Realistic Attempt at Staying Relevant

Skoda had stayed away from new product launches in Nepal for so long that the market had nearly forgotten the brand was still active. But better late than never, Skoda has finally made a move by launching their highly anticipated compact SUV, i.e., the Skoda Kylaq.

The extended silence from Skoda Nepal points to a phase of cautious conservatism rather than strategic momentum. Through its official distributor, MAW Group, Skoda now appears to be using the Kylaq as a long-overdue attempt to refresh its presence and re-enter a market that has moved quickly in its absence.

European car brands, as a whole, have struggled to excite the Nepali market for quite some time, and the decline in sales reflects that reality. Skoda is no exception. Despite maintaining a presence in Nepal since 2008 under the same distributor, the brand has gradually lost ground as Chinese EVs reshaped buyer expectations and mainstream players like Tata, Hyundai, and Kia tightened their grip on the mass market.

Against this backdrop, Skoda Nepal has taken this bold move of introducing the Kylaq, which is supposed to be a more affordable Skoda. It feels more like a recalibration rather than an expansion, targeting buyers who still want a properly sized compact petrol SUV but at a price point that better aligns with today’s market realities.

Pricing-wise, I’d say that the starting price is quite attractive, including the one for the AT variant. However, fully feature-packed Prestige trims range between 65-70 Lakhs, and it seems unlikely that the Kylaq will win any “Bangs-for-Bucks” awards.

Let’s have a quick look at the key specifications of the Skoda Kylaq in Nepal for 2026.

ALSO READ: Skoda Kushaq Price in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

Skoda Kylaq Overview

Exterior

Skoda describes the Kylaq’s design language as “Modern Solid,” although the philosophy itself feels somewhat loosely defined. What the Kylaq does get right (and what it deserves credit for) is how effectively it distills the MQB-A0-IN platform into a sub-4-meter SUV. The proportions feel balanced and deliberate, avoiding the exaggerated lines and visual clutter that plague many rivals in this segment.

At a glance, the Kylaq may remind many of the Kushaq, and that similarity is undeniable at a rudimentary glance. However, the first clear giveaway is its shorter overall length. This reduction is a strategic decision, driven by India’s tax structure, where SUVs under four meters attract a significantly lower GST than those that exceed the threshold. This gave Skoda a reason to design a compact SUV, which has allowed them to keep the Kylaq price in India in check and place their foot in the segment.

Up front, the Kylaq follows familiar Skoda cues. The frameless butterfly grille anchors the fascia, while slim LED DRLs sit above the projector headlamp housings to create a layered sense of depth. The flat bonnet flows neatly into the grille, with the Skoda badge sealing the connection at the center. Lower down, textured cladding suggests faux underbody protection and visually supports the Kylaq’s claimed 28° approach angle.

The side profile plays it safe. The squared-off silhouette, pronounced wheel arches, and 17-inch alloy wheels (in Prestige) / 16-inch alloy wheels (in Classic & Signature) form a familiar template. With a ground clearance of 189 mm, the Kylaq stands tall, and the functional roof rails add a practical touch. That said, the pillars lack any defining design element, leaving the side view competent but largely forgettable.

At the rear, Skoda opts for cohesive minimalism. While higher spec-ed Kylaqs differentiate with extra elements like powered tailgate, and a shark-fin antenna, all of the trims deliberately avoids the now-ubiquitous full-width light bar. Instead, a black cladding panel with “Skoda” engraved across it defines the rear design. The short 960 mm rear overhang reinforces the compact proportions, though the lower cladding feels slightly overdone and visually heavy.

The Skoda Kylaq is offered in six exterior colors: Lava Blue, Olive Gold, Deep Black, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, and Carbon Steel.

Interior

Inside, the Kylaq uses a respectable mix of materials, and the overall fit and finish feel solid. While the cabin doesn’t quite justify being called “premium,” it still delivers a well-executed and thoughtfully assembled interior for the segment.

