Another standout aspect in the Skoda Kylaq was that the engine felt less burdened, given the evident drop in weight, and pulled cleanly through the rev-range, with a sporty soundtrack higher up adding to the fun. The seats are well-contoured and offer excellent support even during spirited driving. Oh, yes. The engagement level is also right up there. It is involving to drive with a good amount of feel and feedback making it rewarding to drive. It will also be a back-seat car, however.
Skoda have worked smart to make the best use of available space. The front seat-backs have been scooped out to make for better knee-room for rear occupants and there is more than enough head-room, even for six-foot tall occupants. The space in the Skoda Kylaq is said to be the best in segment and it did seem rather generous for its size. The boot volume beyond the rear seats is also abundant with a wide loading lip and widespread 308 litres or 440 litres measured to the roof. Of course, that figure goes up with the rear seats folded down. Impressive? Indeed!
A quick sojourn on the road with a professional racing driver at the wheel and yours truly in the back seat revealed the complete package that the Skoda Kylaq is. Over the unpaved dirt road, full of undulations and some small rocks peppering the surface, the ride quality and rear seat comfort were good and the sound deadening was great with no big thuds filtering through to the cabin. The slight stiffness of the ride was a smidge more evident in the rear seat compared to the front, especially over some particularly challenging stray rocks, but there was no intrusive sound at all. Should be just as enjoyable when seated in the rear, too.
We also had a go in the automatic transmission Skoda Kylaq, albeit on the tighter go-kart track within. The shorter and far narrower circuit clearly highlighted the Kylaq’s handling prowess with sharp turns, tight hairpin bends, and more kerb to use. The six-speed unit holds ratios on command but is just as appreciated when driving in a relaxed manner with a lazy foot. The comfort level is high overall.
The Skoda Kylaq, seen here in specially designed camo, will actually be offered in many colour choices, including dual-tone finishes, with the potent 1.0 TSI turbo petrol engine and a choice of manual and automatic transmission. More importantly, the goodies aren’t all reserved for the top model. Even the entry model gets a whole lot of kit, including LED lighting.
The Skoda Kylaq, then, steps into a crowded arena where the party started years ago; however, could it be one of those who arrive fashionably late and make a statement? Skoda will show the all-new made-in-India Kylaq to the world with a global début on 6 November with cross hairs on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and even the Mahindra XUV 3XO, apart from other lesser competitors. They have big plans in terms of reach with more outlets, as many as 350 touchpoints soon, and a proper dip into tier-III cities as well. A sub-four-metre offering was a long time coming from the Czech major and now it has finally checked in.
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Škoda Auto India
Need to Know – Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI/AT
Price: Rs 8.50-Rs 13.50 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom)
Engine: 999 cc, in-line three, direct-injection turbo-petrol
Max Power: 115 hp @ 5,000-5,500 rpm
Max Torque: 178 Nm @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear
Weight: 1,050-1,100 kg (estimated)
