The Skoda Kylaq Is Actually A Downsized Kushaq That’s 3 Lakh Cheaper: We Explain

The Kylaq is Skoda’s newest and most affordable product. It has set a new benchmark for the Czech automaker’s Indian vertical with an entry price of 7.89 lakh ex-showroom. It feels more like a scaled-down Kushaq that’s 3 lakh cheaper with its entry price.

Here is everything that makes us say so…

The Platform

Both the Kylaq and Kushaq are underpinned by the same platform- Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 IN. This is a heavily Indianised version of the MQB global architecture. It in fact, has up to 95% of localisation gone into it.

The platform has already been certified safe as the Kushaq secured 5 stars for adult safety and 4 stars for child protection in GNCAP crash tests. Going by how the architecture is shared, Kylaq should also be able to score similar results.

So what has changed if the not the platform? Dimensions. The Kylaq spans 3,995mm in length, a nip under the 4m mark. The Kushaq is 230mm longer, standing at 4,225 mm. The modular nature of the platform has made this happen. In the Kylaq, the cabin room and boot seem to have been toned down, from those on the Kushaq, but not to an extent that would make it less desirable.

While you might call the room inside the Kushaq generous, that inside the Kylaq just suffices! The rear room is less than what you see on the Kushaq. Even the front footroom could feel less than that of the larger Skoda. The boot, though smaller, has a claimed capacity of 446L. This we think, could be the volume measured from the floor to the roof.

Shared Powertrain

What powers the Kylaq is a 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 115hp and 178Nm. This if you recollect, is the same engine that’s found on the lower spec of Kushaq. On the newer SUV, however, the torque has gone up by 2 Nm.

The Kylaq is quite fast. According to Skoda, it does the 0-100 kph run in 10.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 188 kph. It thus stands closer to the Kushaq in character, as the latter is something we love for being fast. Plus, the Kylaq is lighter by 38 kilos, and thus has a better power-to-weight ratio.

Safety Features

Other than the platform, Skoda Kylaq shares most of its safety tech and features with the larger SUV. It even comes with front brake disc wiping- a familiar Kushaq thing! It also gets 25 active and passive safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, TPMS and ISOFIX mounts.

It, however, doesn’t get ADAS. The upcoming Kushaq facelift will add this to the lineup. A possible update afterwards could likely bring ADAS functions to the Kylaq as well. There is no reason Skoda should shy away from doing this as some of the market rivals already get this feature.

Shared Cabin Components

Both SUVs share a lot of cabin components and feature comparable interior designs. This, in a way, makes for a recognizable (read signature) experience for the occupants. The new SUV gets a two-spoke steering wheel like the Kushaq. Other shared elements include the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch touchscreen ( though with an updated OS), AC panels and front vents.

There are no itchy cost-cutting signs in most areas of the cabin. The overall air is of something that is pleasant and premium. Other features offered are dual-tone leatherette seats, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a cooled glove box, a wireless charger, a single-pane sunroof and power adjustments and ventilation for both the front seats- a first in its segment. Both the front and rear seats feature armrests.

Even with the doors, an obvious similarity exists with the Kushaq. They feel hefty and solid and open in a multi-stage action. These are traits which we loved on the Kushaq.

Design Is Different

This SUV is Skoda India’s first model to feature the latest ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy. The exterior design thus looks notably different from the Kushaq even while invoking memories of the same. The bodywork gets cleaner lines and smoother surfaces. Key design highlights are a sturdy stance, a revamped butterfly grille, split headlamps, pronounced bonnet creases, and a two-tone bumper with an aluminium-finished Skid plate. A darker, less detailed silhouette will, however, make it look like a Kushaq- the moral being that it is the details that have changed. Both the SUVs ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Priced A Lot Less, No Quality Compromise!

The Kushaq is priced from 10.89 lakh, ex-showroom. This makes the Kylaq’s starting price a full 3 lakh cheaper! The interesting part, however, is that this price difference doesn’t mean compromises in signature Skoda bits like build quality, sturdiness, or quality. You are more or less getting a mini Kushaq that looks better, at a lower price.