With a price range of ₹7. 59L to ₹12. 99L the Skoda Kylaq is a strong choice in India’s cutthroat compact SUV market. After driving this Czech newcomer for six months, I can say that it offers more than just a competitive price. With its 1. 0L TSI engine that produces 114 horsepower the Kylaq has shown itself to be a capable all-arounder when driving on open highways or navigating congested city streets.
Crucially, the actual fuel efficiency has stayed remarkably close to the stated 19. 05–19. 68 kmpl. In the meantime, the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating offers assurance that is uncommon at this price range.
In this review, we explains everything you need to know before making a choice whether youre thinking about the feature-rich Prestige Plus edition or the entry-level Classic variant.
Specifications and Overview of the Skoda Kylaq 2026 Variant
The Skoda Kylaqs sophisticated drivetrain, which comes in a variety of variant options to accommodate varying budgets and tastes, strikes a balance between efficiency and performance.
Engine: 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol, 114 bhp
Every Kylaq model is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 114 horsepower (115 PS) at 5000–5500 rpm and a substantial 178 Nm of torque between 1750 and 4000 rpm.
With a manual transmission version that can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10. 5 seconds this turbocharged powerplant offers responsive acceleration despite its small displacement.
In 11. 69 seconds the automatic version finishes the same sprint. The engine has undergone extensive testing over 800000 kilometers of difficult Indian terrain proving Skodas dedication to dependability under various circumstances.
This 999cc motors 4-valve-per-cylinder design and direct injection technology also enhance its overall performance and efficiency.
Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual & TC Automatic
Throughout the Kylaq lineup drivers can select between two transmission options. For accurate shifts the 6-speed manual transmission has clearly defined gates with short throws.
The engine helps extract maximum fuel efficiency in sixth gear by maintaining a comfortable 2100 rpm at 100 km/h and 2500 rpm at 120 km/h. As an alternative the 6-speed torque converter automatic (TC) transmission offers effortless city driving and seamless shifts.
Performance and convenience are well-balanced by the automatic gearbox (AQ250-6F). Additionally depending on driving style and conditions the 1.0 TSI engine and this six-speed automatic can easily return 14–16 kmpl.
Skoda Kylaq Mileage: 19.05–19.68 kmpl (ARAI)
The Kylaq has impressive fuel efficiency ratings that have been certified by ARAI. Automatic transmission models get 19. 05 kmpl while manual transmission models get 19. 68 kmpl. Real-world testing however yields somewhat different results.
The manual delivered 15. 12 kmpl on highways and 10. 6 kmpl in real city driving conditions.
In a similar vein the automatic achieved 13. 36 kmpl on open roads and 8. 7 kmpl in urban settings. The Kylaq has an idle start/stop system that automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and in neutral improving fuel efficiency.
In stop-and-go traffic scenarios which are typical in Indian cities this feature is extremely helpful.
Skoda Kylaq Available Variants: Classic, Signature, Prestige, Plus Editions
To meet various customer needs the Kylaq is offered in multiple versions.
Classic: The entry-level model with a manual transmission only priced at ₹759 lakh (ex-showroom).
Classic Plus: Both manual (₹8. 25 lakh) and automatic (₹9. 25 lakh) versions are offered.
Signature: A mid-spec version with both automatic and manual settings.
Signature Plus: An improved version of the Signature trim with extra features.
Prestige: A more expensive version with superior features.
Prestige Plus: The highest-spec model with an automatic transmission costs ₹12. 99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Notably, Skoda has increased the number of variants in its lineup over time going from the original four trims to six offering more choices at various price points. For those looking for a Kylaq with an automatic transmission the more recent Classic Plus model is the starting point.
In general the Tata Nexon Mahindra XUV 3XO Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are among the well-known competitors of the Kylaq in the sub-4 meter SUV market.
The effective and responsive 1.0L TSI, along with a variety of variant options, makes it a formidable competitor in its class, despite the absence of diesel engine options.
Driving Experience After 6 Months: City and Highway Insights
The Skoda Kylaqs driving dynamics show both advantages and disadvantages that arent evident during a quick test drive after six months of daily commuting and weekend trips. Although the 1.0L TSI engines character varies significantly between city crawls and highway cruising it has demonstrated its adaptability in a variety of road conditions.
Urban Driving: Smooth gear changes and light steering
Once you reach the 2000 RPM mark the Kylaq feels incredibly powerful in urban settings. Although some driving enthusiasts might want more feedback the lightweight and accurate electric power steering makes maneuvering through confined spaces easy.
Because the engine has not yet reached its power band there is a discernible turbo lag between first and second gear at lower revs. The city manners of the automatic transmission are especially noteworthy.
In order to keep things smooth in stop-and-go traffic it upshifts early. and doesnt often go gear hunting. S mode-equipped automatic versions provide more captivating performance when required. The experiences of owners of manual transmissions are not uniform.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic can be tedious due to the lengthy clutch travel and short first gear. Although the gates are clearly marked the gearbox takes more work to slot than rivals like the Maruti Brezza.
