2024 Skoda Kylaq prototype styling

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.

2024 Skoda Kylaq prototype interior

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.

2024 Skoda Kylaq prototype engine and transmission

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.

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