2018 Skoda Karoq: What To Expect From This New Compact SUV?

by Mohammed Burman | 29/10/2018
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Skoda Auto is planning to boost the development of its SUV lineup in India with the new Skoda Karoq SUV, which is expected to be launched in the early or the mid of 2019.

The new Karoq was first debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and is intended to serve as a substitute for the Yeti. Although the Yeti has experienced some facelifts, its demand in the Indian auto market continues to decrease. Therefore, the Yeti’s production in India has been cancelled. Let’s see whether the 2018 Skoda Karoq would be a perfect replacement for the old Yeti.

2018 Skoda Koraq exterior

The 2018 Skoda Koraq is intended to be a replacement for the Yeti

1. 2018 Skoda Karoq's Launch Date

Although there has been no confirmation on the launch date of the new compact SUV, it is expected to be launched in India in the early or the mid of 2019. The official launch date will be announced to you immediately after it is released by the carmaker, so get updated with our car news on Skoda cars to get the latest information.

2. 2018 Skoda Karoq's Sporty Exterior

The 2018 Indian Skoda Karoq will have the same chassis as its larger sibling, the Kodiaq. Underpinned by the VW’s MQB platform, the Karoq is expected to share almost all the cosmetic and design features with the Kodiaq with many crystalline components which are representative of the new design style of Skoda.

In the front, it sports the typical moustache grille surrounded by bold chrome, crystalline LED headlamps, an aggressive front fascia, LED units-infused fog lamps. All of these features contribute to the sportiness of the new Skoda Karoq.

The 2018 Skoda Koraq front

The 2018 Skoda Koraq will have a sporty appearance in the front

In the side profile, the vehicle comes with wide doors with coloured handles. Moreover, the black cladding, 16 to 19 - inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, the muscular tones, defensive sill coverings, outside rear-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators, angular creases, roof rails and fainted glass area all make the car more prominent.

2018 Skoda Koraq side profile

All the features on the side profile of the 2018 Skoda Koraq add to its prominent appearance

Moving to the rear, the outstanding features include C-shaped taillamps, the brake light which is totally different from that on the Kodiaq, raked flat rear lights, reflectors located under the rear sensors and LED lighting on the license plate.

2018 Skoda Koraq rear

The most outstanding rear feature of the 2018 Skoda Koraq is the totally different brake light from the Kodiaq

Skoda Karoq’s Dimensions

 

The new Koraq has a length of 4,382mm long, a width of 1,814mm and a height of 1,605mm. Its wheelbase is 2,638mm long; its ground clearance is 200mm high. This means that the new Skoda compact SUV will provide the passengers with a more spacious cabin. The luggage space will also be roomier, with a 521-litre capacity which can be broadened to 1,810 litres when the rear seats are completely folded.

Length  4,382mm
 Width   1,814mm 
 Height   1,605mm
 Wheelbase   2,638mm 
 Ground clearance  200mm 
 Luggage space  521 litres (1,810 litres with completely folded rear seats)

3. 2018 Skoda Karoq's Practical Interior

Inside the cabin, the Karoq compact SUV is equipped with multiple comfort, entertainment and safety features.

The most noteworthy one may be the all-digital centre console, which will be, for the first time, equipped on a Skoda car. A touchscreen display which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, Bluetooth, navigation and reverse parking connectivity will be integrated on a brand-new modular infotainment system.

The global model is packed with Skoda’s Modular Infotainment Matrix which supports 9.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display. Additionally, the vehicle also comes with the Skoda’s Connect which offers the navigation infotainment online and CareConnect services if emergencies or breakdowns happen. These features are expected to appear in the cabin in the Indian-spec Skoda Karoq, too.  

The comfort features include AT air conditioner, cup holders at the door trims and the central console. 

