Intro
If you re looking for a new SUV hatchback that both safe and fun to drive the Volkswagen Tera vs Skoda Kylaq are the best cars for you Designed for superior power and comfort these cars are ideal for everyday city driving Their compact size also makes them perform well in traffic Both are built on the same platform but offer a stylish and comfortable experience The Kylaq is already available and the Volkswagen Tera launches in June 2025.
The Kylaq ex-showroom price starts at ₹7.89 lakh, making it a king in this price range. The Tera is slightly more expensive, starting at ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom) but offers VW’s badge value. Both offer the same engine option a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with the Kylaq delivering slightly more power at 115 PS making the Tera ideal for highway use.
When will the Tera vs Kylaq be launched in India How many units have been sold
The Kylaq is selling rapidly in the Indian market having sold over 25,000 units since its launch in November 2024 The Tera has sold over 10,000 units since its launch in June 2025. As part of the VW Group India 2.0 strategy both are 95% localised which keeps prices low The Maruti Brezza which falls in the sub-4-metre SUV segment has a 50% market share.
Table of Contents
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Skoda Kylaq | Volkswagen Tera (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹7.89 - ₹11.99 Lakh | ₹9.00 - ₹12.50 Lakh |
| Engine | 1.0L TSI Petrol, 115 bhp, 178 Nm | 1.0L TSI Petrol, 114 bhp, 178 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 19.05 kmpl (MT) / 18.06 kmpl (AT) | 18 kmpl (Estimated) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 Litres | 45 Litres |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3995 x 1783 x 1619 mm | 3995 x 1750 x 1560 mm (Approx.) |
| Wheelbase | 2566 mm | 2566 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 189 mm | 175 mm |
| Boot Space | 446 Litres (1265 Litres Folded) | 430 Litres (Approx.) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Design and Solid Quality: Which is More Stylish
The Kylaq appearance is a bit more boxy and rugged with a small front grille similar to the larger Skoda models and LED DRL-shaped headlights giving it a compact SUV-like appearance. It has a ground clearance of 189 mm, making it easy to navigate potholes The interior also uses soft-touch materials A 10.25-inch infotainment screen connects to the car.
The Tera looks like a crossover SUV that makes a good road presence It features a large front grille with LED headlights and a strong 175mm ground clearance making it one of the best in the segment for urban use It also boasts a top-notch performance.
The interior features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, wireless charging, and a flat-bottom steering wheel that makes it easy to drive. The Tera is in the same league in terms of build quality.
Performance and Speed Comfort
Both engines share the same power and pickup with a 3-cylinder TSI The 1.0-litre engine produces 114 PS and 178 Nm offering good response in city traffic It available in both manual and automatic transmissions and it’s stable on highways at speeds of up to 120 kmph.
The Tera tuning is excellent on highways offering excellent pickup and road performance throughout It also comes with a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine that generates 109 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque which will appeal to car enthusiasts and deliver an impressive mileage of 16 kmpl.
Volkswagen Tera vs Skoda Kylaq Pros and Cons
Kylaq Pros:
- It is a robust and value-for-money car with excellent power performance and a budget-friendly design designed specifically for city use.
- Its biggest strength which helps it gain a foothold in the market is its excellent price starting at ₹7.89 lakh and receiving a 5-star rating.
- It offers 178mm of ground clearance which is considered a benefit for India and is a great option for driving
Cons:
- This SUV is a great value for money but the AT automatic transmission feels jerky in traffic.
- It needs an update The rear camera angles are reportedly poor and malfunctioning, causing parking difficulties.
- The rear seat lacks thigh support which can be a problem on long journeys It is only available in petrol making it a problem for diesel users
Tera Pros:
- Sporty design sharp handling Volkswagen signature design which increases its resale value and it’s a perfect SUV hatchback for highways.
- It is stable on the road even at high speeds offering good safety and road presence
- Cons:
- It is priced a bit high which doesn’t justify it and the base model lacks power.
- There is a generous 430-litre boot space making it easy to transport your luggage from one place to another.
Features and Comfort: What's Special About It?
Features are also quite similar to a 10.25-inch touchscreen wireless charging port Android Auto Apple CarPlay voice command assist, AC vents, climate control features, ventilated seats, and a powered tailgate, making it a comfortable car.
Safety features include upgraded ADAS, ABS, ECS, and TMPS (tyre pressure monitoring), along with six airbags ensuring occupant safety.
The plus point of Tera is its sporty design and amazing road presence which takes this Volkswagen car to the top. Excellent drive quality and maintains good grip on the highways. However, the base variants have a little less power as per the price but in terms of features and comfort everything is the same.
What Real Owner Reviews Say About This Car
The Skoda Kylaq has over 280 user reviews, giving it a 4.5 rating. Those who drive it say it’s a rock-solid car at kmph on highways winning with its performance It feels compact has all the features and offers good mileage and low service costs.
The Volkswagen Tera has over 50 customer reviews, giving it a 4.3 rating. It has amazing looks excellent ground clearance good mileage of 18 kmpl is fun to drive and has been given a 5-star NCAP rating. If you’re considering either of these two the Kylaq is for daily commutes while the VW Tera is for looks and style.
Buying advice on which one to chose
If your budget is less than 10 lakh rupees you can go for the Kylaq. It best for city use If you want an AC car that excels in boxy design and looks you can go for the Tera which has not arrived in India yet but has a one-month waiting list.
Final Thought
Volkswagen Tera vs Skoda Kylaq: which is making its mark in India? This German car is known for its looks and innovative design. Comfortable seats that can seat five people make for more fun on the highways. Overall, the Kylaq is the best buy by more than 70%, while the Tera is 30% better.