In this review, we’ll take you through every detail of the new Skoda Kylaq, covering its design, performance, and features to help you decide if this SUV is worth your money. Competing with popular models like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Fronx, the Skoda Kylaq enters a highly competitive compact SUV segment.

Let’s dive into the details and discover how the Kylaq stands out.

Exterior Design and Build Quality

• Front Design:
  The Skoda Kylaq features a split headlamp design, which reflects the brand’s new design language. Expect this style to appear in other upcoming Skoda models, including the facelifted Kushaq. Surprisingly, there are no fog lamps or front parking sensors on the Kylaq. The wipers are standard and not frameless like some premium models.
• Side Profile:
  Unlike boxy competitors like the Brezza and XUV300, the Kylaq opts for a more simplistic and European design. The higher variants come with 17-inch wheels, while lower variants offer 16-inch wheels. Tyre quality matters significantly for performance and safety, and Skoda recommends Apollo Apterra Cross tyres for improved grip, handling, and fuel efficiency.
• Ground Clearance and Roof Features:
  With a ground clearance of 189 mm, the Kylaq can handle rough roads comfortably. It has roof rails and a regular sunroof (no panoramic sunroof here). However, there is no 360-degree camera, which could be a drawback for some buyers.
• Rear Styling:
  The rear of the car features small tail lamps that remind some of the Polo or Audi Q2. While the boot offers ample 446 litres of space, the spare wheel is a size smaller and doesn’t come with an alloy.

Interior and Features

• Fit and Finish:
  The interior quality is decent, though it falls short of Skoda’s usual premium standards. The materials may scratch easily, which is disappointing for a brand known for durability.
• Seating and Comfort:
  Both front seats are ventilated, wide, and supportive, with good side bolstering for long drives. However, wider passengers might feel a bit uncomfortable. Rear seats offer enough headroom, but knee room could be better, and the middle passenger may find it less comfortable due to the hard seat surface and limited shoulder space.
• Steering and Instrumentation:
  The steering wheel offers both height and reach adjustments, which is a rarity in this category. The digital cluster is easy to use, though more advanced displays are available in competing models. The touchscreen system is good, supporting Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but speaker quality is average for this price range.

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Key Interior Features:

• Rear AC vents
• Three adjustable headrests
• Two Type-C charging ports
• Auto day and night mirror
• Electric adjustments for front seats (top-end variant)

Safety and Technology

Skoda Kylaq scores 5 stars in Bharat NCAP for both child and adult safety, making it one of the safest cars in its segment. The car comes with common safety features like ABS, EBD, ESP, and traction control, but what sets it apart is the electronic differential lock, which is not offered by competitors. However, the reverse camera quality could use significant improvement.

Safety Features:

• Six airbags (top variant)
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill-hold control
• Electronic Differential Lock

Performance and Driving Experience

The Skoda Kylaq comes with a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, similar to what you get in the Kushaq and Slavia. This engine offers good power and torque, and unlike standard turbo petrols, the TSI technology provides better power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

• Driving Dynamics:
  The Kylaq has a more relaxed tuning, focusing on a smoother and fuel-efficient drive rather than aggressive acceleration. The ride quality is impressive, and the chassis is stiff, offering excellent stability during turns and on rough roads.
• Manual vs Automatic:
  The manual transmission is fun to drive, with light clutch action and smooth gear shifts. The automatic version is convenient for city traffic but feels slightly noisier than the manual. Fuel efficiency ranges from 12 km/l (automatic) in city driving to around 13.5 km/l (manual) under mixed conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• European styling and design
• 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
• Comfortable front seats with ventilation
• 1.0-litre TSI engine offers good performance and fuel efficiency
• Stiff chassis and smooth ride quality

Cons:

• Rear seat comfort could be improved
• No 360-degree camera
• Average reverse camera quality
• Scratch-prone interior materials
• Limited features in lower variants

Verdict: Should You Buy the Skoda Kylaq?

If you’re looking for a compact SUV with European styling, great safety ratings, and a smooth driving experience, the Skoda Kylaq is an excellent choice. Its entry-level and top-end variants offer the best value. However, if you prioritize features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and premium interior materials, you might want to explore alternatives in this segment.

Ultimately, the Kylaq excels in performance and safety, making it a strong contender for those who prefer driving dynamics over feature overload.

Author- Ayush