Skoda Kylaq : In the competitive SUV business today, buyers demand more than beauty.
They desire connected technology, good performance, safety and comfort — without emptying their bank accounts.
And that’s precisely where the Skoda Kushaq is placed at. Backed by a European badge, a premium feel, and now a more aggressive price range than previous openers, the Kushaq makes complex tech features accessible to Indian car buyers wanting a modern, urban-friendly SUV.
Introduced under Skoda’s India 2.0 plan, the Kushaq was engineered keeping the Indian road, preference and conditions in mind in a bid to appeal to the largest pool of consumers.
And now, with even more localization and updated versions, it weds German engineering DNA with Indian practicality, at a price that undercuts even mainstream competitors.
Bold and Modern Styling
The Kushaq isn’t a shouty design, but one that demands attention with its sharp lines, and confident look.
The broad butterfly grille, LED DRLs and chiselled hood make it a handsome thing to look at on the road.
Projector LED headlamps, roof rails and sporty alloys lend a dynamic air while the compact footprint guarantees it’s easy to work around in crowded city spaces.
At the back, you’ll find the LED tail lamps and bold shoulder lines that give it a clean, upscale SUV look.
The two-tone paint options and stylish cladding make the Kushaq appear solid or rugged enough for adventure and still sophisticated for urban daily grind.
Premium Finish
The interior is fully loaded with technology features.
Walk inside and you are welcomed by a super-classy, European-style cabin. The experience is enhanced by soft-touch materials, textured finishes and a clean dash design.
The centerpiece is a 10-inch touchscreen center stack, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Instrumentation is mostly digital, a look that is both modern and easy to read.
Parts such as wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, connected carmatic (Skoda Connect), auto climate control, cruise control and even a sunroof have been used in abundance in the higher trims.
For a compact SUV the Kushaq feels spacious and comfortable for both front and rear passengers. There’s plenty of boot space and the seat cushioning is great for long rides.
Safety and Build Quality
One of the Kushaq’s greatest virtues is that it comes with a 5-star Global NCAP rating under the latest test protocols.
Among others, standard safety kit comprises 6 airbags (in the higher trims), electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, multi-collision braking and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The Kushaq is built like a tank, as per Skoda’s European quality standards and is probably the safest in its class.
Performance: Smooth, Obedient and Efficient
Available with two petrol engines, the 1.0-litre turbo (115 PS) and the 1.5-litre turbo (150 PS with Active Cylinder Technology), the model showcases Skoda’s new TSI branding.
And they both deliver lively performance, nice gearshifts and smoothly progressive acceleration.
The 1.0L is available with a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic, the 1.5L with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The ride isn’t necessarily soft, but it’s comfortable without being floppy or uninvolved.
Your mood, the womb of a medium, or your daily dose of traffic — you’d be uncomfortable on long drives, and still I am MANBIG, even in this city!
Pros
Modern, tech-rich interior
Big touchscreen, wireless connects, sunroof, ventilated seats, and terrific cabin quality.
Solid safety credentials
With the 5-star Global NCAP rating and a host of safety features, the All-new Sonet’s got you covered for its adventurous journey that lie ahead.
Twin charged turbo-petrol engines are very competent
Smooth and responsive performance with respectable fuel economy for this class.
Compact yet spacious
Small enough to be easy to park in cities but spacious enough to accommodate a family of five.
European+ build quality on Indian prices
Feels nice and solid — a step above a lot of rivals.
Cons
No diesel engine option
Buyers in the market for long-distance high-mileage use might miss a diesel option.
No 360-degree camera or full digital cluster
Some very cool features like 360-cam or advanced HUD are still not available in the top trims.
DSG transmission upkeep cost
The 1.5L DSG version may prove to be costly ownership in later days.
Top-priced models on the higher side of slightly premium cost
High-end versions come close to the pricing of larger SUVs.
Brand reach restricted to rural areas
In the far flung areas, Skoda’s service network isn’t as extensive as Maruti or Hyundai.
Skoda Kylaq Final Thoughts
Skoda Kushaq neatly integrates cutting-edge technology, potent engine, and well-built body in the confines of a compact-SUV.
It may not be the cheapest SUV money can buy, but the value it offers by the rupee is substantial — particularly when it comes to the kit it offers as well as the safety it provides.
For potential buyers looking for a smart, good-looking and safe SUV that’s not dull to drive or with a cheap interior, the Kushaq is a good bet.
It’s a European experience, that is now within budget for an Indian family.