New Skoda Kylaq vs Hyundai Venue – What’s Different?

The Czech carmaker has launched a sub-4m compact SUV for the first time ever which makes this segment all the more exciting

We are comparing the new Skoda Kylaq and Hyundai Venue in this post in terms of specs, features, design, price, safety and dimensions. The aim is to know which car offers what. The Kylaq is the newest product from Skoda in India. In fact, it has only been revealed but the launch will take place later. However, this is an important SUV for Skoda since it wants to cater to the masses with this product. Its attractive starting price is a clear indication that Skoda is here to fight. Despite being a compact SUV, it bears many elements (design and powertrains) with the larger Kushaq. That is only a good thing. On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue is among the most successful products in this category. Therefore, Skoda has its work cut out if it aims to grab market share away from the Venue.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Hyundai Venue – Design Comparison

The new Skoda Kylaq is, essentially, a mini Kushaq. It carries the trademark design language of Skoda. At the front, we get to witness sleek LED DRLs on the edge of the bonnet with the main LED headlamp cluster located on the bumper down below. Inside the headlamp module, there are fog lamps with a cornering function. Apart from that, the front fascia even carries the butterfly grille with 3D ribs effects for the vertical slats, while the lower part of the bumper houses a rugged skid plate with aluminium optics. On the sides, the viewers are greeted by stylish 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, creaseless side body panels, robust door claddings and black roof rails. The tail section consists of compact LED taillamps along with a 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper, a shark fin antenna, LED taillamp cluster with a thin gloss frame connecting the two with Skoda lettering. The SUV certainly oozes a sporty and adventurous vibe.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue has its own charm which is why it is the go-to choice for a whole bunch of customers in this segment. At the front, it gets a colossal grill section finished in dark chrome with a cascading effect. Flanking the grille are slim LED DRLs on the end of the bonnet with the main headlamp cluster located on the bumper. I really like the lower section with a sturdy skid plate section and black elements to demonstrate an imposing road presence. Moving down the sides unveils a sporty stance with great alloy wheels, chunky wheel arches, rugged side body cladding, black side pillars and roof rails. At the rear, the Venue offers connected LED taillamps which look attractive in the dark. Apart from that, there is a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler, vertical reflector lights on the bumper and a skid plate underneath. Both these SUVs have their own charm.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Hyundai Venue – Specs

Skoda Kylaq borrows the powertrain and transmission from the Kushaq and Slavia. Hence, it gets a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill which produces a decent 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda announced that the compact SUV with this peppy mill can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of an impressive 10.5 seconds with a top speed of 188 km/h. Clearly, the driving enthusiasts will prefer it.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue is available in all sorts of engine and gearbox combinations. These are a 1.2-litre petrol engine good for a familiar 83 PS and 114 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel engine churning out a decent 116 PS and 250 Nm and a potent 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill producing a respectable 120 PS and 172 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. These engines can pair with a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Hence, the Korean auto giant ensures that the needs of all kinds of buyers are met. Note that a key advantage the Venue has over the Kylaq is the availability of a diesel mill.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Hyundai Venue – Features

Modern car buyers look for the latest tech and connectivity amenities in their vehicles. In fact, cars have become moving gadgets in this modern era. As a consequence, car companies equip their vehicles with the utmost comfort features to pamper the customers and gain their attraction. Both these vehicles are a prime example of that. Firstly, let us glance at the kind of features the latest Kylaq offers:

• 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

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue also comes equipped with the latest tech and convenience amenities including:

• 8-inch HD Infotainment System
• Digital Instrument Cluster with Colour TFT MID
• Bluelink Connected Car Tech
• Multiple Regional Language Support
• Home-to-Car (H2C) Alexa Support
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity
• Voice Recognition
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• 4-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat
• Hyundai SmartSense Level 1 ADAS
• Drive Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Voice-enabled Smart Electric Sunroof
• Paddle Shifters
• Auto folding and Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Electrochromic IRVM
• Wireless Smartphone Charger
• 16-inch Diamond Cut Alloys
• Air Purifier
• 6 Airbags
• ABS, EBD, ESC
• Hill Assist Control
• Reverse Parking Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Dashcam with Dual Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 3 Point Seat Belts (all seats)

Dimensions Comparison

Being compact SUVs, both these SUVs have almost similar dimensions. Note that while the lengths of both cars are similar, the Kylaq is marginally wider and higher than the Venue and has a significantly longer wheelbase. That results in a generous space inside the cabin along with a substantially larger boot compartment.

Price Comparison

Currently, the price of the base trim of the new Skoda Kylaq has been announced. The compact SUV will start at Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The retail stickers of the entire range will be announced at the launch. On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue is on sale from Rs 7.94 lakh to Rs 13.53 lakh, ex-showroom.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions would understandably be difficult. However, we must wait until the price of the entire Kylaq lineup is revealed. Thereafter, we will be able to make an informed decision. In any case, if you want a diesel compact SUV, there is really one option. Apart from that, the design and the features on offer are personal preferences for the potential buyers. Therefore, I would recommend our readers visit their nearest showrooms to experience the two in the flesh (once the Kylaq becomes available) to see which one attracts you more.

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