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Skoda and India have had a relationship spanning nearly 25 years. It’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, with certain defining moments that have cemented Skoda’s presence in the Indian market. Its entry into India began with the launch of the iconic Skoda Octavia, a car that redefined what a reliable, long-lasting, and premium sedan could be. The Octavia was Skoda’s first major success in India and was key in establishing the brand. However, as the years went on, what initially held it back was the inconsistency of its dealer network and service experience. To their credit, Skoda has worked tirelessly to rectify these issues, particularly with its India 2.0 strategy, which brought us cars like the Slavia and the Kushaq. These models signalled a clear intent from Skoda to turn their fortunes around.

Now, as it enters what can be called its India 3.0 phase, Skoda is setting its sights on achieving mass-market success. The Kylaq is its latest effort in this direction, a car designed to cater to a wider audience while maintaining the brand’s signature qualities. This compact, sub-4 metre SUV represents a bold step forward, with aggressive pricing, thoughtful engineering, and a focus on what Indian consumers want in this competitive segment. It’s clear that Skoda is serious about increasing its market share, and it says it has developed the Kylaq to do this. To put the car to the test, we headed to Goa (yet again). In January, the weather was perfect as we got behind the wheel, but instead of heading to Goa’s iconic beaches, we took a different route to an industrial area with empty roads, giving us a better environment to assess the Kylaq’s on-road (and some of its off-road) capabilities.

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The Kylaq’s design is unmistakably Skoda. At first glance, it carries the distinct DNA of the brand, with signature elements like split LED headlamps, a bold grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It does look like a smaller version of the Kushaq, which is no bad thing, but it’s also a bit of a disadvantage because of the family similarity. The wraparound LED tail lamps at the rear add a sleek touch, and the hood proudly displays the Skoda badge, a detail that adds to its premium appeal. Skoda’s attempt to give the Kylaq a rugged look becomes apparent in its profile; there’s a fair amount of plastic cladding to enhance its off-road-ready appearance, but it feels slightly overdone, to be honest. A more restrained approach could have given the car a sharper, cleaner look. At the rear, the bold Skoda lettering and LED tail lights make a strong statement, though the tail lights could have been more striking. Our test car came in a unique Olive Gold shade, which Skoda claims is a new offering. However, to the common eye, it looks more like green. It’s an interesting choice, and while opinions on the colour might vary, it does help the Kylaq stand out.

Step inside the Kylaq, and the interior immediately feels familiar to anyone who’s been in a recent Skoda product. Whether it’s the Slavia or the Kushaq, Skoda’s touch-and-feel quality remains consistent, and that’s a good thing. For its price point, the Kylaq’s cabin feels premium, with a thoughtful layout and quality materials. The Kylaq is well-equipped, offering a comprehensive list of features. Highlights include an electric sunroof, a two-spoke steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a virtual cockpit, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For added convenience, the Kylaq features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 6-way electrically adjustable front seats, USB Type-C charging ports throughout the cabin, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a cooled glovebox.

One thing we appreciate is the inclusion of physical buttons for certain controls, which offer tactile feedback and are easy to use. However, the touch-sensitive climate control panel remains, and it’s a bit of a let-down. While the panel looks sleek, it’s prone to fingerprints and can be tricky to operate while driving, especially when adjusting blower settings. That said, the rest of the interior impresses with its dual-tone finish, which adds a sense of sophistication to the cabin.

The steering wheel, borrowed from Skoda’s larger models, is a delight to use. It feels premium, offers great grip, and has conveniently placed controls for volume and other functions. The seats are another strong point. The front seats provide excellent support, with bolsters that hold you in place during spirited driving. The rear seats are equally comfortable, offering ample legroom and headroom. Despite its compact dimensions, the Kylaq doesn’t feel cramped, and passengers will find the cabin to be a comfortable place. Another feature the car has aced is its boot space. At 446 litres, it’s the largest in its segment, even surpassing some cars from a segment above. This is sure to please Indian buyers, who often prioritise boot capacity for their family road trips.

Performance has always been a hallmark of Skoda cars, and the Kylaq continues this tradition. Under the hood is a tried-and-tested 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The engine produces 114 bhp and 18.15 kgm of torque, delivering a peppy and enjoyable driving experience. During our drive along some back roads in Goa, we had the automatic variant, and it performed admirably. Gear shifts were smooth, though there was a slight delay during sudden kickdowns. For city driving and heavy traffic, the automatic is a convenient choice. But, for enthusiasts, the six-speed manual is the one to go for. It’s engaging and rewarding, with crisp shifts and a light clutch that makes daily commutes a breeze. The manual truly brings out the best in the Kylaq, especially when driving on open roads or twisty hill sections; you get a rewarding feeling after a well-executed gear shift. It’s cheeky, it’s fun, and rewarding.

The Kylaq’s dynamics are another area where it shines. It has by far the best handling in its class, with a precise steering feel that inspires confidence. The chassis feels well-balanced, allowing the car to maintain composure even during spirited driving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Kylaq is more than capable of getting sideways around corners. Ride quality is an area where Skoda has always excelled, and the Kylaq is no exception. The suspension setup is a good balance between comfort and sporty. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough roads. At highway speeds, the Kylaq feels planted and composed, with minimal body roll during cornering. Despite its compact size, it never feels like a budget car, maintaining the solid and premium feel we’ve come to associate with Skoda. The Kylaq’s steering feedback is a highlight. It’s responsive and precise, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Blindfolded, you’d be hard-pressed to tell whether you’re driving the Kylaq or its elder sibling, the Kushaq—a testament to the engineering prowess behind this compact SUV.

Skoda has a long-standing tradition of distinctive horn sounds, so much so that many vehicles on Indian roads, from two-wheelers to trucks and buses, have adopted it. It’s therefore surprising that the Kylaq deviates from this, with a more generic horn sound. We really believe that reinstating the Skoda horn would be a welcome addition, adding a touch of character and nostalgia to the vehicle.

That said, the Kylaq represents a significant step forward for the brand as it aims to establish a stronger foothold in the Indian mass market. Skoda has clearly put in a lot of effort to develop a product that caters to the needs and aspirations of Indian buyers, and it shows. From its fresh design and premium interior to its engaging performance and solid build quality, the Kylaq ticks many boxes. While it does have a strong resemblance to the Kushaq, the Kylaq holds its own as a capable and appealing compact SUV. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter, a family car, or a fun-to-drive vehicle, the Kylaq is well worth considering. With its competitive pricing and Skoda’s improved service network, it has the potential to win over a new generation of Indian buyers; it’s now up to Skoda to follow through on the car’s undoubted potential.