Skoda Karoq To Be Launched In India By Mid 2020

• Skoda is planning to bring in the SUV as a CBU.
• Powering the Karoq will most likely be the same 2.0-litre TDI diesel seen under the hood of the Kodiaq.
• The Karoq will slot in between the Kamiq and the Kodiaq in Skoda’s SUV lineup.
• Expected launch by mid 2020 with price ranging between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom India).

Skoda India has some ambitious plans laid out for the Indian market. Starting off things would be the facelifted version of the Superb next year, followed by the Karoq in mid 2020. The Karoq will slot in between the smaller Kamiq and the bigger Kodiaq in the Czech brand’s SUV lineup.

Skoda India is planning to bring in the Karoq through the CBU route, thereby utilising the rule that allows carmakers to import up to 2,500 cars every year without homologation. The SUV basically looks like a smaller version of the Kodiaq, with similar styling elements. As far as size goes, the Karoq is 4382mm long, 1841mm wide and 1603mm tall, which is in line with what the competition brings to the table. The Karoq will be a five-seater and will come with innovative features reminiscent of Skoda cars.

It will feature Skoda’s version of the Virtual Cockpit, with a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SD card reader, voice control and integrated Wi-Fi. It will also get ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and all-LED headlamps.

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The Karoq will be based on the ubiquitous MQB platform and in terms of powertrain, it will most likely use the same 2.0-litre TDI from other Skoda models paired to a DSG gearbox and a 2WD drivetrain. This engine in the bigger Kodiaq makes 148PS, mated to 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The Karoq might come with the same motor with an output of 150PS and 340Nm or the 1.6 TDI that makes 116PS and 260Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre TSI petrol (150PS/250Nm) and the 2.0-litre TSI petrol (190PS/320Nm) are also available in markets abroad.

 Skoda India started its operations in 2001, focussing only on premium offerings ever since, and is set to follow the same path for the future as well. The space where the Karoq is planning to debut is comprised of the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the upcoming MG Hector. The SUV in India is expected to come with a pricing between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom India).