Skoda Karoq compact SUV announced, to debut on 18 May

28/04/2017 - 15:42 Skoda Karoq, Skoda Sagar Parikh

Will hit the European markets in H2 2017.

On the heels of yesterday's report, Skoda Auto has confirmed the use of the 'Skoda Karoq' brand for its future compact SUV. With the announcement, the company released first images of the compact SUV.

Skoda Karoq front three quarters in motion camouflaged — The Skoda Karoq is the long-overdue replacement to the Skoda Yeti.

The Skoda Karoq is the long-overdue replacement for the Skoda Yeti. The boxy Yeti was criticised for its polarising design, and the Karoq aims to not repeat that with its contemporary yet conventional design inspired by the Skoda Kodiaq. It rides on the MQB platform that is used by a wide range of Volkswagen Group vehicles.

The Skoda Karoq measures 4,382 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width and 1,605 mm in height. Its front-wheel drive version has a wheelbase of 2,638 mm, and all-wheel drive version has a wheelbase of 2,630 mm. With the optional VarioFlex rear seat, there's up to 588 litres of boot space, which one can increase to 1,810 litres.

Skoda will offer the Karoq with two petrol and three diesel engines with displacements in 1.0-, 1.5-, 1.6 and 2.0-litre and power ranging from 85 kW (115 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 140 kW (190 hp) 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine has a four-wheel drive system as standard. The 1.5-litre TSI engine features cylinder deactivation.

Skoda Karoq rear camouflaged — Skoda will offer Skoda Karoq with two petrol and three diesel engines.

Also See: 2017 Skoda Octavia RS 245 – 2017 Geneva Motor Show

Freely programmable digital instrument panel - a first for a Skoda, full-LED headlights with clear-lens optics, LED ambient lighting, parking assistant, Lane Assist and traffic-jam assistant. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink and Skoda phone box are noteworthy features of the Skoda Karoq officially revealed before the debut.

Skoda will take the wraps off the Skoda Karoq on 18 May in Stockholm, Sweden and launch internationally in the second half of 2017. The Karoq is expected to start at around £17,000 (INR 14,10,304.92) and compete with the VW Tiguan, Seat Ateca, Renault Kadjar, Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.

With the VW Tiguan days away from starting its Indian chapter, Skoda India will be watching the proceedings closely to make a decision on introducing the Karoq.