Skoda Kylaq & VW Virtus Lead May 2025 Car Sales in India

In the Indian automobile market, Skoda and Volkswagen have won over customers with their strong presence and high-quality vehicles. According to the sales data for May 2025, Skoda Kylaq and Volkswagen Virtus delivered stellar performances, securing top positions in their respective segments. In this article, we present a detailed analysis of the sales performance, features, pricing, and market trends of these two brands’ key models in May 2025.
Skoda Kylaq: An Affordable Premium SUV
Skoda has created a stir in the Indian market with its sub-4 meter SUV, Kylaq. In May 2025, the SUV registered 4,949 units in sales, making it the best-selling car for Skoda. Although there was a slight dip compared to April 2025 (5,327 units), Kylaq has maintained a strong grip in the compact SUV segment.
Key Features of Skoda Kylaq
- Engine: 1.0L turbo petrol delivering 115 PS power and 178 Nm torque
- Mileage: 19.68 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, wireless charging, keyless entry, cruise control, and sunroof in top variants
- Safety: 6 airbags, reverse parking camera, ABS, EBD, and 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP
- Price: Starts at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
Why Kylaq is Popular
With an affordable price tag, premium features, and European design, Kylaq gives stiff competition to rivals like Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Brezza. Thanks to 96% localisation, its pricing is competitive and maintenance cost is low. Its striking design and robust build quality make it a favourite among both young and family buyers.
Volkswagen Virtus: Dominating the Premium Sedan Segment
Volkswagen’s Virtus sedan clocked 1,707 units in sales in May 2025, maintaining its dominance in the premium sedan segment. This is a 6% increase over May 2024 (1,610 units), reflecting its growing popularity.
Key Features of Volkswagen Virtus
- Engine: 1.0L TSI (115 PS) and 1.5L TSI (150 PS) petrol engines
- Mileage: Ranges from 18.45 to 20.8 kmpl (depending on variant)
- Comfort: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, digital cockpit, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless charging
- Safety: 6 airbags, GNCAP 5-star rating, rear parking sensors
- Price: Starts at ₹11.56 lakh (ex-showroom)
Virtus’s Strong Position
Virtus stands out from competitors like Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Skoda Slavia with its sporty looks, excellent driving dynamics, and premium interiors. Its 1.5L TSI engine is especially popular among driving enthusiasts, while its 521-litre boot space makes it an ideal family car.
Volkswagen Taigun: Facing Headwinds in the Compact SUV Segment
Volkswagen’s compact SUV Taigun recorded 1,126 units in May 2025, a sharp 28% drop from May 2024 (1,561 units). Intensifying competition in the segment has impacted its sales.
Key Features of Taigun
- Engine: 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI petrol engines
- Mileage: 18-20 kmpl
- Comfort: 10-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, sunroof, cruise control
- Safety: 6 airbags, GNCAP 5-star rating
- Price: Starts at ₹11.07 lakh (ex-showroom)
Challenges for Taigun
Despite having premium features and solid build quality, Taigun is priced slightly higher than competitors like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The influx of new SUV launches and shifting customer preferences have also contributed to the sales dip.
Skoda Slavia: Significant Drop in Sedan Sales
Skoda’s premium sedan Slavia saw its sales drop to 937 units in May 2025 from 1,538 units in May 2024—a 39% decline. Rising demand for SUVs and stiff competition in the sedan space are the main reasons behind this fall.
Key Features of Slavia
- Engine: 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI petrol engines
- Mileage: 18-20 kmpl
- Comfort: 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, sunroof, digital cockpit
- Safety: 6 airbags, GNCAP 5-star rating
- Price: Starts at ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Slavia’s Challenges
While Slavia scores well on design and performance, the soaring popularity of SUVs and presence of affordable models like Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Verna have affected its demand.
Skoda Kushaq: The Former Star SUV Now Falling Behind
Skoda’s Kushaq, once its most popular SUV, recorded only 644 units in May 2025, down from 1,157 units in May 2024—a 44% decline. The launch of Kylaq and new segment entries have hurt Kushaq’s market share.
Key Features of Kushaq
- Engine: 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI petrol engines
- Mileage: 17-19 kmpl
- Comfort: Sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, ventilated seats
- Safety: GNCAP 5-star rating
- Price: Starts at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kushaq’s Challenges
Kylaq’s attractive pricing and fresh features have diverted buyers. Additionally, models like Creta and Seltos continue to dominate the segment, reducing Kushaq’s traction.
Skoda Kodiaq Shows Steady Growth in Premium SUV Segment
Skoda’s flagship SUV Kodiaq registered 208 units in May 2025, marking a 12% growth from May 2024 (185 units). It continues to hold a strong position in the premium SUV category.
Key Features of Kodiaq
- Engine: 2.0L TSI petrol engine producing 190 PS
- Mileage: 12-14 kmpl
- Comfort: Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, premium leather interiors
- Safety: 9 airbags, ADAS features
- Price: Starts at ₹46.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
Kodiaq competes with Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Hyundai Tucson. It is ideal for buyers seeking luxury and performance.
Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Superb: Limited Sales
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Only 15 units sold in May 2025. High pricing and limited demand are key reasons.
- Skoda Superb: Just 2 units sold. Premium positioning and a limited dealership network have impacted sales.
May 2025 Sales Summary
Rank | Model | May 2025 Sales | May 2024 Sales | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Skoda Kylaq | 4,949 | — | New Model |
2 | Volkswagen Virtus | 1,707 | 1,610 | +6% |
3 | Volkswagen Taigun | 1,126 | 1,561 | -28% |
4 | Skoda Slavia | 937 | 1,538 | -39% |
5 | Skoda Kushaq | 644 | 1,157 | -44% |
— | Skoda Kodiaq | 208 | 185 | +12% |
— | Volkswagen Tiguan | 15 | — | — |
— | Skoda Superb | 2 | — | — |
Source: May 2025 sales data is based on official reports from Skoda and Volkswagen and leading automobile news portals.
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