Not the Vision IN, Say Hello To The Skoda Karoq In Its Spy Shot Debut

• The Skoda Karoq will be launched in India in April 2020.
• Expected to come with connected car technology, panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control.
• Will most likely be available with a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre TSI engine.
• Prices expected to start from Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).

Skoda Auto India has started testing the Karoq SUV in India ahead of its unveil at Auto Expo 2020. While other news outlets are reporting it as the upcoming Vision IN, to our eyes, the test mule in these spy shots bears plenty of resemblance to the Karoq SUV. For instance, the headlamps, DRLS, bumpers and alloy wheels look similar to the Karoq sold overseas. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the test mule seen here is in fact the Karoq. 

The Karoq is a midsize SUV that sits below the Kodiaq and looks like a miniature of Skoda’s flagship. Traditional Skoda design elements like the trademark butterfly grille and ‘C’ shaped tail lamps have been retained here. Other highlights include 10-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels and sleek LED headlamps.  

Inside, the Karoq’s dashboard design bears plenty of resemblance to the Kodiaq. It’s also expected to come loaded with features like digital dials, connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered front seats, cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual-zone climate control as well as a panoramic sunroof.  

Under the hood, the India-spec Karoq is expected to be powered by a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre TSI engine that develops 150PS of power and 250Nm of torque. We expect it to be available with both manual and automatic transmission options. There won’t be a Karoq TDI as Skoda Auto Volkswagen India will be phasing out diesel engines in the initial phase of the BS6 era.  

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). When launched, the Karoq will lock horns with the Jeep Compass and upcoming Volkswagen T-ROC.  

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