The all-new Skoda Kylaq marks Skoda India's entry into the compact SUV market. As the brand's first compact SUV, the Kylaq has been developed from the ground up, representing a fresh direction for Skoda. Positioned below the Kushaq in the SUV lineup, the Kylaq promises to cater to a new segment of customers looking for a city-friendly yet rugged compact SUV. Currently, the Kylaq is still in the pre-production stage and is camouflaged, but Skoda plans to officially unveil the Kylaq on 6 November 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of compact SUVs.
Exterior Design
The Skoda Kylaq measures 3,995mm in length, with a 2,566mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 189mm. These dimensions are well-suited for urban driving and handling bad road conditions, giving it a competitive edge in India’s compact SUV market. The design of the Kylaq follows Skoda's all-new global design language. While it shares some characteristics with the Kushaq, such as a similar grille, many of the design details are unique to the Kylaq.
The front of the car features split LED headlights, and the bonnet has new cuts and creases, adding a dynamic edge to the SUV’s design. The minimal overhangs at both the front and rear ensure space efficiency while maintaining a sporty appearance. The rear, in particular, showcases new taillights that are in line with Skoda’s latest design philosophy. Despite the camouflage, the Kylaq’s proportions and style make it clear that it’s going to be a serious contender in the compact SUV segment.
Interior Design
While the exterior of the Kylaq hints at an exciting design direction, the interior remains largely under wraps for now. However, based on the prototype and Skoda's announcements, we can expect a fully digital driver’s display, similar to the Kushaq’s setup. The Kylaq will likely come with a multimedia system resembling that of its sibling, offering seamless connectivity and infotainment options. One standout feature that has been confirmed is the first-in-segment electric seat adjustment for both the driver and co-driver, setting a new standard for convenience and comfort in this segment.
Driving Experience on the Track
Under the hood, the Skoda Kylaq comes with a single engine option, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI petrol engine, familiar to Skoda fans. This turbocharged engine produces 115bhp and 178Nm of torque, offering more than enough power for daily city driving and occasional highway trips. The Kylaq will be available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
During our track test, the Kylaq’s performance was impressive, especially considering its compact size. Despite the noise typical of a three-cylinder engine, it wasn’t unpleasant, and the car felt surprisingly lively on the go-kart-like track. The low-end torque made acceleration smooth and responsive, with little to no noticeable turbo lag. On slow-speed corners, the Kylaq handled well, with enough torque to maintain higher gears throughout most of the circuit.
Off-Road Performance
While the Kylaq is designed primarily for urban use, we briefly tested it on a dirt section alongside the track to assess its off-road capability. On this rutted, uneven surface, the Kylaq’s suspension proved surprisingly effective, absorbing most of the irregularities without compromising ride comfort. Although this brief off-road experience doesn’t provide enough information to completely judge the car’s handling and ride quality, the initial impressions are promising.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
Skoda has clarified that the Kylaq will be competitively priced to attract a broad range of customers. While exact pricing details will only be revealed closer to its launch, we expect the Kylaq to be priced between Rs. 8 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.
In conclusion, the 2025 Skoda Kylaq is shaping up to be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. With its modern design, practical dimensions, and advanced features like the electric seat adjustment, it’s likely to offer great value for money. The driving experience, both on and off the track, suggests that the Kylaq will cater well to Indian consumers looking for a reliable, stylish, and affordable compact SUV. We'll have to wait for the official production model and its launch in 2025 to see how the Kylaq truly fares in real-world conditions, but based on this track experience, things are looking very positive for Skoda’s latest offering.
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