New Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon – Which One’s Better?

The Czech car marque has revealed its first-ever sub 4m compact SUV in the world in the form of Kylaq

In this post, I shall compare the recently revealed new Skoda Kylaq and the mighty popular Tata Nexon. The compact SUV segment in India is heating up. In fact, it is among the most crowded spaces in our market. Vehicles from all major car companies compete in this category. That makes it extremely challenging for new players to enter. Still, leveraging the localized MQB A0 IN platform, Skoda has introduced the Kylaq which can be thought of as a mini-Kushaq in terms of design, features and powertrains. On the other hand, the Tata Nexon continues to be one of the most successful products in this segment. It posts healthy monthly sales and is available in petrol, diesel, CNG and electric guises. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon – Design Comparison

Let us commence with the exterior styling of both these vehicles. The new Skoda Kylaq is, essentially, a miniature Kushaq. At the front, it carries sleek LED DRLs on the bonnet with an elegant grille with 3D ribs between these. The main LED projector headlamp cluster with integrated LED fog lamp with cornering function is located on the extreme edges of the bumper. I particularly like the lower half with a rugged bumper section accentuated by an aluminium optic skid plate. Also, the bonnet bears distinct contours. On the sides, there are eminent 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, robust door cladding, creaseless side body panels, and black roof rails. The tail section consists of a shark fin antenna and LED taillamp cluster with a thin gloss frame connecting the two with Skoda lettering on it. Also, the 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper looks sturdy. The Kylaq certainly possess an imposing road presence.

On the other hand, the Tata Nexon highlights a modern appearance as well. It has a distinct road presence, something the customers really appreciate and get drawn towards. Its front fascia carries slender LED DRLs on the edge of the bonnet while the main LED headlamp cluster is positioned on the bumper. It is a common design theme in many modern cars. Apart from that, it has a rather butch front profile with a muscular bumper and grille section. Even the lower section of the bumper has sporty elements. On the sides, it gets stylish alloy wheels, faux roof rails and a slightly sloping roofline towards the rear. Completing the appearance is a shark fin antenna at the rear along with a roof-mounted spoiler. I really like the sleek LED taillamps with a connecting light bar. Again, the lower part has a sturdy skid plate-like material. Both these have their individual identities.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon – Specs Comparison

This is where the two compact SUVs differentiate massively. The new Skoda Kylaq borrows the powertrain and transmission from its elder sibling, the Kushaq. This means that it gets the peppy 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol TSI mill which generates a decent 115 PS and 178 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. This engine will pair with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda claims that the compact SUV can reach from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 10.5 seconds with a top speed of 188 km/h. Therefore, buyers will definitely appreciate its performance. Note that it boasts the largest boot compartment in the segment.

On the other hand, the Tata Nexon is available in petrol, diesel, CNG and electric guise. While the EV version is not suitable for this comparison, the other three ensure that all sorts of the needs of the buyers can be met. These include a 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol direct injection, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol + CNG. The power and torque outputs are 120 PS / 170 Nm, 125 PS / 225 Nm, 115 PS / 260 Nm and 99 PS / 170 Nm, respectively. Performing the transmission duties are a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. This ensures that buyers can choose the best engine-gearbox combination as per their needs.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon – Features Comparison

Equipping the vehicles with the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and comfort features is the need of the hour. New-age customers want the absolute best gadgets and gizmos in their vehicles. This segment is full of SUVs with myriad amenities. That is true for these two vehicles as well. Let us first glance at what the new Skoda Kylaq has to offer:

• 10.1-inch Infotainment Display
• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Steering-Mounted Paddle Shifters
• Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Charging
• 25 Standard Active and Passive Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Traction and Stability Control
• ABS with EBD
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Motor Slip Regulation
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Passenger De-activation
• Multi Collision Braking
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

Similarly, the Tata Nexon possesses all the bells and whistles. The main highlights include:

• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Free-standing 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• JBL-Branded 9-Speaker Audio System with Subwoofer
• Premium Benecke-Kaliko Ventilated Leatherette Seats
• Touch-operated HVAC Controls
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• Rotary Dials for Drive Mode Selection
• Blind View Monitor
• 2-Spoke Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Controls
• Wireless Charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation Display on Instrument Cluster
• Air Purifier with Dust Sensors
• Cruise Control
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Voice-Assisted Panoramic Electric Sunroof
• Cooled Glovebox
• iRA 2.2 Connected Car Tech
• 360-Degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seat Belt
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Defogger

Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, there isn’t much to choose from since both these belong to the sub-4m category. Due to tax benefits, the Indian automotive market has this segment which led to the creation of new cars. In the table below, you will get a side-by-side comparison of the dimensions of these two compelling propositions:

Price Comparison

Note that the new Skoda Kylaq starts at an attractive Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The launch will take place in January 2025 which is when the prices of the entire range will be announced. On the other hand, the Tata Nexon ranges from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.50 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, Skoda will definitely try to price the variants as competitively as the base model.

My View

These compact SUVs are quite appealing in their own right. Therefore, choosing between them can be quite confusing for a whole bunch of the populace. Also, since we still don’t know the specifics of the retail prices of the Kylaq, it is not fair to pass on any judgment. What we know is that there will be a single engine and two transmissions on offer, whereas the Nexon consists of multiple. That could be a critical factor for some people. I shall update this post, once the Kylaq is launched.

Also Read: Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO Compared – VIDEO