Skoda has finally entered the subcompact SUV segment in India with the Skoda Kylaq, and it is now the most affordable car in the brand’s Indian lineup. While it was initially launched at an introductory price of Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the starting price now stands at Rs 8.49 lakh, going up to Rs 14.40 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top variant. Skoda Kylaq is designed for Indian buyers who want a premium brand experience without crossing into high-end price territory.

This car is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform used in the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia. But unlike its bigger siblings, the Kylaq keeps things compact, efficient, and cost-effective—without skipping essential features. So if you are planning to get this new Skoda SUV, the big question is: which variant offers the best value for your money?

Let us break it down in simple terms.

Understanding the Skoda Kylaq Variants

The Kylaq is offered in four variants — Classic, Signature, Signature Plus, and Prestige. Each variant brings a different level of features and pricing, but all of them are powered by the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. You get to choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The base model, Classic, is perfect only if you are coming from a hatchback and your budget is extremely tight. It has just the essential features. Yes, you will get Skoda’s strong build quality and turbo petrol performance, but it lacks many of the comfort and tech features people expect in 2025.

The next variant, Signature, improves things with features like a 7-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio, cruise control, and rear AC vents. This one feels more like a proper modern SUV, especially if your focus is on utility and comfort without spending too much.

Then comes the Signature Plus—and this is where the Kylaq starts to shine. It is priced at Rs 11.40 lakh for the manual and Rs 12.40 lakh for the automatic, and offers a long list of features you usually get in much more expensive SUVs.

At the top, we have the Prestige variant, which adds a few extra premium features like powered and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and wireless charging. While these extras are nice, they come at a higher cost and do not necessarily add to the core driving or comfort experience for most buyers.

Why Signature Plus is the Sweet Spot

If you are someone who wants a feature-packed SUV without spending unnecessarily on luxury extras, then the Signature Plus variant is the one you should go for. This variant offers a perfect balance between price and features.

It gives you LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a large 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch fully digital instrument cluster, auto AC, push-button start, and auto-folding ORVMs. These are the features that actually improve your daily driving and convenience.

On the safety side, Skoda has packed in six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, TPMS, rear parking camera, ABS with EBD, traction control, ISOFIX mounts, and more. These features are what you actually need to feel safe on Indian roads—not just fancy tech.

What you miss in this variant are features like the sunroof, ventilated seats, rain-sensing wipers, and wireless charging—but let us be honest, these are more about “show” than “function” for most users. You can easily live without them and save nearly Rs 2 lakh compared to the Prestige variant.

Should You Go for Manual or Automatic?

Both manual and automatic versions of the Signature Plus variant are well-tuned. If you live in a city and face daily traffic, the automatic (torque converter) is smoother and easier to drive. Skoda has done a good job with tuning, and there is no major lag or jerkiness.

However, if you are someone who enjoys a more engaging drive and wants to save around Rs 1 lakh, the manual version is still a very good deal. The engine offers enough power even at lower RPMs, making it easy to drive in traffic or on highways.

Engine and Driving Experience

The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is the same one used in the Kushaq and Slavia, so it is tried and tested. It offers enough grunt for both city and highway use. You may feel a slight lag at very low speeds, but once the turbo kicks in, the car pulls very confidently. Whether you are overtaking on a highway or crawling through city traffic, it handles both situations comfortably.

Even though this is a small SUV, the car feels solid on the road. Body roll is well controlled, and high-speed stability is impressive for this segment. That classic Skoda build quality gives you that ‘premium’ feel while driving.

Verdict: Signature Plus is the One to Buy

There is no doubt that the Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus is the best value-for-money variant in the lineup. You get almost everything you actually need — a big infotainment screen, digital display, wireless connectivity, cruise control, full safety package, and a solid turbo-petrol engine.

It may not have the show-off features like a sunroof or ventilated seats, but it makes up for it with real-world practicality and comfort. At around Rs 11.40 – 12.40 lakh, it undercuts the Prestige variant while offering 90% of its useful features.

So if you are planning to buy the Skoda Kylaq, skip the base and top variants and go straight for Signature Plus. It is where the real value lies.