The sub-compact SUV segment recently saw a brand-new entrant with the Skoda Kylaq. It’s Skoda’s first attempt at this rather crowded segment and it hopes the Kylaq will be the key to crack 1,00,000-unit yearly sales in India. The Kylaq is based on the Kushaq, sharing a modified version of the MQB-A0-IN platform, buy there are quite a few differences setting the two SUVs apart. Here, we are taking a close look at how the Kylaq and Kushaq are different in terms of dimensions, equipment and powertrain options.
Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq: design, dimensions
| Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kylaq | Kushaq | |
| Length | 3995mm | 4225mm |
| Width | 1783mm | 1760mm |
| Height | 1619mm | 1612mm |
| Wheelbase | 2566mm | 2651mm |
| Ground Clearance | 189mm | 188mm |
| Boot space | 360-litres | 385-litres |
| Wheelsize | 16/17-inch | 16/17-inch |
As you can see from the table above, measuring under 4 meters in length, the Kylaq is 230mm shorter than the Kushaq, with the wheelbase having been reduced by 85mm. Interestingly, though, the Kylaq is 7mm taller and 23mm wider than the Kushaq. Both SUVs get 16-inch wheels on the base and mid-spec trims, and 17-inch rims on the top-spec versions. The Kushaq has the edge in terms of boot space with 25-litres of additional space.
.jpg&w=735&h=415&q=85 "Skoda Kylaq front quarter")
Visually, both the Kylaq and Kushaq have the same Skoda family look, but the former is the first Skoda in India to get the new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, on account of which it appears more monolithic and two-dimensional in its aesthetic. The grille, for instance, is flatter and the front bumper has smoother surfaces. In profile, too, the Kylaq uses simpler sheet metal surfaces (which also helps keep costs down) as opposed to the Kushaq which features a sharp character line running across the length of the SUV. The Kylaq, however, gets chunkier cladding on its doors that give it a sporty edge.
At the rear, both SUVs have a very distinct design. The Kylaq gets squarish tail lamps that are connected by a contrasting black band while the Kushaq gets standalone L-shaped tail lamps; the latter also gets an additional chrome strip at the base of the tail gate. Both SUVs get a faux silver skid plate on the rear bumper, but the Kylaq’s plastic cladding has a chunkier look.
Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq: interior and features
While the exterior of the Kylaq and Kushaq look quite different, the interior is nearly identical. On higher-spec trims, both SUVs use the same 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8.0-inch digital instrument, two-spoke steering wheel and touch-sensitive HVAC controls. The only major difference is a slightly different design for the passenger side of the dashboard with different use of colours and textures, and slightly different looking central AC vents.
In their top-spec trim, both Kylaq and Kushaq get wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, a single-pane sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, keyless entry, ambient lighting, push button start-stop, and automatic climate control with rear AC vents. Both SUVs also get 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, a reverse parking camera, TPMS, ESC, hill-start assist and rear parking sensors as standard.
Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq: powertrain and specs
Under the hood, the Kylaq carries over the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine from the Kushaq is the same state of tune. Producing 115hp and 178Nm of torque, it comes coupled to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
However, the Kylaq uses a stiffer body (resulting from the length reduction), which has allowed Skoda to soften the suspension tuning, and that should result in a more absorbent ride quality for the Kylaq. It also weighs 38kg less than a comparable Kushaq, so performance from the 1.0-litre TSI engine will be sprightlier here. The Kylaq, however, misses out on the Kushaq’s more powerful150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine completely.
Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq: price
Skoda has so far only announced the starting price of the Kylaq, which at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), has a significant delta from the Kushaq which is priced between Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 18.79 lakh. Given the tax benefits the sub-4m segment allows, Skoda will likely to be able to maintain a reasonable price difference with other comparable variants of the Kushaq, too. The full price list is due on December 2, and it is likely that the Kylaq will draw some buyers away from the Kushaq given the sheer value it offers in a sub-compact package.
Also See:
Skoda Kylaq variants, features explained
Skoda Kylaq price, size and specs compared with rivals
