The compact Kylaq has made its presence known in the sub-4-metre compact SUV segment, and Skoda Auto India is already receiving the desired traction in this segment through a beautiful amalgamation of performance, safety, and price. One such offering is its base model—delightfully named Classic, which can be one of the best packages for buyers on a budget. The Kylaq Classic is one of the most value-friendly offerings from Skoda to date in India, at just Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom). In this in-depth review, take a look at everything the low-cost entry-level trim has to offer, from its specs and features to its motor and performance, and determine exactly where it stands in a crowded marketplace.
Some of the Strongest Specs in the Segment, Plus a Competitive Price
The sub-4-metre SUV category is one of India’s most vibrant automotive segments, packed with popular names such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Syros and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Skoda Kylaq starts at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), to put this in perspective, the Brezza starts at Rs 8.69 lakh, Nexon at Rs 8 lakh, Syros at Rs 9 lakh, Venue at Rs 7.94 lakh, and the XUV 3XO at Rs 7.99 lakh (all ex-showroom). The Kylaq Classic undercuts most of its rivals, putting a price advantage that’d be tough to ignore for buyers looking to get what they want, but without missing out on essentials.
Skoda is pitching the Kylaq Classic as a durable, comfortable SUV with plenty of standard equipment, and that all of the core ingredients are up to scratch. Sure, it doesn’t have all the overspeed trimmings of higher trims, and you’re never getting near some rivals’ top-spec models, but for practical buyers—whether they’re first-time car owners or simply downsizing from hatchbacks, this model offers a firm base with plenty of appeal.
Exterior Design: A Subtle Hit
So, while the Skoda Kylaq Classic is the entry-level car in the lineup, it doesn’t look at all like a base model. Even in its base trim, the Skoda car will take on the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which is dominated by clean lines and muscular stance. The sharp and modern look of the front fascia is accounted for by the crystalline LED headlamps coupled with LED daytime running lights (DRLs). These are both pure visibility enhancers and premium additions that help the cheap SUV look more upscale than its price would suggest.
Around the back, crystalline LED taillamps mirror the design of the front end, helping to keep an overall cohesive look. The roof rails lend some ruggedness, and the electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) bring convenience. The Classic rides on 16-inch steel wheels capped with covers, which may not look as interesting as the alloy wheels that higher variants have, but still go well with the proportions of the SUV. Kylaq Classic comes with a length of 3,995 mm, a width of 1,783 mm, and a height of 1,619 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2,566 mm, while ground clearance is 189 mm.
The Cabin Experience: Less is More
There’s a cabin inside the Kylaq Classic that’s far from ostentatious. However, this also comes in the form of a dual-tone dashboard (black + grey) and is a refreshing and pleasant look that does not cause the interior to feel monotonous as an all-black space. While more expensive variants offering leatherette upholstery and more advanced tech, the Classic keeps things nice and simple with cloth seats and manual controls, but it’s also not spartan.
While tilt-and-telescopic steering wheels are not always standard on base trims, they are another thing that can help make the driver feel a little more comfortable in the vehicle. The driver’s seat height adjusts for a superior view of the road ahead, and each passenger has an adjustable headrest, making it all very practical. The air conditioning is manual as a cost-saving measure, but it works well for India’s varied climates. Other nice touches include an LED reading lamp, padded armrests on front and rear doors, and a reasonably sized boot that offers 446 litres of space, expandable to 1,265 litres with the rear seats down.
The one thing missing is an optional infotainment system. This is likely to frustrate some buyers with an eye for modern tech, but the Classic’s body is ready to accept speakers, antennas, and connections that will make it simple to fit an aftermarket or even Skoda-approved unit as an optional extra. If you quest first and foremost for affordability rather than thrills, it’s a worthwhile trade-off that has kept the price within reason, even if the driving experience at its core is more or less intact.
Powertrain: Brawny Boozer on a Budget
Mechanically, the Kylaq Classic is mated to a 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which produces 115 PS and 178Nm of torque, and shares its underpinnings with its more premium variants. As a Classic, the split 3-pot is mated solely to a 6-speed manual transmission, making for an entertaining, vigorous drive. Skoda says that it does 0-100 kmph in 10.5 seconds and goes to a top speed of 188 kmph—typically, good figures for a base variant in this segment.
Whether you are cutting through urban congestion or gliding down a freeway, the turbo engine provides spirited performance. Fuel efficiency tends to be rated around 19-20 kmpl (ARAI-rated) figures, but expect lower numbers in real-world driving conditions. The lack of an automatic transmission option in the Classic enables cost-cutting, making it attractive for buyers who enjoy the control provided by a manual transmission.
Safety is a Five-Star Foundation
The Skoda Kylaq Classic excels when it comes to safety. The entire Kylaq lineup (and the base variant as well) is loaded with a robust suite of safety equipment, rewarding it with a desirable five-star rating from Bharat NCAP. Dual front, side, and curtain airbags, dual front with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control are standard. Further assistance, such as disc brake wiping and rear parking sensors, adds to the model’s safety credentials.
Underpinned by the MQB-A0-IN platform (shared with the five-star Global NCAP-tested Kushaq and Slavia), the Kylaq Classic also features a high-strength body shell engineered to minimize injuries in case of a collision. This emphasis on safety across all variants is rare in a segment where lower trims generally skimp on protective elements.
How Does It Compare?
The Kylaq Classic stacks up well against the competition. Highlighting the price difference is a vehicle like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza on the base variant, a pinch pricier, but offering a touchscreen as against a touchscreen, while only offering a handful of airbags. While a strong safety package, the Tata Nexon commands a premium right from the word go. The Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO get added tech in their entry-level trims, the Kylaq claps back with better build quality and a more powerful engine. Apart from making the Kia Syros, showcasing Rs 9 lakh in top-end premium pack features, an overly expensive option in comparison with the Kylaq Classic.
Judgment: A Good Deal for the Practical Seeker
The Skoda Kylaq Classic shows that a base variant doesn’t have to feel base. With its pricing that undercuts the competition, strong turbo engine, and class-best safety, it’s a top pick for buyers in search of a dependable, no-frills SUV. Okay, it does forgo some creature comforts, such as a touchscreen or automatic climate control, but it does, on its price tier, deliver where it matters most—performance, safety, and build quality. “The Kylaq Classic would appeal to that use case to a whole new audience, especially for buyers looking to enter the SUV space or those on a budget but wanting a capable vehicle in India’s saturated compact SUV segment.
