Skoda Kylaq Full Review 2025 – Complete Specs, Price in India, Engine Options, Interior Features, Safety & Driving Experience Explained

For years, the sub-4-metre SUV segment in India has been dominated by a few heavyweights—mainly the Nexon, Brezza, and Venue/Sonet. European manufacturers, particularly Skoda, have eyed this volume market hungrily, and finally, they have delivered their answer: the Skoda Kylaq.

This is not just a facelift or a minor tweak; the Kylaq is Skoda’s third product under the India 2.5 plan, built on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform that underpins the successful Kushaq and Slavia. It’s designed and engineered specifically for us, the Indian consumer, addressing the core needs of space, safety, and ground clearance.

It brings Skoda’s reputation for solid build and punchy turbo-petrol engines into the most competitive segment. Launched with an aggressive introductory ex-showroom starting price of ₹7.55 Lakhs, the Kylaq immediately undercuts or matches its biggest rivals. The real question is: Can a Skoda, traditionally known for premium positioning, win the VFM war against segment leaders? Let’s find out.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	Specification
Engine Type	1.0-litre TSI Turbocharged Petrol
Max Power	114 bhp @ 5000-5500 rpm
Max Torque	178 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm
Transmission	6-Speed Manual (MT) / 6-Speed Torque Converter (AT)
Boot Space	446 Litres (Best in Class)
Ground Clearance	189 mm (Unladen)
Wheelbase	2566 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	45 Litres
Length	3995 mm

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The Kylaq is clearly a younger sibling to the Kushaq, but it introduces elements of Skoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language. It manages to look robust, premium, and compact all at once—a tricky balance for a sub-4m SUV.

The Stance and Lighting

The front fascia is dominated by the signature Skoda butterfly grille, which is now blacked-out with 3D ribs, giving it a powerful, muscular look. The split LED headlamp setup is smart: the slim, upper DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) act as the eyebrows, while the main LED headlight clusters sit lower on the bumper. This gives the Kylaq a high-set, purposeful face.

The side profile is typically German—clean, straight lines, with rugged black cladding running across the lower edges. The 17-inch alloy wheels (on top trims) are stylish and fill the wheel arches well, contributing significantly to its road presence. Crucially, the 189 mm ground clearance ensures the Kylaq sits tall enough to tackle those infamous unmarked speed breakers with confidence.

The Rear Design

The rear is where the Kylaq truly distinguishes itself. It features striking T-shaped LED tail lights connected by a bold black stripe, giving it a wide, modern visual appeal. It absolutely turns heads on the road, mainly because it carries that unmistakable Skoda DNA—it looks expensive and sophisticated, unlike some rivals that lean more towards chunky or overly aggressive styling.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Stepping inside the Kylaq, you are instantly greeted by the familiar, high-quality cabin layout of its larger siblings. Skoda has clearly prioritized ergonomics and practicality—hallmarks of the brand.

Dashboard and Material Quality

The dashboard design is neat, with a clean, horizontal layout. The material quality, while primarily hard plastics (standard for this segment), feels durable and well put together, with zero panel gaps noticed. Top-end variants feature a 10.07-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that is fast, crisp, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver gets an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a major upgrade that looks premium.

Space, Comfort, and Simply Clever

The wheelbase of 2566 mm is among the segment’s largest, translating directly into better cabin space.

• Legroom: Front and rear legroom is surprisingly generous. Four adults (even six-footers) can sit comfortably on a long journey.
• Rear Seating: Seating three abreast at the back is possible for short city runs, but it will be a squeeze due to the car’s overall width (1783 mm). The rear features AC vents and a dedicated phone pocket, a classic ‘Simply Clever’ touch.
• Boot Space: At a staggering 446 litres, the Kylaq boasts the largest boot space in its class—a massive convenience for Indian families and their luggage needs.

Premium & Missing Features

Skoda has loaded the top-spec Kylaq with genuine segment-first features:

• Ventilated Front Seats: A literal life-saver in the Indian summer. This is a huge selling point.
• 6-Way Power Adjustable Front Seats (Driver and Co-Driver): Another premium segment-first, enhancing comfort and ease of finding the perfect driving position.
• Single-Pane Electric Sunroof: Standard feature on top trims, adding to the airy feel.
• Missing Features: While impressive, the Kylaq does miss out on a few modern amenities like a 360-degree camera (it gets a rearview camera with guidelines) and rear disc brakes (it retains drum brakes at the rear). There is also no option for the larger 1.5L TSI engine.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

The Kylaq is powered solely by the proven 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. While some might miss the option of the larger 1.5L TSI, this three-cylinder unit is a masterpiece of modern engineering.

The Powertrain

The engine generates a healthy 114 bhp and a punchy 178 Nm of torque. It comes paired with either a 6-speed manual (MT) or a 6-speed Torque Converter automatic (AT).

• City Drive: The turbo spools up quickly, and the engine has good low-end grunt, which is essential for city driving. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to weave through traffic. The 6-speed AT is smooth, upshifting early in normal mode to maximize efficiency, making stop-and-go traffic surprisingly effortless. The clutch pedal travel on the MT is comfortable, not the long, tiring setup found in some older manuals. Parking is easy thanks to the compact dimensions and good visibility.
• Highway Drive: This is where the TSI engine shines. Once past 2,000 rpm, the Kylaq feels properly quick and confident. The 114 bhp is more than enough for rapid overtakes. Stability at 100 kmph and beyond is excellent—a clear benefit of the rigid MQB-A0-IN platform. Body roll is well controlled for an SUV of this height, feeling planted in high-speed corners.

