Skoda India has launched the Kylaq compact SUV. The specs and features package proved to be what was already expected, if not more. What has caught everybody off guard, however, is the pricing. The Kylaq’s base model is pegged at ₹ 7.89 lakh. Skoda hasn’t had a car in the sub-10 lakh range since the Rapid was launched more than a decade ago in 2011! But unlike the Rapid, which was positioned as a premium compact sedan at a time when the competition was offering more value-for-money products at cheaper prices, the Kylaq now turns the tables in Skoda’s favour.
The Kylaq gets the familiar and trusty 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine in its standard state of tune with 115PS and 178Nm on tap. With the Kylaq’s lighter mass, performance should be sprightly. The 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic, both tried-and-tested, will see action here. Skoda has thrown in ventilated and power-adjustable front seats (yes, both of them), a single pane sunroof, an 8-inch digital cockpit display and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, fog lamps that double as cornering lamps, rain-sensing wipers, TPMS, keyless entry and an auto dimming IRVM among other features. The 446-litre boot space is claimed to be class leading, which also expands upto 1265-litres upon folding down the rear bench. Speaking of the rear seats, they offer 3 headrests and seatbelts, a centre armrest and no split configuration. The front and rear seats look identical to those found in the Kushaq, so good support and comfort can be expected. Safety being Skoda’s key focus, the Kylaq offers a comprehensive suite of safety-focused features; 6 Airbags (on the top variant), ABS, EBD, ESC with Electronic Differential Lock, Brake Disc Wiping, Hill Hold assist and Traction Control.
Looking like a shrunken Kushaq and with its highly competitive pricing, the Kylaq is set to face a horde of foes; Renault Kiger, just-updated Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Exter and Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Punch and Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Fronx, Toyota Taisor, recently updated Mahindra XUV 3XO and Citroen C3 and Basalt. These are just some of the direct competitors (compact SUVs).
However, the aggressive pricing coupled with the practicality (decent interior space, high ground clearance) and solid driving dynamics which the Kylaq is sure to have inherited from the Kushaq-Taigun duo, might just force prospective buyers looking at premium hatchbacks or sub-10 lakh rupee sedans to factor in Skoda’s smallest SUV!
The Kylaq comes across as a solidly packaged vehicle at an attractive price point and Skoda looks all set to disrupt the compact SUV market with it.
