The Skoda Karoq will be making its India debut on February 3 with a launch expected in April 2020. It is expected to be priced at around Rs. 17 lakhs.
We have already reported to you that Skoda will be debuting a mid-size SUV at the Auto Expo 2020. Skoda teased us with sketch images of this SUV sometime ago and they are calling it the Vision IN. Now, Skoda has started testing this SUV in India and spy images of it has surfaced on the internet for the first time. From what we see in the spy images, we can tell that this mid-size SUV from Skoda is none other than the Karoq. The Skoda Karoq will see its India debut on February 3.
The test mule seen in the spy images bears plenty of resemblance with the Karoq SUV that is sold internationally. For instance, the headlamps, DRLS, bumpers and alloy wheels look similar to the Karoq sold overseas. It has typical Skoda styling elements like the butterfly grille and ‘C’ shaped tail lamps. In fact, the Karoq has strong resemblance with its elder brother, the Kodiaq. Essentially, the Karoq looks like a smaller version of the Kodiaq.
The Karoq will be based on an India-specific version of the MQB AO platform, called the MQB AO IN platform. We also know that the SUV will measure 4.26 meters in length. The production-spec version of the SUV will have a wheelbase measuring 2,651mm. That should provide ample space on the interiors, particularly for the rear row of seats.
From the interior sketch images that we have seen from what Skoda has teased before, the dashboard will be multi-layered but it will have a clean and minimalistic design. The dashboard will be dominated by a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. The SUV will also come with Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit system (digital instrument cluster), a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with steering mounted controls, a small gear selector in the central console, and a unique ‘crystalline element’ positioned in the middle of the dashboard.
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In India, the Skoda Karoq will be powered by a BS6 complaint 1.5 liter petrol engine with 150 bhp and 250Nm of torque. We expect it to be available with both manual and automatic transmission options. There will be no diesel engine on offer with this SUV as Skoda has decided to discontinue diesel engines post the BS-6 norms. However, a CNG variant could be on the cards.
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The Karoq will be launched in India by April 2020. It’ll be brought to the country via the CBU route and we expect prices to start from Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the likes of the next-gen Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector and Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming midsize SUV. What’s also worth noting is that Volkswagen will also have a version of this SUV, most likely in the form of the India-spec T-Cross.