Highway Stability: Confidence at High Speeds
The Skoda Kylaq really shines once its on open roads. It can easily reach 80 km/h and most owners find that 90–100 km/h is ideal for cruising. Maintaining a feathered throttle at this speed range aids in the revs settling nicely.
At 100 km/h, the automatic transmission maintains the engines speed at about 2000 RPM, whereas the manual gearbox sits closer to 2500 RPM. The car’s streamlined windscreen design helps it avoid wind drag despite its SUV-like posture. Even at speeds close to 140 km/h body roll is well-controlled thanks to the stiff chassis which helps provide exceptional stability during high-speed maneuvers.
When changing lanes in an emergency this calmness inspires confidence. In the 30–100 km/h range where the turbocharger operates most effectively the engine delivers powerful power for overtaking maneuvers. To avoid lag just keep the revs above 2000 RPM on uphill sections.
Fuel Efficiency Observations: Claimed vs. Real
In actual use the Kylaqs ARAI-claimed efficiency of 19. 68 kmpl (manual) and 19.05 kmpl (automatic) is encouraging. Following rigorous testing the manual achieves roughly 10. 68 km/l in urban traffic and 14. 02 km/l on highways whereas the automatic achieves 8.9 km/l and 12.4 km/l respectively.
It’s interesting to note that driving style has a big effect on consumption. While highway cruising at 70–80 kmph can reach up to 18 kmpl heavy city traffic with average speeds of 11–13 kmph yields only 8–9 kmpl.
Idling and bumper-to-bumper situations are particularly unpleasant for the engine some owners have reported getting as little as 4-5 kmpl on school pickup runs when idling for extended periods of time. A nice finding: some owners report that using Sport mode either maintains or marginally increases consumption figures so it doesnt always worsen fuel efficiency as predicted.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 2025: Specs, Price, and Features Review
Engine refining and NVH levels
The TSI unit is remarkably refined for a three-cylinder engine. Although some owners report minor vibrations through the floorboard vibrations are well-controlled at idle and typical driving speeds.
Up until higher revs when the distinctive three-cylinder thrum is more noticeable, the engine sound is inconspicuous. Models with Continental UC6 tires installed on 16-inch wheels are especially good at controlling road and tire noise.
The suspension system is complemented by the softer sidewalls of these tires. Even at highway speeds wind noise is still tolerable but starts to interfere at about 90 km/h. There is potential for better cabin insulation so the overall NVH package wont match premium segment offerings.
However the Kylaq offers a reasonably sophisticated driving experience that strikes a balance between comfort and engagement for its price range.
Interior Comfort, Features & Practicality
Entering the Skoda Kylaq reveals a cabin that strikes a balance between functionality and high-end features resulting in a setting that is comfortable even after months of regular use.
Front seats: support adjustment and ventilation
The well-contoured leatherette upholstery on the Kylaqs front seats stands out and offers superior support and cushioning for longer trips. Both driver and co-driver seats in the more expensive Signature+ and Prestige models have six-way electric adjustment and ventilation a high-end feature that is uncommon in this price range.
In order to keep occupants cool during the summer this ventilation feature circulates air through the upholstery. The bucket-style design efficiently hugs occupants during cornering maneuvers and the seating position provides excellent visibility.
Regardless of body type the drivers seat height adjustment further improves comfort by enabling the best driving position.
Rear Seat Comfort: Space, Recline, and AC Vents
Long trips are made more enjoyable by the rear benchs thoughtfully angled recline and superb under-thigh support. There is sufficient headroom and legroom for two adults to sit comfortably in the back.
The useful 60:40 split-folding feature allows passengers to be accommodated while adding versatility when transporting larger items.
The small floor hump keeps the middle seat usable when necessary and dedicated rear AC vents guarantee that backseat passengers stay comfortable in hot weather.
As a result even though it is most comfortable with four people the Kylaq actually serves as a five-seater.
Infotainment System: Android Auto and a 10-inch touchscreen
The dashboard is dominated by the 10-inch (25. 6 cm) Skoda infotainment touchscreen which provides clear images and quick controls.
Except for the base Classic which offers wired connectivity this system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the majority of models.
In higher trim levels the user-friendly interface is paired with an 8-inch digital Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster that shows customizable information such as media and navigation.
A six-speaker system consisting of two tweeters and four speakers provides good sound quality throughout the cabin.
Boot Space: 446L Expandable to 1265L
The Kylaqs class-leading 446-liter boot capacity is one of its best features. When the back seats are folded down this area easily increases to an amazing 1265 liters.
A parcel tray for extra organization is included in the storage area. For comparison this boot capacity is 32 liters larger than that of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza which has a 360-liter capacity.
Convenience Features: Wireless Charging, USB-C Ports
Many thoughtful convenience features are incorporated into the Kylaq.
Smartphones are powered by a wireless charging pad located in the center console eliminating the need for cables. Four USB-C ports—two in the front console for data and charging and two in the back specifically for charging devices are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin to accommodate both data transfer and charging requirements.
