Skoda posts 39% sales growth in January 2026 driven by strong Kylaq demand, while Volkswagen sales fall 19% amid absence of a sub-4 metre SUV. Full sales breakdown here.
Skoda Kylaq Powers Strong January 2026 Growth While Volkswagen Faces Sales Pressure in India
Skoda Kylaq sales January 2026, Skoda India sales 2026, Volkswagen India sales January 2026, Skoda vs Volkswagen sales, Kylaq sales growth, sub-4 metre SUV India
The Indian car market continues to show how important the right product strategy is. In January 2026, Skoda and Volkswagen delivered very different performances. While Skoda posted strong growth thanks to the Kylaq, Volkswagen saw its overall sales decline.
The biggest difference? Presence in the sub-4 metre SUV segment — one of the hottest categories in India right now.
Skoda India Sales – January 2026
Skoda delivered 5,739 cars in January 2026. Compared to 4,133 units sold in January 2025, this marks a strong 39% year-on-year growth.
The main reason behind this impressive performance is clear — the Skoda Kylaq.
Kylaq: The Backbone of Skoda’s Growth
The Kylaq has quickly become Skoda’s most important model in India. In January 2026, it recorded 3,220 units, compared to 1,242 units in January 2025. That’s a massive 159% growth.
Priced from ₹7.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kylaq competes in the highly competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment. This category is extremely popular among Indian buyers because it offers:
- SUV styling
- Compact size for city driving
- Competitive pricing
- Good features and technology
Cars in this segment attract first-time buyers, young professionals, and small families. The Kylaq seems to have hit the right balance between price, design, and features — and the sales numbers clearly reflect that.
In January 2025, the Kylaq was still in its launch phase, which explains the lower base. Now, with full availability across dealerships, it is delivering strong volumes consistently.
Slavia: Steady and Reliable Performer
The Skoda Slavia also contributed solidly to Skoda’s January performance.
- January 2026: 1,946 units
- January 2025: 1,510 units
- Growth: 29%
Starting at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Slavia competes in the mid-size sedan segment. Even though SUVs dominate the market today, sedans still have a loyal customer base. Buyers who prefer better driving dynamics and classic styling continue to choose models like the Slavia.
Its steady growth shows that Skoda’s sedan strategy is still working.
Kushaq: Big Drop Due to Model Transition
The Skoda Kushaq saw a significant decline in January 2026.
- January 2026: 434 units
- January 2025: 1,371 units
- Decline: 68%
The reason is simple — the current version is in its runout phase. A facelifted version is expected next month, and many buyers are likely waiting for the updated model. When a new version is about to launch, customers often delay their purchase, which affects monthly sales.
The Kushaq starts at ₹10.66 lakh (ex-showroom), and the upcoming facelift is expected to be slightly more expensive.
Kodiaq: Strong Comeback with New Generation
The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq recorded 139 units in January 2026. In January 2025, the previous generation had sold only 10 units because it was close to being discontinued.
The sharp rise is mainly due to the introduction of the updated model. Priced from ₹39.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kodiaq targets premium SUV buyers who want a spacious, feature-loaded, and comfortable vehicle.
Volkswagen India Sales – January 2026
Volkswagen, on the other hand, reported 2,710 units in January 2026. This is a 19% decline compared to 3,344 units sold in January 2025.
Unlike Skoda, Volkswagen does not have a sub-4 metre SUV in its lineup. This gap appears to be affecting its growth in a market where compact SUVs dominate.
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Virtus: Still the Brand’s Star
The Volkswagen Virtus was Volkswagen’s best-selling model in January 2026.
- January 2026: 1,881 units
- January 2025: 1,795 units
- Growth: 5%
Priced from ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Virtus remains strong in the sedan segment. It shares its platform with the Skoda Slavia but has its own design and brand identity.
Even in a market dominated by SUVs, the Virtus is performing consistently.
Taigun: Major Decline
The Volkswagen Taigun registered 790 units in January 2026, down sharply compared to last year.
One key reason could be increasing competition. The mid-size SUV segment is crowded, and without a smaller, more affordable SUV option below it, Volkswagen is missing out on entry-level SUV buyers.
Prices of the Taigun start at ₹10.58 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Tiguan and Tayron: Premium Focus
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan contributed 34 units in January 2026. In January 2025, the company had shipped just one unit of the previous-generation model.
Volkswagen has also started dispatching the Volkswagen Tayron, with five units reaching dealerships in January 2026. The Tayron is a three-row SUV and is expected to launch soon. It will strengthen Volkswagen’s premium SUV portfolio.
However, premium models usually bring lower volumes. They improve brand image but do not significantly boost total sales numbers.
The Big Picture: Why the Sub-4 Metre Segment Matters
The difference between Skoda and Volkswagen’s January performance clearly highlights one major factor — presence in the sub-4 metre SUV segment.
This category:
- Offers competitive pricing
- Qualifies for certain tax benefits
- Attracts a large number of buyers
- Delivers high monthly volumes
Skoda’s Kylaq is benefiting directly from this demand. Volkswagen, without a model in this space, is missing out on a large chunk of the market.
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Skoda India Sales – January 2026
| Model | January 2026 | January 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Kylaq | 3,220 | 1,242 | +159% |
| Skoda Slavia | 1,946 | 1,510 | +29% |
| Skoda Kushaq | 434 | 1,371 | -68% |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 139 | 10 | +1,290% |
| Skoda Octavia | 0 | NA | – |
| Total | 5,739 | 4,133 | +39% |
Volkswagen India Sales – January 2026
| Model | January 2026 | January 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW Virtus | 1,881 | 1,795 | +5% |
| VW Taigun | 790 | 1,548 | -49% |
| VW Tiguan | 34 | 1 | +3,300% |
| VW Tayron | 5 | NA | – |
| VW Golf | 0 | NA | – |
| Total | 2,710 | 3,344 | -19% |
Final Thoughts
January 2026 was a strong month for Skoda in India. With 39% growth, the company has shown how a well-positioned product can transform sales performance. The Kylaq has become the brand’s volume driver and key growth engine.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, saw its sales decline by 19%. While models like the Virtus continue to perform steadily, the absence of a compact SUV is clearly limiting its growth potential.
If Volkswagen introduces a sub-4 metre SUV in the future, its numbers could improve significantly. Until then, Skoda appears to have the upper hand in the Indian market.
For now, the message from January 2026 is simple: in India, compact SUVs rule — and Skoda is playing the game smartly.