Skoda’s smallest SUV, the Kylaq, finally hit Indian roads at the end of last year, and now that deliveries are underway, it’s time to answer the one question every Indian car buyer loves to ask — “Kitna deti hai?” We took the top-spec Prestige automatic variant for a spin to test how it really performs in everyday driving conditions, and the results may surprise you.
Powertrain
Let’s start with what’s under the hood. The Kylaq gets a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI petrol engine — yes, the same one that powers a few other VW group cars. It’s turbocharged and comes paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. Our test focused on the automatic version, which churns out a peppy 114bhp and 178Nm of torque.
Despite being the smallest in Skoda’s SUV lineup, the Kylaq doesn’t skimp on safety. It scored a solid five-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, which is commendable for a sub-four-metre SUV. But safety aside, let’s talk about something that hits the wallet directly — fuel economy.
City
When driven through congested city roads, the Kylaq’s automatic variant showed mixed results. The engine feels responsive and never feels like it’s lacking punch, thanks to turbocharging and direct injection tech. The gearbox is smooth and complements the power delivery, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
However, when it comes to mileage, city driving is its weak spot. We recorded a real-world fuel consumption of 8.69 litres to cover 77km. That translates to just about 8.9kmpl — exactly what the instrument cluster showed. Yes, it’s on the lower side, but let’s not forget the conditions: low speeds averaging around 16-22kmph and a car weighing 1,270kg. With lighter traffic and slightly better speeds, there’s definitely room for improvement.
Highway
Take the Kylaq out on the open road, and it starts to shine. The turbo torque makes overtaking a breeze, and even before the turbo kicks in, there’s enough low-end grunt to keep things moving effortlessly. The ride feels composed, with decent cabin insulation and a suspension setup that soaks up bumps like a champ.
Over a 79km highway run, we ended up using 6.37 litres of fuel. That gives us a mileage of 12.4kmpl — significantly better than its city numbers, though still short of the claimed 19.05kmpl. We were averaging about 57kmph on this run, so it’s fair to say that with more consistent cruising, you could push that number a little higher.
Range
To put things into perspective, here’s a quick look at what kind of driving range you can expect from the Kylaq based on our mileage tests:
| Driving Condition | Distance (km) | Fuel Used (litres) | Mileage (kmpl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 77 | 8.69 | 8.9 |
| Highway | 79 | 6.37 | 12.4 |
With a 45-litre fuel tank, that gives you a range of around 400km in mixed conditions, and possibly up to 500km if you stick to highway cruising.
So, is the Kylaq a fuel miser? Not really. But is it fun to drive and refined? Absolutely. If mileage is your top priority, this SUV might make you think twice. But if you want a well-built, safe, and punchy compact SUV for city and highway runs — the Kylaq still makes a strong case.
FAQs
What is the city mileage of Skoda Kylaq?
The real-world city mileage is about 8.9kmpl.
How much mileage does Kylaq give on highways?
It gives around 12.4kmpl in highway driving.
What engine does the Kylaq use?
It uses a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine.
Is the Kylaq automatic or manual?
It is available in both six-speed manual and automatic options.
What is the fuel tank capacity of Kylaq?
The Kylaq has a 45-litre fuel tank capacity.
