New Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV3XO – What’s Different?

Skoda has unveiled a compact SUV in India for the first time ever in its history, highlighting its willingness to adapt to the needs and preferences of the third-largest automotive market in the world

The new Skoda Kylaq has been revealed in India as I compare it with the Mahindra XUV3XO. Interestingly, Skoda has introduced a sub-4m SUV for the first time ever. This trend of compact SUVs is prevalent in India due to tax benefits associated with this category. Also, this means that car makers are able to launch SUVs at competitive prices which are in the same range as some hatchbacks. As a result, this segment is growing rapidly. In fact, this is the most crowded market category in India. Almost all major car companies have their products here. Similarly, the Mahindra XUV3XO is a well-established vehicle in this space. Note that it had been thoroughly updated a few months ago. Let us compare the two compact SUVs.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV3XO – Design

Let us commence with the design of the two SUVs. The Kylaq evidently draws inspiration from its elder sibling, the Kushaq. At the front, there are sleek LED DRLs on the contoured bonnet, while the main LED headlamp cluster sits on the bumper. This is a common modern design language we see on many cars. The lighting module even contains an LED fog lamp with a cornering function. Apart from that, the fascia boasts a slimmer butterfly grille than the Kushaq but has a 3D ribs effect. Down below, we see a rugged section underneath the bumper with an aluminium optics theme. On the sides, we are able to catch glimpses of the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, robust door cladding, creaseless side body panels, and black roof rails. Finally, the tail section consists of a rather compact LED taillamp cluster with a shark fin antenna, a thin gloss frame connecting the two taillights and a 3D effect on the rear bumper.

On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV3XO also bears a modern appearance, particularly after the recent update. This includes a unique front fascia with a black section between the C-shaped LED DRLs integrated inside the project LED headlamps. There are distinct chrome elements on the grille around the Twin Peaks logo. Down below, we are able to witness a rugged element with a skid plate to accentuate its sportiness. I particularly like the side profile due to the imposing wheel arches with black cladding and elegant alloy wheels. The compact SUV even gets black side pillars and roof rails. At the rear, the modern components include a connected LED taillight strip which runs the width of the bootlid, a sturdy bumper with a solid skid plate and a C-shaped insignia on the extreme edges.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV3XO – Specs

In terms of the specifications, the new Skoda Kylaq shares the engine and transmission options with the larger Kushaq. This means a potent 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol TSI mill which outputs a familiar 115 PS and 178 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Due to this peppy mill, Skoda says that the compact SUV will be able to clock a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 10.5 seconds. The top speed is 188 km/h. People will buy it for its enthusiastic performance.

On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV3XO comes with multiple powertrains including a diesel, which is not common these days. The engine alternatives incorporate a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine which belts out a cool 110 hp and 200 Nm, the 1.2-litre direct injection turbo petrol mill which generates the best-in-segment 130 hp and 230 Nm and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel powertrain churning out a decent 115 hp and 300 Nm of peak power and torque. One can choose between either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AISIN-sourced automatic transmission with the petrol engines and a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT AutoShift gearbox with the diesel engine. Hence, every kind of buyer will get what he/she is looking for. The XUV3XO certainly has an edge in this regard.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV3XO – Features

This is the interesting part since new-age car buyers are extremely particular about the kind of tech and convenience amenities available on their cars. In fact, this is a deciding factor for most customers these days. That is the reason why car companies are having to equip their vehicles with all the bells and whistles. Firstly, let us glance at the functionalities on offer on the Skoda Kylaq:

• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• 10.1-inch Infotainment Display
• 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, Mahindra offers some of the most segment-first or segment-best features in all its cars. The XUV3XO is no different with main highlights including:

• 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• AdrenoX Connected Car Tech with 80+ Features
• Largest Panoramic Sunroof in the Segment (Skyroof)
• A 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• 7-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio System
• Powered Front Seats
• Level 2 ADAS with Radar, Camera and Ultrasonic Sensors
• 6 Standard Airbags
• All Four Disc Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 3-point Seatbelts for all Passengers
• 360-degree Camera
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Dual-Layered Alloy Wheels
• 65 W USB-C Fast Charging
• Remote-Controlled Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Steering Modes
• Leatherette Dashboard and Upholstery

Dimensions Comparison

Since both these vehicles belong to the compact SUV space, their lengths are almost the same. However, they differ in terms of other aspects including the cavernous boot space on offer on the Kylaq. This is due to the fact that it shares its platform with the larger Kushaq which enables a better room inside the cabin.

Price Comparison

This aspect is quite interesting since we just know the starting price of the Skoda Kylaq, which is an impressive Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. More details about the prices of the other variants will emerge at the launch. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV3XO retails between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh, ex-showroom.

My View

Both these compact SUVs are extremely compelling. However, we have to wait until the price list of the Skoda Kylaq is out. Still, if you are looking for a diesel SUV in this space, you just have one option. Apart from that, both these offer incredible features, bold styling and great road presence. I would urge our readers to visit their nearest dealerships (once the Kylaq is launched) to see which one meets your requirements the best.

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