Skoda Kylaq
The buzz around Skoda Kylaq compact SUV has been palpable, and I’m as eager as anyone to dive into all the details. Skoda India recently unveiled the Kylaq with a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), which feels like a well-calculated move to attract a massive chunk of the compact SUV market. With bookings kicking off on December 2 and deliveries set to start from January 27, 2025, the Kylaq’s arrival has set the stage for some exciting times in the SUV segment.
First, Let’s Talk About the Name: Skoda Kylaq
One of the first things that struck me about this SUV was its name, “Kylaq.” It’s not just a random pick; Skoda actually selected it from over 2,00,000 entries in a pan-India naming contest. Apparently, the name pays homage to Mount Kailash and, in Sanskrit, translates to “crystal”—a nod to both Indian heritage and the Czech Republic’s famous crystal craftsmanship. This little detail actually adds a lot of character to the SUV, grounding it in a mix of Czech and Indian symbolism. Plus, it aligns with Skoda’s “K” naming convention (think Kushaq, Karoq, and Kodiaq), so it definitely feels like a natural fit in the lineup.
Exterior and Design
Styling is always a big part of what draws me to a car, and the Skoda Kylaq definitely delivers. Skoda’s “Modern Solid” design language, which the Kylaq embraces, is all about clean, robust lines and a slightly rugged aesthetic. From the front, it reminds me a lot of the Kushaq with its split headlamp setup, LED DRLs on top, and LED projector headlamps lower down. It does sport a slimmer grille, and the creased bonnet adds some serious character to the front fascia.
The two-tone bumper and aluminum-look spoiler are nice touches, giving the Kylaq a sporty and modern vibe. As Skoda’s smallest SUV, the Kylaq has a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq (85mm shorter, to be precise) and an overall length of 3,995mm. Yet, it manages to feel substantial and well-proportioned, making it stand out among other compact SUVs. With a solid 189mm ground clearance, it’s designed to handle both city streets and rougher terrain with ease.
Looking at it from the side, the Kylaq stands tall on 17-inch wheels in the top variants, with roof rails and side cladding that add a bit of SUV ruggedness. The doors have simpler lines, which probably helped keep costs down, but they look well-designed nonetheless. The rear is another highlight: the squared-out tail lamps have a distinctive T-shaped signature that reminded me of the Audi Q2, lending a premium touch to the overall look. The thick cladding on the bumper makes it feel ready for adventure, whether it’s a road trip or just an urban commute.
Interior and Features
Stepping inside, the Skoda Kylaq instantly felt familiar. Anyone who’s been in a Kushaq will recognize the layout—it’s classic Skoda. You’ve got the two-spoke steering wheel, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch touchscreen that, thankfully, has been upgraded with a slicker operating system. I appreciate this kind of consistency; it feels like Skoda knows what works and is sticking with it.
In terms of features, the Kylaq hits all the marks. There’s a single-pane sunroof, keyless entry, wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. But the real standout for me is the electrically adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger—now that’s a touch you don’t often see in this segment. The cabin feels thoughtfully laid out with a cooled glovebox, bottle holders in each door, and a front center armrest, all making it both functional and comfortable.
The rear seat comfort really impressed me too. While it doesn’t match the Kushaq in terms of legroom, it still feels spacious enough for taller passengers, which is saying something for a compact SUV. The back seat also comes with a fold-down armrest, adjustable headrests, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers. The only drawback is that, like many SUVs in this category, squeezing three people in the back seat can feel a bit tight.
And let’s not forget about the boot space—it’s surprisingly spacious. With 446 liters of luggage space (or 360 liters with the parcel tray in place), the Kylaq can handle all the usual weekend getaway gear. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats also give you flexibility for hauling larger items, which is always a plus for me.
Skoda Kylaq NCAP Safety
One thing I’m always on the lookout for in a new car is safety, and the Skoda Kylaq seems solid in that department. It’s built on the MQB-A0 IN platform, the same one that underpins the Kushaq, Slavia, and Volkswagen’s Taigun and Virtus. Skoda hasn’t announced a crash test rating yet, but they’re aiming for a 5-star score with both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, so that’s encouraging.
As for safety features, the Kylaq has six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, an electronic differential lock, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. It doesn’t include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at launch, which is a bit of a letdown, considering some of its competitors have started to include these features. But for most buyers, the standard safety kit will probably be more than adequate.
Skoda Kylaq Under the Hood: Powertrain and Performance
The Skoda Kylaq is a petrol-only model, which might disappoint some diesel enthusiasts, but Skoda’s 1.0 TSI engine is a tried-and-tested unit. This 999cc, three-cylinder turbo engine produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque, making it punchy and responsive. I love that it comes with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) option, allowing buyers to choose what suits their driving style best.
With a claimed 0-100kph time of 10.5 seconds, the Kylaq is one of the quicker SUVs in its class, which should make it fun to drive. The reduced weight (38kg less than a comparable Kushaq) and shorter body allowed Skoda to soften the suspension, resulting in a more absorbent ride. It’s ideal for city driving but still holds up well on the highway. Fuel economy hasn’t been shared yet, so I’m curious to see how it performs on that front.
Skoda Kylaq Price and Competition
Skoda Kylaq Starting at Rs 7.89 lakh, the Kylaq’s pricing is competitive and could easily draw a lot of attention in the compact SUV market. Skoda is also expanding its sales and service network, which is fantastic news for those of us who live in smaller cities and towns. It’ll make ownership a lot more accessible and stress-free.
The Kylaq is up against some serious rivals: the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3OO, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch and Kia Sonet. But with its unique combination of features, solid build quality, and that signature Skoda emphasis on safety, I think the Kylaq has what it takes to stand out.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I’m genuinely impressed with what Skoda has done with the Kylaq. It’s got the compact size that’s perfect for urban driving, but with a powerful engine, robust build, and a well-rounded feature set, it’s equally well-suited for longer drives and varied conditions. Skoda’s clearly aiming to make a splash in the compact SUV market, and I have a feeling that the Kylaq, with its attractive price point and well-thought-out design, is going to be a strong contender when it officially hits the showrooms in early 2025.
I, for one, can’t wait to see how it performs on the road. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the Skoda Kylaq might just be the perfect new option for you!
