[Dr.Vikas]

ŠkodaKYLAQ:
Camouflage Design Workshop

Over the last few years, the policy adopted by Skoda India to invite suggestions & ideas from their customers is truly commendable. Accordingly, TeamSkoda started inviting few distinguished customers in various activities & events organised across India under the flag of FansOfSkoda
In Q1 of 2022, the DriveWithSLAVIA contest paved the way to the first-ever chapter of such events by selecting 15 founder members of the FansOfSkoda group. And how could I ever forget the fond memories of the World Dynamic Premiere of Škoda SLAVIA at Taj Exotica Resorts, Goa?

•Throwback pic of ŠkodaSLAVIA launch event -


It's really crazy how fast time flies & things progress as by now ŠkodaIndia is preparing for the launch of new Škoda KYLAQ under its revised 'India 2.5' plan over the current 'India 2.0' project under which the Kushaq & Slavia cars were built.
The 'India 2.5' plan describes Skoda's strategy to emphasize more on the Indian market, following strategic exits from the other markets simultaneously. It's really a bold move.
Skoda India now targets to sell 100,000 vehicles in India every year by 2026, besides exporting to the ASEAN & Middle East countries from the Indian manufacturing plant.

As a part of Skoda India's exercise for the upcoming new compact SUV, a unique but confidential event namely Camouflage Design Workshop was organised at Hotel President, Mumbai & I had an opportunity to attend it along with few other FansOfSkoda members.

Skoda India had arranged for my air travel from Kolhapur & a special vehicle for the conveyance from the airport for the next two days.

• Random Clicks at Kolhapur Airport -


A South Mumbai city tour on Saturday evening was one of the special attractions this time. We came across people gazing curiously while our convoy of Skoda cars was cruising in a disciplined manner from Marine Lines towards Nariman Point.

Our sight seeing tour commenced from Wilson College & gradually went on visiting
Girgaon Chowpatty,
Bombay Gymkhana,
Wankhede Stadium,
Oberoi and Trident Hotels,
Mantralaya,
Rajabai Tower,
Mumbai University,
Bombay High Court,
Cross Maidan,
Fashion Street,
Police Headquarters,
Flora Fountain,
Asiatic Society-Library,
St Thomas Cathedral
to conclude with photo ops at the Tajmahal Palace Hotel & Gateway Of India.

• Fans at Gateway of India-


Throughout the drive, the tour guide Suraj Hattarkal in the lead car was continuously sharing all relevant information on various historical, cultural and commercially important places on walkie-talkie. His oratory skills & narration was amazing !

In due course the tour, a mention of the 26/11 terrorist attack on South Mumbai was inexorably in order. Pak militant Ajmal Kasab when hijacked a Skoda car, at dusk got confused with the Head Light controls & was eventually caught in the clutches of the martyred Police Constable Shri.Tukaram Ombale then.
Salute to the heroic act & ultimately supreme sacrifice of the BraveHeart !

We never knew the leisurely fun on the Saturday evening had even more lovely surprises ahead with dinner planned at Native Bombay a renowned restaurant on Cochin Road in Ballard Estate, popular among customers for its excellent service, pleasant ambience and gourmet cuisine delicacies.

• Petr Janeba, Brand Director -




Media and PR head Sandeep Fernandes introduced us to Petr Janeba Brand Director, Škoda India at the dining table & no wonder, our dinner then extended till midnight with some informal chatting until we called it for a day at Hotel President.

In fact, Skoda India has already collaborated with the well-known Art Designer Harun Robert aka Rob to create the design of the camouflage to be applied extensively onto the test mules. TeamŠkoda thought that the design should be distinctive & based meticulously on Indian art style.

So the special event namely 'Camouflage Design Workshop with Rob' was organized to seek innovative ideas & special design elements from FansOfSkoda.
Popularized by his TV show, Rob has 2.8M followers on Instagram @artguyrob.

• Yours truly With Rob -


On Sunday morning after breakfast the Workshop started, in fact being amateurs, sharing our ideas on such a big professional platform was truly a unique experience for all of us.
No doubt the exchange of ideas with Rob on various design aspects during the 2-3 hour workshop would certainly create some stunning results. His attributes of eagerly listening & further kindly appreciating every suggestion we made, were easily perceivable.

• Art Designer Harun Robert aka Rob at work -




The workshop itself was intended more towards active involvement of all the invitees rather than just a kinda typical seminar.
All our desks were fully prepared with a drawing book, pencil, Blue Stick, Cutting Board with blades, Fevicol and a cardboard template in the shape of the new car etc. Everyone was given free hand to express their thoughts, ideas, suggestions regarding the Camouflage design in accordance with their convenient medium.
However, a compulsory 'project' was also there asking to cut various shapes out of colorful soft sheets using the cutting board & then to paste them on the card board template to form creative designs. We had to stretch our imagination skills to the best for the project & it inexorably reminisced about our school days.
Then all our creative artwork was showcased on a display board followed by a photo session with the dignitaries.

