Skoda Karoq under evaluation for India - Report

After announcing the Kodiaq for India, Skoda is evaluating the another SUV for the Indian market. According to a report by Autocar India, the Skoda Karoq, which replaces the Yeti in their lineup, could find its way into India, as the company has confirmed that it is evaluating the vehicle.

Skoda would want to tread carefully as their previous SUV offering, the Skoda Yeti, was met with a cold response from the Indian buyers. The response to Kodiaq will give Skoda India a pathway to launching the smaller vehicle.

The Skoda Karoq was unveiled this May. It goes on sale in international markets before the end of 2017. Skoda is offering the Karoq with a choice of five engine options - 115 PS 1.0 L TSI petrol, 150 PS 1.5 L TSI petrol, 115 PS 1.5 L TDI diesel, 150 PS 2.0 L TDI diesel and 190 PS 2.0 L TDI diesel. All engine options come with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The 2.0 L TDI diesel with 190 PS on tap also gets an AWD system.

Fully-loaded trims of the Skoda Karoq feature LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, electrically adjustable seats, a 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment system with navigation and gesture control and wireless charging. It is Skoda's first model to offer a fully digital instrument panel with the option of four layouts. Skoda will offer the Karoq in Europe with advanced safety and driver assistance systems like Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert, City Emergency Brake with Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Lane Assist, Driver Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.

If the Karoq does make it to India, expect it to carry a price tag of around INR 25 lakhs. Engine options could include a 1.5 L TSI petrol and 2.0 L TDI diesel. It will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and the Honda CR-V.

[source - Autocar India]