A novelty from Škoda's garage is coming to the market, but unfortunately it will not be available for European roads. Skoda Kylaq, a four-meter-long compact SUV with 116 horses and a price of only 789,000 rupees (about €8,900), will be available only to Indian buyers. Despite its compact size, the Kylaq promises comfort and features typically found in more expensive cars. 116 horses are exactly as many as in the VW Taiga. Who is harassing the Europeans?
Too bad Kylaq, a newcomer to the world of mini SUVs, is targeting the masses of Indian drivers, while Europeans who want a similar vehicle concept at an affordable price are left to watch. This small SUV comes fully equipped, including ventilated front seats, automatic headlights with cornering function and Hill Start Assist. Although dimensionally reminiscent of the European VW T-Cross, the Kylaq is even more compact, but no less robust for Indian roads.
At 3.99 meters in length, 1.78 meters in width and 1.57 meters in height, the Kylaq is quite modest in size, but only by European standards. It is the perfect choice for everyday urban driving, especially in densely populated Indian cities. In addition, it is powered by a turbo three-cylinder engine with 116 horsepower (85 kW) and 178 Nm of torque, which does not sound very spectacular, but will be enough for most city driving.
Adapted for bad roads - like the ones we have in the EU
The Škoda Kylaq sits on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a more economical version of VW's popular MQB system, designed specifically for the needs of the Indian market. For drivers who often encounter poorly maintained roads, it offers enough ground clearance – 18.9 cm – to prevent unpleasant bumps with every other pothole. However, the question of whether this vehicle is really ready for off-road challenges remains open.
The engine that we Europeans overpay for
With its three-cylinder 1.0-liter turbo engine, the Škoda Kylaq achieves a maximum power of 116 horsepower (PS) and a torque of 178 Nm, which is transmitted to the front wheels either by a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. Despite its moderate power, it is not a sports SUV, but a reliable choice for calm driving on city roads. With the fact that Škoda installed a more powerful air conditioning system adapted to the Indian climate, the Kylaq will certainly tolerate the hot Indian summer days well. Given that it is hot in the EU, every year more so, we are hoping for the same in the EU models.
Inside, however, Kylaq does not lag behind larger relatives. There is an advanced 10.1-inch multimedia display with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a smaller, 8-inch digital screen to display key information. In addition, Škoda offers the option of an electric sunroof and cruise control, which you wouldn't expect for this price category.
ŠKODA IS DEDICATING TO THE INDIAN MARKET - AND EUROPE CAN BE ENVIOUS
The Kylaq will be available from early 2025 and will consist almost exclusively of Indian parts (95 % components come from domestic production). Skoda's Indian portfolio, which also includes the Slavia and Kushaq, gets an interesting new choice with the Kylaq, targeting young drivers and urban adventurers.
And if we Europeans just smile at such an offer - perhaps with a little envy - the fact remains that the Kylaq probably wouldn't sell for a similar price in Europe. European standards require more, which also brings higher prices.
Let's say that certain models on sale in China, such as the Volkswagen Tacqua, the Chinese version of the T-Cross, are sold at half price. So under 10,000 euros.
