New Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq – Which Skoda Offers What?

The compact SUV segment is about to get even more heated as the Czech car marque has decided to enter with its first-ever sub-4m product

In this post, I am comparing the newly revealed Skoda Kylaq and Skoda Kushaq in terms of specs, features, design and dimensions. Note that Kushaq is the elder sibling of the Kylaq and has contributed to the burgeoning Skoda sales in the last few years immensely. Going forward, the Czech auto giant aims to expand its footprint in India. That is why a mass-market product like the Kylaq makes it into the portfolio for the first time ever. This depicts Skoda’s commitment and willingness to get a chunk of the third-largest car market in the world. Let us compare the two Skoda SUVs thoroughly.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq – Design

It is impressive to see the similarities between these two SUVs even though they belong to different market segments. Essentially, both these carry the quintessential Skoda design philosophy. Let us start with the Kylaq. At the front, it gets sleek LED DRLs on the extreme edge of the bonnet. I like the contoured bonnet which lends it that butch appearance. Apart from that, the main LED headlamps and LED fog lamps with cornering functions are located on the bumper. In the middle, the massive grille houses the 3D ribs effect while the lower section highlights a skid plate with aluminium optics. Moving down the sides reveals an upright stance with elegant 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, creaseless side body panels, robust door claddings and black roof rails. Eventually, the tail end constitutes a 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper, shark fin antenna, and LED taillamp cluster with a thin gloss frame connecting the two with Skoda lettering.

On the other hand, you can find the front fascia too similar by looking at the Skoda Kushaq. However, it has a larger and more prominent butterfly grille with a chrome frame and vertical slats. The LED headlamp cluster is slim with integrated LED DRLs and a fog lamp cluster just inches away from it towards the lower end. The bumper bears black components to offer a rugged appeal to the mid-size SUV. On the sides, we get to witness black side pillars, functional roof rails, stylish alloy wheels with chunky wheel arches and side body claddings. At the rear, the LED taillamps with a split setup look neat along with a chrome belt on the bootlid and a rugged skid plate down below. You will also see the shark fin antenna and a roof-mounted spoiler.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq – Specs

After the design, let us check out what lies under the hood. This is where the new Skoda Kylaq will directly borrow the engine and transmissions from the Kushaq. The compact SUV will come with the familiar 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill which produces a healthy 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. One can choose between either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. However, since it weighs much less than the Kushaq, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, Skoda claims, will come up in just 10.5 seconds. That is mighty impressive for an SUV. Furthermore, the top speed is 188 km/h. Clearly, it has all the ingredients of a peppy little SUV which the driving enthusiasts would prefer.

On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq also comes with this mill in the lower trims along with the same engine and transmission options. However, for those seeking more power and performance, there is also a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine which produces a much higher 150 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties on this is either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Hence, buyers have multiple engine-gearbox combinations to choose from. To aid fuel economy, the 1.5-litre engine comes with active cylinder technology. It shuts off combustion in one cylinder when power is not needed, saving fuel.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq – Features

One aspect which all modern cars must possess is a long list of features. We know that new-age buyers appreciate the availability of the latest tech, connectivity, convenience and safety amenities in their vehicles. In fact, cars have, essentially, become moving gadgets. Recognizing this trend, car companies ensure that they equip their products with the latest functionalities. The new Kylaq’s top highlights are:

• 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 Skoda Kushaq is also a feature-laden SUV. Its top features include:

• 10-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System
• 8-inch Skoda Virtual Cockpit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• MySKODA Connected Car Tech
• Wireless Charging
• Automatic Climate Control
• Two-spoke multi-purpose Steering Wheel
• 6-speaker Skoda Audio System
• Footwell Illumination
• Red Ambient Lighting
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Electrically Powered and Ventilated Front Seats
• Paddle Shifters
• Rear Wiper and Defogger
• Automatic Climate Control with Rear AC Vents
• USB-C Sockets
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Multi Collision Braking
• Hill Hold Control
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Traction Control and Motor Slip Regulation

Dimensions Comparison

This is one area where the difference is quite apparent. The Kylaq will be a sub-4m compact SUV. On the other hand, the Kushaq is a mid-size SUV. Hence, the lengths of the two SUVs are bound to be different. However, it is interesting to see that the Kylaq is wider and taller than the Kushaq. Since the two use the same MQB A0 IN platform, the wheelbase figures are decent for their respective segments.

Price Comparison

At the moment, the price of the Skoda Kylaq is available just for the base trim. The Czech car marque announced that the Kylaq will start at Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom, undercutting most direct rivals in the space. On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq retails between Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 18.79 lakh, ex-showroom.

My View

In this case, things will be slightly easier for the end buyers since these two belong to two different categories. Hence, depending on your personal needs and budget constraints, you can make an informed decision. Still, we will need to wait for the price revelation of the entire range to come to a conclusion. It is clear that there will be a huge price overlap between these two. You should ideally visit your nearest dealership (once the Kylaq launches) to experience these in the flesh.

Also Read: New Skoda Kylaq vs Maruti Brezza – Which One’s Better?