Škoda Sales Analysis December 2025: Kylaq Takes Charge as Core Models Struggle for Scale

Škoda Auto India ended December 2025 with a sharply split performance that highlights the brand’s current transition phase in India. While the newly introduced Kylaq emerged as a clear volume driver and stabilising force, Škoda’s older mainstream models—Kushaq and Slavia—continued to face pressure both year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM).

December, traditionally a consolidation month after the festive season, made one thing evident: Škoda’s near-term fortunes in India are now closely tied to Kylaq, while its legacy ICE portfolio is awaiting either a refresh or strategic repositioning.

Škoda India Sales – December 2025 (Model-wise Performance)

Model	Dec ’25	Dec ’24	YoY Growth	Nov ’25	MoM Growth
Kylaq	3,668	—	—	3,538	+4%
Kushaq	958	2,465	-61%	586	+63%
Slavia	711	1,894	-62%	1,120	-37%
Kodiaq	230	194	+19%	153	+50%
Superb	0	1	-100%	0	0%
Octavia	0	—	—	94	-100%

Big Picture: A Brand in Transition

December 2025 reinforces a pattern seen across the year for Škoda India:

New nameplates are driving relevance
Aging or mid-cycle models are losing momentum
Premium imports remain niche and irregular

Unlike mass-market OEMs, Škoda operates with a narrower portfolio, making each product’s performance far more consequential. In December, Kylaq alone accounted for over 65% of Škoda’s total sales, underlining its outsized importance.

The Kylaq Effect: Škoda’s New Anchor

Kylaq: The Brand’s Volume Backbone

The Škoda Kylaq continued its strong run with 3,668 units, registering:

+4% MoM growth
Consistent dispatch levels for a second consecutive month

Kylaq’s success stems from:

SUV styling aligned with Indian buyer preferences
Competitive pricing relative to rivals
Positioning as Škoda’s most accessible and contemporary product

Importantly, Kylaq has given Škoda volume stability, something the brand lacked over the past two years. While its absolute numbers are still modest compared to mass-market rivals, Kylaq has become Škoda’s single most important product in India.

Kushaq: MoM Recovery, YoY Stress

Kushaq: Signs of Life, But Base Has Eroded

The Kushaq posted 958 units, showing:

63% MoM growth
A steep 61% YoY decline

The MoM recovery suggests:

Improved availability
Tactical year-end offers
Some buyer interest returning at revised price points

However, the YoY drop highlights how far Kushaq has slipped amid:

Intense competition in the mid-size SUV segment
Feature-rich and tax-efficient rivals
Overlap with Kylaq at certain price bands

Kushaq is no longer Škoda’s primary growth engine—it is now in defensive mode.

Slavia: Sedan Headwinds Continue

Slavia: Caught in a Shrinking Segment

Slavia recorded 711 units, down:

62% YoY
37% MoM

Despite being a well-engineered sedan, Slavia faces:

Structural decline of the mid-size sedan segment
Preference shift toward compact SUVs
Internal cannibalisation from Kylaq and Kushaq

Unlike compact sedans such as Dzire or Aura, Slavia does not benefit from sub-4-metre tax advantages, making it harder to sustain volumes in the current pricing environment.

Premium SUV: Kodiaq Stays Niche but Stable

Kodiaq: Low Volume, Positive Momentum

The Kodiaq delivered 230 units, marking:

19% YoY growth
50% MoM increase

While volumes are small, Kodiaq’s performance shows:

Continued interest in premium European SUVs
Sporadic dispatch cycles rather than steady retail demand

Kodiaq remains a halo product, contributing more to brand image than scale.

Discontinued / Dormant Nameplates

Octavia and Superb: Effectively Absent

Octavia recorded zero sales, after 94 units in November
Superb remained at zero, confirming its effective exit from the current lineup

These two nameplates once defined Škoda’s brand identity in India. Their absence leaves a gap in the premium sedan space, weakening Škoda’s emotional connect with long-time enthusiasts.

Key Trends from Škoda’s December 2025 Performance

1. Kylaq Is Now Non-Negotiable

Without Kylaq, Škoda’s monthly volumes would fall to critically low levels.

2. Portfolio Concentration Is a Risk

Overdependence on a single model increases vulnerability to market swings.

3. SUVs Are Mandatory for Survival

Sedans like Slavia are no longer sufficient to anchor volumes.

4. MoM Gains Mask YoY Declines

Short-term recoveries cannot hide longer-term erosion in older models.

5. Premium Imports Remain Symbolic

Kodiaq sells in low but stable numbers; Superb and Octavia are effectively dormant.

Strategic Implications for 2026

Protect Kylaq at All Costs
Any disruption to Kylaq supply or pricing would significantly hurt volumes.
Reposition Kushaq Clearly
Either through feature upgrades or sharper pricing to avoid overlap.
Rethink Sedan Strategy
Slavia needs differentiation—or acceptance of niche status.
Rebuild the Premium Narrative
The absence of Octavia and Superb weakens brand aspiration.
Expand Portfolio Thoughtfully
One more high-volume SUV could materially change Škoda’s India trajectory.

Outlook: What December Signals for 2026

Kylaq will remain Škoda’s sales anchor
Kushaq may stabilise, but unlikely to regain past peaks
Slavia will stay under pressure unless the sedan market revives
Premium models will continue as low-volume, image builders

Conclusion

Škoda Auto India’s December 2025 performance is a clear reflection of a brand midway through reinvention. The Kylaq has arrived at the right time, preventing a deeper volume slide and giving Škoda a credible foothold in today’s SUV-dominated market.

However, December also exposes the fragility of a narrow portfolio. With Kushaq and Slavia struggling and premium sedans absent, Škoda’s growth story in India is currently one-model deep.

As 2026 approaches, Škoda’s success will hinge on whether it can build around Kylaq, refresh its aging lineup, and restore the aspirational pull that once made the brand stand out. December doesn’t spell trouble—but it clearly shows how little margin for error remains.