Skoda Karoq to be a CBU import in India - Report

The Skoda Karoq, a VW Tiguan-like C-SUV and the successor to the Skoda Yeti, is arriving in India by early 2020. While products in this segment are generally imported in CKD kits for local assembly, a new report says that the Skoda Karoq will be a CBU import.

Skoda needs to be sure that the Karoq will bring volumes enough for local assembly to be feasible. Thanks to the new import norms, it will be able to import this SUV without having to homologate it in India. The import will be capped to 2,500 units a year, though. However, should the market present a strong demand, it can homologate the product and start locally assembling it to reduce the price(s).

Skoda's studies had shown that the Karoq would be too expensive for India, and so, it had put the launch plan on hold. However, the relaxed import norms that allow automakers to test market a model before deciding on the expensive and time-consuming process of homologation here, it has put the plan back in action.

The Skoda Karoq shares the MQB modular platform with the VW Tiguan and Seat Ateca among many other Volkswagen Group models. It sits below the Skoda Kodiaq mid-size SUV. It is available with 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI petrol, 150 PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol, 115 PS 1.6-litre TDI diesel, 150 PS 2.0-litre TDI diesel and 190 PS 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines. 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic are the transmission choices. An AWD system is available in select configurations.

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The Skoda Karoq, being a CBU import, will likely be a way costlier than other C-SUVs like the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. Its prices could start somewhere around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

[Source: Autocar India]