Skoda Kylaq : In the highly crowded compact SUV market, the Skoda Kushaq offers a unique proposition that brings in European engineering and distinctly Indian designed and set up car.
Set in motion with the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project, the Kushaq represents Skoda’s clear ambition of graduating from being an oblivious niche player and delivering an everyday, fun-to-drive SUV for the masses.
The Kushaq is placed in the mid-size SUV category and competes against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taigun. “But is sticks to its guns, prizing build quality, driving dynamics, and safety above all.
Skoda Kylaq Premium Comfort That Feels Familiar but New
Take one look at the Kushaq and there’s no mistaking that this is a Skoda. Boldness is the order of the day, so the SUV sports features such as the characteristic butterfly grille, sharply creased bonnet and split setup for the LED headlamps.
The car’s clean shoulder lines, roof rails and tasteful fitment of chrome on the grille, handles and on the doors make this big and bold car seem sophisticated and suave, whereas the skid plates and cladding are a visual reminder of its SUV underpinnings.
Small it may be in comparison to some rivals, but the Kushaq does not appear so. Its wheelbase of 2,651 mm, one of the longest in its segment, lends it great proportions and results in good cabin space too.
Cabin – Practical With Lots of Comfort and Equipment
The moment you open the door and step into Kushaq, you will be greeted with a driver-focused dashboard layout. It’s minimalist in style, with a layered design and high-mounted infotainment screen.
It has a classy feel with textured materials and piano black inserts, although some hard plastics do spoil this in lower areas.
The front seats have plenty of bolstering and provide nice under-thigh support, keeping you comfortable on long drives.
Two large adults would find the back bench comfortable, although the floor hump would make a third passenger less comfortable.
The 10-inch touchscreen (in higher trims) is chock-full of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, connected car tech and a crisp interface. Other highlights comprise a sunroof, auto climate control, wireless charger, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats.
Engine and Driving Experience
The Skoda Kushaq comes with a choice of two TSI turbo petrol engines–a 1.0L three-cylinder and 1.5L four-cylinder. The 1.5L motor also extent 115 hp and 178 Nm, mated to 6-speed MT or 6-speed TC AT.
Its bigger 1.5L spits out 150 hp and 250 Nm, which is paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.
The pair of engines is solid, but the 1.5L is the enthusiast’s pick, providing a good pick-me-up for in-town driving and strong highway manners.
The suspension in the Kushaq is also well-judged – capable of absorbing potholes while maintaining stability at high speeds.
What it is doing differently is how planted and confident it feels at triple-digit speeds, which is quite a rarity in this segment. The steering is light at low speeds and adds weight as you push harder, which makes this fun to drive in the city and on tarmac trails.
Safety First
Safety is a strong suit for the Kushaq too, as it’s been given a 5-star rating by Global NCAP. It features six airbags, ESC, Multi-Collison Brake (MCB), hill hold control, ISOFIX mounts and a tyre pressure monitoring system in the higher trims.
Even entry level trims get two airbags and ABS with EBD as standard.
Pros:
Great performance in the bends and at speed
Strong and smooth turbo-petrol engines
Good Looking European Looks with a sturdy imported cabin
Good safety and sturdy build
Packed with features, especially in upper trims
Cons:
No diesel engine option
Some plastics in the cabin are pretty average for the money
Limited rear-seat space for three adults
Doesn’t come with a 360-degree camera or ADAS features
After-service Network Expanding in Some Areas
Skoda Kylaq Final Verdict
It may not be the roomiest car in its class, the most affordable, or even go the most places, but the Skoda Kushaq brings something few others do: a genuinely fun-to-drive offering that is also practical, safe, and quite stylish.
The Kushaq will be very worth a look for buyers who put quality and performance above all else, with a hint of Euro flair.