MAW Group launches Škoda Kylaq with starting price of Rs 4.59m

KATHMANDU: MAW Group on Tuesday officially launched Škoda’s new sub‑compact SUV, the Kylaq, at an event held at Chandragiri Hills Resort. The group announced a starting price of Rs 4.59 million for the manual variant and Rs 5.29 million for the automatic.

The Kylaq is powered by Volkswagen Group’s 1.0‑litre TSI three‑cylinder turbo‑petrol engine that produces 115 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. Branded by the company as a ‘pocket rocket’, the model can be paired with either a six‑speed manual or an automatic transmission and is claimed to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds.

MAW Group Chairman and Managing Director Vishnu Kumar Agarwal said the company chose the steep and demanding roads of Chandragiri to demonstrate the SUV’s capabilities. "We selected the steep and demanding roads of Chandragiri to highlight the SUV’s capabilities," Agarwal said, adding that he was confident the Kylaq’s power and performance would appeal to a wide range of customers.

Agarwal described the automatic variant as the most competitively priced automatic SUV in its category in Nepal and highlighted MAW’s long presence in the market. He noted that MAW has been serving Nepali customers for six decades and that its 18‑year partnership with Škoda reflects a relationship built on trust.

To underline Škoda’s safety standards, Agarwal recounted a personal incident from 2012 when his family’s Škoda vehicle fell into a six‑foot‑deep ditch after colliding with a bus. "Despite the severity of the crash, the vehicle’s sturdy build and adherence to European safety standards ensured that all family members remained unharmed," he said.

MAW addressed concerns about maintenance costs, saying that although Škoda vehicles are often perceived as expensive to maintain, 95% of the Kylaq’s components are produced in Europe, which the company says helps keep servicing and spare‑parts costs reasonable and accessible across Nepal.

Designed under Škoda’s Modern Solid Design Language, the Kylaq measures 3,995 mm in length with a 2,566 mm wheelbase and offers 189 mm of ground clearance. The SUV features a split headlamp setup with LED daytime running lights, a sleek grille, T‑shaped LED tail lamps, 17‑inch wheels, roof rails and protective cladding, elements MAW says give it a strong SUV stance suitable for uneven and rugged roads.

Raunak Agarwal, Executive Director of MAW Enterprises, explained that the front fascia includes a split headlamp setup with LED daytime running lights and a sleek grille. Sharp creases on the bonnet enhance its sporty character, while the rear is fitted with distinctive T‑shaped LED tail lamps that give it a unique presence on the road.

Inside, the Kylaq shares a dashboard layout similar to the Kushaq, with an 8‑inch digital instrument cluster and a 10‑inch infotainment display. Top‑spec models come with a single‑pane sunroof, keyless access, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats and leatherette upholstery.

Safety credentials include a five‑star Bharat NCAP rating and equipment such as six airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control and an electronic differential lock. MAW said the Kylaq was tested in challenging Nepali terrain, including Manang, Dhorpatan and Tinje, before the official launch.

Bookings and test drives for the Škoda Kylaq are now open at Škoda showrooms nationwide. MAW expressed optimism that the combination of European engineering, safety features and competitive pricing will make the Kylaq an attractive option for Nepali buyers, particularly for long‑distance and highway travel where fuel‑powered vehicles remain dominant.