Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Sonet – Specs, Price, Features, Etc.

The competition in the compact SUV segment in India has risen sharply in the last few years

In this post, we are comparing the Skoda Kylaq and Kia Sonet on the basis of specs, price, features, design and more. Both these belong to the compact SUV segment in our country. This is the most crowded market space in India. Every major carmaker has some product in this category. The Kylaq is the first compact SUV from Skoda in India. It borrows a few elements from its elder sibling, the Kushaq. On the other hand, the Sonet is among the most feature-laden cars in the country. That is its biggest charm. For now, let us delve into the details of this exciting comparison.

Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Sonet – Specs

The Skoda Kylaq carries the same powertrain and transmissions as the entry-level Kushaq and Slavia. This means that there is a peppy 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill that generates a familiar 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda claims that the compact SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 10.5 seconds while the top speed is 188 km/h. The Czech car marque also said that it has the segment-lowest maintenance cost of Rs 0.24 per km for 5 years for the first 33,333 customers.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet is one of the few vehicles which is available with multiple powertrain options in this segment including a diesel mill. These include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine which are capable of producing a healthy 83 PS / 115 Nm, 120 PS / 172 Nm, and 115 PS / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. The transmission alternatives are 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, iMT, 6AT, and 7-speed DCT automatic. This ensures that all sorts of customers can opt for their preferred choice.

Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Sonet – Price

The Skoda Kylaq is on sale from Rs 7.89 lakh to Rs 14.40 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Kia Sonet starts at Rs 8 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 15.70 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Kylaq certainly has an edge both for the lower trims and for the top variant.

Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Sonet – Interior, Features and Safety

Thereafter, let us move on to what lies inside the cabin. We know that interior comfort, features, tech, and connectivity play a crucial role in today’s world for buyers to make their choice. As a result, car companies equip their products with all the latest bells and whistles to pamper and woo consumers. To start with, let us glance at the details of the Skoda Kylaq:

• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• 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 Airbag De-activation
• Multi Collision Braking
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

As mentioned previously, the Korean auto giant makes some of the most well-equipped vehicles in the country. That is its unique selling proposition. The main amenities of the Sonet are:

• 10.25-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Connected 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
• Kia Connect with 70+ Features
• X-Line with Matte Black Colour
• Diesel Engine with iMT (Intelligent Manual Clutchless Transmission) and 2 Different Alloy Wheel Designs
• Segment-best Ambient Lighting
• Remote Window Auto Up/Down Function
• Rear Doors Sunshade Curtains
• Find My Car with Surround View Monitor
• Hinglish Voice Commands
• Valet Mode
• Level 1 ADAS Functions
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seatbelts For All Occupants
• Premium Bose Audio System
• Powered Driver’s Seat
• 6 Airbags
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist
• ABS, BAS
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• ESC with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seatbelts

Design and Dimensions

Exterior styling is one area where the two SUVs certainly have their distinct flavours. The Skoda Kylaq comes with the typical understated design language of the Czech carmaker. This includes a solid fascia with a butterfly grille, sleek LED DRLs on the end of the bonnet with the main LED headlamps positioned on the edges of the bumper, a rugged skid plate on the bumper towards the lower half and more. Moving down the sides reveals chunky wheel arches and dual-tone alloy wheels with black side pillars and roof rails, faux roof rails and sharp creases on the door panels. Finally, at the rear, we see compact LED taillamps with a black panel between them, a roof-mounted spoiler and a sporty bumper with an adventurous skid plate. All in all, the Kylaq certainly bears mini-Kushaq vibes.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet is also available with the latest design amenities. These include 7-shaped LED DRLs which encapsulate LED headlamps on either side of a large grille section, chrome embellishments and a metallic insert in the lower part, fog lamps with a prominent skid plate on the sporty bumper and more. On the sides, there are massive wheel arches which encapsulate the elegant alloy wheels, side body skirtings, black side pillars and roof rails. Completing the exterior looks are connected LED taillamp cluster via an LED light bar which runs the width of the car, a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler and a skid plate to lend it an imposing stance.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions is quite tricky. Firstly, if you are in the market to purchase a diesel-powered compact SUV, the Kia Sonet is the only choice you have. On top of that, it is also the best when it comes to the latest tech and convenience amenities. That is why its top model costs so much. On the other hand, if you want a driver’s car, the Skoda Kylaq should be your pick. Its tried-and-tested 1.0-litre TSI mill is a delight to drive. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these. Still, I would advise our readers to visit your nearest Kia and Skoda dealerships to experience these two in the flesh. That will help you make up your mind regarding which one to go for.

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