Skoda Kylaq : In a bold move that’s set to shake up the competitive sub-4m SUV market, Skoda has unveiled its latest offering – the Kylaq.
This compact SUV, designed and engineered specifically for the Indian market, represents a new chapter in Skoda’s 25-year journey in India.
With its modern design, advanced features, and a focus on performance and safety, the Kylaq is poised to make a significant impact in its segment.
Skoda Kylaq Modern Solid Design: A Head-Turner on the Road
The Skoda Kylaq embodies the brand’s new “Modern Solid” design language, which combines compact external dimensions with a distinctive shape and clean lines.
From the first glance, it’s clear that Skoda has put considerable thought into making the Kylaq stand out in a crowded marketplace.
At the front, the Kylaq features precise DRL (Daytime Running Light) signatures and hexagon patterns typical of Skoda’s new SUV style.
The wide grille, powerful lines on the upright and square bonnet, and the almost flat bumper give the Kylaq a muscular appearance, making it look like a “little bodybuilder flexing.”
The side profile reveals the compact nature of the vehicle, but Skoda has managed to maintain proportions that don’t compromise on style.
The top-spec version comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, lending the Kylaq an almost hot hatch-like stance.
To emphasize its SUV credentials, thick cladding envelops the bottom third of the vehicle.
The rear design has been a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts.
It features an upright tail section, blocky tail lamps, and a black trim piece that adds a unique character to the vehicle.
While some have drawn comparisons to other brands, the overall design remains distinctively Skoda.
Color options play a crucial role in accentuating the Kylaq’s design.
The SUV looks particularly striking in louder colors such as Olive Green and Tornado Red, while also carrying off more subdued tones like white, grey, and black with equal panache.
Skoda Kylaq Interior: Functionality Meets Comfort
Step inside the Kylaq, and you’re greeted by an interior that balances functionality with comfort.
The cabin design takes inspiration from its larger sibling, the Kushaq, but adds its own unique touches.
A split dashboard, free-standing touchscreen, and the now-signature two-spoke steering wheel create a modern and inviting atmosphere.
Skoda has paid attention to the practicality aspect as well. The doors open wide, and the seats are set at a neutral height, ensuring easy ingress and egress for all passengers, including the elderly.
This thoughtful design extends to the rear of the vehicle, where the Kylaq offers a class-leading boot space of 446 liters, expandable to 1,265 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin enhances the premium feel.
Skoda has incorporated sustainable Design Selections, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly interiors.
The ambient lighting further elevates the cabin’s atmosphere, creating a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.
Skoda Kylaq Feature-Rich: Technology at Your Fingertips
The Skoda Kylaq comes loaded with features that are sure to impress tech-savvy buyers. The top-spec variant includes:
6-way Power Adjust Front Seats: Offering silent operation and ample adjustment range for optimal comfort.
8-inch Digital Driver’s Display: Customizable and easy to operate via steering wheel controls.
10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface reminiscent of an Android tablet.
Touch Climate Control Interface: Easy to use, with recesses for fan and temperature control.
Front Seat Ventilation: Powerful, though notably noisy at higher settings.
Wireless Charger: Equipped with raised ridges to keep phones in place, though it tends to heat up devices considerably.
Electric Sunroof: Adding to the airy feel of the cabin.
Cruise Control and Automatic Headlamps: Enhancing driving convenience.
While the feature list is impressive, there’s room for improvement in certain areas. The 6-speaker sound system has been noted to be mediocre, with distortion at high volumes.
The reverse camera quality has also been criticized for its low resolution and lack of dynamic guidelines.
Skoda Kylaq Safety: A Top Priority
Skoda has made safety a cornerstone of the Kylaq’s design. The SUV comes with over 25 active and passive safety features as standard across all variants.
This includes six airbags, Multi-collision Brake, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, XDS+, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Electronic Stability Control, among others.
The Kylaq’s commitment to safety has been validated by its performance in crash tests.
It has scored a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash test, a testament to Skoda’s focus on occupant protection.
Skoda Kylaq Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Skoda Kylaq offers a blend of power and efficiency. It’s equipped with a 1.0 TSI engine that produces 85kW of power and 178Nm of torque.
Buyers have the choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed torque converter automatic with paddle-shifters.
Skoda has put the Kylaq through rigorous testing, covering over 800,000 kilometers of Indian terrain to ensure its reliability and performance in diverse conditions.
This extensive testing should translate to a robust and dependable driving experience for owners.
Skoda Kylaq Connectivity: Stay Connected on the Go
In line with modern expectations, the Kylaq comes with advanced connectivity features.
These are designed to make daily driving more convenient, offering support to reach destinations on time and in comfort.
While specific details of the connectivity suite aren’t provided, it’s likely to include features like real-time traffic information, remote vehicle access, and possibly even over-the-air updates for the infotainment system.
Skoda Kylaq Market Positioning and Strategy
The launch of the Kylaq marks a significant milestone for Skoda in India.
As the brand approaches its 25th anniversary in the Indian market in 2025, the Kylaq is positioned as a key player in Skoda’s growth strategy.
The company has ambitious plans to expand its dealership network from approximately 160 to 280 by the end of 2025, indicating a strong commitment to the Indian market.
However, Skoda faces stiff competition in the sub-4m SUV segment, which includes established players like Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia, Maruti, and Toyota.
To stand out, Skoda will need to leverage the Kylaq’s strengths, particularly its design, safety features, and the brand’s reputation for quality and driving dynamics.
Early indications suggest that the Kylaq has been well-received. It reportedly garnered over 10,000 bookings within the first 10 days of its launch in November 2024, and deliveries began in January 2025.
In February 2025, Skoda registered more than 3,600 unit sales of the Kylaq, representing a significant 192% month-on-month increase.
Skoda Kylaq Conclusion: A Promising New Entrant
The Skoda Kylaq represents a bold step forward for the Czech automaker in the Indian market.
With its striking design, comprehensive feature list, strong focus on safety, and Skoda’s reputation for quality, the Kylaq has the potential to carve out a significant niche in the competitive sub-4m SUV segment.
While it may face challenges in terms of rear seat space due to its compact dimensions, the Kylaq compensates with its premium feel, advanced technology, and promising performance.
As Skoda continues to expand its presence in India and refine its offerings, the Kylaq could well become a game-changer for the brand.
For buyers looking for a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, safety, and European engineering, the Skoda Kylaq presents an compelling option.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this new entrant fares against its established rivals and whether it can help Skoda achieve its ambitious goals in the Indian market.