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It’s almost upon us! The upcoming Skoda Kylaq, a compact SUV that is under 4m in length, is set to take on the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Maruti Suzuki Brezza in the hotly contested sub-compact SUV space. With its unveil scheduled for November 6, it will be the first time in a long time that a car from the Skoda / VW group will be competing in the sub-4m segment. A lot is shared with the Kushaq — like the fact that it is built on the same MQB-A0-IN platform — and that’s a good thing. We’ve spent some time behind the wheel with a prototype version of this car, on the COASTT track in Coimbatore, getting a little familiar with it, and understanding what we can expect at first Skoda’s serious attempt at a small car in many years.
We haven’t seen the Kylaq undisguised yet. At the track, it featured a full camouflage wrap, hiding the details. However, some things were pretty evident like the split headlamp design, reminiscent of the Skoda Elroq that was unveiled not too long ago. It will also get the Skoda lettering on the nose like the Elroq, and not the roundel. The Kylaq also had LED headlamps, along with LED DRLs. From the side, you can tell that the Kylaq is a lot shorter than the Kushaq. The wheelbase is a whole 81mm shorter, giving it a 2566mm wheelbase (shorter than the Mahindra XUV 3X0 but longer than the Tata Nexon) and an overall length of 3995mm — perfect for the tax breaks that the sub 4m segment offers. This was not, however, a chop-job. This MQB-A0-IN platform was always designed to be modular and some swapping out of bits between the wheels. Interestingly, the Kylaq also gets 17-inch wheels on its top-spec variant (15s and 16s should be available for lower ones) which is an uncommon choice in this segment — only the XUV 3XO gets them as well. From the rear, again, you can’t tell much just yet. The details in the bumpers, hood, shoulder and fenders do define the visual appeal of the car and we can’t see too much of it just yet. However, from first impression, it is pretty obvious that the Kylaq is a very proportional car. Despite being smaller, it carries over the same track width from the Kushaq, gets a solid 189mm ground clearance and that allows it to sit handsomely on the road.
As little as we can tell you about the exterior, we know even less about the interior. What I can tell you is it features the same two-spoke steering wheel as the other Skodas on sale in India right now, and gets an all-digital instrument cluster. Since the car features the same track width as the Kushaq, storage spaces are rather similar as well. You get a tray in the centre console for your phone (unsure if it features a wireless phone charger), along with cupholders and storage in the armrest. You get reasonably large door pockets as well. In the sub 4m segment, where space and packaging are such challenges, the Kylaq’s ergonomics should hold it in good stead. In terms of equipment, we don’t have the full story just yet but we do know it will feature ventilated and electric adjustable seats, cruise control and Skoda’s unique Simply Clever features. Safety will not compromised. Skoda is targeting a 5-star BNCAP crash test rating and will be giving 6 airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and a suite of electronic safety aids as standard.
We did get a peek at the backseat as well. Much like the Kushaq, you get deep, sunken seats in the corners and a slightly raised middle seat. Knee room is obviously less than its bigger sibling’s, but my 5-foot-10-inch frame could fit in there comfortably with a couple of inches knee-room to spare. Headroom was enough. What I liked was that the seat was mounted slightly high up, which helped under-thigh support.
The Kylaq will get only one engine option. The 1.0 TSI shared with, you guessed it, the Kushaq and the Slavia, does duty here. It puts out the same power and torque figures — 114bhp and 178Nm, and comes with the option of a manual or a torque convertor automatic. The Kylaq doesn’t really weigh too much less than the Kushaq — the difference is less than 30 kilos — and the gearing is identical so acceleration and outright performance doesn’t feel too different. The 1.0 engine is pretty enthusiastic. It likes to rev and has a meaty, flat torque curve, peaking from 1750 to 4500rpm and then peak power taking over from 5000 to 5500rpm, lending it good performance. In the limited time we had with it, it was possible to conclude that getting to triple-digit speeds is not an effort, and by class standards, this will be reasonably quick. Being a three-cylinder engine, it isn’t the most refined engine out there in terms of noise, but I’ve always maintained that the sound that the 1.0 TSI makes isn’t a bothersome one and sounds rather sporty. The manual is a nice bit of kit as well. Short throws, well-spaced gears and a light clutch combine to make this an enthusiast’s delight. However, if convenience is a priority, the automatic works just as well with paddle shifters and a Sport mode.
We first drove the Kylaq on the full-length circuit and one thing was obvious right out of the box — this car can handle. A lot of that Kushaq DNA filters through here in the way it drives. It feels solid, very composed and enjoys being chucked around enthusiastically. Torsional rigidity has increased over the Kushaq, and combined with the 17-inch wheels, it does feel very willing. Turn-in is quick, and while it does roll a little bit, it feels very controlled in the manner that it shifts its weight. This makes its dynamics very predictable, and gives you the confidence to push it hard. It manages to resist understeer at speed as well, with good grip from the tyres and the ability to deal with lateral loads well. The steering is the same EPS system as the Kushaq, so it isn’t brimming with texture and feel, but it is direct. And by that I mean, the input you put in is the input you get, and you’re not constantly making mid-corner corrections to the wheel.
To experience ride quality, we were put in the passenger seat and driven down a dirt track. On first impressions, it does feel slightly softer than the Kushaq but you do still feel a little bit of firmness, particularly when you’re sat in the backseat. However, one thing that shines through all the time, is the stability and solidity of the platform. It rides with that typical European maturity, holding the road well, and feeling very confident at both low and high speeds. It is worth noting that the engineers are still fine-tuning things on the car, and the final production car may end up slightly different from this prototype.
Overall, the Kylaq does leave a very positive impression. It gets the basics of ergonomics and space right — one of the biggest challenges in this segment — along with proportions from the outside. It is an impressive mechanical package as well, drawing a lot from the segment above rather than the segment below. Together, the Kylaq has the potential to shake up this segment a fair bit. However, what I’m more excited about is the fact that enthusiasts on a budget will finally have a car that delivers on driving thrills. The fact that 70 per cent of this car's development has been done at the Group's technical centre here in Pune should hold it in good stead -- we've always said that Indian engineers know our conditions and our needs best, and can engineer cars for our unique conditions. Combine that with the European DNA that this Kylaq seems to have, it should make it quite a refreshing prospect in this segment.
Skoda has kept silent on pricing for now, but they have made no attempt to hide its positioning in the market. The Kylaq will rival the upper end of this sub-compact SUV market, going up against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Mahindra XUV 3X0, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite also compete in this space, but they will not be direct rivals. The Kylaq is all set to be unveiled on November 6. We’ll be bringing you all the action on evo India’s channels, so stay tuned!