Suspension: Handling the Potholes

The suspension setup (MacPherson Strut at the front, Twist Beam at the rear) is tuned beautifully for Indian conditions. It strikes a fantastic balance: it’s firm enough to feel stable on the highway but has enough travel and compliance to absorb potholes easily at city speeds. Only the sharpest bumps will filter through, but for everyday use, the ride comfort is highly mature—much like the Kushaq.

Read more : Volkswagen Tayron

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

This is arguably the Kylaq’s biggest trump card and a significant differentiator in the segment.

• Safety Kit: Skoda has made six airbags standard across all variants, which is a commendable and segment-defining move. Other standard features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Multi-Collision Brake, Traction Control, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Build Quality: Being based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which delivered a 5-Star Global NCAP rating for both the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq’s structure is expected to be inherently strong. While a specific Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) rating is pending, given Skoda’s track record, the Kylaq is highly anticipated to achieve a top safety score, cementing its position as one of the safest cars in its class. The ‘feel-good’ factor of the robust door shut is definitely present.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

The 1.0L TSI engine is known for being extremely sensitive to driving style. Push it hard, and it will be thirsty; drive it patiently, and it rewards you.

Figure Type	Value	Transmission
ARAI Claimed Mileage	19.68 kmpl	Manual (MT)
ARAI Claimed Mileage	19.05 kmpl	Automatic (AT)
Real World City Mileage	10.5 – 12.5 kmpl	MT/AT
Real World Highway Mileage	15 – 17 kmpl	MT/AT

The Verdict: The real mileage in city traffic, especially with the AC on and during rush hour, averages around the 11.5 kmpl mark. On the open highway, cruising at a steady 90-100 kmph, the figure climbs nicely towards 17 kmpl. While this isn’t as fuel-efficient as the Maruti Brezza’s mild-hybrid engine, it’s a very acceptable figure for a powerful, fun-to-drive turbo-petrol engine.

THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

The Skoda Kylaq enters the sub-4m SUV arena to challenge the undisputed champions. We compare it directly with the segment’s two powerhouses: the homegrown Tata Nexon and the Japanese efficiency king, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Feature	Skoda Kylaq (1.0L TSI)	Tata Nexon (1.2L Turbo)	Maruti Suzuki Brezza (1.5L NA)
Engine Type	1.0L Turbo Petrol (3-cyl)	1.2L Turbo Petrol (3-cyl)	1.5L Naturally Aspirated (4-cyl)
Max Power	114 bhp	118 bhp	102 bhp
Max Torque	178 Nm	170 Nm	137 Nm
Automatic Option	6-Speed Torque Converter (AT)	6-Speed AMT / DCA	6-Speed Torque Converter (AT)
Standard Airbags	6 Airbags (Standard)	6 Airbags (Top Trim)	6 Airbags (Top Trim)
Boot Space	446 Litres (Best in Class)	382 Litres	328 Litres
Key Premium Feature	Ventilated Seats, 6-Way Power Seat	Digital Cockpit, Ventilated Seats (Top)	Mild-Hybrid Tech, Head-Up Display
Ex-Showroom Price	₹7.55 – ₹12.80 Lakhs	₹7.32 – ₹14.05 Lakhs	₹8.26 – ₹13.01 Lakhs

Winner: Value For Money (VFM)

• If safety is your absolute priority: The Skoda Kylaq wins hands down for providing 6 airbags as standard from the base variant itself.
• If you want an all-rounder with the most engine options: The Tata Nexon still holds its own with Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and EV options, plus a confirmed 5-Star GNCAP rating.
• If pure, fuss-free fuel efficiency is your goal: The Maruti Suzuki Brezza and its mild-hybrid system are the best bet, though its engine is the least powerful.

Overall VFM Winner: The Skoda Kylaq. Skoda has priced the Kylaq extremely aggressively, giving you a European turbo-petrol experience, best-in-class boot space, and an unmatched standard safety kit (6 Airbags) at a price that challenges the top two rivals.

FINAL VERDICT

The Skoda Kylaq is precisely the product the brand needed to break into the mass market. It carries the core Skoda values—solid build, mature handling, and a punchy turbo engine—and packs them into a competitive sub-4m package. It’s not flawless; the rear drum brakes and lack of a 360-degree camera are small misses. However, the space, the best-in-class boot, and the sheer audacity of offering 6 airbags as standard are game-changers.

Buy it if:

• You prioritize safety and build quality above all else, especially with 6 airbags being standard.
• You need a fun-to-drive, turbo-petrol experience with a quick AT gearbox for daily commutes.
• You require best-in-class boot space (446L) for family luggage and long weekend trips.

Skip it if:

• You absolutely must have a diesel engine or a factory-fitted CNG option (though a Kylaq CNG is reportedly coming).
• Your primary concern is the highest possible fuel efficiency figure (the Brezza is slightly ahead here).
• You need ADAS or a 360-degree camera system.

– A brilliant entry by Skoda. It is powerful, spacious, and sets a new benchmark for safety in the sub-4m SUV segment.

FAQs (People Also Ask)