Skoda unveiled their mid-size SUV the Karoq at the ongoing auto expo 2020 which they will be launching in India in April this year. Skoda Karoq is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen T-Roc which is also showcased at the ongoing auto expo 2020. In terms of length, the Karoq is 4.3 m long which makes it about as large as present mid-sized SUVs available in the market. In terms of spec and pricing, the closest rival to Karoq is the jeep compass. Skoda will bring Karoq in India in a complete build up Unit (CBU). Skoda is taking advantage of a 2500-car import rule in which a carmaker is allowed to bring a limited quantity of some niche model without the need to sanction them.
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Skoda mid-size SUV will only be going to be available with a petrol engine option. It will come with a Bs6 compliant 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine which will produce 150 Ps of power and 250 Nm of torque and mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox. Skoda auto Volkswagen India doesn't have plans to sell diesel vehicles in the Bs6 era so diesel engine option will not be on offer. There is a 4x4 model available in the international market of the Karoq but Skoda will bring only the front-wheel model to India.
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Skoda Karoq looks like a scaled-down version of Skoda's kodiaq SUV and gets the same clear cut lines and sharp detailing like its big brother Kodiaq. Large 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels give it a very confident poise but somehow it still missing that butch SUV stance that Indian buyer looks in the SUV. But still, the Karoq will appeal to the large range of buyers.
It will also offer connected car technology, ambient lighting, and wireless charging, a large 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will support apple car play and android auto connectivity, virtual cockpit, dual-zone climate control. In terms of safety, it will offer up to 9 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, Electronic stability control (ECS), and ABS with EBD.
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Inside the Karoq cabin, it is typical Skoda with a neat tidy design and well thought out dashboard. Cabin quality is very very good European standards with lots of soft-touch material and leather upholstery. The high seating position offers a good view ahead. Rear seat space is more than adequate and you can slide the back seat forward and backward to make more luggage space.
Skoda will Be Importing the Karoq in India as a completely Build unit (CBU) but Skoda has said that they will price the Karoq competitively but we are expecting the Karoq price to start from Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). The carmaker will launch the Karoq in April 2020. when launch it will go against MG Hector, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV 500, Tata Harrier and Gravitas. Skoda motors also revealed that they will be launching Bs6 compliant Rapid and facelifted Skoda superb around the same time. Petrol Kodiaq will be launching later in the year 2020.
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