Skoda Kylaq
When I first heard about the Skoda Kylaq, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Another compact SUV entering an already crowded market? It felt like a tough battle ahead. But when I got behind the wheel, I realized Skoda might have something interesting here. So, let me take you through my experience with the Kylaq – its highs, its quirks, and whether it deserves a spot in your garage.
Also read Newly Launched Skoda Kylaq Inspired by Mount Kailash.
First Impressions Bold and Modern
At first glance, the Kylaq is undeniably Skoda. Its design borrows cues from the brand’s latest EVs, with a striking split headlamp setup, sleek DRLs, and the signature blacked-out Skoda grille. It’s bold, upright, and unmistakably SUV-like.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are just the right size, giving it a balanced stance, while rugged details like matte-black cladding and silver skid plates complete its outdoorsy vibe. The rear, though well-styled with a chiselled tailgate and chunky cladding, felt a bit underwhelming because of the smallish tail lamps.
And those roof rails? Don’t get too excited – they’re purely decorative. But hey, they do add a bit of flair.
Inside the Cabin Familiar Yet Refreshing
Stepping inside, the Kylaq’s interior gave me a sense of déjà vu – it’s so similar to the Kushaq! But Skoda has added subtle touches to make it stand out. The olive-green inserts on the dashboard and doors, along with a light grey theme, bring a refreshing vibe. And those octagonal AC vents? A nice little design detail.
The overall build quality feels solid. The doors close with that satisfying Skoda *thud*, and the cabin materials, while hard, look and feel durable. That said, the Kushaq’s tendency to develop rattles has me a bit cautious about long-term usage.
The front seats are excellent – powered, ventilated, and super comfortable. But the rear? It’s a mixed bag. Legroom is just about adequate, and the backrest is a bit too upright for my liking. Plus, with the seat’s contoured design, it’s best suited for two adults.
Skoda claims a 446-litre boot capacity, but realistically, it’s 360 litres up to the parcel shelf. Enough for a weekend trip, though!
Features That Matter
Skoda hasn’t skimped on features, especially in the top-spec variant. There’s a sunroof, wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a slick touchscreen with updated software. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are seamless, and while the sound system isn’t branded, it gets the job done.
That said, rivals offer extras like rear disc brakes, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS, so the Kylaq does fall slightly short in the bells-and-whistles department.
On the Road Fun and Frustrations
Under the hood, the Kylaq packs the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine found in the Kushaq. And in this slightly smaller package, it feels livelier. Once you get past the turbo lag under 2,000rpm, it really comes alive. It’s peppy, responsive, and happy to rev.
The manual gearbox, though, wasn’t my favourite. Shifting gears required effort, and the clutch felt heavy – not ideal for city traffic. The 6-speed automatic is the better choice, smooth and convenient for urban commutes. There’s even a ‘Sport’ mode for a bit of extra fun, though gearshifts could’ve been quicker.
The downside? Refinement. The engine noise is always there, vibrations sneak into the cabin, and overall insulation could use an upgrade.
Ride and Handling Skoda’s Sweet Spot
If there’s one area where the Kylaq shines, it’s driving dynamics. Skoda has nailed the balance between ride and handling. The stiff suspension gives it a sporty edge – it feels nimble, planted, and engaging around corners. Even with its 189mm ground clearance, body roll is minimal.
But this stiffness has a trade-off. At city speeds, the ride can feel a bit harsh, especially over potholes. On the highway, though, it smooths out nicely.
Braking performance is strong and confidence-inspiring, despite the absence of rear disc brakes.
Verdict Worth Considering?
So, where does the Kylaq stand? For me, it’s a solid compact SUV with its own charm. It’s fun to drive, feels well-built, and packs enough features to keep most buyers happy.
Sure, it has its flaws – the refinement could be better, rear seat comfort isn’t great, and some rivals offer more tech. But at an aggressive starting price of ₹7.89 lakh, it’s a tempting proposition, especially for enthusiasts who value driving dynamics.
Skoda may have been late to the compact SUV party, but the Kylaq proves it’s here to make a statement. If you’re in the market for a sub-4-metre SUV that’s practical yet engaging, the Kylaq deserves a test drive.
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