Among the newest entrants in the compact SUV segment are the Skoda Kylaq and Kia Syros. Both these sub-4-metre SUVs come with a turbo-petrol engine producing an excess of 100hp, though where the Skoda gets a torque converter automatic gearbox, the Kia has a dual-clutch automatic transmission. We see how the Kylaq AT and Syros DCT fare in our real-world performance tests.
- Skoda Kylaq AT produces 115hp and 178Nm
- Kia Syros DCT produces 120hp and 172Nm
Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Syros: price and specifications
Syros gets 5hp more, while Kylaq gets 6Nm more
| Skoda Kylaq AT vs Kia Syros DCT price and specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kylaq | Syros | |
| Engine type | 3 cyl, turbo-petrol | 3 cyl, turbo-petrol |
| Displacement (cc) | 999 | 998 |
| Power (hp) | 115 | 120 |
| Torque (Nm) | 178 | 172 |
| Automatic gearbox | 6-speed torque convertor | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Paddle shifters | Yes | Yes |
| Price range (Rs, lakh) | 10.95-13.99 | 13.10-16.80 |
Both SUVs have a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. However, while the Kylaq makes 5hp less than the Syros, its torque rating is 6Nm higher. The Czech SUV is also far more affordable than the Korean one; the top-spec Kylaq Prestige AT costs Rs 2.81 lakh less than the Syros HTX+(O) DCT.
Skoda Kylaq AT vs Kia Syros DCT: 0-100kph time
Kylaq’s 0-100kph time is 0.37 seconds quicker than the Syros
| Skoda Kylaq AT vs Kia Syros DCT 0-100kph time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Kylaq AT (s) | Syros DCT (s) |
| 20 | 1.47 | 1.64 |
| 40 | 2.97 | 3.35 |
| 60 | 5.13 | 5.50 |
| 80 | 7.97 | 8.31 |
| 100 | 11.69 | 12.06 |
| 120 | 16.02 | 17.38 |
From a standstill to 120kph, the Kylaq AT maintains a decent lead over the Syros DCT. The Skoda reaches 60kph 0.37 seconds ahead of the Kia and keeps that time difference until 100kph. At 120kph, the Kylaq extends its lead to 1.36 seconds over the Syros.
Skoda Kylaq AT vs Kia Syros DCT: rolling acceleration times
Kylaq AT is quicker than Syros DCT in rolling acceleration tests
| Skoda Kylaq AT vs Kia Syros DCT rolling acceleration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Kylaq AT (s) | Syros DCT (s) |
| 20-80 (in kickdown) | 6.38 | 7.18 |
| 40-100 (in kickdown) | 8.72 | 8.76 |
Our performance tests also showed that the Kylaq automatic posts a 0.8-second quicker 20-80kph time. However, the 40-100kph times are much closer, with the Syros automatic just 0.04 seconds behind the Skoda.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before conducting our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full fuel tank. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.
