New Skoda Kylaq vs Slavia

Kylaq is the newest product from Skoda in India and it uses the same platform as the Slavia mid-size sedan

In this post, I shall compare the new Skoda Kylaq against the established Skoda Slavia. The comparison will take into account specs, features, design, etc. The Czech carmaker is in the process of expanding its footprint in our market. Note that India is already its largest market outside Europe. That is due to the massive success of its MQB A0 IN-based products like the Kushaq and Slavia. Heavy localization has allowed Skoda to price its vehicles competitively and offer low maintenance and ownership costs. Hence, people have gotten more interested in Skoda and VW products in the last few years. Going forward, the Kylaq represents that Skoda aims to penetrate the mass market even more deeply.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Skoda Slavia – Specs and Price

The Skoda Kylaq is being referred to as the mini Kushaq in the media circles. This is due to the fact that it shares the platform, engine and transmission options along with some features and aesthetics. Hence, the Kylaq draws power from the familiar 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill which outputs a healthy 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox. This engine is potent and due to the relatively lesser weight of the Kylaq, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h comes up in just 10.5 seconds. The top speed is 188 km/h which is quite impressive. Skoda claims a fuel efficiency of around 20 km/l. Also, the price of the base trim is Rs 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. We will get to know the prices of the entire range in the coming weeks.

On the other hand, even the Skoda Slavia possesses this same engine in addition to a larger 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill. The latter generates a mighty 150 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a sole 7-speed DSG transmission. Just like the Kylaq, the smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill produces a similar 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. Even the gearbox alternatives are the same with a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic. Hence, the lower trims of the Slavia will have the same engine & transmission as the Kylaq. The prices range from Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.69 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Kylaq will definitely have an edge in this regard albeit it is also the smaller of the two.

New Skoda Kylaq vs Skoda Slavia – Interior and Features

This is one area which has gained immense traction in the last few years. Vehicles have, essentially, become gadgets on wheels. The customers want their cars to come with all the bells and whistles. As a consequence, carmakers equip their automobiles with the latest amenities. Firstly, let us glance at the details of what the Kylaq offers:

• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• 10.1-inch Infotainment Display
• Steering-Mounted Paddle Shifters
• Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Charging
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 25 Standard Active and Passive Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Traction and Stability Control
• ABS with EBD
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Motor Slip Regulation
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Passenger De-activation
• Multi Collision Braking
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

On the other hand, the Skoda Slavia also comes with tons of modern amenities. The main highlights include:

• 8-inch Skoda Virtual Cockpit
• 10-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• MySKODA Connected Car Tech
• Wireless Charging
• Two-spoke multi-purpose Steering Wheel
• 6-speaker Skoda Audio System
• Footwell Illumination
• Red Ambient Lighting
• Automatic Climate Control
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Electrically Powered and Ventilated Front Seats
• Paddle Shifters
• Rear Wiper and Defogger
• Automatic Climate Control with Rear AC Vents
• USB-C Sockets
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Multi Collision Braking
• Hill Hold Control
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Traction Control and Motor Slip Regulation

Design and Dimensions

The resemblance of the Skoda Kylaq with the Kushaq can’t be denied. However, that is only a good thing. At the front, the Kylaq has a typically Skoda fascia. This includes sleek LED DRLs on the bonnet flanking the butterfly grille with a 3D ribs effect, LED headlamps and LED fog lamps with cornering functions located on the bumper, a massive grille with black elements on the bumper and a silver skid plate section. Moving down the sides reveals a butch stance with elegant 17-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, creaseless side body panels, sturdy side body skirting, etc. At the rear, the Kylaq gets compact LED taillamps with a thin gloss frame connecting the two with Skoda lettering, a 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper, a shark fin antenna and more. The compact SUV is certainly a handsome SUV with appropriate dimensions.

On the other hand, the Skoda Slavia possesses that understated elegant appearance with a sleek LED headlamp cluster at the front along with striking LED DRLs, a massive hexagonal grille with a chrome frame, and a sporty bumper. I like the lower half which contains shark LED fog lamps encapsulated in prominent housings. The side section highlights just how long this is in comparison to the Kylaq. You will find black side pillars, a chrome belt running underneath the window frame, chrome door handles, sharp creases on the door panels, and chunky wheel arches with stylish alloy wheels. Completing the exterior appearance is a busy tail section with a boot lid-mounted lip spoiler, a split-LED taillamp cluster, and a chrome belt on the bumper which runs the width of the sedan along with reflector lights on the extreme edges. All in all, the Slavia certainly bears a noticeable road presence.

My View

Choosing between these two Skoda products is not difficult. Firstly, they share a lot of elements including the platform, some interior features and the powertrain and transmission options. Sure, the Slavia has the additional engine and transmission on offer. But that is significantly more expensive too. I believe the choice between these two depends on the kind of budget you have and your inclination towards a specific body type. SUV and sedan are two distinct silhouettes. People who prefer SUVs should ideally opt for the Kylaq once it is launched and we get the scope of the entire price range. However, if you are someone who values driving dynamics and wants the ultimate comfort and stability on those long highway runs, and have a flexible budget, the Slavia will suit your needs better.

Also Read: New Skoda Kylaq vs Nissan Magnite – What Offers What?