New Skoda Kylaq vs Nissan Magnite – What Offers What?

Skoda has unveiled its first-ever sub-4m compact SUV for the Indian market which will borrow tons of elements from its elder sibling, the Kushaq

In this post, I am comparing the new Skoda Kylaq and the Nissan Magnite on the basis of specs, features, design, dimensions and more. The compact SUV space in our market is expanding rapidly. Carmakers are offering more affordable SUVs to satiate the desire of the customers to own an SUV without breaking the bank. Skoda has been basking in the glory of its highly localized MQB A0 IN platform which underpins the Kushaq and Slavia. It has brought fortunes for the company in the last few years. On the other hand, Magnite is the most successful Nissan product in our country. It affordability, design, powertrains and an extensive features list are some of the main reasons people are opting for it. Let us glance at what each of these offer.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Nissan Magnite – Specs and Price

The new Skoda Kylaq will share its powertrain and transmission options with the Kushaq. This represents the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill which produces a decent 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. This peppy mill will be a great choice for driving enthusiasts. In fact, Skoda announced that the Kylaq is capable of hitting 100 km/h mark from a standstill in a mere 10.5 seconds. That is quite impressive for a mass market SUV. The top is a decent 188 km/h. Hence, it is evidently geared towards petrol heads. Skoda even claims a fuel efficiency of around 20 km/l. The prices of the entire range are not announced yet. However, the Czech car marque said that the base model starts at an attractive Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom.

On the other hand, the Nissan Magnite is available with two engine and three transmission options. This incorporates a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine in two versions – a naturally aspirated petrol and a turbocharged petrol. These generate 72 PS / 96 Nm and 100 PS / 152 Nm (160 Nm with CVT), respectively. Buyers will get the option of choosing between a 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT or a CVT automatic gearbox. Clearly, the focus is on the fact that every potential car buyer gets what he/she is looking for. Nissan claims a mileage of 20 km/l with the manual and 17.4 km/l with the CVT. If you wish to get your hands on the Magnite, be prepared to shell out between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 11.50 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, it will clearly have an edge over the Kylaq.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Nissan Magnite – Interior and Features

In this modern age, car buyers want the top-notch connectivity, safety, convenience and tech amenities in their vehicles. In essence, vehicles have become moving gadgets. Recognizing this trend, carmakers ensure that they equip their products with all the bells and whistles. That is evident in the in-cabin functionalities of these two cars. Firstly, let us see what the new Skoda Kylaq gets:

• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 10.1-inch Infotainment Display
• Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Steering-Mounted Paddle Shifters
• Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Charging
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 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 Nissan Magnite is full of useful and practical offerings including:

• 8-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 7-inch Configurable TFT Driver Display
• Leatherette Interior Components including Steering, Door Panel, Centre Console
• Heat Insulation Coating on Seats to Keep Them Cool Even in Direct Sunlight
• 4 Ambient Lighting Colours
• Around View Monitor
• Cooled Glovebox
• Front Armrest with Storage
• Wireless Phone Charger
• 336-litre Boot Space
• Rear Cup Holder Inside and Smartphone Holder Armrest
• Cluster Ionizer (PM2.5 Air Purifier)
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• New I-Key with Tons of Remote Functions
• Auto Dim Frameless IRVM (biggest in the segment)
• 40+ Standard Safety Features (55 Features in the Top Trim)
• 6-Speaker 3D Surround System by ARKAMYS
• Type-C USB
• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 6 Airbags
• 3 Point Seatbelts
• Seatbelt Reminder for All Seats
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• High-Speed Alert System
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Reinforced Body Structure

Design and Dimensions Comparison

Let us now come to the design aspect of these two compact SUVs. The new Skoda Kylaq evidently bears the design elements from its elder sibling, the Kushaq. In fact, looking at it from the front, we can even say that it is a mini Kushaq. This is highlighted by the typical Skoda grille with vertical slats and 3D ribs effect and a Skoda logo just above it. Apart from that, we are able to witness the sleek LED DRLs sitting atop the main LED headlamp cluster located on the bumper. The lower section of the bumper bears a sporty and large black grille with silver accents to accentuate its sportiness. The side profile contains elegant 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, creaseless side body panels, robust door claddings and black roof rails. At the rear, there are LED taillamps connected via a think gloss black frame with Skoda lettering on it. Other components include a 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper, a shark fin antenna and a sporty bumper.

On the other hand, even the 2024 Nissan Magnite contains a sporty outlook. The front fascia consists of striking LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper with a rugged skid plate section containing tiny fog lamps along with a massive grille area with slim LED headlamps on the edges. I specifically like the front lower section with a rugged silver skid plate section containing fog lamps. Moving down the sides exposes elegant alloy wheels neatly sitting within the chunky wheel arches, black side pillars, side body cladding and roof rails. At the rear, the compact SUV gets a shark fin antenna, split-LED taillamps, a rugged bumper with a prominent silver skid plate. All in all, both these SUVs offer a distinct road presence.

My View

These two are mighty compelling propositions. Despite being in the most crowded market segment in India, due to growing customers, each car is able to carve out a niche for itself if the value for money aspect makes sense. We will need to wait until we know the full price range of the Skoda Kylaq. In essence, it is a competition between performance and affordability with these two. Those seeking exceptional performance should ideally opt for the Kylaq, while those who are on a tight budget but still want to own an SUV can go for the Magnite.

Also Read: New Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq – Which Skoda Offers What?