Skoda Kylaq engine specs revealed: How does it fare against the rivals?

After a nine-year hiatus, Skoda is making a comeback in the compact car segment with the production-ready version of a new vehicle, soon to be officially revealed on 6 November. While the full details will be shared at the launch, Skoda has already teased some key features, particularly focusing on its powertrain.

Powertrain Specifications

At the heart of this new model is Skoda’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, delivering 114bhp and 178Nm of torque. Customers will have the option of choosing between a six-speed manual transmission (MT) or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT). This engine is familiar to those acquainted with VW and Skoda’s lineup of budget cars, as it’s a shared powertrain within the family.

For driving enthusiasts, these figures combined with Skoda’s reputation for building cars that are fun to drive promise an engaging experience behind the wheel. Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to test the car, and you can check out our review video linked below.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

On paper, Skoda’s new compact contender, the Kylaq, positions itself well against its competition. Notably, the most powerful engine in this segment belongs to Mahindra’s 1.2-litre GDi mStallion, producing 110bhp and a remarkable 230Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Maruti Fronx and Taisor, both equipped with the Boosterjet engine, offer a slightly less powerful setup, being the only models in this category to feature a five-speed manual transmission rather than a six-speed.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Kylaq compares with other rivals in terms of engine specifications:

Model Engine Size Power Output Torque Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Kylaq 1.0-litre 114bhp 178Nm 6MT 6AT
Sonet 1.0-litre 118bhp 172Nm 6MT 7DCT/6iMT
Venue 1.0-litre 118bhp 172Nm 6MT 7DCT
3XO 1.2-litre 110bhp 200Nm 6MT 6AT
Fronx 1.0-litre 99bhp 147Nm 5MT
Taisor 1.0-litre 99bhp 147Nm 5MT
Nexon 1.2-litre 118bhp 170Nm 6MT

With Skoda’s engineering expertise and a robust engine lineup, the Kylaq is shaping up to be a strong contender in the compact car market, offering a balance between performance and fun-to-drive dynamics.