The Skoda Kylaq has made its grand debut as the Czech automaker’s first-ever sub-4-metre compact SUV. With this bold step, Skoda enters India’s fiercely competitive compact SUV market, promising a perfect blend of affordability, practicality, and premium design. Known for delivering European styling and exhilarating driving experiences, Skoda has a reputation to uphold. But does the Kylaq meet those expectations?
We took the manual and automatic variants of the Skoda Kylaq on a road trip through Goa to explore its features, performance, and practicality. Here’s what we found.
Volkswagen MQB-A0 Platform: A Legacy of Safety and Stability
The Skoda Kylaq SUV is built on Volkswagen’s proven MQB-A0 platform, shared with the Kushaq, Slavia, and the legendary Polo. It’s no surprise that this SUV earned 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings for both child and adult occupants, setting new benchmarks in safety.
This platform ensures not just structural strength but also a foundation for delivering a smooth and engaging driving experience.
Skoda Kylaq Exterior: Modern and Sporty Design
Bold Front Fascia
The Kylaq introduces Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language to India. Its signature black grille with 3D ribs, flanked by slim crystalline LED headlights, gives it a sophisticated yet bold look. The fog lamps and sporty cladding further emphasize its rugged appeal.
Stylish Side and Rear Profiles
- Side Profile: The heavy cladding extends along the sides, complemented by 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on higher trims (16-inch on base models).
- Ground Clearance: With 189mm ground clearance, the Kylaq can easily handle Indian roads, though it’s not segment-leading.
- Rear Design: While functional, the rear design lacks the flair of the front. However, the SUV vibe is maintained through a robust bumper and bold Skoda branding.
Boot Space
Where the Kylaq truly shines is its class-leading 446-litre boot space, perfect for families. Thoughtful additions like bag hooks and storage compartments enhance its practicality for everyday use and road trips.
Interior Features: Comfort Meets Innovation
Smart Cabin Design
The Kylaq’s cabin blends modern aesthetics with practical features:
- Infotainment and Instrument Cluster: The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system ensures seamless access to media and navigation, while the 8-inch digital instrument cluster displays critical driving information, including tyre pressure and range.
- Ventilated Electric Seats: A first in the segment, the Kylaq offers six-way adjustable electric seats for both the driver and passenger, complete with ventilation for enhanced comfort during long drives.
Convenience Features
Skoda has added thoughtful touches like:
- Anti-pinch electronic sunroof
- Rubber grips in the cup holders for one-handed bottle opening
- A clip on the windscreen for holding receipts
- Rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports, and a foldable armrest for added rear passenger comfort
One minor drawback is the dim lighting on the automatic transmission lever, which can make it difficult to identify gear positions in bright daylight.
One minor drawback is the dim lighting on the automatic transmission lever, which can make it difficult to identify gear positions in bright daylight.
Skoda Kylaq Safety: Segment-Leading Features
Safety is a top priority for Skoda, and the Kylaq reflects that with 25 active and passive safety features as standard across all trims. Key highlights include:
- Six airbags
- Multi-Collision Brake
- Roll Over Protection
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Higher trims offer even more advanced safety features, such as:
- Cornering lights
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Automatic headlights and wipers
- Hill Hold Control
These features make the Kylaq one of the safest compact SUVs in India.
Engine Performance and Driving Experience
The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine, offering:
- 114 bhp of power
- 144Nm of torque
Transmission Options
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters
The automatic transmission is the better pick, as it delivers a smoother and more refined driving experience. Regardless of the variant, the Kylaq offers a zippy and engaging ride, with sharp and responsive steering that inspires confidence during long drives.
Performance Stats
- Top speed: 188 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds
These numbers may not matter much in the compact SUV segment, but they highlight the Kylaq’s capability to deliver spirited performance when needed.
Price and Value for Money
The Skoda Kylaq is a compact SUV that ticks all the boxes—stylish, practical, fun to drive, and packed with features. And the best part? All of this comes at an incredibly competitive starting price of just ₹7,89,000. That’s premium Skoda quality at a price that makes it accessible to a whole new audience. Are you getting in line to buy one?