2018 Skoda Karoq dashboard

The 2018 Skoda Karoq is going to provide the passengers with a modern dashboard

The Karoq is expected to provide customers with an ample space in the cabin with 5 seats. To add more practicality to the practicality of the Karoq interior, Skoda will design the front seats to be electrically adjustable and the rear seats to be completely foldable in order to provide more space for the passengers. Actually, the 2018 Karoq SUV can offer the most ideal legroom, knee room and headroom in its segment.

2018 Skoda Karoq boot space

Passengers can enjoy an amber cabin in the new Karoq SUV

Safety features

The Karoq is equipped with a wide range of safety features including

  • Driver assisting system (including hill start assist, lane assist, park assist, traffic jam assist and pedestrian protection)

  • Disc brakes 

  • ABS with EBD

  • Adaptive autocruise

  • Traffic warning in the rear

  • Blind spot tracking

  • Emergency brakes for the city

  • Traffic sign identification

  • Traction control

  • Multiple airbags

With these safety features, the compact SUV is expected to leave the customers with no doubt or worry about safety.

2018 Skoda Karoq safety features

The new Koraq will leave the passengers with no doubt about safety

4. 2018 Skoda Karoq's Performance

Engine

The Indian-spec Skoda Karoq will be powered by the 2.0-litre TDI turbo diesel motor, like the Kodiaq. This engine can generate 148bhp of max power and 340Nm of peak torque. As far as we all know, the Yeti received power from the same engine, but with a smaller output of just 109bhp and 250Nm. The compact SUV will also take its power from a 1.5-litre engine which can churn out 148bhp and 250Nm. While all the variants will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, only selected ones will get an option 7-speed DSG automatic unit.

2018 Skoda Koraq diesel engine

Besides the petrol engine, the 2018 Skoda Koraq is also available with a diesel version

Refer to the table below for a summary of the mechanical specifications of the Skoda Karoq.

Specifications   Diesel Petrol 
 Engine type  2.0-litre diesel  1.5-ltre petrol
 Power  148bhp  140bhp
 Torque  340Nm  250Nm
 Transmission  7-speed AT/6-speed MT  7-speed AT/6-speed MT

Mileage

The Indian Karoq diesel version will have a mileage of 15kmpl to 18kmpl whereas the petrol version’s mileage will be approximately 13kmpl.

Handling and Riding Quality

The driver can choose among the Normal, Sport, Eco, Snow and Off-road modes for the specific road conditions. While the Snow mode will be offered on only the all-wheel-drive variant, the off-road one will be offered as an option for the AWD variant.

The ability to travel on all terrains of the SUV will be improved, thanks to the dynamic chassis control system and the electronic differential lock which can change the suspension settings to match with the drive mode option.

2018 Skoda Karoq red colour running

2018 Skoda Karoq will have five different driving modes

5. 2018 Skoda Karoq's Price

Like the Kodiaq, the 2018 Karoq SUV will be brought to India via CKD route and then locally assembled at the Volkswagen Group’s factory in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, which will help the Czech car producer competitively price the compact SUV. The Indian Skoda Karoq is expected to be priced in the range from Rs 15 lakh (for the base variant) to Rs 20 lakh (for the top-spec variant). At this price, it can be a potential SUV in the emerging but potential Indian auto market and is expected to attract many Indian auto buyers’ attention.

Refer to the table below for the 2018 Skoda Karoq's price

  Price 
 Minimum  15 Lakh
 Maximum  20 Lakh

5. Verdict on 2018 Skoda Karoq 

With a masculine exterior as well as practical and top-notch interior, the new Karoq can ensure a pleasant and comfortable travelling experience for the passengers and is expected to be a popular SUV with the Indian car buyers. Having a wide variety of high-quality features and a competitive price, it can effectively compete against Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and Mahindra XUV500. The launch of this new compact SUV will mark the Czech Republic further penetration into the teeming SUV segment in India.

Update the latest car news in India by visiting our website - IndianAuto.com

 >>> Skoda Karoq Scout introduced at Paris Motor Show 2018 before official launch

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