Skoda Kylaq falters in Mumbai traffic but thrives on long drives

The Skoda Kylaq’s weak low‑end torque turns Mumbai’s stop‑and‑go traffic into a miserable ride, even though the car excelled on the 19,000 km Pune‑to‑Prague expedition.

City Test

Constant speeds of 0 to 30 kph expose the Kylaq’s low‑end torque weakness and noticeable turbo lag below 2,000 rpm. The driver often drops boost, accelerates, then feels a sudden power surge, which hurts fuel economy. Average mileage on an 8 km office commute is just 6.8 kpl, while a smoother Mahim‑to‑Borivali run peaked at 14.5 kpl. The reviewer’s wife, who previously disliked the car on South Mumbai streets, said the highway feel was much smoother. The fish‑eye camera view makes parking awkward and the indented touch panel does little to replace physical buttons. Rear‑seat legroom is acceptable: the reviewer’s 5‑ft‑10‑in son finds it tight, but his 5‑ft‑plus daughter is comfortable. Front ventilated seats have two fan speeds; the reviewer leaves them on longer for a steady temperature.

Highway Praise

On open roads the Kylaq shines. Its peppy engine easily closes gaps and overtakes slower cars. Precise steering and a compact footprint give a nimble, fun drive. The steering wheel feels solid, with comfortable thumb rests, a thick rim, clickable buttons and the signature Skoda scroll wheels that click satisfyingly, a welcome touch during long traffic stalls. The car’s overall character is dependable rather than flashy, and it handles steep, twisty mountain roads and even washed‑away terrain without issue.

Context

Turbo direct‑injection engines like the Kylaq’s are very sensitive to throttle changes, often over‑injecting fuel at low speeds to prevent knocking, which explains the drop in city mileage. Compact cars with modest torque typically struggle in dense traffic but perform well on open highways.