Skoda Karoq SUV – All You Need To Know
The Skoda Karoq SUV will hit Indian roads by the end of 2019.
With an aim to expand its product portfolio, Skoda has launched the long-awaited Skoda Karoq 5-seater premium SUV in India. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Karoq is the second Skoda SUV based on the tried & tested Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. The Karoq, which first unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, is assembled via CKD kit at the company’s Aurangabad based facility.
Skoda’s next entry-level SUV in the premium segment directly rivals the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross. While considering the potential for SUVs in India, Skoda is trying to benefit from the ever-rising popularity; hence a new model makes sense for the Indian market. The new Skoda Karoq is available in a single, fully-loaded variant, which is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine. Also See – Skoda Vision IN Based SUV to be called Kosmiq
Skoda Karoq Price in India
Similar to the Kodiaq, Skoda India imports the Karoq premium 5-seater SUV via CKD (completely knocked down) route. The SUV is assembled locally at the manufacturing facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Compared to its direct rivals, the Skoda’s new premium SUV is priced slightly on the higher side. Available in a single variant, the Skoda Karoq Price in India is Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it competes with the top-end Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson.
Skoda Karoq Features
– Customisable
digital instrument panel
– Memory function
– 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
– Gesture control
– Heated steering wheel
– Heated seats
– Dual-zone climate controls
– Adjustable interior ambient lighting
– Wireless smartphone charging pad
– Foldable rear seats
– Signature moustache grille
– Crystalline cut full LED headlamps
– Fog lamps with infused LED units
– Touchscreen infotainment system
– LED tail-lamps
_ Electrically adjustable drivers seat
– LED ambient lighting
– Panoramic sunroof
– 9 airbags
Karoq Exterior
Skoda’s all-new Karoq shares its underpinning with the Kodiaq seven-seater SUV – i.e. VW’s MQB platform. Most of its design and styling elements is carried over from its larger sibling. The 5-seater SUV features multiple crystalline elements and represents Skoda’s new design language. Featuring the signature moustache grille and crystalline cut full-LED headlamps with 8 strips inspired by Bonheimian’s traditional glass art, the front fascia of the SUV looks quite aggressive. Styling bits such as bold chrome surround on the grille and the fog lamps with infused LED units add more to its sporty appearance.
The bold side creases complement the aggressive front styling. The body width emphasises at the rear by the horizontal creases. Moving towards the side, the SUV gets alloy wheels, black body cladding and flared wheel arches. The protective sill cover, muscular tones, integrated turn indicators on ORVMs, sharp creases, roof rails and blacked-out glass area further accentuate its side appearance. While the C-shaped taillamps at the rear adds to its visual appeal, the brake light with no resemblance to the Kodiaq is another highlight at the back. Other key highlights include flat, raked rear lights, reflectors positioned below the rear sensors on the outer edges of the bumper and license plate LED lighting.
Dimensions – How Big?
With respect to dimensions, the new Skoda SUV measures 4,382mm in length, 1,814mm in width and 1,605mm in height with 2,638mm long wheelbase. The SUV has a ground clearance of 200mm. With these figures, the SUV is claimed to offer ample room on the inside. The luggage compartment is spacious too with a capacity of 521-litres that can further be expanded to 1,810-litres after folding the rear seats completely.
Skoda Karoq Interior
In tandem with Skoda cars that brim with new technology, the Karoq premium SUV comes with a wide array of comfort goodies and driver centric features. Interestingly, Karoq is the first Skoda car to feature an all-digital centre console. It also gets all-new modular infotainment system with a capacitive touchscreen display supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink as well. The car features a multi-functional steering wheel, Bluetooth telephony and navigation. It is to be noted that the touchscreen unit on Karoq also work as a display for reverse parking.
The Skoda Karoq has large contours that suggest that the SUV offers a generous space on the inside, featuring 5-seat layout. The front and rear rows are spacious enough to offer ample room to the occupants. Boasting a length of 4.4m and 2.6m long wheelbase, it is claimed to offer best in class headroom, kneeroom and legroom across rows
Karoq Mileage – Kitna Deti Hai?
In India, the Skoda Karoq is available with a single 1.5L petrol engine with 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. It is claimed to return a fuel efficiency of close to 15kmpl.
Karoq Specifications – Engine, Gearbox
The Skoda Karoq 5-seater premium SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which will also power the upcoming Vision IN based SUV. This engine is capable of producing 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. A 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox transfering the power to the front wheels is available as standard. The new Karoq is claimed to achieve 0 to 100kmph in 9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 220kmph
Practicality
With multiple storage compartments, the SUV has high on utility quotient. That said, there is ample storage space inside including bottle holders on all doors, coin holders, cup holders and a large glove box in front. Besides this, the Skoda Karoq is equipped with features such as keyless entry, cruise control and push button start/stop system. Furthermore, it also gets flexible rear seats which can either be adjusted or removed in a bid to expand boot space.
Skoda Karoq Boot Space
The premium SUV features five-seat layout with two rows. Just so you know, the Karoq offers 521-litres of boot space which can further be increased to 1,810-litres by folding the rear seats.
Safety and Braking
The Karoq SUV is equipped with several high-end safety and security features. The safety brigade includes 9 airbags, anti-lock-braking system (ABS), brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic, stability program, traction control and hill start assist among others. Stopping power will be derived from the all four disc brakes.
In Euro NCAP crash tests, Skoda Karoq 5-seater premium SUV (global model) achieved top spot. Secured 5-star rating, the Karoq scored 93% in adult occupant protection, 79% child occupant protection and 78% in pedestrian protection.
Should You Buy It?
Sharing some of its design bits with the Kodiaq, the Skoda Karoq appears quite sporty and masculine. To make it stand apart rivals in the segment, Skoda packs plethora of comfort, connectivity and safety features. With top-notch quality, generous interior space and a host of in-cabin tech, the SUV is surely have an edge over rivals. With such attributes, the Karoq is an all-round package for buyers who are looking for a premium compact SUV. In the Indian market, the Karoq lock horns with cars like Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.
