Skoda Kylaq 2025: Safe SUV with 19.68 kmpl for Just ₹7.89 Lakh!

Skoda Kylaq 2025: The Skoda Kylaq has made a grand entrance into India’s competitive compact SUV segment, bringing with it the brand’s signature build quality and driving dynamics in a more affordable package. Launched in early 2025, this mini-Kushaq has quickly carved out its niche with a perfect blend of European engineering, safety credentials, and value-for-money proposition. If you’re in the market for a sub-4-meter SUV that doesn’t compromise on the essentials, the Kylaq deserves your attention. Let’s dive into what makes this newcomer stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Design and Exterior: European Elegance Meets SUV Ruggedness

The Skoda Kylaq strikes an impressive balance between style and substance with its distinctive design language. At first glance, you might mistake it for its larger sibling, the Kushaq, but a closer look reveals its unique personality. The front fascia features a bold glossy black grille with 3D ribs that gives it an unmistakable Skoda identity, while the LED headlamps and daytime running lights create a striking light signature.

Standing at 3995mm in length, 1783mm in width, and 1619mm in height, the Kylaq fits perfectly into the compact SUV segment while maximizing interior space. The athletic stance is further enhanced by prominent wheel arches housing 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on higher variants. With a ground clearance of 189mm, this little SUV is well-equipped to handle India’s varied road conditions without breaking a sweat.

What I particularly appreciate about the Kylaq’s design is how it manages to look more expensive than its price tag suggests. The side profile showcases clean lines and subtle character creases, while the rear features connected LED tail lights that spread across the tailgate, creating a distinctive look that’s instantly recognizable even in the dark.

Available in several attractive colors including the standout Olive Gold, Lava Blue, and Deep Black, the Kylaq offers plenty of options to match your personal style. The Olive Gold, in particular, creates a striking contrast with the black elements on the front, giving the SUV a premium appearance that turns heads wherever it goes.

Interior Comfort and Features: Premium Feel Without Premium Price

Step inside the Kylaq, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class. The interior closely resembles the Kushaq but introduces unique elements like olive green inserts on the dashboard, door panels, and center console, along with octagonal surrounds on the air vents that add character and distinction.

The dual-tone dashboard with a light-textured fascia creates an airy, spacious feel, while the quality of materials – though predominantly hard plastics – feels durable and well-assembled. The reassuring ‘thud’ of the doors closing speaks volumes about Skoda’s commitment to solid build quality, a trait that’s increasingly rare in this segment.

Seating comfort is excellent, with the front seats offering good support and 6-way power adjustment on higher variants. While the rear legroom is understandably tighter than the Kushaq due to the shorter wheelbase, it’s still comfortable enough for average-sized adults on shorter journeys. However, the narrow width makes it best suited for four adults rather than five.

Technology and Connectivity: Stay Connected on the Go

The Kylaq comes loaded with technology features that would make even some premium cars envious. The centerpiece is the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system is complemented by an 8-inch digital driver’s display that provides all essential information at a glance and can be customized according to your preferences.

Other notable tech features include:

• Wireless phone charger (though it tends to heat up phones)
• Touch climate control interface (which some might find distracting while driving)
• Front seat ventilation (powerful but noisy)
• Electric sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light
• Ambient lighting to set the mood for your journey

The 6-speaker sound system (4 speakers + 2 tweeters) is adequate but not exceptional, with some owners reporting distortion at higher volumes. If you’re an audiophile, you might want to consider an aftermarket upgrade.

Performance and Engine: Small Displacement, Big Heart

Under the hood, the Kylaq comes with a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 114bhp at 5000-5500rpm and 178Nm of torque between 1750-4000rpm. This is the same engine that powers the entry-level Kushaq and Slavia, but in the lighter Kylaq, it feels more responsive and eager.

Here’s a detailed look at the specifications:

The driving experience is where the Kylaq truly shines. As one owner eloquently put it, “This car is brilliant to drive.” The engine, despite being a three-cylinder unit, delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion with minimal turbo lag. You’ll notice some vibrations and the typical three-cylinder thrum at idle, but these fade away once you’re on the move.

The 6-speed manual transmission offers precise shifts, though the clutch travel might be a bit long for city driving. The 6-speed torque converter automatic, while not as lightning-quick as Skoda’s DSG units, shifts smoothly and intelligently, making it the preferred choice for daily commuters.

Ride and Handling: European Dynamics in an Indian Package

The Kylaq’s stiff chassis and well-tuned suspension make it one of the most engaging drives in its segment. Despite its 189mm ground clearance, body roll is well controlled, and grip levels are excellent. The steering is light and precise – great for city driving, though driving enthusiasts may desire more feedback.

