Introduction
The Indian compact SUV market is one of the busiest and most competitive segments. Every brand wants to grab a share by offering a balance of style, features, safety, and affordability. Skoda, the Czech automaker known for its premium European cars, has now stepped into this space with its brand-new Skoda Kyliaq.
Launched as the company’s most affordable SUV in India, the Skoda Kyliaq is a sub-4-metre compact SUV built on the trusted MQB A0-IN platform. It promises European design, powerful turbo-petrol performance, advanced features, and top-notch safety—all at a price starting from just ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
we’ll take a detailed look at theSkoda Kyliaq , covering its design, dimensions, performance, features, safety, ownership experience, variants, and how it stacks up against rivals like Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Table of Contents
Design and Dimensions: Compact Yet Premium
The Skoda Kyliaq brings the company’s Modern Solid design language to India in a compact format. From the very first glance, it looks like a proper European SUV, carrying sharp edges, bold styling, and premium touches.
At the front, you get the signature butterfly grille finished in gloss black, flanked by sleek split LED headlamps and integrated DRLs. The sculpted bonnet and muscular bumper give it a strong road presence despite its compact size.
Moving to the side, the Kylaq has bold character lines, sporty alloy wheels, and roof rails that add to its SUV stance. The rear features stylish LED tail-lamps and a neat bumper design with Skoda lettering proudly displayed across the boot.
Key Dimensions:
- Length: 3,995 mm (sub-4-metre for tax benefits)
- Wheelbase: 2,566 mm (best-in-class space)
- Ground Clearance: 189 mm (perfect for Indian roads)
- Boot Space: 446 litres (segment-leading capacity)
- Weight: 38 kg lighter than the Kushaq
The Skoda Kyliaq ’s proportions make it extremely practical for city driving, yet spacious enough for long road trips.
Engine and Performance: Peppy Turbo Power
Under the hood, the Skoda Kyliaq is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces:
- 115 PS of power
- 178 Nm of torque
This engine is paired with two gearbox options:
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 6-speed torque converter automatic
Skoda claims that the manual version can do 0–100 km/h in just 10.5 seconds, which is quick for its segment. The top speed stands at 188 km/h, making it one of the fastest in its class.
The TSI engine is known for delivering a fun-to-drive experience, strong mid-range performance, and excellent highway cruising abilities. The automatic gearbox is tuned for smooth city driving and responsive highway overtakes.
The only slight drawback is the 3-cylinder nature of the engine, which means you might feel a little vibration at low RPMs in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But once you’re on the move, the engine feels refined and powerful.
Interior and Features: European Luxury in a Compact SUV
Step inside the Skoda Kyliaq , and you’ll immediately notice the premium European touch. The cabin feels modern, tech-loaded, and built with high-quality materials.
Interior Highlights:
- 8-inch fully digital instrument cluster with clear graphics
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad for convenience
- Ventilated front seats for hot Indian summers
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Cooled glovebox and smart storage spaces
- Ambient lighting that enhances cabin mood
- Steering-mounted paddle shifters (in AT variants)
- Single-pane sunroof for an airy feel
- Premium Canton sound system in top trims
The cabin design is neat, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and comfortable seating for five passengers. Rear passengers benefit from good legroom, thanks to the 2,566 mm wheelbase.
Safety: One of the Strongest in Its Class
Skoda has always focused on safety, and the Skoda Kyliaq is no exception. It is based on the MQB A0-IN platform, which has already proven itself with 5-star Global NCAP ratings for models like the VW Taigun and Skoda Slavia.
Standard Safety Features:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS with EBD
- Traction Control System
- Hill Hold Control
- Multi-Collision Braking
- Electronic Differential Lock
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Rollover protection
With more than 25 safety features as standard, the Kylaq is one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy in India today.
Variants and Pricing
Skoda offers the Skoda Kyliaq in four trims, catering to different buyer needs.
| Variant | Manual Price (₹ Lakh) | Automatic Price (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | 7.89 | — |
| Signature | 9.59 | 10.59 |
| Signature+ | 11.40 | 12.40 |
| Prestige | — | 14.40 |
The Classic trim is the entry-level offering, but it still comes with a lot of features. The Prestige trim, priced at ₹14.40 lakh, is fully loaded with all the premium goodies.
Ownership Experience and Maintenance
Skoda is offering an attractive 3-year free maintenance package for the first 33,333 customers, which brings the ownership cost down to just ₹0.24 per km. That’s among the lowest in its class.
You also get:
- 3-year/1,00,000 km warranty
- 6-year anti-corrosion warranty
Owners have praised the service quality at Škoda dealerships, with many reporting quick turnaround times and reasonable maintenance bills in the ₹7,000–₹10,000 range per year.
Some feedback suggests minor engine knocking at low speeds, but this is typical of 3-cylinder turbo engines and not a dealbreaker.
Competition Check: How Kylaq Stacks Up
The Skoda Kyliaq competes directly with Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Here’s how it compares:
- Price: Very competitive, starting at ₹7.89 lakh.
- Boot space: 446 litres—bigger than most rivals.
- Features: On par or better with ventilated seats, premium audio, and sunroof.
- Safety: Class-leading with 6 airbags and ESC as standard.
- Performance: The TSI engine feels more engaging than most naturally aspirated rivals.
The Skoda Kyliaq’s biggest selling point is that it offers European quality and design in the same price bracket as Indian and Korean rivals.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Skoda Kylaq?
The Skoda Kyliaq is more than just another compact SUV. It is Skoda’s strongest attempt to capture the Indian mass-market SUV buyer. By offering a premium European product at an Indian price, Skoda has created a compelling package.
Why you should consider it:
- Attractive pricing from ₹7.89 lakh
- Premium design and interior
- Segment-best safety
- Feature-loaded cabin
- Fun-to-drive TSI engine
What to keep in mind:
- Engine vibrations at low speed (3-cylinder nature)
- Some rivals may offer wider service networks
Overall, if you want a stylish, safe, and feature-rich SUV that stands out from the crowd, theSkoda Kyliaq is an excellent choice. It combines practicality with European flair and is likely to disrupt the compact SUV market in India.
