Kylaq gets meaner — but not quite an RS. What Skoda is actually changing

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Skoda is preparing a Sportline version of its compact Kylaq. The premiere is scheduled for September 2026, but this won’t be a full-blown RS — it’s a more visually expressive trim with the accent firmly on styling.

Skoda Auto India Brand Director Ashish Gupta framed it this way: “Skoda is working on the stylistic elements to give the Kylaq a sporty touch, which will arrive with the Sportline version in September.” Asked about a proper RS, he hedged: “The sub-4m segment is defined by engine size and vehicle dimensions, and creating a pure performance car within those limits is difficult.”

The Kylaq Sportline is expected to wear black badging, darkened mirror caps, a black roof, smoked decorative bumper accents and black door handles. Inside, look for all-black upholstery and aluminium pedals — broadly along the lines of the Slavia Sportline and Kushaq Sportline.

The hardware, according to Autocar India, stays put. The crossover keeps its 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo good for 115 hp and 178 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic. Interestingly, the Kushaq with the same 1.0 TSI picked up an 8-speed Aisin automatic with its March 2026 update — the Kylaq hasn’t been treated to that upgrade yet.

The Kylaq currently retails in India between roughly $8,000 and $13,700. Sportline pricing is unlikely to shake that range dramatically: Skoda is simply layering on more emotion without touching the affordable crossover formula.