Skoda Kylaq Prestige Automatic Detailed Review

Every Kylaq variant uses the familiar 1.0 litre three cylinder TSI petrol engine producing 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It is not flawless. If your daily routine is pure crawling traffic and fuel cost is a serious concern, or if you regularly travel with five adults on long trips, there are compromises.

 But the way it drives, feels built, and makes you smile behind the wheel is genuinely special. It feels more premium and more engaging than most rivals in this price bracket. 

Also Read- Kylaq Gets New Classic And Prestige Variants
 

Skoda's Modern Solid Design Is Works Well For SUVs

Skoda’s mature family design language in a compact shape that looks sharp but not overdone. The Dark Blue shade looks classy and premium without being flashy. The LED daytime running lights and projector headlamps give it strong road presence, especially during late night drives back from Delhi.

The headlight beam is focused and bright on highways, though on narrow rural stretches near Manesar I wished for slightly wider spread.

The 17 inch diamond cut dual tone alloy wheels fill the arches perfectly and give the SUV a planted stance. With 189 mm ground clearance, it clears Gurugram’s tall speed breakers and uneven roads without scraping. Even with four adults and luggage on board, it never bottomed out on broken patches near Old Gurgaon.

Also Read- What Makes Skoda Kylaq So Impressive

The build quality genuinely impressed me. The doors shut with a heavy, reassuring thud. Across 1,200 km over smooth flyovers and rough service lanes, I did not hear a single rattle. The body feels tight and solid. Paint finish is glossy and consistent, and the panel gaps are neat. The plastic cladding around the wheel arches looks slightly basic up close, but that is common in this segment

Interior is for 4 Adults At Best

Step inside and the cabin feels airy and well laid out for a sub 4 metre SUV. The dual tone dashboard, soft touch upper section, and quality plastics give it a premium feel. During hot Gurugram afternoons, the ventilated front seats were a blessing. They keep your back and thighs cool even after long traffic jams. 

The 6 way electric driver seat adjustment makes it easy to find a perfect driving position, and the lumbar support actually works on longer journeys.

Also Read-Skoda Kylaq Hits 50,000 Production Units Milestone

Visibility is excellent thanks to slim A pillars and a commanding seating position. The steering offers proper reach and rake adjustment. At night, the ambient lighting creates a calm atmosphere inside the cabin.

Rear seat comfort is good for two adults.  Legroom and headroom are adequate, and the seat cushioning supports well for a couple of hours. 

However, with three adults at the back during a short city outing, shoulder space felt tight and the middle passenger was not as comfortable. It works best as a comfortable four seater. Cabin insulation is impressive. Even at 100 to 120 kmph, conversations remain easy without raising your voice.

Boot space stands at 446 litres, which is impressive for the segment. I easily accommodated two large suitcases, two cabin bags, and extra shopping bags during a weekend trip. The loading lip is slightly high but manageable. The 60:40 split rear seats add flexibility.

Inside the cabin, there are bottle holders in all doors, seat back pockets, a useful armrest storage compartment, and a dedicated FASTag holder. The spare wheel is a 15 inch space saver. The 45 litre fuel tank delivered a practical range of around 600 to 650 km on highway runs.

Prestige Automatic Is Loaded With Tech 

The Prestige trim covers all the important features for daily use. The 10 inch touchscreen is bright and responsive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect seamlessly. The 8 inch digital instrument cluster is clear and readable even in strong sunlight.

The single pane sunroof makes the cabin feel more open, especially in traffic. Wireless charging worked reliably. Auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers are practical for sudden showers. Paddle shifters allow quick manual control when overtaking. Cruise control performs smoothly on highways and reduces fatigue.

The 6 speaker audio system is clear for regular music and podcasts, though bass lovers may want more depth. One downside is that climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which can be slightly distracting while driving. The reversing camera quality is average and uses static guidelines. 

There is no 360 degree camera or ADAS features, which some competitors provide. Even so, the features that matter daily like ventilated seats, cruise control, sunroof and wireless connectivity make the cabin feel genuinely premium.

Skoda Kylaq Kills Every Other Sub-Compact With Its Performance

The 1.0 TSI engine feels slightly lazy below 1,800 rpm in heavy city traffic. Turbo lag is noticeable while moving off slowly. In crawling traffic on NH 48, I sometimes used the paddle shifters to downshift for quicker response.

Once past 2,000 rpm, the engine becomes lively and smooth, pulling strongly up to 6,000 rpm. Highway overtakes at 100 to 120 kmph are effortless. The 6 speed torque converter automatic is smooth and refined. Gear shifts are seamless, creep function is predictable, and it rarely hunts for gears. Sport mode sharpens throttle response nicely.

For mixed city and highway driving, the automatic version clearly makes more sense. It keeps daily commutes relaxed while still offering engaging performance when you want it.

Also Read- Skoda Evaluating CNG Option For Kylaq With 1-Litre Turbo Engine

In heavy Gurugram traffic with AC on and average speeds around 20 to 25 kmph, I observed 9 to 11 kmpl. On highways at steady speeds of 90 to 100 kmph, it returned 15 to 17 kmpl. Enthusiastic driving reduced it to 13 to 14 kmpl. It is not the most fuel efficient in the segment, but the performance makes up for it.

Handles All the Well 

This is where the Kylaq truly shines. The suspension handles rough roads comfortably without feeling soft. It absorbs potholes and broken patches well, yet remains stable at higher speeds. Body roll is minimal in corners, and the car feels planted through sweeping bends.

The steering is light at low speeds and gains reassuring weight on highways. On winding roads near Damdama Lake, the car felt composed and confident. The 205 by 55 R17 tyres provide strong grip. Braking performance is progressive and reassuring, even after repeated high speed stops. If driving enjoyment matters to you, this SUV stands out in its segment.

5 Star GNCAP and BNCAP As Expected

The Kylaq carries a 5 star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child protection. Six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, and three point seatbelts for all passengers are included. The strong build quality enhances confidence during highway driving and bad weather. It feels reassuringly stable in sudden traffic situations.

Also Read- Volkswagen Plans To Launch Kylaq-Based Compact SUV in 2027
 

Slightly More Expensive To Maintain

The SUV comes with a standard 4 year warranty, 4 year roadside assistance, and 4 labour free services. Service interval is 15,000 km or one year. Average service costs range between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 per visit. A 4 year maintenance package costs approximately ₹25,000 to ₹35,000. Service quality in NCR is professional, though slightly costlier than Hyundai or Tata workshops. Resale value is improving steadily.

Pros

• Excellent ride and handling balance
• Smooth and refined automatic gearbox
• Strong build quality and premium feel
• Ventilated seats and practical features
• High safety rating
• Spacious and usable boot

Cons

• Noticeable turbo lag at low speeds
• Average city fuel efficiency
• Rear seat tight for three adults
• No 360 degree camera or ADAS
• Reversing camera quality could be better
• No auto hold function

Image Source- Sayan Paul @carhp India