Skoda Kylaq Aims For 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

​Skoda India has set its sights on securing a 5-star safety rating for its newly launched Kylaq subcompact SUV, aiming to maintain its stellar reputation in safety benchmarks. Unlike its predecessors, the Kushaq and Slavia, both of which earned 5-star ratings under the Global NCAP protocols. The Kylaq will undergo testing under the Bharat NCAP, India’s own safety rating program.

Bharat NCAP Test for Kylaq

Speaking at the unveiling of the Kylaq's price list, Skoda India Brand Director Petr Janeba confirmed that the vehicle is set for crash testing by Bharat NCAP, with results expected in February 2025. The Kylaq will hit showrooms a month prior, in late January, ensuring prospective buyers can evaluate the safety credentials of Skoda’s most affordable model shortly after its launch.

This move aligns with Skoda’s emphasis on safety as a core tenet of its India 2.0 strategy. The Kushaq and Slavia’s five-star accolades from Global NCAP in 2023 elevated the brand’s standing, especially as they were awarded under stringent testing conditions, even with fewer standard safety features at the time of evaluation.

Safety Features

The Kylaq promises a robust safety package, boasting standard features like:

• Six airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction control
• Electronic differential lock
• Three-point seatbelts for all five occupants

Additionally, its foundation on the MQB A0 IN platform, already proven in the Kushaq and Slavia, adds to its structural integrity and crashworthiness. These specifications suggest the Kylaq is well-prepared to achieve top marks in the stringent Bharat NCAP tests.

A Competitive Entry in Subcompact SUVs

The Kylaq also signifies Skoda’s foray into the subcompact SUV segment, a fiercely competitive market in India. Featuring Skoda’s latest design language, the SUV is available in four trims and powered by the brand’s trusted 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, catering to diverse buyer preferences.

Pricing and Availability

With prices ranging from ₹7.89 lakh to ₹14.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kylaq undercuts several competitors in its class while retaining a premium edge through its European design and robust feature set. Bookings are currently open, with deliveries commencing in early 2025.

What’s Next for Skoda in Safety?

While the Kylaq’s performance in the Bharat NCAP tests remains to be seen, Skoda’s proven track record and its commitment to safety inspire confidence. The Kushaq and Slavia are yet to undergo Bharat NCAP evaluations, but their impressive results in Global NCAP testing add weight to the Kylaq’s safety claims.

As the Kylaq sets the stage for Skoda’s re-entry into the subcompact market, its pursuit of a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating not only reinforces the brand’s safety-first philosophy but also raises the bar for competitors in the segment.

Conclusion

Skoda’s Kylaq is more than just a new product; it’s a statement of intent in the Indian automotive market. With an attractive price point, advanced safety features, and the promise of Bharat NCAP excellence, the Kylaq could redefine benchmarks in the subcompact SUV space while strengthening Skoda’s foothold in India. The coming months will determine whether it lives up to its ambitious safety aspirations, but for now, the Kylaq appears to be a promising contender.

Also Read: Honda Cars India’s Bold Comeback & Plans to Introduce Three New Models by 2026-27​