Skoda Kylaq compared with competitors in detail

The newly launched Skoda Kylaq is priced competitively and comes with a fair amount of features and comfort

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India PVT Ltd (SAVWIPL) is making a splash in India for the first time ever. Of course, the company has made waves before. But their latest Kylaq sub 4m SUV is the one that stands out the most. Not only is the company venturing into the highly competitive sub-4m SUV segment, but Skoda has also shown that they can price aggressively.

The starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh (Ex-sh) is Skoda’s most competitive ever in India. At this price point, the Skoda Kylaq is also cheaper than most of its main rivals. Kylaq, meanwhile, gets nice features and gear to slug down opponents. While the full price list is yet to be announced, let’s take a look at how competitive the top-of-the-line Skoda Kylaq model is.

Skoda Kylaq and Rivl

In terms of dimensions, the Skoda Kylaq is not the longest, widest, tallest or has the longest wheelbase. However, it has the largest trunk space at 446L. Mahindra XUV3XO remains a giant in this segment. It’s worth noting that the Kylaq has the lowest ground clearance in this comparison, despite having 17-inch alloy wheels. 215/55 tires add more ground clearance. Highest ground clearance is the Nexon’s forte as of now.

Only the Sonet offers several traction modes. These mainstream SUVs below 4m are all high-chassis monocoque front-wheel drive vehicles. In terms of crash safety, only the Nexon and XUV3XO (XUV300) received 5 stars, while the Renault-Nissan duo received 4 stars each. The Kylaq is a candidate for a 5-star crash rating, and the Brezza may also get a surprising 5-star rating, as the Dzire did recently.

While the Kylaq’s performance numbers are impeccable, the XUV3XO’s numbers are among the best in its class. The Nexon, XUV3XO and Kylaq are the only ones that come with turbocharging as standard. The Brezza is the only model available only with the NA petrol engine. Others offer at least one turbo option. The Nexon has the most transmission options, depending on the model and powertrain. The Kylaq lacks a diesel option, while the Nexon, Venue, Sonet and XUV3XO offer diesel options.

Functionality and creature comforts

While the Magnite now offers 6 airbags, the Renault Kiger is the only car that comes with up to 4 airbags. Depending on the variant, the XUV3XO, Venue (N-Line) and Sonet come with rear disc brake. The XUV3XO is the only one that offers Level 2 ADAS, while the Sonet and Venue offer Level 1 kits. Brezza is the only company without a TPMS. Kiger and Sonnet missed the projector headlights. The facelifted Magnite model also comes with LED tail lights.

The Kylaq, Venue and Kiger don’t have fog lamps, while others offer this feature. While the Kiger and Magnite wisely miss out on a sunroof, others offer one, with the Nexon and XUV3XO also getting panoramic sunroofs. All SUVs under 4m come with automatic headlights, while the Brezza, Venue, Sonet, Kiger and Magnite do not come with rain-sensing wipers.

The XUV3XO, Magnite and Kiger don’t have paddle shifters, while the Venue is the only one without auto-dimming IRVM. In this comparison, only the XUV3XO offers dual-zone climate control, with all competitors offering front and rear armrests as well as rear AC vents. Only the Brezza comes with a HUD, while the Kylaq, Venue and Kiger miss out on the 360-degree camera feature.

Infotainment screens have made progress in this area. The Kiger, Magnite and Venue come with 8-inch devices each, the Brezza comes with 9-inch devices and the Nexon, XUV3XO, Kylaq and Sonet come with 10-inch devices. Only the Nexon, Sonet and XUV3XO come with a 10-inch instrument screen, with the Brezza’s instrument screen being the least fancy as it is still a semi-digital screen. The Sonet used to be the only car to come with power seat adjustment, but the Kylaq now comes with power seat adjustment as well. Nonetheless, the Sonet is the only model that comes with a rear sunshade.