Skoda Kylaq launched, rivals Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet & more…
Skoda has launched their entry-level SUV at a starting price of Rs. 7.89 lakhs (ex-showroom). The car is available with a single engine option which is a 1.0 litre TSI producing about 115 PS of power. Positioned as an entry-level SUV it still would compete with the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite a fairly competitive segment.
Design and Styling
The Skoda Kylaq is a sub-4-meter SUV but the styling cues and the proportions make it look like a well-balanced SUV. It follows Skoda’s Modern Solid design language while the front grille and side lines give it a very similar silhouette to the Kushaq.
LED DRLs on top with a LED projector setup little lower, the Kylaq has the differentiation coming in compared to the Kushaq but it does miss out on fog lamps. When compared in length to the Kushaq, the Kylaq has a shorter wheelbase and an even shorter length fitting-in well under the 4 meter mark.
Dual-tone 17-inch alloys do look really good on the Kylaq while the dual-tone finish on the bumpers on both the ends gives it a tough appeal. Ground clearance is at 189 mm which is a good number for a sub-4 SUV.
Features and Technology
The Skoda Kylaq comes equipped with a single-pane sunroof and the interior, although in a dark shade, feels room and yet similar. Anyone who has been in a Kushaq will find the similarities in lines and creases. It also gets a 10-inch screen on the center console which is share while the two-spoke steering wheel and the AC control panels look almost the same.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front ventilated seats and leatherette upholstery add to the feature list while the Klyaq gets powered seat adjustment for the driver as well as the passenger.
Engine and Performance
Powered by the same 1.0 litre TSI motor that does duty in the Kushaq and the Slavia, the Kylaq get the same 115 PS motor. It also misses out on the 1.5 litre engine but as the car is lighter with tighter chassis one can expect brisk performance from the motor. Mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter, the Kylaq get the proven gearboxes from its sibling. Skoda also claims the Kylaq will hit the ton within 10.5 seconds making is really quick in it’s segment.
Competition
Skoda Kylaq is entering a very healthy competition comprising of SUVs from all the brands. Namely the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Renault Kiger and even the Nissan Magnite are here for a fight. But since the budget buyer wouldn’t mind a premium brand, the Skoda Kylaq has good hopes for brand loyalists as well as attracting new buyers.
