KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda mulling 1.0L TSI engine compatibility with CNG
- Skoda Kylaq, Kushaq might get this as an option in the future
- Kylaq is currently the most affordable model in the brand's India portfolio
Skoda Kylaq is currently the most affordable offering by the Czech automaker in India and while it has picked up pace in the segment, Skoda is working towards a CNG powertrain, mulling the viability and other go-to factors to see how it can fit with the 1.0L TSI engine. This was confirmed in the media interaction by the Brand Director himself, making it a strong possibility in the near future. Read on to know more details and when you can expect the launch, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
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Skoda Kylaq, Kushq 1.0L TSI Engine Being Evaluated For CNG Viability
During a recent media interaction, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Skoda India, confirmed that a CNG option is definitely on the table, though not in the immediate future. He elaborated that Skoda Kylaq is actively evaluating the compatibility of our turbo engines with it right now. This suggests that while the intent is clear, the technical integration of CNG with their turbocharged engines for the Indian market is the primary hurdle. The main challenge for Skoda India appears to be adapting its locally manufactured 1.0-litre TSI engine to be fully compatible with CNG technology. Once this development is complete, it could pave the way for new CNG variants of the Kylaq.
The Kylaq, although doing pretty well for the brand, misses out on the mass appeal of CNG, especially when there is no diesel option with the Kylaq. However, the brand might want to balance out the premium appeal of their line-up to sit comfortably with the more economical fuel type, generally associated with a drop in performance figures. On top of this, while the markets are flooded with CNG manuals, Skoda can go the Tata route to offer an automatic gearbox with its CNG trims, striking a harmony between the best of both worlds, all the while maintaining its upmarket positioning.
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Powertrain Option: No Choice, Currently!
The Skoda Kylaq carves its own niche in the subcompact SUV segment by simplifying its powertrain strategy. Unlike several competitors that offer diesel alternatives, the Kylaq focuses solely on a single, yet potent, 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This refined unit delivers a respectable 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, offering a choice between a smooth six-speed manual gearbox or a convenient automatic torque converter. Fuel efficiency remains a key strength, with the manual variant boasting an impressive claimed 19.68 kmpl, and the automatic not far behind at 19.05 kmpl.
Verdict
The move to introduce a CNG powertrain option is an aim at widening its customer base to a greater extent, which up until now, is an untapped area from brand's perspective. However, its the reputation that Skoda has, of offering models that are known for their upmarket appeal and performance rich machines that might need a careful balance, not to dilute too much that it loses out on its core identity. As for the customers, a new CNG vehicle just opens up another avenue in the sea of options, howeverm an automatic gearbox with the CNG is something that could give Skoda an edge.
