Skoda Auto India is set to expand its sub-4-meter SUV lineup with a CNG powertrain option for the Kylaq, its most affordable model launched in November 2024. Priced from ₹7.89 lakh to ₹14.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kylaq has already made waves in the competitive compact SUV segment, rivaling the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. With CNG gaining traction in India due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, Skoda’s move to introduce a petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain aims to capture a larger share of this price-sensitive market. In this 1500-word article, we explore what to expect from the Skoda Kylaq CNG, including its potential specifications, performance, pricing, features, and how it stacks up against competitors, based on industry insights and Skoda’s strategic direction.
Background: The Rise of CNG in India
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has become a popular fuel choice in India, driven by lower running costs (CNG costs roughly ₹80–90 per kg versus ₹95–100 per liter for petrol) and government incentives promoting cleaner fuels. Sub-4-meter SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Nexon already offer factory-fitted CNG options, while the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger provide dealer-level CNG kits. Skoda’s decision to evaluate a CNG powertrain for the Kylaq aligns with this trend, especially in a segment where fuel efficiency is a key purchase driver. According to Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Skoda India, the company is actively assessing the compatibility of its 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine with CNG technology, with a potential launch expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Skoda’s prior exploration of CNG in India, including a test mule of the Kushaq spotted in 2022, suggests the brand has been considering this fuel type for some time. Internationally, Skoda offers G-TEC CNG powertrains on models like the Scala and Citigo, paired with turbocharged engines, providing a blueprint for the Kylaq CNG. This move could help Skoda appeal to cost-conscious buyers while maintaining its premium brand image, but challenges like engineering costs and performance tuning remain.
Expected Powertrain Specifications
The Skoda Kylaq currently uses a 1.0-liter TSI 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 114 bhp (115 PS) and 178 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It achieves 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and offers ARAI-certified mileage of 19.68 kmpl (manual) and 19.05 kmpl (automatic). The CNG variant is expected to retain this engine, adapted for bi-fuel operation, allowing drivers to switch between petrol and CNG.
Engine and Performance
Skoda is likely to use its localized 1.0-liter TSI engine for the CNG variant, as it’s already manufactured in India, reducing costs. In CNG mode, expect a slight power reduction, as seen in competitors like the Tata Nexon CNG, which drops from 118 bhp (petrol) to 99 bhp (CNG). The Kylaq CNG could produce around 90–100 bhp and 150–160 Nm of torque in CNG mode, with petrol mode retaining the full 114 bhp and 178 Nm. This power drop is typical due to CNG’s lower energy density, but Skoda’s turbocharged engine should maintain decent low-end torque, ensuring drivability.
The Tata Nexon iCNG, the only other sub-4-meter SUV with a turbo-CNG setup, offers a benchmark. It uses a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine with 99 bhp and 170 Nm in CNG mode, achieving 0–100 km/h in about 12 seconds. The Kylaq CNG is likely to perform similarly, with a 0–100 km/h time of 11–12 seconds, balancing efficiency and performance. Skoda’s European G-TEC systems optimize turbo engines for CNG, suggesting the Kylaq could deliver a refined driving experience compared to naturally aspirated CNG rivals like the Maruti Brezza (87 bhp, 121.5 Nm in CNG mode).
Transmission Options
Most CNG vehicles in India, like the Brezza and Nexon, are offered only with manual transmissions to keep costs low. However, Skoda has hinted at exploring an automatic option for the Kylaq CNG, given the brand’s focus on automatic variants (Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige trims already offer automatics). A 6-speed torque converter automatic could be adapted for CNG, making the Kylaq the first sub-4-meter SUV with a turbo-CNG-automatic combination. This would appeal to urban buyers seeking convenience, though it may increase the price by ₹1–1.5 lakh over the manual.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
CNG vehicles typically offer 25–30 km/kg, significantly better than petrol’s 15–20 kmpl. The Kylaq CNG could achieve 22–26 km/kg, based on the Nexon iCNG’s 24 km/kg. With a CNG tank capacity of 10–12 kg (similar to competitors), the Kylaq could offer a CNG range of 250–300 km, plus a 45-liter petrol tank for a total range exceeding 1,000 km in bi-fuel mode. Real-world tests suggest the petrol Kylaq gets 8.9–12.4 kmpl (city/highway); the CNG option should drastically cut running costs, potentially to ₹2–3 per km versus ₹7–8 per km for petrol.
CNG Tank and Boot Space
CNG tanks are typically mounted in the boot, reducing cargo space. The Kylaq’s 446-liter boot (expandable to 1,265 liters with rear seats folded) may shrink to 300–350 liters with a CNG tank, similar to the Nexon iCNG (321 liters). Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features, like modular storage and a spare tire, should help mitigate the loss. The tank is likely to be factory-fitted, ensuring safety and integration, unlike dealer-level kits in the Magnite and Kiger.
