Skoda Karoq spotted testing in India for the first time

The Skoda Karoq could come to India soon. It’s just the product needed by the market which loves SUVs. The Karoq could be unveiled by the end of 2019 in India. Skoda is currently testing this car in India and the SUV has also been spied here too. The Karoq will come in as a replacement for the Yeti. Underpinned by the MQB platform, this SUV will share many components with the Volkswagen Tiguan.  It is already selling in Europe and an India launch is in the process. The car spied here seems to be testing for ARAI emissions in Pune.

Scroll down to see more information and spy pictures. 

Skoda has been slow in launching SUVs, but now it seems they have planned an onslaught, first with the Kodiaq, which was recently launched and now the Karoq. This is good news for SUV buyers as they shall be spoilt for choices. The Jeep Compass has seen an unprecedented demand, which shows that customers are moving towards compact lifestyle SUVs. This is where the Skoda Karoq will fit in.

Skoda Karoq Launch Date

The Skoda Karoq is expected to be launched by the second half of 2020. This will replace the Skoda Yeti in India and will be the second new generation SUV from Skoda. The company has already got the Kodiaq, hence they will launch the Karoq after a gap of almost 2 years.

New Skoda Karoq Price in India

The Karoq is expected to be priced between ₹ 15 lakhs and ₹ 24 lakhs. It will come in both petrol and diesel variants. We will share the variant-wise pricing details at a later stage. The Karoq will have an identical price to the Jeep Compass and lower than the Volkswagen Tiguan. It will also have a 4WD option.

New Skoda Karoq Design

Based on the new Skoda design language, the Karoq has an aggressive front end. There is a black front grille and a set of sharp-looking headlamps. The headlamps have projector lamps and daytime running LEDs. The fascia is similar to that of the new Superb and the Kodiaq. The side profile is more like a crossover. It gets sharp lines and curves running across. The rear portion also has a close resemblance to the Kodiaq. This will be a five-seater SUV.

The Skoda Karoq chassis also sets benchmarks in its segment and demonstrates its quality, even off the beaten track. From the Ambition trim level upwards, Driving Mode Select with the Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4×4) modes is available on request. The Off-Road mode with all-wheel drive improves the driving characteristics on rough terrain.

Also Read: Tata Harrier will be this SUV’s competition

New Skoda Karoq Interiors

There will be a lot of similarity in the interiors of the Karoq and the Kodiaq. Both these SUVs are based on the same platform. The Karoq will have some lesser features but it will be a five-seater with two rows of seating. This new SUV will be getting most of the bells and whistles and has been designed to have a good amount of space on offer too.

• The digital instrument panel: four display layouts
• Headlights and tail lights with LED technology
• The VarioFlex rear seat holds up to 588 liters
• LED ambient lighting in the interior

The striking three-dimensional front section symbolizes protection and strength with its contours. The front is characterized in particular by the geometrically shaped headlights with precise contours. From the Ambition trim level upwards, full-LED headlights in a clear glass design are used. A narrow strip of lights running along the bottom edge of the main headlights provides homogeneous indicator and daytime running lights. The fog lights, which come with full-LED technology and the cornering function, are positioned below the main headlights. The radiator grille, which is framed by chrome trim, features the trapezoid shape that is typical of ŠKODA. The large ŠKODA brand logo sits proudly at the end of the distinct bonnet.

New Skoda Karoq Dimensions

New Skoda Karoq Specifications

The Skoda Karoq offers state-of-the-art technologies for engines. Five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines – are on offer, internationally. The two petrol engines and two types of diesel are new in the line-up. The displacement ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 l; the power range is from 114bhp to 187bhp. All powertrains feature turbo-charged direct injection units as well as stop-start technology and brake energy recovery. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 186bhp comes as standard with 4×4 drive and 7-speed DSG.

The new 1.5 TSI has the special feature of cylinder deactivation.

In India, we can expect the 2.0-litre diesel with 148 bhp of power. This is the same engine which is also fitted in the Kodiaq. The engine will be tuned in a different way though. Being lighter than the Kodiaq, the Karoq will have good performance as well. There may also be a 1.5-litre petrol engine with around 140bhp of power. The Kodiaq comes only in diesel variant, whereas the Karoq will offer both options.

New Skoda Karoq Image Gallery

New Skoda Karoq Spy Shots

New Skoda Karoq Competition

The car will be a great addition to the upcoming barrage of SUVs next year. The Skoda Karoq will compete with the Kia SP, Ford Kuga, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. It will be interesting to see how Skoda positions this car as it is a crucial launch for not only the manufacturer but also VW India.