Skoda Kylaq Prototype vs Production-spec Kushaq: A Look At The Design Differences And Similarities

Skoda will be revealing its Kylaq subcompact SUV on November 6, 2024 ahead of its India launch in early 2025. The subcompact SUV will be positioned below the Kushaq compact SUV in Skoda’s car lineup in India, and both these SUVs will be underpinned by the same MQB A0 IN platform. 

Till now Skoda has officially teased the camouflage version of the Kylaq prototype through which we have decoded the design elements and styling of the upcoming model. So in this article, we have decided to compare the design of the Kylaq (that we know so far) with that of the larger Kushaq. Let’s find out how the Kylaq resembles the Kushaq and how it will also set itself apart from the larger Skoda SUV: 

Skoda Kylaq Vs Kushaq: Design 

Skoda has announced that the Kylaq will be based on a new Modern Solid design language which will set it apart from the larger Kushaq. As a result, the Kylaq gets a totally different front-end look featuring a split headlight setup with the sleek-looking DRLs positioned above your main headlamps. In contrast, the Kushaq gets single-piece LED headlights with DRLs and the foglamps with cornering function is located right below it.

Just like the Kushaq or even the full-size Kodiaq, the Kylaq too will get the familiar butterfly grille that we are used to seeing on Skoda cars.

The Kylaq’s silhouette and body style looks nearly identical to the Kushaq which is why it would be fair to call it a mini-Kushaq. Coming to their dimensions, the Kushaq is from a segment-above so it is longer and has a larger wheelbase, but the difference is not much.. 

Skoda is yet to reveal the Kylaq’s width and height specifications, but here’s a look at its length and wheelbase compared with the Kushaq:

Both the SUVs will come with 17-inch alloy wheels, albeit in a different design. The base-spec variant of the Kylaq was spotted with 16-inch steel wheels with a black cover. Roof rails will be a common sight between the two and their door handles too get the same design. 

Based on spy shots and teasers, both the cars get a similar look for the tail lamps, but the Kushaq’s seem to be larger Shark fin antenna, roof mounted spoiler, rear defogger and wiper with washer will be the shared features of the two. As per our observation, the Kylaq’s rear stance looks more hunkered up, while that of the Kushaq more relaxed and proportionate with the front. 

Powertrain 

Both Kylaq and Kushaq will share the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine which makes 115 PS and 178 Nm. The engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter transmission. The Kushaq also gets a more potent 150 PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, but that engine option won’t be available with the Kylaq. 

Price And Rivals

The Skoda Kylaq is expected to be launched sometime in early 2025, at a starting price of Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival subcompact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. 

The Kushaq on the other hand is priced from Rs 10.89 lakh to Rs 18.79 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with compact SUVs like the Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara and VW Taigun.