Skoda Kylaq: A Tad Of
ĹEuropeanness
In Compact SUV Segment From The German Automaker The Skoda Kylaq has found its own space in India’s highly competitive compact SUV market.
Part of the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 push, the Kylaq is a mishmash of European design, rock-solid construction and driver-focused dynamics with one big twist:
it’s tuned for Indian roads. But how does it fare in the eyes of SUV shoppers seeking a blend of style, performance and utility? Let’s break it down.
Design Clean, Sharp and Confident
The design on the Kylaq is typical Skoda, with model’s straight lines, wide radiator grille, and crystalline full-LED headlights.
Subtle cladding around the wheel arches, roof rails, and stylish alloy wheels add to the SUV stance, so it appears just the right side of rugged without going overboard.
Its size is just right for city or highway duty — long enough to be seen, small enough to filter through traffic.
Practical ground clearance of 188mm helps it tackle speed breakers and bad patches easily.
Engine and Driving
The Skoda gets Kylaq two turbo-petrol engines as well – a 1.0-litre TSI motor tuned to make 115 PS and a 1.5-litre TSI churning out 150 PS.
The two engines are slick and powerful, but in terms of outright performance it’s hard to ignore the 1.5 TSI, particularly on faster A roads and motorways.
The 6-speed manual box is slick, and the automatic choices – a 6-speed torque converter for the 1.0 TSI and 7-speed DSG for the 1.5 TSI – only add to the convenience.
The Kylaq steering is light in the city and weighs up well on the highway, adding to the driving experience.
Fuel economy is decent: the 1.0 TSI gets 16-18 km/l in mixed conditions and the 1.5 TSI will see 14-16 km/l depending on your right foot.
Interior and Features
Climb in, and the Kylaq wows with its neat, contemporary cabin.
The dual-tone dashboard, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital instrument cluster , ventilated seats, sunroof.
And wireless charging check most of the boxes in the correct direction.
There’s plenty of space for four adults in the cabin, with plenty of head and legroom.
The boot is 385 litres, which is good enough for the weekend or grocery shopping.
Where it could do better is material quality — hard plastics in some places feel at odds with the otherwise premium atmosphere.
On the safety front, Skoda provides ESC, multi-collision braking, six airbags (top) and hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring.
The Kylaq also makes it 5-stars on GNCAP, a sense of comfort and reassurance really!
Pros
Driving experience: Both powertrains deliver decent performance, especially the 1.5 TSI with DSG.
Strong feel: With the doors and panels providing that extra bit of reassurance, the Kylaq seems quite solidly built.
5-star GNCAP safety rating: It’s one of the safest options in its class.
Good ride-and-handling balance: It rides very well on highways and reacts nimbly around town.
Well-equipped with features: Contemporary infotainment, connected tech, ventilated seats and everything else you need and, in some cases, things you don’t.
Cons
Pricey top trims: Up-level versions are on the dear side versus some competitors.
Narrow rear seat: It’s cramped back there for three adults.
Some of the cabin plastics are cruisier: Not as premium as you’d hope at this price point.
Cons: No diesel engine option: Could be a deal-breaker for some who travel long miles.
After-sales service perception: Improved for Skoda but some buyers are still concerned about the long-term cost of servicing.
Skoda Kylaq : Final Word
The Skoda Kylaq gives a break from the usual suspects in the compact-SUV segment.
It’s fun to drive, well-outfitted, and designed with safety in mind.
It has its rough points — cabin materials and cost, Maalik observed — but it works to deliver a European SUV experience few can emulate.
If driving pleasure and solid engineering are your mantras, the Kylaq deserves a closer look.