Skoda India’s journey into the compact SUV market took a significant turn with the launch of the Skoda Kylaq, offering a surprising combination of affordability and performance. Known for producing premium vehicles, Skoda has managed to strike a fine balance between price, features, and performance with the Kylaq, setting it apart in the competitive compact SUV segment.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Skoda Kylaq is available in four variants: Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige, priced competitively to challenge its segment rivals.

• Classic Variant: Starts at ₹7.89 lakh, offering an affordable entry point.

• Signature Automatic: Priced at ₹10.59 lakh, marking the entry for automatic options.

• Prestige Variant: ₹13.35 lakh for manual and ₹14.40 lakh for automatic.

Compared to competitors like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Kylaq is priced aggressively. While it lacks diesel or CNG options available in some competitors, the Kylaq compensates with a turbo-petrol engine and a standard six-speed manual gearbox even in its base variant.

Timeless Design

Skoda’s reputation for understated, timeless designs continues with the Kylaq. Borrowing heavily from the Kushaq, the Kylaq exudes sophistication without over-the-top styling.

Key Design Elements

• Split LED headlamps

• Signature Skoda grille

• Wrap-around taillamps

• 17-inch alloy wheels

Unlike many compact SUVs that resemble hatchbacks on stilts, the Kylaq feels like a scaled-down version of the Kushaq, lending it a more premium and proportionate appeal.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Skoda Kylaq mirrors the Kushaq’s cabin design, offering a familiar yet refined experience.

• Dashboard and Layout: Features a clean design with a touch-capacitive HVAC panel, an infotainment screen, and premium materials.

• Comfort and Convenience: Powered and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, wireless charging, and tilt-and-telescopic steering add to the luxury.

• Safety and Tech: Equipped with six airbags, TPMS, USB Type-C ports, and auto-dimming IRVM.

While the Kylaq lacks a 360-degree camera and advanced ADAS features, it delivers on essentials, making it a well-rounded option for its price.

Performance and Powertrain

The Kylaq stands out with its 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, producing 114bhp and 178Nm of torque. This powertrain, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, ensures engaging performance.

Unlike competitors offering naturally aspirated engines in entry-level trims, the Kylaq offers a consistent turbocharged experience across all variants. This, combined with Skoda’s excellent chassis dynamics, makes the Kylaq one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs in the segment.

Final Verdict

The Skoda Kylaq is a compelling package in the compact SUV market. With its aggressive pricing, timeless design, feature-rich cabin, and powerful turbocharged engine, it ticks most of the right boxes. While it could benefit from additional powertrain options or advanced safety tech, the Kylaq’s core strengths make it a strong contender for buyers seeking a premium compact SUV experience.

If you value performance, understated aesthetics, and a well-engineered driving experience, the Kylaq is a recipe for success that’s hard to overlook.

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