It isn’t easy to purchase a compact SUV today. Nearly all brands boast high-quality specs, cutting-edge tech and cool designs. However, on the surface of an in-depth comparison, many entry vehicles feel like they’re missing a few things. Some leave out safety equipment, and others sacrifice the quality and comfort of their cabins.

It is where Skoda Kylaq wants to build a new brand image

If you prefer a practical SUV with a high-end feel but don’t need to pay the premium price, the Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus Manual is for you. Despite being the entry-level version, it achieves a decent road grip, has a turbo petrol engine, 6 airbags, a sunroof and a cabin that is more expensive than appears to be.

Skoda Kylaq seems to have been putting effort into the aspects of a car that truly matter in day-to-day, real-world driving, rather than just flashy appearance — safety, comfort, driving confidence and as a whole build quality.

Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus Price

The Skoda Kylaq Classic Plus comes in the manual variant at a price of around ₹10.69 lakh ex-showroom in India.

The price is in the same ballpark as a number of established compact SUVs on the market. But the Kylaq attempts to stand out with its more grown-up driving experience and enhanced safety features.

Skoda Kylaq Classic Specifications Table

Exterior Design Looks Modern Without Trying Too Hard

The lack of the standard look of a base model is one of the best features of Skoda’s Kylaq. We’ve seen many budget SUVs with a lack of added features, but the Skoda Kylaq retains a high-end appearance.

Front is fitted with projector LED headlamps and LED DRL’s that enhance both light output and looks. The SUV’s signature Skoda grille is complemented by the shiny detailing of the vehicle’s bodywork, lending it a fresh European flair.

The SUV is also equipped with:

• Black body cladding
• Roof rails
• Alloy wheels
• Integrated turn indicators on ORVMs are encouraged.
• Turn indicators on ORVMs integrated are encouraged.
• The black exterior detailing on the piano is of high quality.

Strong SUV stance

The back design is quite simple and elegant. This variant will not feature connected tail lamps but still looks modern enough to entice urban buyers. Rear parking sensors are included, although the SUV misses out on a reverse parking camera in this trim.

Inspect for road presence and ground clearance. Check for road presence and ground clearance.

Indian buyers tend to prefer SUVs that are capable of handling the rough roads and tall speed breakers. The Skoda Kylaq is a well-rounded option for such scenarios.

The SUV provides:

Ground Clearance=188 mm

This enables the car to navigate rough terrain with greater assurance and provides the driver with a high seat, giving them a great vantage point.

Cabin Experience is more upscale than anticipated

As soon as you step inside the cabin, the Skoda Kylaq makes an elegant impression compared to some of the other budget compact SUVs.

The interior is designed with a focus on functionality and simplicity, avoiding the need for excessive styling gimmicks. Selected soft-touch materials, piano black accents and silver trim add to the ambience of the cabin.

The interior includes:

• Multi-function steering wheel
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• Rear AC vents
• Fabric seat upholstery
• Adjustable headrests
• Front armrest
• LED cabin lamps

Multiple storage spaces

Seating position is comfortable, and the driver’s view is good in town and on the highway.

The sunroof also adds style to the vehicle. Demand for sunroof has grown in India very quickly, particularly among young consumers. Interestingly, Skoda has added even a single pane sunroof to the Classic Plus option. This addition enhances the overall value proposition, as many other SUVs would only offer this feature in higher trim levels.

Infotainment System & Connectivity Features

The Skoda Kylaq is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports smartphone connectivity.

The system supports:

• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• USB connectivity
• Steering-mounted controls
• Six-speaker sound setup

The touchscreen display is user-friendly and convenient for daily use. It’s not the biggest show in town, but it works pretty well for everyday use.

Turbo Petrol Engine Performance

The Kylaq runs a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Performance figures are:

Power=114 bhp, Torque=178 Nm

The turbocharged system should deliver rapid acceleration and improved mid-range response, particularly when accelerating over a highway.

Turbo petrol engines typically produce higher pulling power than naturally aspirated engines, which can cause the latter to lag at low speeds, but can make it easier to drive and get a turbo petrol engine going daily.

It would appear that the manual gearbox will be favoured by those who prefer to have more control when they are operating the vehicle.

The predicted mileage of the Skoda Kylaq is 31.4 kms per litre

Fuel efficiency is still a key consideration for Indian consumers, particularly those interested in compact SUVs.

Actual mileage will vary with traffic and driving style, but the following is the expected:

How the item is used. How many miles the item is expected to travel.

Usage Type	Expected Mileage
City Driving	14-16 kmpl
Highway Driving	17-19 kmpl
Combined Average	16-18 kmpl

These figures are not too high or low for the SUV to be practical for daily driving in the city as well as long-distance traveling.

If safety is a concern, one of the greatest benefits is the Safety Package

Skoda’s reputation for quality and safety extends to the world of cars, and the Kylaq is no exception.

The base variant even has several advanced safety options:

• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear parking sensors
• Three-point seat belts
• Adjustable rear headrests

The details provided also show that the SUV has been given a 5-star rating by Global NCAP in terms of child and adult protection. This amount of safety equipment provides a lot of peace of mind for buyers looking for it in the family car.

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