According to a media report, Skoda is gearing up to launch its Karoq SUV in India by 2020. The brand is currently focusing on heavily localising new car models under the new ‘India 2.0 Project’, but the Karoq SUV is expected to be brought to our country via the CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) which will be a direct import. Based on the initial sales response in the Indian market, the model is then expected to be brought in via the CKD route and assembled locally. The Karoq has been spotted testing on the Indian roads and the car launch has been delayed due to it being expensive for our market. As per new rules, the Indian Government has relaxed its norms for importing vehicles as a completely built unit and hence the initial models are expected to be brought that way.
The new import norms allow the carmaker to bring in 2,500 units per year (passenger cars) without Indian homologation and Skoda may do the same to gauge the Indian market demand with the Karoq as it may require very little or no initial investment. Other manufacturers such as Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen are planning to do the same by launching models that will be imported under the same import rules.
The Skoda Karoq shares the MQB platform with other VW Group cars such as Octavia, Superb and Passat the SUV has a capacity to seat 5 people and is positioned below the 7-seater Kodiaq.
In the international market, the Karoq SUV is offered in two petrol and three diesel options. 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of 115 HP of power. 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine which produces 150 HP of power. 1.6-litre diesel engine with a power of 115 HP. 2.0-litre diesel motor which produces 150 HP of power. 2.0-litre diesel engine with a maximum power output of 189 HP. The top-spec 2.0-litre 189 HP engine comes mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission as standard. All other engines are offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox
The Skoda Karoq is expected to be launched around mid-2020 and will be priced below the Kodiaq, but still, it won’t be very cheap. Details about the car and its price will be available closer to its launch.