Skoda’s betting big on the Klyaq, and boy, do they need it to land right! This isn’t just a shortened Kushaq; it’s their ticket to cracking the elusive “affordable-yet-premium” formula in India. After years of being the brand everyone admires but not many buy, Skoda’s 2.0 reboot helped them find wider acceptance through the Kushaq and Slavia. But it’s now on the Kylaq to help the brand driver further inroads into the mass market. The Klyaq promises sharp looks, solid features, and European finesse, all wrapped in a budget-friendly package courtesy MQB-A0-IN —or so they claim. But does it really have what it takes to win over the price-sensitive Indian buyer? Let’s find out!
A Mini-Me Kushaq? Nah!
The Skoda Kylaq features the carmaker’s latest fascia, making it the first ICE Skoda to sport this fresh design theme. It’s sharp, sleek, and, looks distinct. The split headlamps setup may feel familiar, but its execution makes the vehicle look less of a smaller Kushaq. The grille is now more compact, yet manages to exude confidence, pairing beautifully with the chunky air dam below. From the side, the Kylaq’s boxy silhouette stands out. The upright glasshouse and taut sheetmetal bring a sense of purpose, while its proportions remain refreshingly balanced for a sub-4m SUV. Subtle touches, like the slight kink in the rear window, lend it a typically VW-family look.
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Move to the rear, and things stay clean yet sporty. It’s over here that that the vehicle breaks away from any visual connection with the Kushaq. The compact LED taillights look sufficiently modern, while the contoured boot lid and grey skid plate add visual flair. It’s a design that’s cohesive, with just the right mix of familiarity and freshness. The Kylaq might not scream for attention, but it sure holds its own.
Great Boot Space But…
Step inside the Skoda Kylaq, and it feels like a close cousin of the Kushaq, of course, with some distinctness. The layout is clean and functional, with Skoda’s signature top-notch build quality on full display. That satisfying ‘thud’ when you shut the doors? It’s there. While the overall vibe feels familiar, unique touches like olive-green inserts and textured panels add a dash of flair. The octagonal air vents are a subtle nod to Skoda’s effort in making the Kylaq stand out.The light grey theme keeps things airy, though the hard plastics remind you this isn’t exactly luxury territory. Comfort-wise, the front seats are amazing, and even get electric adjustments and ventilation on the higher variants.
The rear, however, is strictly average. The legroom is just about enough for occupants of medium height. The contoured seats are comfortable, but the rear space is just about enough for two adults. Fortunately, the compromise on the legroom has led to relatively generous boot space. You get 360 litres of usable space (or 446 litres if you’re packing to the roof). The equipment level, while not ground-breaking, leaves little to be desired. Features like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charger, electric sunroof and powered front seats sweeten the deal. ADAS is conspicuous by its absence but, let’s be honest, it’s no deal-breaker. And let’s not forget the various ‘Simply Clever’ touches like rubberized bottom for thd cup-holders or the provision to neatly stack the parcel tray against the rear backrest.
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On the Go
The Skoda Kylaq is powered by the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, delivering 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. While not jaw-dropping, the performance feels just right for the Kylaq’s compact dimensions and lighter build. Gearbox options include an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque-converter automatic and a 6-speed manual. Start the engine, and you’ll notice a bit of that typical three-cylinder gruffness at idle. Low-end grunt is sufficient but the motor comes into its elements post 2,000 rpm. In fact, the over eagerness has been kept in check in interest of improved fuel efficiency. The mid-range punch, though, is pretty addictive. The engine feels a tad out of breath near 5000rpm, it’s eager enough for most real-world driving scenarios. All’s well unless you expected VW Polo GT TSI-kinda performance here.
As a city beater, the Kylaq pretty much outshines. It’s compact, easy to park, and feels at home in tight city spaces. Visibility is great, and so is the seating comfort. The manual gearbox is slick but the automatic has a slight wining noise at lower RPMs. On highways, the Kylaq remains composed and stable, and has enough punch to overtake fast-moving traffic. The brakes are strong and have a progressive bite. The steering, though light by VW Group standard, is direct and responsive. Ride quality leans toward the firmer side, as expected in European cars, but it absorbs bumps well without feeling harsh. The Kylaq’s suspension keeps body roll in check around corners, maintaining a planted and confident demeanor. It’s not the fastest or the most powerful, but it’s sufficiently fun and fairly practical.
The Next BIG Small SUV?
Skoda has gone all-in with the Kylaq, betting big on its compact SUV to carve out a serious space in the crowded sub-4m segment. And from what we’ve seen, it’s definitely up for the challenge. With a 5-star Bharat-NCAP safety rating that outshines all its ICE rivals, the Kylaq brings solid credentials to the table. Add to that Skoda’s aggressive pricing, starting at ₹7.89 lakh, and it’s clear this is no half-hearted attempt to woo Indian buyers. What sets the Kylaq apart is its balance. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but focuses on getting the basics right. Strong performance, solid ride quality, sharp handling, and a generous feature set make it a well-rounded package. Yes, it’s missing a few headline-grabbing extras like a panoramic sunroof or Level-2 ADAS, but at this price point, you’re getting a car that feels premium without emptying your bank account.
Skoda’s also sweetening the deal with a 3-year maintenance package for the first 33,333 customers, and an ambitious plan to expand its service network to 350 touchpoints. This isn’t just a car launch—it’s Skoda making a serious attempt at cracking the mass market. Sure, the rear seat could be roomier, but the Kylaq more than makes up for it with its mature driving dynamics and great safety package. It’s not the flashiest or the fanciest, but it’s a Skoda through and through—solid, practical, and quietly impressive. Can it outsell the best-sellers? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—the Kylaq is a reflection of Skoda’s seriousness for our car market.
