2020 Skoda Karoq, what it holds for the Indian market?

The 2020 Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV that is due for a launch soon. The car gets loads of exciting features and fills in the gap in the market for Skoda as the company only has the Kodiaq SUV in the market right now which is priced at Rs 33 lakhs (ex-showroom).

This SUV will be smaller and more affordable than the Kodiaq, whilst also giving the Skoda features engine and the fit and finish as well. The car will be brought in via the CBU route therefore the pricing will not be very competitive but it promises to make up for it in terms of its features. Find out what it holds for the Indian market below.

Engine and transmission

The 2020 Skoda Karoq will come with a 1.5 litre TSI engine that is also seen on the Volkswagen T-Roc. This engine produces 150 bhp and 250 nm of torque. While this may feel a bit low on its rivals, the TSI engine in itself is known to be very capable and can take on stronger engines. This coupled with the excellent seven-speed DSG gearbox will make the car at par with its rivals if not quicker. The gearbox will also be very smooth and seamless that will provide a smooth driving experience.

2020 Skoda Karoq features

Skoda cars are known to be feature rich and the Karoq will be no different. It will get a fully digital instrument cluster which will be a segment-first. Also, it will get a total of nine airbags and loads of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ParkTronic and so on. The car also gets a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartLink connectivity, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, dual-zone climate control system.

Fit and finish

The overall fit and finish of the interior is top-notch. The quality of plastics used in Skoda products are also top of the range and you really get a premium feel once you sit in the car. Skoda has established itself as a premium brand and it has also built a name in making reliable products. All the other products from Skoda are known to be very reliable and the build quality of the car overall will be excellent.

2020 Skoda Karoq pricing and launch

Although it might seem that it will compete with the Seltos and the Creta when you look at the size but the pricing and specs of the car make it compete with the Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier. Many dealerships have already started taking an advance of Rs 50,000 as a booking amount for the 2020 Skoda Karoq. The Karoq will be priced around 20 lakhs (ex-showroom). The brand is now going to focus on bringing out SUVs in its India 2.0 plan and will also bring off the Skoda Vision IN next year that will sit below the Karoq. The 2020 Skoda Karoq was earlier slated for a launch on May 6, but this date could be shifted if the lockdown will be further extended in the country. Check out our video on the Skoda Karoq as seen in the Auto Expo 2020.