However, the stiffness results in a somewhat firm ride quality, especially at city speeds, where it can occasionally feel jarring over sharp bumps and potholes. On the braking front, the combination of front disc and rear drum brakes provides strong, confidence-inspiring stopping power, even without rear disc brakes.

Real-world fuel efficiency varies significantly based on driving style. City driving yields around 9-10 kmpl, while highway cruising can deliver 12-13 kmpl. These figures are lower than the claimed numbers but still reasonable for a turbocharged petrol engine that prioritizes performance over economy.

Safety Features: Five-Star Protection

Safety is where the Kylaq truly excels, earning a perfect 5-star rating for both adult and child protection in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. This impressive safety credential comes from a combination of structural integrity and comprehensive safety features.

Standard safety features across all variants include:

• 6 airbags for comprehensive protection
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Multi-collision brake system
• Electronic differential lock
• Hill-hold assist to prevent rollback on inclines
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• 3-point seatbelts for all passengers (including the middle rear seat)
• Tire pressure monitoring system

It’s worth noting that Skoda recently issued a recall for Kylaq units manufactured between May 24, 2024, and April 1, 2025, due to a potential issue with the rear seatbelt buckle latch plate. This proactive approach to safety concerns demonstrates the brand’s commitment to customer safety.

Pricing and Variants: Something for Everyone

The Skoda Kylaq is available in multiple variants to suit different budgets and requirements. Prices start at ₹7.89 lakh for the base Classic variant and go up to ₹14.40 lakh for the top-spec Prestige AT variant (ex-showroom).

Here’s a breakdown of the key variants:

• Classic: The entry-level variant with essential features like manual AC, front power windows, and dual airbags.
• Signature: Adds more convenience features like a touchscreen infotainment system and alloy wheels.
• Signature Plus: Includes features like automatic climate control, sunroof, and wireless charging.
• Prestige: The fully-loaded variant with all the bells and whistles including ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, and the full safety suite.

Each variant is available with either a manual or automatic transmission, with the automatic commanding a premium of approximately ₹1 lakh over its manual counterpart.

The waiting period for the Kylaq varies by variant and location, with the Signature and Prestige variants available within 12-23 days, while the base Classic variant has a longer waiting period of around 4 months.

Conclusion

The 2025 Skoda Kylaq represents an impressive entry into the competitive compact SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of European build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and comprehensive safety features at a relatively accessible price point. While it doesn’t break new ground in any particular area, it delivers where it matters – solid construction, peppy performance, and a feature list that covers all the essentials.

Sure, there are some compromises – the rear seat space is tight for three adults, the ride can be firm on rough roads, and some might find the interior quality not quite up to old-school Skoda standards. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a well-rounded package that feels like a mini-Kushaq in both appearance and character.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that prioritizes safety, driving pleasure, and solid build over absolute space efficiency, the Kylaq deserves a spot on your shortlist. It may be a late entrant to the party, but it has certainly made a statement worth considering.

FAQs About Skoda Kylaq 2025

What is the mileage of the Skoda Kylaq 2025?
The Skoda Kylaq offers a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.68 kmpl with the manual transmission and 19.05 kmpl with the automatic transmission. However, real-world efficiency tends to be lower, with owners reporting around 9-10 kmpl in city driving and 12-13 kmpl on highways, depending on driving style and conditions.

Does the Skoda Kylaq have a diesel engine option?
No, the Skoda Kylaq is available exclusively with a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t offer diesel, CNG, or electric powertrain options, which might limit its appeal to those seeking alternative fuel choices.

How does the Kylaq compare to the Kushaq in terms of size and features?
The Kylaq is essentially a smaller version of the Kushaq, measuring under 4 meters in length to qualify for lower taxes. It shares many features with its larger sibling but has a shorter wheelbase resulting in less rear legroom. The Kylaq also offers only the 1.0L TSI engine, while the Kushaq additionally offers a more powerful 1.5L TSI option.

What are the standout features of the Skoda Kylaq?
Standout features include its 5-star BNCAP safety rating, 6-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, electric sunroof, 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, and Skoda’s “Simply Clever” touches like the ticket holder on the windscreen and dedicated phone pocket on the seatback.

Is the Skoda Kylaq reliable in the long term?
While the Kylaq is too new for definitive long-term reliability assessments, Skoda’s recent models have shown improved reliability compared to earlier generations. However, as one reviewer noted, “Skoda’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. The brand’s long-term reliability can be patchy as well.” Potential buyers should factor in service network availability and parts costs in their decision-making process.