Skoda Kylaq sub-4m SUV launched in India, prices start at Rs 7.89 lakh

Skoda's latest SUV is the Kylaq which borrows design from larger Skoda SUVs and promises to be the most dynamic car in the segment.

Skoda India has revealed the Kylaq, which is the brand's sub-4m compact SUV and smallest SUV yet. The Kylaq has made its global debut in India and is priced from Rs 7.89 lah (ex-showroom), with the full-price list to be revealed at a later date. Bookings for the Kylaq will begin on December 2, with deliveries to commence from January 27, 2025.

With the Kylaq, Skoda India aims to boost its sales numbers by a big margin, aiming for 1,00,000 units per year. Currently, Skoda sells more than 50,000 units, driven mainly by the Slavia and Kushaq.

The Kylaq has a slightly different design when stacked up against the current crop of Skoda cars, as it is based on the brand's Modern Solid design theme, which made its debut with the Skoda Elroq. The SUV has strong character lines all around, with a signature fascia, which blends the LED DRLs and the black grille element. The headlamps are positioned below, while the lower half of the face has a mesh grille and a silver bumper.

It measures 3,995mm long, and has a wheelbase of 2,566mm, with a width of 1,783mm and a height of 1,619mm. Despite its smaller dimensions when compared to the Kushaq, the Kylaq has proper Skoda proportions, and against its rivals in the segment, has ample road presence that will help it in the size perception. It rides on 17-inch alloys and gets ample cladding as well as roof rails that add to the SUV character. At the rear, it gets squarish tail lamps with a T-shape LED signature, while the tailgate houses Skoda lettering in black.

The interiors of the Kylaq has been lifted off of the Kushaq, so it is pretty familiar. The layout is the almost the same, with the same aircon vents, touch based climate control, and the 8-inch instrument panel. The central 10-inch infotainment system is the same as well, but it gets a new UI, that is faster and looks better too.

Features include a sunroof, keyless entry, wireless smartphone charger, wireless smartphone integration, ventilated seats as well as power adjustment for the front two seats. It also gets a cooled glove box, cup holders and an armrest/storage bin. Despite being smaller than the Kushaq, the rear seats of the Kylaq offer enough space for tall passengers, but is a space best enjoyed with two occupants. Rear passengers also get an armrest, adjustable headrests and three-point harnesses.

The Skoda Kylaq gets a 446-litre boot, which is actually one of the highest in the segment. The part that is impressive is that the parcel tray gets a stowage area as well, to accommodate more luggage when needed.

As the VW Group only sells petrol cars in India, the Kylaq too has only petrol powertrains. It is offered with a single engine options, the 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol three-pot, found in other VAG cars, which makes 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. This comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

The Kylaq has a starting price of Rs 7.89 lah with the rest of the prices to be revealed at a later date. At this price point, it undercuts its primary rivals, the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3X0, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. While we still haven't driven the car in its production form, to experience the drive and comfort, Skoda gave our Ed the opportunity to try out the Kylaq's handling and performance at the CoaSTT track in Coimbatore. Read all about its performance here.