After driving my Skoda Kylaq (Signature+ AT) for over six months across city traffic and a few long highway trips, I finally feel ready to share what it’s actually like to live with this “Baby Kushaq.”
If you are considering the Kylaq, here is the unfiltered truth about its performance, mileage, and those little “Simply Clever” bits.
1. The Driving Experience (The Best Part)
Coming from a naturally aspirated engine, the 1.0L TSI is a revelation. Once you cross the 2,000 RPM mark, the turbo kicks in and the car simply takes off.
- The Gearbox: The 6-speed Torque Converter is butter smooth. In city traffic, it doesn’t “hunt” for gears like some AMTs I’ve driven.
- Handling: It feels like a go-kart. The steering is light but gains enough weight on the highway to make you feel confident at 100-110 kmph.
2. Real-World Mileage: Don’t Believe the ARAI
Skoda claims nearly 20 kmpl, but here is what I’m actually getting:
- City (Heavy Traffic): 9–11 kmpl. Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to how you drive. If you have a heavy foot, this will drop further.
- Highway: 16–18 kmpl. If I cruise at a steady 80-90 kmph, I’ve even seen 19.5 kmpl on the MID.
- Pro Tip: Use the “Auto Start-Stop” feature in long signals; it helps save a bit of fuel.
3. Comfort and Interiors
The cabin feels premium, but there’s a catch.
- Front Seats: Phenomenal support. The ventilation feature is a lifesaver in Indian summers.
- Rear Seats: This is the Kylaq’s Achilles’ heel. It is strictly a 4-seater car. The middle hump and the rear AC vent protrusion make it very uncomfortable for a third adult.
- Boot Space: At 446L, it’s huge. I easily fit two large suitcases and a couple of duffel bags for our family trip.
4. What I Love (The “Simply Clever” Bits)
- The ticket clip on the windshield is so useful for parking slips.
- The cooled glovebox actually keeps drinks chilled.
- The build quality—the doors close with a solid “thud” that makes you feel safe.
5. What I Hate (The Negatives)
- Rear Camera: The quality is honestly poor. It looks like it’s from a car from 2015.
- AC Controls: The touch-based sliders are annoying to use while driving. I would have much preferred physical buttons.
- Headlights: The LED reflectors on the mid-variants are okay for the city but feel a bit weak on pitch-dark highways.
Final Verdict: Is it for you?
Buy the Kylaq if: You love driving, you travel mostly with 2–4 people, and safety is your top priority. Skip the Kylaq if: You frequently carry 5 adults or if you want the highest possible mileage in the segment (look at the Brezza or Nexon for that).
Reviewer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Published originally on Carbhumi.com
