The new Skoda Karoq is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform and will be brought into India as a CBU product.
Skoda Auto India has a long lineup of models on display at the 2020 Auto Expo. The Czech-origin brand under Volkswagen India is showing off the new Kodiaq, Octavia RS 245, the Superb flagship and the Rapid 1.0 TSI along with the Karoq, which is a newcomer to the Indian auto markets.
Having taken the wraps off the new Skoda Karoq at the biennial event, the company has announced that the five-seater SUV will be positioned below the Kodiaq. Skoda Karoq is based on the same platform as the new VW T-Roc. It measures 4.3 meters in length and Skoda India states that it will be brought in as a Completely Built-up Unit (CBU). The company takes advantage of the ‘2,500-car import rule’ which allows the automaker to bring in a set quantity of models without the need for homologation.
Strikingly similar to the Kodiaq in its exterior makeup, the Skoda Karoq gets a trademark butterfly front grille, a sculpted hood and bumper, sleek headlamps and LED fog lamps while it sits on 18” alloy wheels. It gets squared wheel arches and C shaped tail lamps. The interiors are seen with quality leather upholstery and a well-appointed dash.
Coming to the onboard features, the list includes connected car technologies, touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control along with a panoramic sunroof. Safety equipment on offer includes a total of 9 airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Engine specifications for the new Skoda Karoq also get detailed with a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine offering 150 hp power and 250 Nm torque while mated to a 7 speed DSG automatic gearbox. There will be no diesel engine on offer and it is not news that Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is going the ‘petrol way’ at least for the time being. With this powertrain, the Skoda Karoq will be able to touch 100 kmph in 9 seconds and attain a top speed of 202 kmph.
Skoda Karoq enters the crowded mid-size segment in India wherein it will find rivals such as the Volkswagen T-ROC, MG Hector, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500 and the Tata Harrier. There have been no revelations in terms of pricing of the Skoda Karoq but the figures are expected to be a bit on the higher side (compared to its rivals) since it is a CBU product.
