Does it deliver everything we like about Skodas in a smaller, more affordable package?
Measuring just under four metres in length, the Skoda Kylaq is the Czech carmaker’s smallest SUV yet and has been conceived with the express intent to woo compact SUV buyers. There’s big rewards for the effort because the compact SUV segment is the fastest growing in the Indian market, and already makes up 30 percent by volume. The Kylaq, in effect, opens Skoda to a whole new buyer base that’s already spoilt for choice with models like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet to choose from. The Kylaq’s job is to deliver everything we like about Skodas in a compact and more affordable package.
A caveat first. What you see here is a pre-production model that we’ve experienced at the CoSTT race track at Coimbatore. Which explains why it’s covered up outside and inside. Skoda doesn’t want you or us to see its baby SUV just as yet. Skoda hasn’t revealed all facts and figures either so this brief review might come across as sketchy in places.
The primary goal of the drive was for Skoda to get feedback on the engine, gearbox and suspension before its signed off for production.
Skoda Kylaq name and design
First things first, the Kylaq name. Skoda ran a contest across India inviting entries for the name of its new compact SUV. Of the two lakh entries and 20,000 unique names received, Kylaq was selected. Kylaq derives its name from Mount Kailash and, in Sanskrit, translates to crystal, something the Czech Republic is known for.
Onto the way it looks. Even under the garb, it’s easy to identify this as a Skoda. There are clean lines all around and frontal lighting will be a clear point of distinction to the Kushaq. The Kylaq sports a split headlamp setup with an LED DRL arrangement up top and LED projector headlamps lower down. The Skoda grille sits proud on the fascia and lends the front end an imposing look.
It’s at the sides that you can tell that the Kylaq’s a sub 4-metre car. Overall length measures 3995mm while the wheelbase measures 2566mm. For reference, a Kushaq has a 2651mm wheelbase, so a lot of the length reduction has actually come between the wheels. Even so, the Kylaq’s wheelbase is second only to the Mahindra XUV 3XO in the segment, and that does come with the promise of a good amount of space at the back. The other number of interest is 189mm of ground clearance. It’s a sufficient figure, but down on the Tata Nexon’s class-best 208mm stat.
Talking specific details at the sides, the Kylaq runs on 17-inch rims and running my hand on the stickering suggests simpler surfacing than what we’ve seen on the Kushaq. Chunky door handles make a good point of contact and I’m happy to report the solid thunk on door shut we’ve come to associate with Skodas has been retained. A chunky C-pillar lends solidity to the design but what is a clear distinction to the Kushaq are the tail lamps. The lights are smaller but their squared-out effect works with the clean styling theme. Of the other things, the tailgate is wide and extends fairly low so loading/unloading luggage should be convenient. Skoda insiders hint that luggage space could be best-in-class, but that’s something we’ll have to wait once the final homologated figures come out.
Skoda Kylaq interior, features and safety
My lips are sealed on the matter of space at the back and, sadly, I can’t tell you much about the rest of the interior either. It was covered in different kinds of materials to hide it from view. But what I can tell you is that the Skoda Kylaq will come with a first-in-class power adjust for both front seats along with with ventilation.
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Under the skin, the Kylaq is very closely related to the Kushaq. It’s built on the same MQB A0 IN platform. And that’s a good thing because the platform has been tested for the highest safety standards. The Kushaq and Slavia, if you recall, are both 5-star Global NCAP rated cars and that is a rating that Skoda is aiming for with the Kylaq as well. As standard, the Kylaq will get six airbags, ABS, ESC as well as ISOFIX child seat mounts for the rear seats.
Skoda Kylaq Engine and performance
On to the heart of the matter. The Skoda Kylaq will be a petrol-only model and will be offered with the familiar Volkswagen Group 1.0 TSI engine. This three-cylinder, 1.0-litre, direct-injection, turbo petrol engine makes 115bhp and 178Nm, which are pretty good figures for this class of car. We know the engine from the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, and Volkswagen Polo, Taigun and Virtus and as on its other applications, it’s one very likeable unit here too. It’s an engine with a good degree of fun just built into it. The mid-range is punchy and you can also rev the engine quite happily and heartily. The engine does get thrummy but never obtrusively so. Performance in town and at low speeds is something we can comment on only when we get the Kylaq outside the confines of a racetrack.
The Kylaq will be available with two gearboxes. The standard fit six-speed manual is sporty but I did find clutch travel a bit long. For those who don’t want the bother of a clutch altogether, there will be the option of a six-speed torque converter automatic. It’s a nice gearbox and you can have fun with manual gearshifts via the gear selector too.
Skoda Kylaq ride and handling
Skoda’s choice of venue (pun not intended) of race track for the Kylaq drive might seem unusual but did pay off to highlight one of the SUV’s strengths – handling. The Kylaq will be a compact SUV of interest for those who enjoy driving. It’s smooth around the corners, holds triple digit speeds with confidence and feels maneuverable even in tight turns (we also drove on a go-kart track). It’s got a more measured steering and in general is set up softer than a Kushaq (especially at the back) but the overall setup is more predictable and novice-friendly. In fact, the grip and poise only highlighted the chassis’ competence to accept a more powerful engine. Skoda, maybe a Kylaq RS with the 150hp, 1.5 TSI engine should be added to the to-do list.
Of the other takeaways from the track experience was that the Kylaq drives like a proper VW Group car. It feels stable and surefooted at all times. Simulating a panic stop from 80kph also revealed the Kylaq to remain composed and track true to its intended line.
An area where the Kylaq improves on the Kushaq is ride comfort. On a broken stretch of road on the race track’s periphery, the Kylaq felt more absorbent than a Kushaq would. There’s less of the surface that makes it inside, addressing one of the complaints we’ve hard on the Kushaq.
Skoda Kylaq fuel economy, expected pricing and launch timeline
There’s no word on fuel economy for the moment and prices will also be revealed only at the Kylaq’s launch in 2025. However, Skoda has hinted at a competitive price tag within this segment. Our estimate is that the Kylaq range will start around Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom) with the fully loaded automatic versions coming in around Rs 14.5 lakh. At these prices, the Kylaq will not only go head-to-head with other compact SUVs but will also eat into Kushaq 1.0 TSI sales. Pricing aside, Skoda says total cost of ownership, which includes service and maintenance costs, will also be competitive.
The Skoda Kylaq will be revealed in full on November 6, 2024 and will go on sale in Q1 2025. It’s still some time from production so what we see might not be what we get. Sure, styling will not change but some tweaks to the suspension, engine and gearbox could be expected.
But, first impressions, are very positive. This could be a model that really brings the numbers to Skoda and takes the competition to established players in the compact SUV segment.
My suggestion? Don’t buy your next compact SUV without giving the Kylaq a shot.
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