Skoda at the Auto Expo 2020 showcased the soon to be launched Skoda Karoq. The Skoda Karoq will share its underpinnings with the Volkswagen T-Roc and is based on the MQB “Modularer Querbaukasten” (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform. The Skoda Karoq will contest in the mid-size SUV segment and will rival premium mid-size SUVs like the Jeep Compass in the Indian market.
On its exterior, the Skoda Karoq features a vertically slated grille design, a large air dam, LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lights set high on the bumper, and a muscular bonnet. When viewed from the profile, the Skoda Karoq comes with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, chrome window sills, squared-off wheel arches, blacked-out B-pillar, roof rails and a character line that runs along its side starting from the front quarter and ending at the tailgate. On the rear the Karoq gets LED tail lamps with crystalline effect, ‘SKODA’ badging and an integrated spoiler.
On the interior, the Karoq gets features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartLink, Skoda ‘Virtual Cockpit’ fully digital instruments system, a panoramic sunroof with bounce back system, 12 way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, stone beige leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, Parktronic system and tyre pressure monitoring system etc.
The engine powering the Skoda Karoq is a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol motor that generates 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. In terms of performance, the Skoda Karoq can achieve a top speed of 202 kmph and can sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 9.0 seconds.
In terms of safety, the Skoda Karoq comes with 9-Airbags, ABS+EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), lane assist, adaptive cruise control, multi-collision braking, pedestrian protection, traffic jam assist, crew protection assistant and other automotive industry standard features.
Skoda plans to bring the Karoq to the Indian markets via the Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) route where 2500 cars are not required to be homologated, according to the new laws. The Skoda Karoq is expected to be priced around the INR 20 lakh mark and is expected to be launched in April 2020 alongside the BS6 compliant Rapid and Skoda Superb facelift.
