The Skoda Karoq is expected to be launched in India in 2018 and will rival the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Skoda is betting high on the SUV segment in India. It recently launched the Kodiaq SUV at Rs. 34.49 lakhs (ex-showroom) and we now have news that its second SUV, the Karoq, is expected to be launched in India either in late-2018 or early 2019.
The Karoq will replace the Yeti and will be the second SUV from Skoda that will be based on the flexible MQB architecture. Being a 5-seater SUV, the Karoq will go against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Looks wise, the Karoq takes design inspiration from its bigger sibling the Kodiaq. LED headlamps with LED DRLs, signature butterfly grille and the muscled bonnet adorn the front fascia of the car. The squared wheel arches and the large wheels further accentuate the rather simple-looking side profile. The rear end will again remind you of the Kodiaq with the similarly styled C-shaped LED tail-lights. The bumper is finished in black to give the SUV a rugged look.
The interior is where the Karoq will impress anyone. The Karoq is the first Skoda car to get a virtual cockpit (fully digital instrument panel). The dashboard layout is similar to the one on the Kodiaq. The India-spec Karoq might get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other features include automatic climate control, Ambient Lighting, drive modes, panoramic sunroof, leather seats and Skoda Phonebox.
The Skoda Karoq comes powered by both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engines are 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI units that produce 115 HP and 148 HP respectively. Both these engines are available either with a manual or an automatic gearbox. The diesel engine options are a 1.6-litre unit which produces 113 HP and a 2.0-litre unit which comes in 2 states of tune – a 148 HP version and a 190 HP version. The diesel engines are also available with manual and automatic options, along with 4WD.
The 1.5 TSI petrol motor will come with cylinder deactivation feature. The Rapid-maker claims that these new engines will be extremely efficient and also comply with the Euro 6 emission norms.
Safety features in the car include park assist, lane assist and traffic jam assist, front assist with predictive pedestrian protection, emergency assist and blind spot detection.
Skoda Karoq India Launch
– Skoda is expected to launch the Karoq in late-2018 or early 2019
– The Karoq will be the second Skoda SUV to underpin the MQB platform
– Skoda Karoq is the Yeti’s successor
Source – Overdrive.in