We joined Skoda in Alibaug for a hands-on experience with their SUVs and an introduction to their new Brand Director, Ashish Gupta. The day was split between dynamic testing of the Kylaq and Kushaq on a tarmac track, an off-road session with the Kodiaq, and an evening discussion where Mr.Gupta laid out Skoda’s roadmap for the future. Here’s how the day unfolded—and what it means for Skoda’s ambitions in India.
Dynamic Testing – Kylaq And Kushaq On The Tarmac
The morning began with a series of dynamic tests on a closed tarmac circuit, featuring the new Kylaq and the familiar Kushaq. The Kylaq, with its compact dimensions and 1.0-litre TSI engine, felt agile and eager on the track. The steering was responsive and predictable, making it easy to link corners together with confidence. There’s a noticeable thrum from the three-cylinder engine, which, while ever-present, adds a bit of character rather than annoyance. The car’s low-end torque made for brisk acceleration out of slower corners, and the automatic gearbox handled upshifts smoothly, though it’s not as quick as a DSG which is going to be noticeable.
The Kushaq, in comparison, felt a touch more planted thanks to its slightly larger footprint and more mature suspension setup. Both cars managed body roll well, and neither felt out of place on the tighter sections of the circuit.
Overall, the dynamic testing highlighted balancing everyday usability with some driving fun. While neither SUV is a pure enthusiast’s machine, both offer enough engagement to keep things interesting, especially for buyers who value handling as much as practicality.
Off-Roading With The Kodiaq: Capable, But Not Extreme
Post lunch, we switched gears to the off-road course with the Kodiaq. The track itself was modest: a mix of steep inclines and declines, a few articulation sections, ditches, and a braking test that combined paved and muddy surfaces. While it wasn’t the most challenging off-road setup, it did require attention and careful throttle control, especially on the steeper bits.
The Kodiaq’s hill descent control and traction systems worked as advertised, keeping the SUV composed even when grip was limited. The large infotainment screen’s off-road display, showing wheel angles and tyre positions, was a useful touch for navigating the trickier sections. The course didn’t push the Kodiaq to its absolute limits, but it did demonstrate the SUV’s ability to handle typical weekend adventures and rougher rural roads with ease. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but for buyers, who are looking for a blend of comfort and capability, the kodiaq will serve as a good option.
Interacting With The BD – Ashish Gupta
As the sun set, we gathered for an interaction with Ashish Gupta, Skoda Auto India’s new Brand Director. He was candid about both the opportunities and challenges facing the brand. He emphasized that India to them is considered to be one of Skoda’s most important growth markets outside Europe and outlined a vision focused on scale, customer centricity, and network expansion.
He acknowledged that the Kylaq’s early success has been encouraging, helping Skoda move up to the seventh spot among passenger carmakers in India. The company’s immediate goal is to double its market share to 2.5% by FY2026, driven by the Kylaq and Kodiaq, while also reviving interest in the Kushaq with a significant facelift planned in the next year.
From what we gathered, on the network front, Skoda aims to expand from 165 cities to over 200 by the end of 2025, with a target of 350 customer touch-points. Notably, much of this growth will focus on Tier II and III cities, reflecting a strategy to tap into new customer bases. Initiatives like Skoda SuperCare—offering deferred service costs and comprehensive warranty packages were highlighted.
Product-wise, Skoda’s “SUV for Everyone” approach will continue, with plans to strengthen its sedan lineup as well. While no specifics were revealed, we were hinted at the arrival of a new global sedan (we all pretty much know what that would be) and the possibility of bringing the Octavia RS back as a full import. On the EV front, things remained pragmatic, expecting mass adoption in India to be gradual, with Skoda’s first locally produced EV likely to arrive closer to 2027.
