Skoda Kylaq Initial Review : A Fun Drive with its own Pros & Cons

Excellent handling dynamics with a very mature suspension setup. I can say with confidence that the Kylaq is hands-down the best in this domain in the sub 4 meter category.

BHPian sukrit7 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Quote from BHPian yesyeswe:

Many congratulation for the first Kylaq on the forum
Wish you many happy and trouble free miles ahead. Keep sharing updates and your observations as you drive more.

Thank you so much! Having driven the Kylaq now for over a 100kms, I thought i'd share detailed observations for those of you considering it, and I can't help but draw comparisons with the cars I'm familiar with.

The obvious great bits:

1. Excellent handling dynamics with a very mature suspension setup. I can say with confidence that the Kylaq is hands-down the best in this domain in the sub 4 meter category. The XUV 3XO perhaps comes close but the lack of dead pedal takes away points.

2. That steering - while a shade too light, it feels so plush and premium, both to hold and in response. The Kylaq is precise through the corners and maneuvering it around town is great fun!

3. Very reassured braking. The pedal is calibrated perfectly and there's a very adequate amount of power available when needed. This car stops without a fuss. The Hyryder I drive often has a far more spongy feel and feedback is rather limited

4. That power-unit So potent and with such a personality. Keep it under 1,200 RPM and it'll potter around but with some displeasure. 1500-1700 is where this car feels very comfortable in the city. Post that is where all the fun lies, and there is a lot of fun to be had. It's coarse in a way I like! There's lots of pull and I love the feeling of urgency this car can generate. The perfect replacement for the Cedia we had to let go off last

5. Headlights have a good throw and illuminate the road well enough in most situations.

6. Reasonably easy on fuel: If you don't gun it and drive reasonably sedately, the Kylaq I found can be rather rewarding. In the 80kms post refuel, i'm averaging 15.8 in Delhi, with an average speed of 22. I often enjoy keeping the Hyryder purely on EV mode and perhaps that has taught me to be very gentle on the accelerator when I want.

The not-so-obvious simply-clever bits

There's a finesse to certain features that I didn't quite expect.

1. The front defogger for example. Never have I noticed a windscreen clear up this quickly.

2. The seat belt warning chime too is classy and doesn't have the typical beeping quality present in others.

3. The steering controls work wonderfully. There's barely any learning curve and the scrollers are so intuitive. In the hyryder, I still make mistakes.

4. The touchscreen and UI are again significantly better than in the Hyryder. Far more responsive and easy to get around. Android auto and voice recognition works really well too.

5. The gear shift suggestions are very well integrated. They're mapped conservatively for efficiency and very prominent.

6. Button and interior illumination feels premium too.

7. Gear shifts I find are actually sort of sporty, and not notchy. It's not smooth in the way Japanese cars often are. It has a certain heft to it but it slots well when one is precise. Again, very cedia feels! A little bit like the EcoSport too.

8. That third gear is very versatile. Take it down to the early 20s and all the way into the 100s.

9. Like someone else said, you really sit in these seats, and not on them.

10. The auto start stop works fairly seamlessly and has likely contribute to good efficiency.

The obvious bad bits

1. That rear camera is shockingly bad not just in quality but in angles too! it shows a section of the number-plate as well. Beats me why Skoda couldn't have spent a 1000 bucks more, especially since this car doesn't come with a 360 setup. Honestly, it's the VGA of the Nokia 6600s.

2. Those AC controls are a recipe for disaster. I cannot make changes without taking my eyes of the road.

3. Perhaps it's just me, but this is the only car where I just cannot fasten the seat belt while I'm on the move. There's something about the angle that doesn't work for me.

4. A slightly deeper clutch than I'd like with a bite point that is a shade off. It's not terrible, but it could have been easier.

5. I don't miss any of the Prestige variant features, but I wish they'd given better alloys. The ones on the signature plus are so boring.

Quote from BHPian Rhaegal:

I have also booked Carbon Steel in Signature Plus AT, the dealer said might get delivery by mid March, how much did the insurance from outside cost you ? Also did you take the extended warranty and any accessories ?

23k approximately with all the add-ons. I took the scuff plates, the 3d mats, and the mudflaps immediately. I will perhaps add a few other accessories later, and I plan to take the extended warranty as well.

Quote from BHPian Asish_VK:

Congratulations on the new Kylaq

That's the worst welcome it can get. That baby Skoda must be traumatized for life This experience will help him to become strong and serve you millions of miles.

Hahahah. Thank you! It was not the joyous start I had expected for sure.

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