Skoda Kylaq

Upcoming Skoda Kylaq launched  — Driving Skoda’s second innings

Just when the Indian automotive market seemed like a closed game, with the current slowdown and significant stockpile, Skoda has charged in, revving up its ‘second innings’ with the Skoda Kushaq—its latest hero. This compact SUV is not here for a mere cameo; it promises to be the comeback car that could shift Skoda’s fortunes in India. Can the Kushaq live up to its star billing and take Skoda back to the top?

Skoda Kylaq – What is it?

To be positioned as Skoda’s most affordable car in India, the new Skoda Kylaq was recently introduced in India at a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra 3XO and other compact SUVs in the Indian market.While the Skoda Kylaq bookings will start on December 2, the Skoda Kylaq deliveries will only begin from January 27, 2025. This upcoming Skoda compact SUV will also be showcased at the Bharat Mobility Show in January. More details, including the full Skoda Kylaq price list, are yet to be announced.

Based on the same platform as the Kushaq, the new Kylaq is smaller in dimensions but boasts similar ‘Modern Solid’ styling to other Skoda cars from the India 2.0 programme. The clean lines and a muscular front face gives it a familiar identity as the Kushaq while the split headlamp setup along with LED DRL arrangement up top along with a slimmer Skoda grille give the finishing touch. There is generous cladding on the bumper and on the sides while the new dual-tone alloy wheels too gel in well with the design. For a quick reference, the Skoda Kushaq wheelbase is around 85mm shorter than the Kushaq and measures 2,566mm while the overall length of the car is 3,995mm. 

Skoda Kylaq interior, features and safety

Inside, it features a similar setting in terms of the dashboard layout with elements like side AC vents, HVAC controls, two-spoke steering and the fully digital 8-inch instrument cluster common to both models. The new Kushaq also gets the same 10-inch infotainment system but runs a newer operating system. For those wondering, the new Skoda Kylaq features include keyless entry with push-button start, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front seat ventilation, auto-dimming IRVM, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats and a cooled glovebox in addition to other features like a central armrest with storage, rear AC vents, charging ports and more.

What is also impressive is the overall space available inside the car. Despite its compact dimensions, the new Skoda Kylaq cabin offers a comfortable and spacious seating experience at the front as well at the rear. The Skoda Kylaq boot space on the other hand is rated at 446 litres which is reduced to 360 litres with the parcel tray installed. The Skoda Kylaq safety features include a special mention here as this compact SUV will be offered with features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, electronic differential lock and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Based on the same MQB-AO IN platform as the Kushaq, the new Kylaq is also likely to pass the safety crash tests with flying colours. 

Skoda Kylaq mileage and powertrain

Under the hood, the new Skoda Kylaq will be offered with the same three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI engine as the Kushaq SUV. This engine boasts a claimed power and torque output of 115hp and 178Nm, respectively. The upcoming Skoda Kylaq gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.  As for performance, the claimed Skoda Kylaq 0-100 time is 10.5 seconds. While the official Skoda Kylaq mileage is yet to be revealed, we expect it to be something similar to that of the Skoda Kushaq. Stay tuned for more updates and information.