Highlights

• Skoda KAIQ officially launched by MWA Expands in Kathmandu
• Launch event held at Chandragiri Hills Resort on 27 Magh 2082
• Manual starts at 45.90 lakh NPR, AT at 52.90 lakh NPR
• Powered by a 1.0 L TSI petrol engine delivering 114 bhp and 178 Nm torque
• Wheelbase 2.56 m, length 3.95 m, ground clearance 189 mm
• 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, ISOFIX across all trims
• Competes with Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Tata Nexon
• First Skoda SUV in Nepal in over two years, signals brand’s renewed focus

Skoda KAIQ arrives in Nepal

The long‑awaited Skoda KAIQ rolled out of the press bay at Chandragiri Hills Resort, flanked by Bollywood legend Rajesh Hamal and senior executives of MWA Expands. The crowd got a first glimpse of the SUV’s bold front grille, 17‑inch alloy wheels and a silhouette that mirrors the earlier Skoda Kushaq but with a fresher, more urban stance. That matters because Skoda has been quiet on the Nepalese scene since the Kushaq’s debut, and the KAIQ is the brand’s answer to a market hungry for affordable yet premium‑feeling crossovers.

What the KAIQ brings to the table

• Dual digital screens (10.25‑inch driver, 9‑inch passenger) for infotainment and instrument cluster
• Powered driver seat with lumbar support
• Leather‑ette upholstery with contrast stitching
• Connected car technology – Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, OTA updates
• Ambient lighting in three colour zones
• 6‑speaker Canton sound system with sub‑woofer

These appointments push the KAIQ well beyond the entry‑level price point. A buyer who once settled for a basic hatchback now sees a cabin that feels like a compact premium sedan. This changes things for Skoda’s brand perception in Nepal.

Powertrain and performance details

The heart of the KAIQ is a 1.0 L TSI three‑cylinder petrol unit. It churns out 114 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 178 Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine is paired with either a 6‑speed manual gearbox or a 7‑speed DSG‑type automatic (marketed locally as a 6‑speed AT). Both setups promise smooth city cruising and enough pull for the winding roads of the Kathmandu Valley.

Key performance figures:

• 0‑100 km/h in roughly 10.8 seconds (manual) – quick enough for overtaking
• Top speed limited to 190 km/h – more than sufficient for Nepali highways
• Fuel consumption quoted at 6.2 L/100 km (WLTP) – respectable for a 1‑litre turbo

That matters because fuel cost remains a top concern for Nepalese buyers; the KAIQ offers a balance of power and efficiency rarely seen in this segment.

Specification	Value
Engine	1.0 L TSI, 3‑cylinder
Power	114 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	178 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission	6‑speed MT / 6‑speed AT
Length	3.95 m
Wheelbase	2.56 m
Ground clearance	189 mm
Boot capacity	446 L (up to 1,265 L with rear seats folded)

Pricing and trim breakdown

Skoda has kept the pricing structure simple: two trims – Manual and Automatic. Both receive the full safety suite and interior tech list.

Trim	Price (NPR)	Key Features
KAIQ Manual	45,90,000	6‑airbag, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, ISOFIX, dual digital screens
KAIQ Automatic	52,90,000	All Manual features + 7‑speed DSG‑type AT, paddle shifters

The price sits comfortably between the Hyundai Venue (≈ 44 lakh) and the Kia Sonet (≈ 55 lakh), giving Skoda a sweet spot for budget‑conscious buyers who still crave premium touches.

Competitive landscape

Competitor	Price (NPR)	Engine	Power	Key Advantage
Hyundai Venue	44,00,000	1.2 L MPI	83 bhp	Proven reliability
Kia Sonet	55,00,000	1.0 L Turbo	118 bhp	Sporty design
Mahindra XUV300	48,50,000	1.2 L Turbo	110 bhp	Strong after‑sales network
Maruti Suzuki Fronx	46,00,000	1.0 L Turbo	100 bhp	Low running cost
Tata Nexon	49,00,000	1.2 L Turbo	120 bhp	Robust build

The KAIQ’s 114 bhp places it ahead of most rivals except the Nexon, while its interior tech outpaces the Venue and Fronx. Safety is another differentiator: six airbags and a full suite of electronic aids are standard, a rarity in the sub‑₹55 lakh bracket.

Looking ahead

Skoda’s re‑entry with the KAIQ signals a broader strategy: expand the SUV lineup, tighten dealer networks, and push digital‑first sales channels. MWA Expands has hinted at a 2026‑2027 rollout of a hybrid‑ready model, likely based on the upcoming Skoda Enyaq platform. If the KAIQ can capture even a modest 2‑3 % of Nepal’s SUV market, it will justify further investment and perhaps bring a plug‑in hybrid version to Kathmandu by 2028.

The launch also nudges competitors to upgrade safety and infotainment across their line‑ups. Expect a wave of OTA updates, higher‑grade upholstery options, and more aggressive pricing in the next twelve months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the exact launch date for the Skoda KAIQ in Nepal? A: The KAIQ was officially unveiled on 27 Magh 2082 (February 10 2026) and will be available for delivery from March 2026.

Q: Are there any financing schemes for the KAIQ? A: MWA Expands is offering up to 70 % financing on both trims, with down‑payment options starting at 10 % of the ex‑showroom price.

Q: How does the KAIQ’s safety equipment compare to the Hyundai Venue? A: The KAIQ comes with six airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control and ISOFIX as standard. The Venue offers two airbags and ABS only, making the KAIQ a clear safety leader in its price segment.

Q: Will the KAIQ be available with a diesel engine? A: No. Skoda is launching the KAIQ in Nepal exclusively with the 1.0 L TSI petrol engine, aligning with the market’s shift toward cleaner powertrains.

Q: Where can I book a test‑drive? A: Test‑drives can be booked through the official Skoda Nepal portal or any authorized MWA Expands showroom in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar.

Q: Is the KAIQ eligible for any government tax rebates? A: Currently, Nepal’s tax structure does not provide specific rebates for petrol‑powered SUVs; however, the vehicle qualifies for the standard import duty schedule.