The Skoda Kylaq debuted in India late last year as the Czech brand’s most affordable offering in the country. Even though it serves as the entry point to Skoda ’s lineup on our shores, the good thing is that it still comes loaded with features. After spending some time driving it around the Delhi NCR region (particularly Gurgaon) recently, there was one aspect that stood out to us the most. And that is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article.


If you haven’t guessed already, well, the one thing that really stood out for us was the automatic gearbox. Skoda has equipped the Kylaq with a proper six-speed torque converter automatic . That might sound like a technical detail, but it makes a big difference to how the SUV feels to drive every single day.
Why is it a great deal, and what makes it unique?


In the Indian mass market, especially in cars under fifteen lakh rupees, the most common automatic options are AMTs, clutchless manuals or CVTs. Each of these has its own advantages, but also: AMTs can feel jerky, CVTs sometimes lack punch, and clutchless manuals still make you work for smooth progress. But the trade-off is that none of them can deliver a truly engaging driving experience. That is where the Kylaq changes the game. Also, torque converters are often reserved for the top trims in many cars, but Skoda offers it as standard in the Kylaq. That decision not only sets it apart in its segment, it also transforms the day-to-day driving experience. We explain how.


The torque converter in the Kylaq is paired with a one-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 115 hp of power and 178 Nm of peak torque. This combination is a joy to use. The gearbox and engine work in complete sync, giving you smooth and quick shifts when you want to relax and sharp, responsive acceleration when you want to have fun. Moreover, the gearbox’s ability to anticipate the right gear makes the experience even more seamless.
Out on the highway, it offers strong, confident acceleration, with paddle shifters on hand when you want more control. This is when you realise that a proper automatic is not just about convenience. It is also about enjoying the drive. Furthermore, the Kylaq also lives up to Skoda’s reputation for excellent driving dynamics. The steering feels direct and precise. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering comfort without compromising stability at higher speeds. Inside the cabin, the front seats are powered and ventilated, another feature to enhance comfort during long summer drives.


What makes the Kylaq special is that it removes the compromises you usually have to make when choosing an automatic in this segment. You do not need to pick between comfort and driving pleasure. You get both. Whether you are crawling through city traffic, cruising on the highway or tackling a twisty hill road, the gearbox responds beautifully to your inputs and the SUV feels eager to deliver. No clutch fatigue, no awkward pauses in acceleration, just smooth progress from point A to point B.
That said, in a market where budget automatics often mean settling for less, Skoda has made a bold move by offering a torque converter as standard in the Kylaq. It is a decision that does not just suit Indian roads; it makes every journey easier, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable.