Skoda Karoq Sportline: Most Powerful Petrol Version Of India-Bound SUV Announced

The 2.0-litre engine on the Karoq Sportline is a detuned version of the one that powers the Octavia RS

Skoda has revealed that it will showcase a sportier version of its Karoq SUV at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Called the Karoq Sportline, it features a 2.0-litre TSI engine that puts out 190PS of power, making it the most powerful petrol variant of the Karoq when it goes on sale in various global markets later this year.

The 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine in the Karoq is the same unit that powers the Octavia RS in India. However, the engine on the sedan is tuned to produce a maximum power 230PS and is paired to a 6-speed DSG automatic. The Czech-based carmaker is yet to reveal the transmission options for the Karoq Sportline.

While the Sportline will only be available with a petrol engine, the standard Karoq can be had with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine which produces as much power as the 2.0-litre TSI (190PS). This version is available with a 4x4 setup. Skoda also offers this engine with an output of 150PS as well.

Other than these engines, the Karoq is also available with a host of other motors. In the UK, it gets a 1.0-litre TSI engine with an output of 115PS. There’s a bigger 1.5-litre TSI engine as well that makes 150PS of maximum power. Apart from the 2.0-litre TDI engine that’s available in two states of tune, Skoda also offers a 1.6-litre TDI engine with an output of 115PS.

There are a few cosmetic highlights that set the Karoq Sportline apart from the standard model. It gets what Skoda calls ‘Sports’ bumpers and black-coloured 18-inch ‘Mytikas’ alloy wheels. The carmaker also plans to offer 19-inch ‘Vega’ black polished alloys as an optional extra.

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The interior theme of the Karoq Sportline is all-black, unlike the standard Karoq where it’s done in a combination of beige and black. It also gets black sports fabric seats with silver stitching. The steering wheel is also wrapped in black perforated leather with silver-coloured stitching. To add to the sporty touch, the pedals are finished in stainless steel and the headliner and roof pillars are done in black. Skoda will also offer LED ambient lighting on the Karoq Sportline, much like the Skoda Karoq Scout. The latter is a more off-road friendly version of the SUV and will make its debut alongside the Sportline at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

Like the Karoq Scout, the Sportline also gets Virtual Cockpit, albeit as an an optional fitment. The list of extras also includes an electric boot lid with tip-to-close function (opens and closes at the push of a button or by pulling gently on the open lid). Buyers can also get the virtual pedal under the rear bumper, which allows the boot to be opened with a foot motion.

In India, we expect Skoda to offer the Karoq with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. It remains to be seen if the Czech carmaker also offers it with a petrol unit. However, we don’t expect the Sportline to make its way to our market when Karoq is launched. The Karoq is a mid-size SUV that will rival the Hyundai Tucson upon its India launch in 2019.