Skoda cars in India (8)

autocar.india

•4m

For a first-time buyer with around 1,000km a month and a Rs 10-15 lakh on-road budget, the Skoda Kylaq is a good option to consider. This Skoda car is compact, easy to drive, and has a high seating position and compact dimensions, making it ideal for learning and daily use. The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and low maintenance, and the 6-speed automatic is one of the smoothest in the segment. The interior quality is very good, the feature set is strong, and the Prestige trim, which is second from top, will fit in your budget and offer a good amount of kit. Moreover, the Kylaq has also been rated 5-star in Bharat NCAP's crash test ratings, which adds another layer of assurance.

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•1d

You are clearly an enthusiast who values a strong diesel punch and sharp handling, and the Figo S TDCi was one of the best cars in that space. At 9 years and 1.3 lakh km, the car has served you well, but the hard clutch and knee pain are a clear signal that it is time to move on. Resale value will be modest given the age and Ford’s exit, so the decision should be driven by your usage and comfort rather than the resale number.On the replacement, there is no direct hatchback equivalent today. The Skoda Kylaq is the closest in spirit, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The automatic is also a big plus if you want to avoid clutch fatigue in traffic. The fact that Skoda has opened a showroom in Shillong is a significant positive, and Skoda is a far more stable brand in India today than Ford was at the time of its exit. If you can stretch the budget, the Kylaq is the right move. The Skoda Kylaq price range extends from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).If the budget is tight, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best hatchback alternative. It is not as powerful or as sharp as the Figo S, but it is light, nimble and fun to drive in its own way. The Hyundai i20 N Line is another hatchback option that is quite fun to drive and looks nice and sporty too but its costlier than the Swift. In summary, replace the Figo now and stretch for the Kylaq if you can. It is the closest modern equivalent to what you love about the Figo S TDCi. If the budget does not allow, go for the Swift. Do not hold on to the Figo purely for sentimental reasons, and do not worry too much about resale value at this stage. The decision should be about comfort and driving enjoyment for the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20

autocar.india

•3d

Both the Kushaq and Taigun are mechanically identical, sharing the same 1.5 TSI engine + dual-clutch automatic gearbox options and chassis, so the driving experience is essentially the same. The decision comes down to brand preference, dealership experience and minor differences in interior design and feature packaging. The Volkswagen Taigun's design and interior feel slightly more premium, but the difference is marginal. At the end, besides aesthetics, see which brand is getting you a better deal. You won't go wrong with either. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11 lakh for the base variant (ex-showroom).

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•4d

For your usage, the Hyundai Venue petrol automatic is the more practical choice. With a daily commute of around 20 km in Pune traffic and only occasional long trips, a petrol automatic is the right powertrain for you. The Venue’s 1.0 turbo petrol paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is a smooth and efficient combination, and the car itself is compact, easy to drive and well suited to city traffic. The Skoda Kylaq is the better driver’s car, but the Venue is the more sensible choice for your usage pattern.Both the Venue and Kylaq are E20-compliant, and modern engines are engineered to handle E20 without issue. The main impact of higher ethanol blends is a slight reduction in fuel economy and there is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage.The Venue also has the advantage of Hyundai’s wider service network and generally lower maintenance costs, which matters for long-term ownership. The Venue price ranges from Rs 8.00 lakh to Rs 15.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kodiaq Selection L&K. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a genuinely impressive SUV with strong performance, a feature-rich cabin, and excellent value for money, but the Kodiaq is on a different level. The quality of the materials, the solidity of the build, the refinement, and the overall sense of premium engineering are immediately apparent. Its 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine is also an excellent unit, delivering strong performance and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The XUV 7XO is a very good SUV and offers outstanding value for money. However, the Kodiaq feels like a truly premium product, and if budget is not a concern, it is the one to choose.As for after-sales service, Skoda cars network is not as extensive as Mahindra cars, but it has improved significantly in recent years, and ownership experiences are generally positive. If you're open to other brands, the BMW X1 is also worth considering. It is smaller than the Kodiaq, but it is rewarding to drive and offers a genuinely premium experience. Overall, if you can comfortably afford the Kodiaq, it is the SUV that is most likely to keep you satisfied in the long run.

Skoda Kodiaq

BMW X1

Mahindra XUV 7XO