•With Er.Mansur Mohd & Sandeep Fernandes, TeamŠkoda -


Before the conclusion of this unique event, a variety of sumptuous multi-cuisine food from the five-star menu was served for the lunch and then finally it was time to say good bye.

• Final Group photo -


Anyway I'm sure the final outcome of the special 'brain storming' session at the 'Camouflage Design Workshop' will get lots of praise from the fans & also at the media coverage of the new SUV, ŠkodaKYLAQ !!

Cheers

• TeamŠkoda with Rob -

[volkman10]

Latest spy shot reveal highlights the split LED headlamps, sleek LED DRLs flanking the grille with vertical slats, upright bonnet, roof rails, and an electric sunroof.

Can it sway volumes from the leading players like Nexon, Brezza, Venue and others? The picture does not give the commanding looks of a SUV.




Link:

[audioholic]

Pretty amazed at how on one side the company is crying about losses and sale of stake to local partners and on the other hand blowing money on such PR events(including the reveal of that pickup concept from the VW side of the office) and taking an eternity to launch this car. If the same PR events had been done to address customer concerns, spread word of mouth feedback amongst fellow owners to their circles, perhaps we would have seen higher sales. Instead of that an event to design the camouflage on the car? Seriously?

[Dr.Vikas]

With due respect to the perspective in the above post, I look at all these efforts in a slightly different manner.

Anyway, the company is supposed to organise events regularly irrespective of the magnitude but to stay in the limelight and also in view of creating media hype about the brand and products occasionally. Also they have substantial funds allocated particularly for the corporate meetings, marketing events, CSR activities etc.

I personally think the FansOfSkoda initiative floated by ŠkodaIndia would certainly be beneficial for the company as well as the customers also. I'm sure the top management would be professional enough to evaluate the profit and loss balance on account of such allied expenses incurred due to inviting the customers to such events.

Btw, the company leadership gets some abstract suggestions, ideas and some honest feedback also on the grassroot level situation across the country so as to react in a tangible way of course if suitable for their policies.
And the customers have an exclusive opportunity to share thoughts and concerns directly with the top leadership. Such direct interaction and further discussions on various topics of common interest, about future plans etc would highly be possible through such events only.

Just for an example, in one such event lately, I suggested that ŠkodaIndia should initiate some comprehensive buyback plans for the existing loyal customers while upgrading with any new Škoda product. Now this thought could be circulated internally before any final decision.

Anyway I don't find anything wrong or harmful if not beneficial in building and enjoying the camaraderie among the company leadership and the FansOfSkoda, explicitly from the customer's POV.

[dipen]

Speculating basis the GST and cess rates, below are the approximate start prices

Kushaq price split would be as below
ex-factory 7.49
GST @ 28% 2.10
Cess @ 17 % 1.27
ex-showroom 10.86

3XO would as below
ex-factory 5.81
GST @ 28% 1.63
Cess @ 1 % 0.06
ex-showroom 7.49

Kylaq potential start price that seems reasonable is below. This provides the possibility of a decent play with a 9.99 mid (level 2 in a 4 variant setup) spec helping in tax savings in many states.

ex-factory 6.58
GST @ 28% 1.84
Cess @ 1 % 0.07
ex-showroom 8.49

Anything beyond this will prove super greediness of Skoda. Skoda needs to understand, this is a relatively price sensitive segment and they need to have decent value for money variants unlike the 15 - 20 lakh models if they are really looking at having decent volumes for a car.

[ashutoshb]

Originally Posted by dipen

Skoda needs to understand, this is a relatively price sensitive segment and they need to have decent value for money variants unlike the 15 - 20 lakh models if they are really looking at having decent volumes for a car.

One disadvantage with them is that they only have one GDI engine (TSI in VW speak) to offer. No Turbo MPFIs or Naturally Aspirated petrols.

The competition, which has more options, has the luxury of offering more affordable variants.

Going by how they have been speaking, I am sure Skoda won't go the Citroen way. They won't go the 'cheapest' route, but the 'value for money' route.

A shock entry price for a bare bones base variant is a possibility, but we all know the real fight is among mid and top variants. Who gives more value at what price point will matter. Competition is a great thing. For us, at least. Exciting times ahead

[Cresterk]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

One disadvantage with them is that they only have one GDI engine (TSI in VW speak) to offer. No Turbo MPFIs or Naturally Aspirated petrols.

The competition, which has more options, has the luxury of offering more affordable variants.

Going by how they have been speaking, I am sure Skoda won't go the Citroen way. They won't go the 'cheapest' route, but the 'value for money' route.

