Skoda Kylaq: In the ever-expanding Indian automotive market where sub-compact SUVs dominate the road, Skoda has launched its much-anticipated answer to the competition with the introduction of the Skoda Kylaq. This vehicle not only marks Skoda’s aggressive push into India’s highly competitive sub-4-meter SUV space but also exemplifies how a global brand can adapt its engineering prowess, design philosophy, and performance standards to local tastes and requirements.
Meet the Skoda Kylaq: The Most Euro-Indian SUV of the Year
Built on the highly localized MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kylaq is an SUV that balances practicality and aesthetics, comfort and performance, all while offering premium appeal at an accessible price point. Its exterior design is muscular yet refined, borrowing cues from Skoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language. From the sharply contoured bonnet to the bold front grille adorned with the Skoda wordmark, and flanked by distinctive LED headlamps, the Kylaq presents an assertive road presence.
The proportions are carefully calculated with a length of 3995 mm, a width of 1783 mm, and a height of 1619 mm, giving it a robust yet urban-friendly stance, while the 2566 mm wheelbase promises ample cabin space for occupants. A ground clearance of 188 mm ensures it can handle rough Indian roads and occasional off-road detours with ease. The clamshell bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, dual-tone roof options, and crisp character lines lend the car an international look that sets it apart from rivals like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon.
Skoda Kylaq: Design and Interior Sophistication
the Skoda Kylaq and you are greeted by a premium cabin that aligns with what customers expect from a European manufacturer. The interior feels upmarket thanks to soft-touch materials, dual-tone leatherette seats, a free-standing 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a well-designed 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Skoda has paid attention to both form and function, ensuring that all controls are driver-centric, easy to reach, and tactile.
The dashboard carries a layered design with metallic accents and neatly integrated air conditioning vents. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity come standard, along with a wireless phone charger and ambient lighting that enhances the experience during nighttime drives. Storage spaces are well thought out, from cup holders and door pockets to a cooled glove box and central armrest compartment. The cabin offers exceptional comfort, with segment-first features like electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, which make long journeys more pleasant, especially during hot Indian summers.
The rear seats offer generous knee room and decent headroom, aided by the car’s clever packaging. A rear AC vent, USB charging ports, and a large panoramic sunroof further elevate the sense of space and luxury. In terms of sound, the Kylaq also scores high with its premium Canton audio system, delivering immersive sound quality that’s rare in the segment.
Skoda Kylaq: Engine and Performance: Turbo Power Meets Refinement
The Skoda Kylaq is powered by the proven 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine that generates 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This powertrain offers an excellent blend of city drivability and highway punch, maintaining smoothness even at low RPMs while allowing brisk acceleration when needed
. The manual gearbox is slick and precise, making gear shifts enjoyable, while the automatic offers seamless shifts and is especially convenient in urban traffic conditions. The Kylaq can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.5 seconds (manual), and the automatic variant takes a shade longer. With a top speed of approximately 188 km/h, this compact SUV is no slouch when it comes to performance. The fuel efficiency figures stand at an ARAI-certified 20.32 km/l for the manual and 18.72 km/l for the automatic variant, making it a relatively frugal option in its class. On the road, the Kylaq feels planted and agile.
Thanks to a finely tuned suspension setup, it absorbs undulations and potholes with grace. The steering is light at low speeds, aiding maneuverability, but weighs up adequately as speeds climb. The car’s monocoque chassis construction and advanced ESC (Electronic Stability Control) provide a confidence-inspiring drive across varying terrains.
Skoda Kylaq: Safety and Build Quality You Can Trust
When it comes to safety, Skoda has always been a benchmark in its class, and the Kylaq carries forward that legacy with pride. The compact SUV has received a full 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment. The Kylaq achieved an impressive 97% score for adult occupant protection and 92% for child occupant protection, reinforcing Skoda’s commitment to safety.
The car comes equipped with six airbags as standard across all variants, along with a host of other features like ABS with EBD, electronic traction control, hill hold control, multi-collision braking, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat mounts, and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera. The build quality is typically European—solid, reassuring, and capable of withstanding impacts far better than most rivals. More than 800,000 km of testing under Indian conditions across varying climates, altitudes, and terrains went into fine-tuning the Kylaq, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Skoda Kylaq: Features and Technology That Delight
The Skoda Kylaq is generously equipped with features that customers in this segment crave. From the start-stop engine button with keyless entry to the fully digital driver’s display and a customizable infotainment layout, the vehicle caters to tech-savvy users. There is OTA (Over The Air) software update capability, voice commands, navigation support, and a user-friendly UI interface. In higher variants, the Kylaq offers automatic climate control, cruise control, an electric sunroof, and leatherette seat upholstery.
The multifunction steering wheel feels premium and offers controls for media, calls, and the MID display. The Prestige and Signature+ variants even come with features such as auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and front parking sensors, usually found in pricier segments. The practicality factor is not ignored either. The boot space of 385 litres is commendable, and the split-folding rear seats allow for extended cargo capacity when needed. For families and daily commuters, this makes a big difference.
Skoda Kylaq: Variants, Pricing and Value Proposition
Skoda offers the Kylaq in four main trims—Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige. The base Classic trim starts at ₹7.89 lakh ex-showroom, making it accessible while still offering safety essentials and the capable 1.0 TSI engine. The Signature and Signature+ variants step up the game with more creature comforts and tech offerings, while the top-end Prestige variant priced at ₹14.40 lakh (automatic) offers a complete premium experience in a compact footprint.
This pricing strategy makes the Kylaq highly competitive against rivals, particularly when considering its superior safety credentials, turbocharged performance, and premium European styling. Skoda’s robust service network, warranty packages, and affordable maintenance costs further add to the appeal.
Skoda Kylaq: Sustainability and Manufacturing Excellence
The Skoda Kylaq is manufactured at Skoda’s Chakan facility near Pune, which aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability vision. The plant derives over 30% of its power from solar energy, with a target to achieve 75% renewable energy reliance by 2026. Additionally, the facility is certified for zero liquid discharge and zero landfill waste.
Skoda has taken meaningful steps towards sustainability with the Kylaq by incorporating eco-friendly elements like bamboo-fibre-infused dashboard trims and recyclable materials used in interior panels. This progressive approach highlights that environmental responsibility can be integrated into mainstream vehicle production without compromising on quality or performance.
Final Verdict: Compact Brilliance With a European Identity
The Skoda Kylaq is a perfect example of how a global carmaker can localize its offerings without diluting its core DNA. It delivers premium European aesthetics, turbocharged performance, class-leading safety, and feature-rich interiors in a compact and accessible form factor tailor-made for Indian roads. For buyers looking for a stylish, robust, and safe SUV that offers more than just the basics, the Kylaq makes a compelling case. It challenges traditional market leaders not just on price or features but on brand prestige, long-term reliability, and intelligent design. It’s not just another SUV in the crowd—it’s a Skoda. And that means it’s engineered differently, designed thoughtfully, and driven passionately.
