Among all the mass-market compact SUVs available in India, both the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO get turbo-petrol engines known to offer good performance. Considering that they are similarly priced and appeal to a similar customer base, let’s look at which one offers the better real-world performance.
Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO AT: Specifications and price
Higher displacement gives XUV 3XO better output figures, but Kylaq is lighter
The Skoda Kylaq gets a smaller-capacity turbo-petrol engine than the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which is also reflected in the output numbers, as it puts out 14hp and 52Nm less.
But the Kylaq’s 156kg lower kerb weight gives it a slightly better power-to-weight ratio in this comparison. On the other hand, the XUV 3XO’s torque output is considerably higher, enabling nearly 15 percent better torque-to-weight ratio than the Skoda.
While the prices of their respective base-spec turbo-petrol variants are similar, the Kylaq’s top-spec turbo-AT variant is a whopping Rs 1.56 lakh more affordable than the fully loaded XUV 3XO TGDi AT.
Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO AT: 0-100kph acceleration test
The XUV 3XO posts quicker times across all speed levels
In our 0-100kph tests, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has better acceleration right from the get-go. The Kylaq is slower to respond at low speeds, but after the initial turbo lag, it picks up speed swiftly. It also has a strong mid-range, which is further enhanced by paddleshifters. Although the XUV 3XO misses out on the paddles, it offers strong performance across the entire rev range. It gets three driving modes: Zip, Zap and Zoom, which tweak the acceleration and steering heft accordingly, adding to the overall driving experience.
Among the two, the Mahindra offering is more refined. The Skoda has a noisier engine, but the 3-cylinder thrum does not feel irritating in any manner.
Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO AT: Rolling acceleration tests
Both have similar 20-80kph times, but the XUV 3XO posts a quicker 40-100kph time
Although the Kylaq is slightly slower than the XUV 3XO from the get-go, it posts an identical time in the third-gear 20-80kph rolling acceleration test. However, in fourth gear from 40-100kph, it is 0.61 seconds slower than the XUV 3XO.
Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO AT: Braking test
The Kylaq offers superior stopping power under hard braking
While the Mahindra XUV 3XO aced the acceleration tests, it fell behind in our 80-0kph braking test, which simulates a panic braking situation. In this test, the Kylaq comes to a standstill within 27.11 metres, which is 4.25 metres less than what the Mahindra takes. The XUV 3XO also takes over half a second more than the Kylaq to come to a halt.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. 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.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
