For the 25 years that Skoda has operated in India, the Czech brand has been renowned for their quality. In the process, they’ve carved a niche for themselves as a carmaker that will never skimp on quality while offering driver-focused cars that boast features from segments above. During these 25 years, the brand has primarily operated in the premium end of the spectrum across price segments and body styles. And now, everything changes with the Kylaq. It’s their most affordable product in the most competitive segment of the Indian market. And even though they are late, a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh for a Skoda has garnered enough buzz on social media to command our attention. But with the gargantuan weight of VW group’s expectations and future in the country resting on its shoulders, the Kylaq is Skoda’s most significant product in the last half a decade. Can it deliver? We spent a day driving the sub-4m SUV on the open highways and narrow streets, shuffling between some spirited driving and Goa’s Susegad pace to find out. 

Unmistakably Skoda 

The Kylaq looks unmistakably Skoda—sharp, straight lines, clean and minimal design elements. Its LED headlamps and DRLs setup reflects Skoda’s new design language that debuted on its Elroq EV SUV. Chunky plastic cladding all around, faux roof rails and plastic embellishments at the rear add some ruggedness to an otherwise clean design. While Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid Design’ feels fresh and ‘modern’, it isn’t OTT futuristic, making it more palatable for a wider set of buyers.  

The Kylaq's cabin exudes a sense of understated elegance. The light grey theme brightens the interior ambiance, and while the plastics are predominantly hard, they feel high-quality and durable. Olive green inserts and octagonal surrounds on the air vents introduce a fresh aesthetic, setting the Kylaq apart from its siblings. The front seats are both powered and ventilated. 

However, the upright backrest angle, combined with the contoured seatbacks, makes the rear bench best suited for two adults. The boot space is practical, offering 360 litres up to the parcel shelf, expanding to 446 litres when loaded to the roof. 

Susegad & Sprited

Available with only one 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine option that produces 114PS and 178Nm of torque, the Skoda Kylaq offers two transmission options—a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic with paddle shifters. Overall, the powertrain is fairly lively, in part, thanks to the smaller package that the Kylaq is. The engine noise isn’t intrusive at city speeds but climb up the rev band and you’ll hear a sporty but not coarse rumble from the three-pot motor which isn’t necessarily a negative.  

At Goa’s Susegad pace, the Kylaq feels at home. Manouvering it through the narrow city streets is a breeze, thanks to the light and precise steering. The suspension, which is a tad bit softer than the Kushaq feels fairly plush even though the Kylaq is 35kg lighter. Potholes, undulations, and general road imperfections are dealt with composure and confidence, never unsettling the cabin. Dial in the convenience of the torque converter automatic and you have a handsome city runabout that can deal with the labyrinth of city streets conveniently. Convenience aside, the auto gearbox isn’t eager to downshift and with an initial turbo lag, it doesn’t set off the line as aggressively as its elder sibling, the Kushaq. But with paddle shifters and a Tiptronic mode, the gearbox holds gears longer, letting you tap into the meat of the powerband. However, the manual was surprisingly fun to drive, not requiring frequent shifts in the city and even negotiating with the turbo lag rather well.

On the open highways, the Kylaq's 1.0-litre TSI engine comes into its own. With 115hp at its disposal, the SUV accelerates to triple-digit speeds with ease, making overtaking maneuvers confident and effortless. The engine's mid-range is particularly punchy, and it revs freely. 

Verdict 

The Skoda Kylaq marks a significant milestone for the brand, venturing into the highly competitive sub-4-metre SUV segment. It brings to the table Skoda's hallmark attributes: solid build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and a decent suite of features. While it doesn't revolutionize the segment, it delivers where it counts. The Kylaq's nimble handling, robust safety features—including a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating—and the brand's reputation for durability make it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a European flair. In essence, the Kylaq offers a Kushaq-like experience at a more accessible price point, making it worthy of consideration for buyers.