A cooled glovebox smartgrip bottle holders front and rear cup holders and an armrest with a storage compartment are some more useful features. Ambient lighting is another feature of higher trims that adds to the cabins upscale atmosphere.
The dashboard reflects Skodas commitment to the environment by using sustainable materials such as textile-finished pads infused with bamboo fiber.
Safety, Build Quality & Missing Features
The Skoda Kylaqs outstanding performance in standardized crash tests and extensive safety equipment across all variants are key components of its allure.
Bharat NCAP has six airbags and a five-star rating
With a score of 30.88 out of 32 points (97 percent) for adult occupant protection and 45.00 out of 49 points (92 percent) for child occupant protection, the Kylaq was awarded a prestigious 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
It is therefore the safest car in the ICE sub-4-meter small SUV class. It received a score of 15. 035 out of 16 in the frontal offset barrier test and the footwell and occupant compartment were both rated as stable.
Surprisingly, all Kylaq models have six airbags by default including curtain side and front airbags.
Electronic Safety Suite: ESC, TPMS, Hill Hold
The Kylaq comes standard with more than 25 active and passive safety features in addition to passive protection. The basis is Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which includes Roll Over Protection Electronic Differential Locking Hill Hold Control and Multi-Collision Brake.
Additional driver assistance features include speed-sensing door locks rear parking sensors and TPMS which warns of tire pressure drops. A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines for better visibility is included in higher trim levels starting with
Build Quality: Skoda’s Signature Sturdiness
As is typical of Skodas reputation for durability the cabin has sturdy construction and a consistent finish. Hot-stamped high-strength steel strengthens the body structure beneath the surface increasing driving stability and safety.
Its outstanding Bharat NCAP crash test results which outperformed even well-known rivals like the Tata Nexon were a result of its structural integrity. ADAS a 360-degree camera and a diesel option are absent.
However some features present in some competitors are absent from even the top-spec version. In contrast to the Mahindra XUV 3XO the Kylaq lacks adaptive cruise control lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.
Both blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system are lacking. Additionally the Kylaq is only available with petrol powertrains so fans of diesel engines will have to look elsewhere.
Value for Money Analysis of Skoda Kylaq Pricing. When the financial aspects of Skoda Kylaq ownership are examined it becomes clear that the company has a competitive pricing strategy in the compact SUV market.
Skoda Kylaq Price Range: ₹7.59L to ₹12.99L (Ex-Showroom)
The base Classic model in the Kylaq lineup costs ₹7. 59 lakh while the top-spec Prestige Plus automatic model costs ₹12. 99 lakh. The more recent Classic Plus (₹8. 25 lakh) and Prestige Plus (₹11. 99 lakh) models are among the options available between these bookends. Customers can find a sweet spot that strikes a balance between features and budget thanks to this tiered pricing.
Comparison of Features by Variant
Six airbags and other necessary safety features are standard on even the entry-level Classic. Upgrading to the Signature Plus (₹10.77 lakh) it has a push-button start automatic headlamps and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration. The Prestige models have electrically adjustable ventilated seats for those looking for opulent features.
Warranty options and service fees
Skoda provides a comprehensive Skoda Super Care program that includes four labor-free services a four-year standard warranty and four years of roadside assistance. Up to six years and 150000 kilometers of warranty coverage are available to customers.
Over a five-year period the total cost of services is about ₹33000.
Best Value Variant Suggestion
The value champion is the mid-spec Signature+ model. It comes with two digital screens a sunroof an automated climate control system and a rear parking camera with sensors for ₹10.77 lakh. The majority of necessary features are provided by this trim without the premium associated with high-end amenities.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kylaq a small SUV has shown itself to be a strong competitor in Indias cutthroat market after six months. Although actual consumption figures fall short of the claimed 19 kmpl the 1. 0L TSI engine strikes a balance between exciting performance and respectable fuel efficiency. Nevertheless the powertrain offers seamless driving on both highways and city streets.
The Kylaqs greatest selling point is unquestionably safety. Families can feel secure knowing that all models have six standard airbags and an outstanding 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.
Furthermore, the sturdy construction quality is a reflection of Skodas reputation. Additionally comfort features should be acknowledged.
Higher trim levels ventilated front seats provide much-needed relief in the summer and the class-leading 446-liter boot capacity surpasses that of many rivals. Additionally the well-thought-out interior design produces a high-end ambiance that defies its cost. Some prospective customers might be disappointed by the lack of ADAS features and a diesel engine option.
But rather than being obvious errors these omissions appear to be deliberate trade-offs. The mid-spec Signature+ variant is especially appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
It strikes a great balance between affordability and necessary features at ₹10. 77 lakh without requiring the premium price tag associated with luxury goods.
In the end the Skoda Kylaq proves to be a well-rounded vehicle that puts safety functionality and driving dynamics first. Even though its not flawless if youre looking for a compact SUV between ₹7. 59L and ₹12.99L, it definitely merits a place on your shortlist.
In contrast to well-known competitors like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue Skoda has developed a compelling substitute that deftly meets the fundamental requirements of Indian families while providing European driving dynamics.