TL;DR
- Skoda has announced the Kylaq SUV with a relatively affordable price tag to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Brezza.
- The SUV runs on the same engine turbo-petrol engine (with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission) as the Kushaq and Slavia.
- Kylaq comes loaded with safety features that are standard on all variants. In total, the vehicle has over 25 active/passive safety features that instill confidence among owners.
- Bookings for Skoda’s first sub-4 meter SUV will start on December 2, 2024.
Based on the same platform as the Kushaq and the Slavia (MQB A0 IN platform), the Kylaq is Skoda’s third vehicle as part of the “India 2.0″ project, wherein the company has successfully localized the manufacturing of the cars to reduce costs and cater to the competitive automobile market of the country.
Skoda Kylaq Variant Wise Pricing
- Base variant: Rs. 7.89 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The company hasn’t revealed the prices of the entire lineup yet, but we expect the top model to be priced at around Rs. 12 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Skoda Kylaq Powertrain Options
Under the shiny exterior of the new Kylaq is Skoda’s tried-and-tested 1.0-liter TSI (turbo-petrol) engine. It produces a maximum power of 115PS and a maximum torque of 178Nm, which is among the highest in the segment. For those catching up, this is the same engine that powers the Kushaq and Slavia.
The capable engine is mated with a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. While rivals like Venue, Sonet, Nexon, and Brezza ship in multiple engine options (including NA petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel, and CNG), Skoda’s decision to go with one engine option could work both for and against the company.
While the engine provides excellent pull and performance on the highway (0 to 100 kmph in 10.5 seconds) and smooth drivability in the city, it is known to be a little more fuel-hungry than others. The fuel economy figures aren’t known yet, but we expect it to be slightly better than the Kushaq.
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Skoda Kylaq Variant Exterior Design
- Length: 3,995mm
- Wheelbase: 2,566mm
- Ground clearance: 189mm
It won’t be a stretch to say that the Kylaq looks and feels like a smaller version of the Kushaq. On the front, the vehicle has a split-LED headlight setup, wherein the DRLs and the headlamps aren’t situated in the same module. While the former is located below the bonnet, the latter is positioned above the broad, rugged-looking bumper. Between the DRLs and the headlamps is the butterfly-inspired grill, which resembles other Skoda cars.
Like its elder siblings, the Kylaq has a clean side profile. Some key highlights on the side include new 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails at the top, chunky cladding at the bottom of the doors, and ORVM-mounted indicators. On the rear, the vehicle doesn’t have a connected taillight setup, which is common on its rivals. Skoda has gone with squared-out taillamps with inverted L-shaped LED lights to give it a different look.
Between the lights is the company’s badging. In addition, the rear bumper has generous cladding, which establishes a stronger road presence. Moreover, the Kylaq looks well-proportioned and clean and offers a distinct look.
Skoda Kylaq Cabin Design
- Boot capacity: 446 liters (360 liters with the parcel tray)
From the inside, the Kylaq looks identical to the Kushaq. The two-spoke steering wheel, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen (with a new user interface, support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and 8-inch digital instrument cluster are shared on both cars. The layout of the dashboard, including the placement of all the elements like AC vents, climate control system, and the glove box, remains similar as well.
The cabin is loaded with features like a wireless charger, front-seat ventilation, powered-seat adjustment for the front passengers, and a single-pane sunroof. Skoda has also provided several cup- and bottle-holders throughout the interiors and a spacious glovebox. Further, there’s an adjustable armrest on the front and a pull-down armrest on the rear. Speaking of the rear, the car also provides AC vents, charging ports, adjustable headrests, and three-point seatbelts for the rear passengers.
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Skoda Kylaq Safety Features
As mentioned in the official press release, the new Skoda Kylaq comes loaded with safety features that are standard on all variants. In total, the vehicle has over 25 active/passive safety features that instill confidence among owners. So does the five-star safety rating scored by the Kushaq and Slavia, cars that share their platform with Kylaq.
The list of safety features includes multi-collision brake, hill holt control, Electronic Differential Locking System (EDS), XDS and XDS+, Traction Control System (TCS), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Brake Disk Wiping, Roll Over Protection, and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
The Skoda Kylaq also comes with six airbags, which are standard across all models, including front airbags for the driver and the passenger, as well as front side and curtain airbags for the occupants. Last but not least, there’s a type-pressure monitoring system in place.
Skoda Kylaq Booking And Delivery Schedule
Booking for Skoda’s first sub-4 meter SUV will start on December 2, 2024. The company will then showcase the car and perhaps unveil the entire pricing at the Bharat Mobility exhibition on January 17, 2025.
Deliveries of the new Skoda Kylaq will begin on January 27, 2025. However, there’s a good chance that one may spot the car on Indian roads ahead of the delivery schedule, as dealerships should also start offering test drives by January.
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