The seats offer good comfort, with a low-set driver’s position that naturally pulls you into the cabin. Thigh support is adequate, but the ventilation and 6-way power adjustment are reserved only for the top-tier Prestige+ variants, while the rest of the lineups have manual setups and no ventilated seats.

The steering wheel features mounted controls and offers both tilt and telescopic adjustment. In Tiptronic variants, Skoda also includes paddle shifters mounted behind the wheel. For the low-tier variants, a 3.5-inch TFT display works as the instrument cluster while higher trims feature a more nicer looking 8-inch digital instrument cluster.

Similar disparity is seen for the infotainment screen, where the Classic, Classic+, and Signature (lower trims) make do with a 9-inch Lenovo infotainment screen, and the Signature+, Prestige, and Prestige+ (higher trims) have a more robust 10-inch infotainment screen that responds fluidly to inputs and handles smartphone connectivity smoothly.

Below it, the dashboard flows into a waterfall-style layout that integrates the AC vents, center console, USB ports, and gear selector stick. One recurring issue with Skoda cabins, however, remains unresolved, and that is the air-conditioning system. While it functions reliably, it struggles to deliver the cooling effectiveness needed for hotter climates, and the Kylaq reportedly fares no differently.

The rear seat may not look particularly generous at first glance, but it comfortably accommodates passengers up to 6 ft tall. Officially, it is a two-seat layout, though local realities often stretch that definition. Thankfully, rear AC vents help keep occupants comfortable, even when the cabin is fully occupied.

Performance

Feature and cosmetic elements may be different with respect to the variants you choose, but the engine for all of the 15 picks is the same. The Skoda Kylaq uses the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine found in the Kushaq. However, in the Kylaq, this engine feels noticeably more refined. Noise and vibration levels appear better controlled, making the overall driving experience smoother than what we remember from the Kushaq.

It remains unclear whether Skoda revisited the engine at an engineering level to address NVH concerns or whether the smaller size and lighter dynamics of the Kylaq simply suit this powertrain better than the larger Kushaq.

That said, the fundamentals remain unchanged. The turbocharged 1.0-litre unit produces 115 PS of max power between 5000 and 5500 RPM and a max torque of 178 Nm from 1750 to 4000 RPM (identical on paper to the Kushaq). Power delivery feels familiar, with strong mid-range performance that should work well for both city driving and highway cruising.

Another thing to take notice of is that the Kylaq engine has managed the turbo lag quite noticeably. So the low-end, besides some warm-up RPMs, should pose no disappointment either.

Skoda offers the Kylaq with two transmission options: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The automatic is a Tiptronic unit, which allows drivers to manually select gears when needed, offering a bit more control than a conventional automatic. This has been regularly appreciated by drivers during overtakes or on hilly roads.

The Kylaq comes with a 45-litre fuel tank. In terms of efficiency, Skoda claims 19.68 kmpl for the automatic and 19.05 kmpl for the manual. However, real-world conditions paint a more grounded picture.

In mixed driving scenarios (combining city traffic and highway runs), the automatic variant is likely to return around 12.5 kmpl, while the manual delivers a similar figure. As with most turbo-petrol engines, driving style and traffic conditions will play a significant role in actual fuel consumption.

The top speed of the Skoda Kylaq is 188 km/h, which is pretty fantastic for a compact SUV like this.

Additional Details

The dimensions are 3995 mm in length, 1783 mm in width, 1619 mm in height, and the wheelbase is 2566 mm. Suspension duties are handled by the MacPherson Strut and Twist Beam setup. And, the setup has been tuned to a softer side for comfort.

The ground clearance of the Skoda Kylaq is 189 mm, which is a comfortable number even for bad roads. Kerb weight ranges from 1213 kg to 1255 kg, depending on the transmission system in place.

The inherent boot space is 360 liters, and since it is a 60:40 split setup, the storage is expandable up to 1265 liters.

Skoda Kylaq Features Highlight

Exterior:

• Black Butterfly Grille
• Crystalline LED Projector and Split LED DRLs
• LED Fog Lamps with Cornering Function
• 17-inch Dual Tone Alloy Wheels
• Roof Rails
• Sunroof

Interior:

• Leatherette Upholstery
• 6-Way Electric Adjustment on Front Seats
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Cooled Glove Box
• 10-inch Infotainment Screen
• 8-inch Instrument Cluster
• 6-Speaker Sound System
• Wireless Phone Charging

Safety:

• 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rated
• 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera
• Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
• Traction Control System (TCS)

*This feature list considers the features available in the Prestige variants. The lower variants (Classic and Signature) come with significantly lower equipment and features.

ALSO READ: Hyundai Creta Price in Nepal (February 2026 Updated)

Skoda Kylaq Price in Nepal and Availability

Talking about price, the Skoda Kylaq price in Nepal starts at Rs. 45,90,000 and goes up to Rs. 70,90,000, and spans a total of 15 different trims with 3 major variants.

Although Skoda managed to set a narrative for an affordable compact petrol car and even an affordable automatic transmission car, the price ceiling for this car is too high. If you are just comfortable with a car that drives well, is safely assessed, are a faithful petrol head, and don’t care much about features that much, then you can have a decent pick of Kylaq under 60 Lakhs.

Moreover, at the launch event of the Skoda Kylaq, officials from MAW Vriddhi also mentioned that Kylaq needs one servicing per year or at 12,000 kms, and that is quite a way to inspire trust in the car.

The following table lists the Skoda Kylaq price in Nepal with respect to their variants for 2026.

*NSR =No Sun Roof

Rivals

Nepal’s compact SUV segment leaves little room for complacency, especially as buyers now weigh internal combustion options against a fast-growing wave of EVs. Add to that the reality of broken roads, steep gradients, and steadily rising fuel costs, and badge value alone no longer seals the deal. Buyers increasingly look for a balance between usability, drivability, and real-world adaptability. It is into this demanding context that the Skoda Kylaq makes its entry.

The Kylaq has positioned itself as a more measured alternative to the rugged Tata Nexon and the style-forward Kia Sonet. True to Skoda’s European sensibilities, it favors clean design, tidy proportions, and functional style over visual theatrics. It does not rely on overt aggression like the Nexon, nor does it chase instant attention the way the Sonet does.

Skoda calls the Kylaq a driver’s car, and early reviewers have gone a step further, describing it as a sensible blind buy for tighter budgets and for buyers who want a touch of driving enjoyment. That being said, the top-tier variant of the Kylaq is the priciest as compared to the Sonet and the Nexon.

But if you are in the market looking for a compact SUV that can deliver properly under 50 Lakhs and don’t care much about the electronics mumbo-jumbo, you can wholeheartedly opt for the Kylaq. It’s compact enough for cities, can also be driven easily on highways, and has a safe reputation, as verified by the NCAP ratings.

However, we should notify you about the matter with the upcoming 2025-model Hyundai Venue. Then we can have a good conversation about that showdown as well.

What are your thoughts on the Skoda Kylaq? Let us know in the comments down below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the authorized distributor of Skoda Kylaq in Nepal?
MAW Vriddhi is the authorized distributor of Skoda Kylaq in Nepal.

What is the price of Skoda Kylaq in Nepal?
Skoda Kylaq price in Nepal starts at Rs. 45,90,000 for Classic MT and goes up to Rs. 70,90,000 for the Prestige+ AT.

Does Skoda Kylaq has turbocharged engine?
Yes. Skoda Kylaq shares the same engine as the Kushaq which is a 1.0L Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) engine.

Is Skoda Kylaq available in Nepal?
Skoda Kylaq launched in Nepal on Feb 10, 2026.