2026-Bound Skoda Kylaq Could Be Skoda’s Most Important Launch in Nepal Yet!

Skoda stayed away from new product launches in Nepal for so long that the market nearly forgot the brand was still active. Now, with the Kylaq scheduled to arrive in the early months of 2026, Skoda is finally making a move. Better late than never.

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 is preparing to introduce the Kylaq, which is suppose to be a more affordable offering than the rest of its SUV lineup. 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.

Since Skoda Nepal has not confirmed the exact variants, we will focus on the top-spec “Prestige” trim, as offered in the Indian market, to set expectations for specifications and features.

Let’s have a quick look at the key specifications of Skoda Kylaq in Nepal for 2025.

ALSO READ: Skoda Kushaq Price in Nepal (December 2025 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 to rudimentary looks. 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, 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 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. LED taillights, a rear wiper, a powered tailgate, and a shark-fin antenna are all present, yet the brand 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, and both front seats come with ventilation and 6-way power adjustment, which is a welcome addition in this price bracket of ICE vehicles.

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. Ahead of the driver sits an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. While it provides ample information, the interface feels slightly cluttered, and a cleaner layout would have improved readability.

At the center of the dashboard, a 10-inch infotainment screen 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

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, beside 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 as this.

Additional Details

The dimensions of are 3995 mm in length, 1783 mm in width, 1619 mm in height, and the wheelbase is 2566 mm.

Suspension duties are handled by 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-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)

ALSO READ: Hyundai Creta Price in Nepal (December 2025 Updated)

Skoda Kylaq Price in Nepal and Availability

Talking about price, the Skoda Kylaq price in Nepal is not known as of yet. Although, we estimate that the Kylaq price in Nepal to be between Rs. 50 to Rs. 55 Lakhs and this is for the top-tier variant which is most likely to launch in Nepal.

The timeline for the launch is set for the earlier months of 2026 but we have not received any further communication about the particular month.

Stay tuned for additional updates.

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 balance between usability, drivability, and real-world adaptability. It is into this demanding context that the Skoda Kylaq makes its entry.

Expected to arrive in early 2026, the Kylaq is trying to position 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 said, several key questions remain unanswered. How the Kylaq actually feels on Nepal’s roads, how responsive the gearbox is, and how it balances city usability with highway runs will only become clear once we get behind the wheel. Thankfully, the wait is not long. What can already be said is this: for buyers who feel fatigued by the dominance of silent EVs and still crave a genuinely engaging petrol-powered compact SUV, the Kylaq arrives with timely intent, and it has every chance to stand its ground against its established rivals… if the pricing is done right.