The Kylaq represents a new entry point for the brand Skoda in India. It’s a sub-4 metre crossover designed entirely in India. With prices starting under Rs. 8 Lakh, the Kylaq offers good value when you consider some of its variants. We will get to the value proposition later in this review. For now, let’s focus on the design and packaging of this new crossover.

Measuring 3,995mm in length with a 2,566mm wheelbase and 189mm ground clearance, the Kylaq is perfectly sized to handle rough urban streets. Its design follows Skoda’s latest styling language, with some inspiration from the Kushaq, particularly in the grille. However, much of the detailing on the Kylaq is fresh and unique. The split LED headlights, bumper shape, and the intricate cuts and creases on the bonnet all bring a new level of sophistication.

Like the Kushaq, the Kylaq features minimal front and rear overhangs, optimizing space efficiency. At the back, the sleek, compact taillights immediately catch the eye. Overall, the Kylaq has a refined, timeless appearance, making it a stylish and mature crossover that will age gracefully.

the split LED headlights, shape of the bumper, and the way the bonnet has been treated when it comes to the cuts and creases are all entirely new.

Like the Kushaq, the Kylaq features minimal overhangs at both the front and rear to maximise space efficiency. At the rear, the first thing that will grab your attention is the compact and neatly designed taillights. Overall, the Kylaq is a good-looking crossover and has got a mature edge to its design which is bound to age well.

The cabin has a positively restrained look, featuring a clean design for the dashboard and the finer elements. Speaking of which, the 10-inch infotainment screen and the digital driver’s cluster have been neatly integrated into the dash. Although, I am not a fan of the touch-sensitive controls for the climate control since they aren’t easy to use on the go. Otherwise, The Kylaq is ergonomically sound, with all the controls falling easily to hand and a driving position that is pretty much spot on. Moreover, the quality of plastics is also good, and overall, it is refreshing to see the consistency in fit and finish across the cabin. However, the predominantly black cabin doesn’t offer much in terms of soft-touch materials, but it looks and feels quite well-made.

Seating comfort is definitely one of the Kylaq’s standout features, especially in the rear. The seats themselves are surprisingly comfortable, with well-contoured seatbacks and bases that provide excellent support. The under-thigh support is ample, and the recline angle is just right, ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers. There’s also plenty of knee and headroom in the back. However, while the Kylaq is great for being chauffeured in, it could use a bit more shoulder room to comfortably seat three adults across the rear. If you frequently need to carry five passengers, there are other similarly priced crossovers with more interior width. That said, the Kylaq can still accommodate three people in the back, though they’ll need to sit with their elbows tucked in.

The top-end variant of the Skoda Kylaq comes packed with features like LED projector headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, TPMS, auto headlamps, a single-pane sunroof, and a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes a rear-view camera, six airbags, and standard safety features like ABS and ESP. What sets the Kylaq apart is the electric seat adjustment and ventilation function for both the driver and front passenger seats, adding an extra layer of comfort.

The Kylaq is offered with a single-engine option. It’s the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, TSI petrol engine available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This direct-injection turbocharged engine produces 115bhp and 178Nm of torque, which are decent figures for the segment. The engine has that typical three-cylinder thrum, though it is notable only at high revs, and the noise isn’t unpleasant in any way. In terms of performance, this is a turbo engine, yes, but it responds strongly even at low revs. It has a good amount of low-end torque, and you don’t have to wait for the turbo to spool up.

The Kylaq’s impressive performance is, in no small part, due to the six-speed torque converter automatic, which is fairly quick and responsive when kept in S mode. At slow speeds, there is no hesitancy in stop-and-start traffic, and the downshifts are better masked compared to rivals with a DCT gearbox. On part throttle, it upshifts early at the meat of the torque band to make quick progress. Overall, this is a solid drivetrain with ample grunt for daily driving.

We spent a whole day driving the Kylaq primarily on smooth roads across Goa. On a few rutted, corrugated stretches, the Kylaq remained mostly flat and surprisingly comfortable, with the suspension absorbing irregularities quite well.

The Skoda Kylaq may not stand out immediately on paper. With only one petrol engine option and a few missing convenience features like ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and drive modes, it might seem lacking at first glance. However, it’s the kind of car that impresses more once you spend time with it. The Kylaq is attractive, well-built, comfortable for small families, and enjoyable to drive. In terms of pricing, the base variant offers good value, though the top-spec Prestige variant feels a bit pricey compared to rivals that offer more features.

Our recommendation is the Signature Plus AT variant, priced at Rs. 12.40 lakh. It comes well-equipped with features such as auto climate control, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera, 60:40 split rear seats, auto headlights, and more.