A shock entry price for a bare bones base variant is a possibility, but we all know the real fight is among mid and top variants. Who gives more value at what price point will matter. Competition is a great thing. For us, at least. Exciting times ahead

A high revving N/A engine is understandable but what advantage does a turbo MPFI (port injection) have over a turbo GDI (direct injection)?

[Maky]

Sorry an off-topic query, but something I've wanted cleared in my head for some time now.

Originally Posted by dipen

Speculating basis the GST and cess rates, below are the approximate start prices

Kushaq price split would be as below
ex-factory 7.49
GST @ 28% 2.10
Cess @ 17 % 1.27
ex-showroom 10.86

In your above examples, at the 'ex-factory' price point is where both the manufacturer and dealer have made their margins correct?

[ashutoshb]

Originally Posted by Cresterk

A high revving N/A engine is understandable but what advantage does a turbo MPFI (port injection) have over a turbo GDI (direct injection)?

Besides lower cost and maintenance, I do not see many advantages of a turbo port injection engine over a turbo GDI engine. Port injection is the older of the two technologies, and OEMs worldwide have been switching to GDI engines. Our market has also been slowly witnessing that change.

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

One disadvantage with them is that they only have one GDI engine (TSI in VW speak) to offer. No Turbo MPFIs or Naturally Aspirated petrols.

A shock entry price for a bare bones base variant is a possibility, but we all know the real fight is among mid and top variants. Who gives more value at what price point will matter. Competition is a great thing. For us, at least. Exciting times ahead

They do have a 1.6NA engine for Brazil and similar markets. It’s quite obvious why they don’t offer it here- pathetic fuel economy. And port injected turbos? Only jugaad engineering companies like Tata would venture there in todays time. The disadvantage is not in the power train. It is in the platform itself. Even though the MQB is adapted to reduce costs, they still can’t make too many cost saving changes like changing the thickness of sheet metal, quality of under pinnings etc. Apart from a few issues with plastic quality in the interiors and an overall reduction in the equipment, the bare basics still remain high quality. This is where cost savings are narrow. Even though my Slavia has some really poor plastic trim parts, the brake setup is from an Audi. Now the costs reduced in that plastic trim would be meagre compared to the cost that could have been reduced providing inferior brakes. Thats the reason they are facing trouble everywhere. Maybe VW should build an entire platform ground up suitable for emerging markets and not just re engineer an existing high platform. But that seems to be a dream now considering the JV with Mahindra etc.

[ashutoshb]

Originally Posted by audioholic

The disadvantage is not in the power train. It is in the platform itself.

By disadvantage, I meant their inability to price the car cheaper. Introducing a port injection turbo in 2024, is a step taken backwards. Don't think they need to do that.

Originally Posted by audioholic

.. Maybe VW should build an entire platform ground up suitable for emerging markets and not just re engineer an existing high platform. But that seems to be a dream now considering the JV with Mahindra etc.

I am not kind of excited about that . As a customer, I want the best in the world. I wouldn't want them to cheapen the car out. I wouldn't mind paying extra for better engineering (I did buy a Kushaq). And yes, I know, I am a minority .

-- -- --

Was doing some research on GDI engine cars in the sub-4 metre segment. Following are the starting prices of GDI engine variants. Please correct me, if I am wrong somewhere.

Sonet from 9.62 lakhs.
Fronx from 9.72 lakhs.
Venue from Rs. 9.99 lakhs.
Taisor from 10.55 lakhs
3XO from 11.99 lakhs.

[Guna]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

One disadvantage with them is that they only have one GDI engine (TSI in VW speak) to offer. No Turbo MPFIs or Naturally Aspirated petrols.

What is the need for an old school turbo when they have a modern turbo engine? How is it a disadvantage?

[ashutoshb]

Originally Posted by Guna

What is the need for an old school turbo when they have a modern turbo engine? How is it a disadvantage?

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

By disadvantage, I meant their inability to price the car cheaper. Introducing a port injection turbo in 2024, is a step taken backwards. Don't think they need to do that.

Just mentioned in my reply above

[Guna]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

Just mentioned in my reply above

Got it. But I am not sure how much of a price difference the fuel injecting method makes (once they already have the technology. Developing from scratch is a different thing)
But agree on the point that this segment needs NA options to achieve big numbers.

[volkman10]

Kylaq to debut new Skoda letter mark logo in India.

New Skoda letter mark logo made its debut on the Elroq.



Elroq previews the new design direction for the brand and cues like the split headlamp setup will come across others new models including the Kylaq as teaser have indicated.

Updates to the existsing Skoda line-up to also get new lgo
Skoda India dealership network will also be updated

Interestingly, the Elroq does away with the Skoda arrow logo at the front, rear and the steering boss and instead carries the Skoda lettermark logo. And it's likely that the upcoming Kylaq will have the same treatment.

Link: