THE SKODA KYLAQ MAKES A GRAND ENTRY

A compact SUV that bends Skoda's signature sophistication with an accessible price tag

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

The all-new Skoda Kylaq is the Czech brand’s first sub-4-metre compact SUV and marks a bold step for the company. With it, Skoda has entered India’s most competitive car segment with a promise of affordability and practicality. But compact and affordable aren’t words you traditionally associate with Skoda, a brand synonymous with European styling, thoughtful design, and an exhilarating driving experience. Does the Kylaq live up to that reputation? I tried to find out exactly that by taking both its manual and automatic versions for a drive across Goa.

LEGACY PLATFORM

Now, the first thing to note is that the Kylaq is built on Volksvagen’s MQB-A0 platform, on which both the Kushaq and Slavia have already been built and, which is also the base for the globally loved Polo. It’s hence no surprise that the Kylaq has received five stars in both child and adult safety in Bharat NCAP’s testing. I’m gonna talk about the car’s safety features in a while, but first, let’s take a look at how Skoda has lined up its framework.

BOLD LOOKS

The Skoda Kylaq debuts the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language in India. Up front, the signature black grille with 3D ribs grabs your attention and gives the car a confident look. The slim LEDs, with their crystalline design, add a touch of sophistication to the whole affair, with the fog lamps and the robust cladding adding a sporty appeal.