Skoda Kylaq: The Skoda Kylaq has arrived in India, bringing a touch of European flair to the sub 4m SUV market. With a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh (Ex-showroom), it’s Skoda’s first venture into this segment, offering immense sales potential and tax benefits. I had the chance to experience both the Automatic and Manual variants of the Kylaq during a national media drive event in Goa. Here’s my take on Skoda’s debut sub 4m SUV.
Design & Appearance
The Kylaq’s design is a mini version of its bigger sibling, the Kushaq. It boasts strong proportions and a sleek body with fewer creases. The high-set bonnet, Skoda’s signature butterfly grille in Gloss Black, and robust body cladding with a faux silver skid plate give it a striking look.
One notable feature is the split headlight design, with LED DRLs on top and LED headlights below, following Skoda’s Modern Solid design language. The cornering function integrated into the fog lights is a handy touch. Though it lacks parking sensors and ADAS modules, the boxy, upright appearance with a chunky C Pillar gives it a strong presence.
Exterior Features
The Kylaq’s wheel-arch and side body claddings are well-proportioned. A standout feature is the door design, which extends over the running boards to prevent mud and slush from soiling your clothes during ingress and egress. The request sensor for the front passenger door and sizable ORVMs add to its practical appeal.
Moving to the rear, the Kylaq sports wrap-around tail lights with C-shaped LED signatures. The minimalistic design includes a shark-fin antenna, rear washer and wiper, reversing camera, and an unpainted bumper with faux skid plate elements.
Interiors
Inside, the Kylaq features a multi-layered dashboard with textured plastics. The top part is Black, followed by a granite-like mid-section with SKODA lettering and a Green strip, and a beige bottom part. The dashboard execution is clean and uncluttered.
The 10.2-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below the screen, you’ll find physical buttons for seat ventilation, hazard lights, door lock, and engine stop/start function. The climate control panel isn’t touch-based, which may be less user-friendly.
Interior Features
The steering wheel, shared with the Kushaq, has tactile buttons and rollers on both sides. It controls cruise functions, instrumentation, infotainment, and voice commands. The steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach, ensuring a comfortable driving position.
The Kylaq’s seats are comfortable, with the front ones being 6-way electrically adjustable and ventilated. The rear seats offer three adjustable headrests, a center armrest, rear AC vents, and more. The 446L boot space is practical, and the auto-dimming IRVM provides good visibility.
Performance & Driving Experience
Driving the Kylaq in Goa was a pleasure. Its 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol engine, with 115 PS and 178 Nm, is peppy and tractable. Both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes offer a smooth drive. While the engine thrum at idle might be noticeable, it sounds sporty at higher revs.
The manual gearbox is tractable, allowing smooth handling even at lower speeds. The automatic gearbox, though slightly eager, offers smooth upshifts. The suspension is firm, providing a confident and sporty drive. However, it’s not the plushest ride, especially on uneven roads.
Reservations & Conclusion
As impressive as the Kylaq is, it has a few drawbacks:
- The flip key and engine start/stop button placement feel like afterthoughts.
- Missing features like all-four windows control with the key fob, 360-degree camera, and ADAS, which rivals offer.
- The audio system lacks the oomph compared to competitors.
Despite these reservations, the Skoda Kylaq is a strong contender in the sub 4m SUV segment, combining European design with a sporty driving experience.
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