Skoda, renowned for its sturdy build quality, premium interiors, and performance-oriented engineering, has finally forayed into the fiercely competitive sub-4m SUV segment with the Skoda Kylaq. This segment has been bustling with activity, with offerings like the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet ruling the roost. Skoda aims to carve its niche by delivering a compact SUV that combines practicality, safety, and a touch of premium feel inspired by its elder sibling, the Kushaq. Dubbed the “mini-Kushaq,” the Kylaq promises a well-rounded package for urban and highway driving alike. Let’s dive into every aspect of this promising compact SUV to see if it lives up to its expectations.
Exterior Design
Front Fascia
The Skoda Kylaq’s design language borrows heavily from the Kushaq, featuring the signature black Skoda grille with sharp lines that exude sophistication. The LED projector headlamps, paired with stylish LED DRLs, are housed on the bumper, lending the car a modern and aggressive look. The lack of chrome accents ensures a sporty vibe, appealing to younger buyers.
Side Profile
Measuring 3,995 mm in length, the Kylaq boasts a proportionate stance that doesn’t feel cramped for a sub-4m SUV. Its clean design, accentuated by sharp shoulder lines and a dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheel option, adds to its elegance. The top-end Prestige variant gets a ground clearance of 189 mm, ensuring ease of maneuvering over rough roads.
Rear Design
The rear is where the Kylaq sets itself apart from the Kushaq. Its distinct LED taillamps and clean rear bumper design, with Skoda’s badge prominently displayed, round off its overall modern aesthetic. Available in seven striking colors, including Lava Blue and Olive Gold, the Kylaq stands out with its understated yet classy appearance.
Interior Design
Stepping into the Kylaq’s cabin is like entering a downsized version of the Kushaq. The dual-tone dashboard incorporates modern touches, such as a bamboo-fiber-infused material for a sustainable, eco-friendly vibe. While the layout is straightforward, touches of piano black and chrome add a premium feel. However, some elements, like the AC vents, feel a bit flimsy.
The seats are supportive, with good cushioning and bolstering. The top variants come with leatherette upholstery, elevating the cabin’s plushness. While the design focuses on simplicity and ergonomics, it lacks the sense of old-school Skoda robustness seen in cars like the Rapid or Fabia.
Comfort and Features
The Kylaq caters well to comfort seekers with a well-balanced feature set:
- Front Seats: Ventilated with 6-way electric adjustment.
- Infotainment System: A 10-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Other Features: Automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging, ambient lighting, rear AC vents, and a sunroof.
That said, the rearview camera quality is subpar, and the meek-sounding horn feels out of place in an otherwise well-built car. Additionally, the AC performance remains to be seen in peak summer, especially considering Skoda’s history with the 1.0-liter engine models.
Powertrain and Drive Review
Under the hood, the Kylaq features a 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 114 BHP and 178 Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a 6-speed torque converter automatic (6AT).
Manual Transmission: While city-friendly, the engine suffers from noticeable turbo lag at low speeds due to its smaller capacity. The clutch feels heavier compared to competitors like the Venue and Brezza, which can be cumbersome in traffic.
Automatic Transmission: This variant masks the turbo lag effectively, thanks to its strong creep mode. The top variants also come with paddle shifters, making it more engaging to drive. The torque converter is reliable compared to DSG or DCT gearboxes commonly seen in this segment.
Performance: The engine delivers brisk acceleration, with 0–100 kmph achieved in under 11 seconds. While fuel efficiency is decent at 12–14 kmpl in the city and 16–17 kmpl on the highway, the addition of a larger 1.5-liter TSI engine in higher trims would be a welcome option for enthusiasts.
The Kylaq’s driving dynamics balance ride comfort with confident handling, staying true to Skoda’s DNA.
- Suspension: The setup is on the softer side, which makes it comfortable for city commutes but slightly bouncy over uneven surfaces.
- Steering: Light and responsive for urban driving, with sufficient feedback on highways.
- Braking: Strong and dependable, complemented by advanced safety features like ESC and an electronic differential lock.
Despite some minor engine vibrations at low speeds and start-up, the Kylaq is fun to drive, offering the best driving dynamics in the segment. It’s particularly suited for long highway trips, making it a practical yet thrilling companion for road trips.
Pricing and Variants
The Kylaq is offered in four variants: Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige. The pricing starts at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base manual variant and tops out at ₹14.40 lakh for the fully-loaded Prestige automatic variant. The first 33,333 customers will also receive a free maintenance package, adding value. Additionally, Skoda offers a 3-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Verdict
The Skoda Kylaq enters a crowded market with many positives:
Pros:
- Strong build quality and safety.
- Best-in-class driving dynamics.
- Peppy engine performance.
- Improved interiors and features.
Cons:
- Noticeable turbo lag in the manual variant.
- Subpar rearview camera quality.
- Heavy clutch and missing premium features like ADAS or a 360-degree camera.
If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a solid build, engaging driving experience, and practicality, the Kylaq makes a strong case for itself. However, offering the 1.5-liter engine option in higher trims could further enhance its appeal to enthusiasts. Overall, the Kylaq is a balanced package that could very well become Skoda’s best-selling model in India.
