Skoda Kylaq, compact SUV, assessment, efficiency, options, inside – Introduction

Measuring just below 4 meters in size, the Skoda Kylaq is the Czech carmaker’s smallest SUV but and has been conceived with the specific intent to woo compact SUV consumers. There’s huge rewards for the hassle as a result of the compact SUV section is the quickest rising within the Indian market, and already makes up 30 p.c by quantity. The Kylaq, in impact, opens Skoda to a complete new purchaser base that is already spoiled for selection with fashions just like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet to select from. The Kylaq’s job is to ship all the pieces we like about Skodas in a compact and extra reasonably priced package deal.

A caveat first. What you see here’s a pre-production mannequin that we have skilled on the CoSTT race monitor at Coimbatore. Which explains why it is lined up inside and outside. Skoda would not need you or us to see its child SUV simply as but. Skoda hasn’t revealed all information and figures both so this transient assessment would possibly come throughout as sketchy in locations.

The first purpose of the drive was for Skoda to get suggestions on the engine, gearbox and suspension earlier than its signed off for manufacturing.

Skoda Kylaq identify and design

First issues first, the Kylaq identify. Skoda ran a contest throughout India inviting entries for the identify of its new compact SUV. Of the 2 lakh entries and 20,000 distinctive names acquired, Kylaq was chosen. Kylaq derives its identify from Mount Kailash and, in Sanskrit, interprets to crystal, one thing the Czech Republic is understood for.

Onto the best way it seems to be. Even below the garb, it is easy to determine this as a Skoda. There are clear traces throughout and frontal lighting might be a transparent level of distinction to the Kushaq. The Kylaq sports activities a break up headlamp setup with an LED DRL association up high and LED projector headlamps decrease down. The Skoda grille sits proud on the fascia and lends the entrance finish an imposing look.

It is on the sides that you may inform that the Kylaq’s a sub 4-metre automobile. General size measures 3995mm whereas the wheelbase measures 2566mm. For reference, a Kushaq has a 2651mm wheelbase, so plenty of the size discount has really come between the wheels. Even so, the Kylaq’s wheelbase is second solely to the Mahindra XUV 3XO within the section, and that does include the promise of a very good quantity of area on the again. The opposite variety of curiosity is 189mm of floor clearance. It is a ample determine, however down on the Tata Nexon’s class-best 208mm stat.

Speaking particular particulars on the sides, the Kylaq runs on 17-inch rims and working my hand on the stickering suggests easier surfacing than what we have seen on the Kushaq. Chunky door handles make a very good level of contact and I am glad to report the strong thunk on door shut we have come to affiliate with Skodas has been retained. A chunky C-pillar lends solidity to the design however what’s a transparent distinction to the Kushaq are the taillights. The lights are smaller however their squared-out impact works with the clear theme styling. Of the opposite issues, the tailgate is huge and extends pretty low so loading/unloading baggage must be handy. Skoda insiders trace that baggage area could possibly be best-in-class, however that is one thing we’ll have to attend as soon as the ultimate homologated figures come out.

Skoda Kylaq inside, options and security

My lips are sealed on the matter of area on the again and, sadly, I am unable to let you know a lot about the remainder of the inside both. It was lined in several sorts of supplies to cover it from view. However what I can let you know is that the Skoda Kylaq will include a first-in-class energy alter for each entrance seats together with with air flow.

Underneath the pores and skin, the Kylaq could be very intently associated to the Kushaq. It is constructed on the identical MQB A0 IN platform. And that is a very good factor as a result of the platform has been examined for the best security requirements. The Kushaq and Slavia, in case you recall, are each 5-star International NCAP rated automobiles and that may be a ranking that Skoda is aiming for with the Kylaq as effectively. As commonplace, the Kylaq will get six airbags, ABS, ESC in addition to ISOFIX baby seat mounts for the rear seats.

Skoda Kylaq Engine and efficiency

On to the guts of the matter. The Skoda Kylaq might be a petrol-only mannequin and might be provided with the acquainted Volkswagen Group 1.0 TSI engine. This three-cylinder, 1.0-litre, direct-injection, turbo petrol engine makes 115bhp and 178Nm, that are fairly good figures for this class of automobile. We all know the engine from the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, and Volkswagen Polo, Taigun and Virtus and as on its different functions, it is one very likeable unit right here too. It is an engine with a very good diploma of enjoyable simply constructed into it. The mid-range is punchy and you may also rev the engine fairly fortunately and heartily. The engine does get thrummy however by no means obtrusively so. Efficiency on the town and at low speeds is one thing we will touch upon solely after we get the Kylaq exterior the confines of a racetrack.

The Kylaq might be obtainable with two gearboxes. The usual match six-speed handbook is sporty however I did discover clutch journey a bit lengthy. For individuals who don’t need the hassle of a clutch altogether, there would be the possibility of a six-speed torque converter automated. It is a good gearbox and you’ll have enjoyable with handbook gearshifts by way of the gear selector too.

Skoda Kylaq journey and dealing with

Skoda’s selection of venue (pun not supposed) of race monitor for the Kylaq drive might sound uncommon however did repay to spotlight one of many SUV’s strengths – dealing with. The Kylaq might be a compact SUV of curiosity for many who take pleasure in driving. It is easy across the corners, holds triple digit speeds with confidence and feels maneuverable even in tight turns (we additionally drove on a go-kart monitor). It is acquired a extra measured steering and basically is about up softer than a Kushaq (particularly on the again) however the total setup is extra predictable and novice-friendly. Actually, the grip and poise solely highlighted the chassis’ competence to just accept a extra highly effective engine. Skoda, perhaps a Kylaq RS with the 150hp, 1.5 TSI engine must be added to the to-do checklist.

Of the opposite takeaways from the monitor expertise was that the Kylaq drives like a correct VW Group automobile. It feels secure and surefooted always. Simulating a panic cease from 80kph additionally revealed the Kylaq to stay composed and monitor true to its supposed line.

An space the place the Kylaq improves on the Kushaq is journey consolation. On a damaged stretch of street on the race monitor’s periphery, the Kylaq felt extra absorbent than a Kushaq would. There’s much less of the floor that makes it inside, addressing one of many complaints we have discovered onerous on the Kushaq.

Skoda Kylaq gasoline economic system, anticipated pricing and launch timeline

There isn’t any phrase on gasoline economic system for the second and costs will even be revealed solely on the Kylaq’s launch in 2025. Nonetheless, Skoda has hinted at a aggressive price ticket inside this section. Our estimate is that the Kylaq vary will begin round Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom) with the absolutely loaded automated variations coming in round Rs 14.5 lakh. At these costs, the Kylaq won’t solely go head-to-head with different compact SUVs however will even eat into Kushaq 1.0 TSI gross sales. Pricing apart, Skoda says complete price of possession, which incorporates service and upkeep prices, will even be aggressive.

The Skoda Kylaq might be revealed in full on November 6, 2024 and can go on sale in Q1 2025. It is nonetheless a while from manufacturing so what we see may not be what we get. Certain, styling won’t change however some tweaks to the suspension, engine and gearbox could possibly be anticipated.

However, first impressions, are very optimistic. This could possibly be a mannequin that actually brings the numbers to Skoda and takes the competitors to established gamers within the compact SUV section.

My suggestion? Do not buy your subsequent compact SUV with out giving the Kylaq a shot.

Additionally see:

Skoda Kylaq prototype video assessment

Skoda Kylaq picture gallery