Skoda Kylaq Nears 75,000 Sales in India; Over 50% Buyers Opt for Automatic Transmission
Skoda Auto India's Kylaq compact SUV is approaching the 75,000-unit sales milestone, with automatic transmission variants accounting for more than half of its sales. The development highlights growing demand for convenience-oriented driving solutions, even among buyers in India's price-sensitive sub-4-metre SUV segment.
Skoda Auto India Brand Director Ashish Gupta confirmed that the Kylaq has achieved close to 75,000 sales since launch. Importantly, 40–45% of Kylaq customers are first-time car buyers, highlighting the model's ability to attract new customers to the Skoda brand.
Skoda Kylaq: Key Sales Highlights
Automatic Transmission Adoption Across Skoda Models
One of the most interesting developments is the growing acceptance of automatic transmissions across Skoda's India portfolio.
While automatic versions account for approximately 70% of both Kushaq and Slavia sales, the Kylaq has already crossed the 50% mark. Skoda's decision to offer a six-speed torque-converter automatic with its turbo-petrol engine has helped differentiate the SUV from competitors offering automated manual transmissions (AMTs) at accessible price points.
Kylaq Accounts for Nearly 68% of Skoda's September Sales
The Kylaq continues to dominate Skoda's domestic portfolio.
Metric | September 2026 |
Kylaq sales | 4,126 units |
September 2025 | 4,398 units |
August 2026 | 3,590 units |
YoY growth | -6.2% |
MoM growth | +14.9% |
Share of Skoda sales | 67.6% |
Although Kylaq's September volumes declined year-on-year, the SUV registered a healthy sequential recovery. With almost two out of every three Skoda cars dispatched in India being a Kylaq, the model remains the brand's principal volume driver.
Why Automatic Adoption Matters
Skoda's growing automatic-transmission penetration reflects a broader shift in customer preferences.
The company has particularly focused on making its conventional torque-converter automatic accessible to entry-level SUV buyers. In February 2026, Skoda expanded the Kylaq range by introducing the Classic+ variant, alongside equipment upgrades across the line-up. The range was further expanded with the Sportline variant in August.
The higher preference for automatic transmissions is significant for three reasons:
First-time buyers: Customers entering the car market increasingly consider an automatic gearbox from their first purchase.
Urban driving convenience: Congested city conditions make automatic transmissions appealing for daily commutes.
Product differentiation: Skoda's six-speed torque converter provides an alternative to the AMT gearboxes available on several budget-oriented vehicles.
Skoda Targets Further Growth in 2026
Skoda Auto India recorded 72,665 sales in 2025, representing a 107% year-on-year increase. The company is now targeting at least 8% growth in 2026, supported by the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia.
A further development is the customer mix: while the Kylaq accounts for the majority of Skoda's volumes, the company maintains that the compact SUV is not significantly cannibalising Kushaq sales despite some overlap in pricing.
Auto Punditz Perspective
The Kylaq's performance highlights two important changes in Skoda's India strategy: increasing volumes through the compact SUV segment and improving accessibility to automatic transmissions.
The fact that automatic variants account for more than half of Kylaq purchases is particularly notable for a price-sensitive category. However, the exact automatic penetration percentage and transmission-wise unit sales have not been disclosed.
With cumulative sales approaching 75,000 units, the Kylaq has already established itself as Skoda's most important volume product in India. Sustaining monthly dispatches above 4,000 units while attracting new customers will be important for the brand's next phase of growth.
