Škoda Kylaq Completes Epic Journey from Pune to Prague
Škoda Auto India has achieved a remarkable feat with the Kylaq, a compact SUV, by completing one of the longest overland drives ever undertaken by a Made-in-India vehicle. Covering an astounding 19,351 kilometers over 70 days, the Kylaq journeyed from Pune to Prague, symbolically uniting the origins of Škoda Auto India with the home of the global Škoda brand. This drive not only highlighted the Kylaq's engineering prowess but also celebrated the collaboration between Indian and Czech ingenuity.
A Journey Across Continents
The expedition, dubbed the "Grand P2P Tour," began at the Škoda Auto Volkswagen India manufacturing facility in Pune. The Kylaq traversed the heart of India, passing through major cities such as Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, and Lucknow before reaching the Nepal border near Gorakhpur. This initial leg of the journey set the stage for a grand adventure across diverse terrains and climates.
Once beyond India, the landscape and conditions changed dramatically. The drive led the Kylaq through Nepal and onto the Tibetan Plateau in China, before joining the historic Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. As the Kylaq continued its journey, it crossed through Georgia and into Türkiye, bridging Asia with Europe. The final stretch took the SUV through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, culminating in a triumphant arrival in Prague.
Throughout this epic journey, the Kylaq encountered altitudes ranging from -154 metres to 5,364 metres and temperatures spanning from -12°C to 43°C. The diverse conditions tested the SUV's capabilities to the fullest, proving its engineering excellence and dependability across various driving environments.
Engineering Excellence: The Kylaq's Specifications
The Kylaq stands as Škoda Auto’s first sub-four-metre SUV designed specifically for the Indian market. It is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a product of close collaboration between Indian and Czech teams. Under the hood, the Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI engine that delivers 85 kW (114 PS) and 178 Nm of torque. The SUV offers two transmission options: a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic torque converter, the latter of which was used for the complete India-to-Europe drive.
This robust powertrain and platform design allowed the Kylaq to handle the rigorous demands of the long-distance journey, showcasing its durability and reliability. The SUV's ability to perform under such varied conditions underscores Škoda's commitment to producing vehicles that meet global standards of excellence.
Recognition and Achievements
The Kylaq's journey is more than just a test of endurance; it is a testament to Škoda Auto India's capabilities. The SUV has been recognized in both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records for its participation in the 'Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit'. Alongside models like the Kushaq, Slavia, Octavia RS, and Kodiaq, the Kylaq helped achieve a combined relay time of 12:30.97, marking it as the fastest manufacturer fleet in this category in India.
This accomplishment reflects the high standards of engineering and manufacturing that Škoda Auto India has achieved, further solidifying its role in the global automotive landscape.
As the Kylaq completes its journey from Pune to Prague, it not only celebrates the engineering and manufacturing excellence of Indian craftsmanship but also reinforces the growing significance of India in Škoda Auto's global operations. This expedition is a powerful example of how real-world experience can showcase the true capabilities of an automobile, making it more than just a journey but a testament to shared heritage and progress.