CNG is rising to be a well-liked powertrain possibility if completed proper. Only some OEMs have ventured into factory-fitted CNG variants and these embrace Maruti Suzuki, Tata and Hyundai. Then there are different manufacturers that supply CNG possibility by way of Authorities authorized retrofit kits fitted on the seller degree.
Citroen, Renault and Nissan are some OEMs who’ve taken this route. Now, Skoda Auto India would possibly tackle an identical technique with its Kylaq B SUV in an try and broaden its enchantment and increase gross sales and market share. Let’s take a better look.
Skoda Kylaq CNG
As per a latest report, Skoda Auto India appears to be exploring CNG powertrain choices with its entry-level Kylaq SUV. CNG with Skoda is nothing new as the corporate explored CNG potentialities with the now discontinued Fast sedan, which didn’t materialise. Kylaq will reportedly be Skoda’s first CNG providing in India after 25 years of its presence out there.
In contrast to rival OEMs providing factory-fitted CNG choices, Skoda would possibly take an identical method as Citroen, Renault and Nissan and supply dealer-level retrofit kits. These will likely be designed and formulated by working with third get together suppliers within the CNG realm. Additionally, these retrofit kits will likely be Authorities authorized and include some form of guarantee.
Skoda appears to be additional capitalizing the momentum Kylaq has generated for them. In that regard, Skoda just lately launched new Basic+, Signature+ and Status+ trims with Kylaq SUV and even introduced a Sportline trim as properly. Now, with CNG possibility, Kylaq is not going to solely enchantment to efficiency lovers, however on a regular basis customers too.
As soon as the analysis is full, Skoda Kylaq CNG could also be supplied completely with 1.0L TSI Handbook powertrain mixture to cut back complexities and prices. When run on CNG, there will likely be a slight drop in efficiency. This 1.0L TSI engine is rated to develop as much as 115 bhp of peak energy and 178 Nm of peak torque.
What to anticipate?
The place pricing is anxious, Skoda Kylaq CNG will value extra, most likely round Rs 1 lakh greater than its commonplace counterpart on which it is going to be based mostly. This package is prone to consist a single-cylinder implementation and never dual-cylinder, like Tata and Hyundai does. In that case, there will likely be treasured boot area misplaced, however there will likely be a achieve in gasoline effectivity.
A launch timeline remains to be not revealed. Nonetheless, festive season of 2026 is likely to be a superb time. Extra particulars about different modifications within the cabin to indicate CNG stats, CNG filler positioning will likely be revealed at a later date.