Features and Variants
The Kylaq is available in four trims: Classic, Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige. The CNG option is expected to be offered on lower and mid-spec trims (Classic and Signature) to keep prices competitive, with a possible extension to Signature Plus. Key features across trims include:
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Classic (Base): 7-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, six airbags, ESC, 16-inch steel wheels.
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Signature: Adds cruise control, 16-inch alloys, cooled glove box, steering-mounted controls.
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Signature Plus: 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, sunroof, wireless charger.
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Prestige: Ventilated front seats, 6-way power-adjustable seats, ambient lighting, 17-inch alloys.
The CNG variant should retain these features, with six airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating standard across all trims. However, premium features like the sunroof and ventilated seats may be limited to petrol-only higher trims to control costs. Skoda’s modern interior, with a 10.1-inch infotainment system and 8-inch digital cluster, will likely carry over, maintaining the Kylaq’s premium appeal.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Kylaq’s petrol variants range from ₹7.89 lakh (Classic) to ₹14.40 lakh (Prestige AT). The CNG variant is expected to start at ₹8.5–9 lakh for the Classic manual, a ₹50,000–75,000 premium over the petrol base model, aligning with competitors like the Brezza CNG (₹9.29–12.25 lakh) and Nexon iCNG (₹8.99–14.59 lakh). An automatic CNG variant could push prices to ₹10–11.5 lakh, making it pricier but unique in the segment.
Skoda aims to position the Kylaq CNG as a premium yet affordable option, leveraging its turbo engine’s performance and European engineering. The brand’s focus on lower variants for CNG reflects demand for budget-friendly models, though higher-spec CNG trims could attract buyers seeking both efficiency and features. The introductory pricing for the first 33,333 units (including a 3-year/1 lakh-km warranty) may extend to CNG variants, boosting initial sales.
Competitive Landscape
The Kylaq CNG will face stiff competition in the sub-4-meter SUV segment:
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Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, 87 bhp, 121.5 Nm, 25.51 km/kg, manual only. Larger boot (328 liters with CNG) but less powerful. Priced from ₹9.29 lakh.
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Tata Nexon iCNG: 1.2-liter turbo-petrol, 99 bhp, 170 Nm, 24 km/kg, manual only. Closest rival with turbo-CNG, priced from ₹8.99 lakh.
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Maruti Suzuki Fronx/Toyota Taisor CNG: 1.2-liter NA engine, 77 bhp, 98.5 Nm, 28.51 km/kg, manual only. Less powerful but highly efficient, starting at ₹8.46 lakh.
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Nissan Magnite/Renault Kiger CNG: Dealer-fitted CNG kits, 1.0-liter NA engine, 71 bhp, 96 Nm, ~20 km/kg. Budget options but less refined, starting around ₹8 lakh.
The Kylaq CNG’s turbo engine and potential automatic option could give it an edge in performance and convenience, though its mileage may trail naturally aspirated rivals like the Fronx. Skoda’s 5-star safety rating and premium cabin quality will further differentiate it.
Challenges and Considerations
Adapting the 1.0-liter TSI for CNG is costly, as turbocharged CNG systems require precise engineering to maintain performance and emissions compliance (RDE norms). Skoda’s hesitation to commit to a timeline suggests demand will dictate the launch, with a development period of 8–9 months. The reduced boot space and potential feature omissions (e.g., sunroof) may deter some buyers. Additionally, CNG’s availability is limited to urban areas, which could restrict the Kylaq CNG’s appeal in rural markets.
Why It Matters
The Kylaq CNG could be a game-changer for Skoda in India, where compact SUVs drive sales (5,364 units sold in April 2025). By offering a turbo-CNG option, Skoda can combine performance with low running costs, appealing to both enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers. If paired with an automatic, it would be a segment-first, potentially boosting sales in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, where CNG infrastructure is robust. The Kylaq’s 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and Skoda’s reputation for build quality further enhance its appeal.
What to Expect: Summary
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Launch Timeline: Late 2025 or early 2026, following 8–9 months of development.
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Engine: 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol, ~90–100 bhp and 150–160 Nm in CNG mode.
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Transmission: 6-speed manual standard; 6-speed automatic possible.
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Mileage: 22–26 km/kg (CNG), plus 19 kmpl (petrol).
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Boot Space: ~300–350 liters with CNG tank, down from 446 liters.
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Pricing: ₹8.5–11.5 lakh, depending on trim and transmission.
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Features: Six airbags, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 5-star safety rating; premium features may be petrol-only.
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Rivals: Brezza CNG, Nexon iCNG, Fronx CNG, Magnite/Kiger CNG.
In Summary
The Skoda Kylaq CNG promises to blend the brand’s signature driving dynamics with the cost-saving benefits of CNG, potentially setting a new standard in the sub-4-meter SUV segment. Its turbocharged engine, possible automatic option, and premium features like a 5-star safety rating could make it a compelling choice for urban buyers. However, Skoda must balance pricing, boot space, and feature availability to compete with established CNG rivals. If executed well, the Kylaq CNG could help Skoda achieve its goal of crossing 1 lakh annual sales, cementing its place in India’s competitive compact SUV market.