The Skoda Kylaq marks a significant milestone for Skoda Auto, as it ventures into India’s competitive sub-four-metre SUV segment. Designed to blend European sophistication with Indian practicality, the Kylaq aims to set new benchmarks in design, safety, performance, and value. Here’s a comprehensive look at what makes the Skoda Kylaq a standout contender in its class.
Skoda Kylaq Launch Details
The Skoda Kylaq was launched at the end of 2024, with deliveries commencing in early 2025. Its introduction was a strategic move by Skoda to capture a share of the lucrative sub-4m SUV market in India, a segment dominated by models like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Brezza. The launch was accompanied by competitive introductory pricing, starting at Rs 7.89 lakh for the base Classic MT variant and going up to Rs 14.4 lakh for the top-spec Prestige Petrol AT. These prices were maintained until the end of April 2025, making the Kylaq Skoda’s most affordable offering in the country. The Kylaq is available in four trim levels-Classic, Signature, Signature+, and Prestige-each packed with features and safety as standard.
Skoda Kylaq Specifications
Under the hood, the Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged TSI petrol engine. This engine delivers 114 bhp at 5,000-5,500 rpm and 178 Nm of torque between 1,750-4,000 rpm. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. The Kylaq’s platform is the MQB A0 IN, renowned for its structural rigidity and crash safety. The suspension setup features MacPherson struts at the front and a rear twist beam, ensuring a balance between comfort and handling. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and offers a generous 45-litre fuel tank capacity.
Skoda Kylaq Design
The Skoda Kylaq’s design philosophy is a harmonious blend of bold aesthetics and functional elegance. Its exterior is characterized by a muscular stance, sharp lines, and premium detailing. The signature Skoda grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and DRLs, gives the Kylaq a commanding presence on the road. The sculpted bonnet, aerodynamic profile, and sporty alloy wheels enhance both visual appeal and performance. At the rear, the LED tail lamps and a tastefully integrated spoiler add to its dynamic look. The attention to detail extends to the practical aspects, such as roof rails and a high ground clearance, making the Kylaq equally suited for urban commutes and weekend getaways.
Inside, the Kylaq continues Skoda’s tradition of offering spacious, well-appointed cabins. The dashboard is ergonomically designed, featuring a contemporary layout with high-quality materials. The floating touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and ambient lighting create a modern and inviting atmosphere. The seats are supportive and offer ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Practicality is further enhanced by a 60:40 split rear seat and a boot space that expands to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded, allowing the Kylaq to accommodate everything from daily groceries to luggage for a family road trip.
Skoda Kylaq Safety and Features
Safety is one of the Kylaq’s strongest suits, reflecting Skoda’s global reputation for building secure vehicles. The Kylaq boasts a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, underscoring its robust build and advanced safety architecture. All variants come equipped with six airbags as standard, offering comprehensive protection for all occupants. The safety suite includes traction control, multi-collision brake, hill hold control, electronic differential locking, roll-over protection, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Child occupant protection is exemplary, with a score of 45 out of 49, thanks to well-designed child seat anchors and effective restraint systems.
Additional safety features include an emergency brake light that flashes rapidly during hard braking, an overspeed warning indicator, and rear parking sensors. These features work in tandem to minimize the risk of accidents and enhance driver confidence, whether navigating congested city streets or cruising on highways.
Skoda Kylaq Engine and Performance
The heart of the Kylaq is its 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a unit shared with other Skoda models like the Kushaq and Slavia. Despite its compact size, the engine is refined and responsive, making it well-suited for both city and highway driving. The power delivery is linear, with minimal turbo lag, and the engine feels lively once past 1,500 rpm. The turbocharger kicks in around 2,000 rpm, providing a smooth surge of power that makes overtaking effortless.
The six-speed manual gearbox offers precise shifts, while the six-speed automatic is tuned for smoothness and convenience, especially in urban traffic. The Kylaq’s electric power steering is light and accurate, contributing to its city-friendly nature. The suspension setup absorbs bumps and undulations effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. At highway speeds, the Kylaq feels stable and composed, with the engine settling at around 1,900 rpm at 100 km/h and 2,400 rpm at 120 km/h, making long-distance journeys relaxed and enjoyable.
Skoda Kylaq Technology and Features
The Kylaq is equipped with a suite of modern technology and convenience features, designed to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The digital instrument cluster provides clear and customizable information, while automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin environment regardless of the weather outside.
Other notable features include keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, rear AC vents, and a multi-function steering wheel. The Kylaq also incorporates Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ innovations, such as umbrella holders, a cooled glovebox, and multiple storage compartments, making everyday driving more convenient. The top-spec Prestige variant adds premium touches like a sunroof, wireless charging, and a high-end audio system, elevating the overall ownership experience.
Skoda Kylaq Efficiency and Practicality
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for Indian buyers, and the Kylaq aims to strike a balance between performance and economy. The ARAI-certified mileage for the Kylaq stands at 19.05 kmpl for the petrol variant, positioning it competitively within its segment. However, real-world tests reveal a city mileage of around 8.9 kmpl and a highway mileage of 12.4 kmpl for the automatic variant. These figures reflect the Kylaq’s focus on drivability and refinement, though efficiency may vary depending on driving conditions and habits.
Practicality is another highlight, with the Kylaq offering versatile storage solutions and ample boot space. The 60:40 split rear seats and a flat loading bay make it easy to carry bulky items, while thoughtful touches like rear seat armrests and cup holders enhance passenger comfort. The Kylaq’s compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, yet its spacious interior ensures that it doesn’t compromise on comfort or utility.
Skoda Kylaq Price and Availability
The Skoda Kylaq’s pricing strategy has been instrumental in its early success. With introductory prices ranging from Rs 7.89 lakh to Rs 14.4 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kylaq offers exceptional value for money, especially considering its European pedigree, safety credentials, and feature list. These prices were maintained through April 2025, after which a price revision is expected. The Kylaq is available across Skoda dealerships in India, with four well-equipped trims catering to a wide range of customer preferences and budgets.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: A New Era of Electric Mobility
Skoda Kylaq Mileage
Officially, the Skoda Kylaq’s ARAI-rated mileage is 19.05 kmpl for the petrol variant. In real-world driving, the automatic variant delivers around 8.9 kmpl in city conditions and 12.4 kmpl on the highway. While these figures may not be class-leading, they are reasonable for a turbocharged petrol SUV with a focus on performance and refinement. The Kylaq’s 45-litre fuel tank ensures a decent driving range, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
Skoda Kylaq Heritage and Evolution
The Kylaq represents a new chapter in Skoda’s journey in India, building on the brand’s legacy of engineering excellence, safety, and value. Skoda has a rich heritage of producing vehicles that combine European design sensibilities with robust engineering, and the Kylaq is no exception. It inherits the MQB A0 IN platform, which has already proven its mettle in models like the Kushaq and Slavia. This platform not only enhances safety but also allows for greater flexibility in design and packaging.
The Kylaq’s entry into the sub-4m SUV segment is a testament to Skoda’s commitment to adapting to local market needs while retaining its global standards. By offering a product that blends style, safety, and practicality, Skoda aims to appeal to a new generation of Indian buyers who seek more than just basic transportation. The Kylaq’s success will likely pave the way for further innovations and expansions in Skoda’s Indian portfolio.