Skoda Karoq: What To Expect
Modified On May 02, 2017 05:57 PM By Raunak
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India-bound SUV looks like a shrunken Kodiaq making it dramatically different than the quirky-looking Yeti
Skoda recently unveiled the name of its new compact SUV, the Karoq, which is essentially a replacement for the Yeti. The Yeti nameplate is not likely to be carried forward at least for of now and the all-new SUV will sit below the India-bound Kodiaq.
It is quite evident that since Skoda launched the Kodiaq last year, the the Czech carmaker is on an SUV offensive with the company already unveiling its all-electric Vision S concept SUV last month and with plans of following it up by unveiling the Karoq in Stockholm, Sweden on May 18. The Karoq is likely to go on sale later this year in the European market and it is expected to debut in India later in. Let’s see what the Karoq has in store for us!
(In Picture: Skoda Kodiaq)
The name!
Like the Kodiaq, the 'Karoq' moniker too has its roots in Alaska. That’s pretty ironic considering the fact that the Skoda doesn’t operate in North America! The name and the spelling have been derived from the language of an indigenous tribe called the Alutiiq. In their language, a car is called ‘KAA’RAQ’ and an arrow is known as ‘RUQ’. If you are a Skoda fan, you may already know that an arrow constitutes the central element of the carmaker’s logo.
Skoda Karoq Dimensions
- Length: 4,382mm (160mm longer than the Yeti/ 315mm shorter than the Kodiaq)
- Width: 1,841mm (48mm wider than the Yeti/ 41mm narrower than the Kodiaq)
- Height: 1,605mm (86mm shorter than the Yeti/ 71mm shorter than the Kodiaq)
- Wheelbase: 2,638mm (60mm more than the Yeti/ 153mm less than the Kodiaq)
(In Picture: Skoda Kodiaq)
The Karoq is a five-seater similar to the model it will be replacing. It offers a boot space of 521 litres (105 litres more than the Yeti). With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,630 litres (145 litres more than the Yeti). Like the Yeti, Skoda will offer the ‘VarioFlex’ rear seats as an option with which the boot space can be altered between 479 and 588 litres by sliding the seats backwards and forward. The seats can also be completely removed resulting in a loading capacity of 1,810 litres (145 litres more than a Yeti with similar setting).
Design
The styling of the Karoq – as deduced from the official camouflaged images – is poles apart compared to the quirky-looking Yeti. In fact, the Karoq looks like a shrunken Kodiaq from almost every angle. The Karoq is based on Skoda’s latest design language which is inspired by Czech crystal glass art, with attributes such as clean-cut lines, bold contours and crystalline elements.
(In Picture: Skoda Kodiaq)
At the front, the Karoq gets the sleek, split-headlamp pattern similar to the Kodiaq. Incidentally, Skoda first introduced split-headlamp design element on the pre-facelift version of the Yeti. The rear gets LED wraparound tail lamps which are identical to the Kodaiq. A similar pattern was first seen on the latest third-gen Superb. Full-LED headlamps will be optional on the Kodiaq. The sides are also very SUV-ish and similar to the Kodiaq as well.
The cabin of the Karoq has not been revealed by the automaker yet, but it won't be dramatically different from the Kodiaq's. A similar story is also seen with Volvo's current SUVs, the new XC60 and the XC90. They share an identical exterior design along with a similar cabin layout. Speaking of the Kodiaq’s cabin, the overall design is typical of an SUV with large AC vents and a boxy layout. The steering wheel, instrument cluster and AC controls are shared with the Superb.
(In Picture: Skoda Kodiaq's cabin)
Mechanicals and platform
It is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform (modular transverse matrix), which underpins almost all the entry-level and mid-size cars under the VW Group's umbrella. The upcoming VW Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq are also based on the same platform along with the Skoda Octavia, Superb and the Audi A3 and A4 among others. The all-new Polo is also expected to be based on the MQB platform.
The Karoq will be available with five engine options – two petrol (1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI) and three diesel motors (1.6-litre and 2.0-litre TDI in two states of tune) – globally with power ranging from 115PS to 190PS. India is likely to get the new 1.5-litre TSI and VW Group’s regular 2.0-litre TDI unit. The former made its debut with the Golf facelift recently (not available in India) and puts out 150PS.
The 1.5-litre TSI features ACT (active cylinder management), which shuts two of its four cylinders completely while travelling within the engine speed range of 1400-4000rpm and at speeds up to 130kmph. The 2.0-litre TDI is expected to get the 150PS tune similar to the Audi A3 and Skoda sedans in India. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic. The VW Tiguan could also get this engine in the country in the future since it will only be available with the 2.0-litre diesel at launch.
Rivals
In India, the Karoq will go up against Yeti rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and it’s own cousin, the upcoming VW Tiguan among others. This segment has picked up the pace of late with the launch of the third-gen Tucson and is likely to get even more competitive after VW and Jeep launch the Tiguan and the highly-anticipated Compass, respectively. Honda is also expected to launch the all-new fifth-generation CR-V in the country with a diesel engine along with the option of seven seats. Expect the Karoq to carry a similar price tag as the Yeti.
Future variants
Since there’s no powerful petrol engine on offer at launch, we can expect a hotter vRS version with a 2.0-litre TSI motor in the near future. And like the Kodiaq, you can even expect a ‘go-faster’ Sportline version and a tough-looking Scout variant as well.
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