Skoda Teases Karoq; Their All New Compact SUV

The Czech carmaker has teased the Yeti replacement, christened ‘Karoq’, which derives its name from one of the languages spoken by Alaska’s indigenous people. The Karoq is all set for its global unveil on May 18. Skoda states that the Karoq is in line with its new design language seen on the India-bound Kodiaq. The fascia includes Skoda’s trademark butterfly grille with vertical double slats with chrome surrounds that we have come to see on its elder brother. Skoda says that optional full-LED headlamps with its crystalline cut, eight light strips that makeup the signature eyelash is inspired by Bohemian glass art. At the rear, the Karoq gets raked full-LED tail lamps which form the typical Skoda ‘C’-shape.

The compact SUV is 4,382mm long, 1,841mm wide, 1,605mm tall and has a wheelbase of  2,683mm (2,630mm on the all-wheel drive version). The Karoq comes with what Skoda calls VarioFlex rear seats - which consist of three different rear seats that can be adjusted or removed individually. The boot capacity with the rear seats in place is rated at 521 litres and with the rear seats folded, it extends to 1,630 litres. In combination with the VarioFlex seats, the boot space can be adjusted to hold between 479-588 litres. 

Moving on to the interiors, the dashboard gets four vertical AC vents and ambient lighting which is built into the upper edge of the four doors and on the dashboard. The brightness of the illumination can be set to one of the ten different colours offered. We can also see the glimpse of Skoda's new infotainment system with advanced connectivity options. The Karoq will get an all-digital instrument panel, seen for the first time in a Skoda, which can also be customised according to the driver’s needs.

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Skoda will offer the Karoq with five engine options, of which four are all-new. The engines offered ranges from 1.0-, 1.5-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbocharged units, with power outputs ranging from 116PS to 193PS. A 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox along with all-wheel drive (AWD) will be optional. The Karoq will come with different driving modes - Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (on 4x4 variants).

Skoda has stressed it will continue its 2025 campaign on expanding its model range further with focus on SUVs. In Europe, the Karoq will join its elder sibling Kodiaq in the second half of 2017 and we expect Skoda to launch it here in India by early 2018. The Karoq will take on the likes of the Honda-CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and the upcoming Jeep Compass in India. 

Also Read: Hyundai Tucson First Drive Review

Skoda Kodiaq First Drive Review