Skoda Kylaq: The Automatic Choice

There was a time when buying an automatic car in India meant compromising on either price, performance, or practicality. Not anymore. The modern Indian driver expects convenience without sacrificing engagement, and that’s exactly what the Skoda Kylaq Automatic delivers.

Skoda’s newest automatic SUV offering isn’t just another entry in the crowded midsize segment; it’s a clear-headed, well-engineered answer to a question more buyers are asking today: Why deal with the daily grind of a manual gearbox when you don’t have to?

At the heart of the Kylaq Automatic is a 6-speed torque converter transmission paired with a punchy 1.0 TSI engine. This isn’t the sort of budget automatic you’ll find shoehorned into entry-level cars. This is a proper, refined and robust gearbox. The kind that offers smooth shifts, consistent performance, and long-term reliability.

Most manufacturers tend to reserve their best automatic gearboxes for their top-spec trims, offering AMTs or CVTs at the lower end to keep costs in check. Skoda takes a different approach. The brand has committed to offering its proven 6-speed torque converter automatic across all automatic variants of the Kylaq, right from the base trim upwards.

It’s a bold move, and a refreshing one at that. There’s no compromise or cost-cutting when it comes to drivability, as every Kylaq automatic, regardless of variant, gets the same refined and reliable transmission. Whether you’re picking the entry-level version or the fully loaded one, you get a premium driving experience across the board.

Drive the Kylaq through city traffic, and it immediately starts to make sense. With no clutch pedal to deal with and a transmission that shifts smoothly and predictably, it takes the edge off your daily commute. The creep function helps you ease forward gently in bumper-to-bumper traffic – a small but incredibly useful detail that makes low-speed driving far more manageable. Then there’s Hill Hold Assist. Anyone who’s ever tried to launch a manual car uphill knows how frustrating it can be. In the Kylaq, you simply take your foot off the brake and let the system do the rest. There’s no rollback, and definitely no pedal acrobatics needed. It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed until you’ve experienced it.

But the Kylaq isn’t just about city convenience. Out on the open road, it settles into a relaxed cruise. The gearshifts are smooth and unobtrusive, but if you want to take control, paddle shifters are at your fingertips. Whether you’re overtaking traffic or navigating twisty ghat sections, the Kylaq’s gearbox keeps up with your inputs without breaking a sweat.

Of course, driving comfort is only a part of the equation, because the ownership experience matters too. The Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine is not only responsive but also

fuel-efficient, and Skoda’s engineering pedigree ensures running costs remain in check. In fact, with an estimated maintenance cost of just 35 paise per kilometre, the Kylaq Automatic is as sensible to own as it is enjoyable to drive.

Skoda has also backed the Kylaq with strong aftersales support and service packages that further reduce the cost of long-term ownership, including a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty. So, while the car may feel premium behind the wheel, it won’t weigh heavily on your wallet over time.

Also See:

Skoda Kylaq vs Kushaq: 0-100kph and rolling acceleration compared

Skoda Kylaq: 8 things to know before buying one