Skoda Kylaq Prototype Review: Big Ambitions, Compact Frame!

While we didn’t get a full view of the final product, Skoda is promising some exciting things ahead of its global reveal. What we did see, however, has piqued our curiosity.

Kylaq, that's what Skoda Auto India has decided to call its newest member and the smallest of the lot. It is the one which has the massive investments, 250 million Euros (approx. ₹2,291.14 crore) have been invested in the country to bring out this car. This now of course is the prototype of the car, and we will get to see the final production version only on November 6 at its world debut, with a launch scheduled for in 2025. 

What’s The Big Deal About The Kylaq?

A lot has gone into making this car and it's taken its time to build this one. But today, I got a chance to drive this prototype version and, we got to understand what is under the hood. So, let's take you through that. Now when I say take you through it, there were quite a few restrictions I was held to, because as I said earlier, this is just the prototype.

Not a lot we can tell you about the entire car because even though we didn't get to see the entire car but there is certain information that we can give you like it will make its world debut on November 6th this year itself.

Skoda Kylaq: What’s Under The Hood?

So, there's a lot of anticipation behind this car and we can also tell you that the engine under this hood is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which basically means it's not a powerhouse as such but still makes 114 bhp and more than 175 Nm of torque that we can say is decent. 

Skoda Kylaq: How Does It Handle?

Now on the driving front, we got to drive it a little around this track right here and what I can say is that the steering is precise, point-and-shoot kind of steering. Now the clutch is a bit on the harder side but overall, on the ride and handling front, it is sorted. It's not bad. It's a little on the edge of sportiness so to say and that's what we like about it.

That's what makes this one more intriguing and I cannot wait to drive this once we get our hands on it because this is a Skoda car which is built on the same platform as the Kushaq and even the Slavia.

Skoda Kylaq: Compact Yet Capable

It’s a subcompact SUV alright based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. The length is 3995 mm, and the wheelbase is 2566 mm, I don’t have the width and height of the SUV yet, but the ground clearance is a good 189 mm.

Skoda Kylaq: Gearing Up for Production

On the production front, 30 per cent capacity has been increased by the group so that it can accommodate the kind of impact this has in terms of sales as well as demand. So, a lot of thought processes have gone into it. Again, this car is also going to make it to the export markets. So, the production hub is going to be India and more cars coming next year as well.

Skoda Kylaq: Feature-Packed and Safety-First

According to Skoda, the base variant of this car is going to have a lot to offer. What is that? Well, we'll know on November 6. But what I can tell you is that Skoda has packed it with 25 active and passive safety features and yes, it is gunning for a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP as well. On the base though, it will offer, parking sensors, 6 airbags, and ISOFIX child seat mounts among other things.

Skoda Kylaq: Worth the Wait?

Now a whole bunch of you might be wondering what it is going to be priced at. Well, according to Skoda Auto India, the prices are going to be very competitive. And the competitors or the rivals in terms of pricing will of course be the Brezza. Now of course you want to know what this is priced at. Well, we don't have that information as well because we'll know that only next year when the car makes its market launch. But it will be competitively priced according to Skoda Auto India.

Skoda Kylaq: Verdict 

Localisation on the Kylaq is more than Kushaq and Slavia, closer to 95 per cent, as more local suppliers get added to the list. The Kylaq will be exported to other countries too and that expansion in production capacity will certainly help. Meanwhile, whether the Kylaq hits the bull’s eye is something that remains to be seen.