Skoda Karoq Launched At Rs. 24.99 Lakh, COSTLIER Than Jeep Compass By Rs. 3 Lakh

Skoda India showcased the Karoq to the Indian masses for the first time at the 2020 Auto Expo. In March, the carmaker started accepting the booking for the mid-size crossover. However, it is now that the Karoq has been finally launched in the country at a price tag of Rs. 24.99 lakh. The carmaker will import the Karoq via CBU route in the country like its distant sibling Volkswagen T-Roc. The car will be imported with low import duties as the government is providing homologation relaxation if a manufacturer wants to import up to 2,500 units annually. But it has been launched at a slight premium over its chief rival – Jeep Compass, which start at Rs. 16.49 lakh and tops out at 21.92 lakh.

In flesh, Karoq looks like a smaller version of the Kodiaq.

Skoda has introduced the Karoq in a single configuration only. It gets a 1.5L TSI turbocharged petrol motor that dishes out a peak power output of 150 PS and a max. torque of 250 Nm. In comparison, Jeep’s 1.4L Mutliair unit puts out a higher peak power output of 162 PS, while the torque output remains identical at 250 Nm. The gearbox options available on these cars are a 7-speed DCT only. However, the Compass is also offered with an option of a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine that whips out a rated output of 172 PS/350 Nm. The Compass also gets an option of AWD layout with a dedicated low-range gear ratio. Additionally, an option of semi-active suspension is available with the Compass, which is absent on the Karoq.

Skoda Karoq features a nicely laid-out dashboard finished in a black-beige combination.

The Karoq comes loaded to the gills. It offers the convenience of 12-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, 8.0-inch infotainment screen for Amundsen sound system, steering-mounted paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, TPMS, iBuzz fatigue alert system, 2-zone climate control, cruise control, programmable ambient lighting, adaptive LED headlamps, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof and more. Almost all of these creature comforts are available on the Compass as well. To give you folks a slight idea about the Karoq’s distant cousin T-Roc, it has been priced at Rs. 19.99 lakh. And, it offers a similar feature list and identical powertrain as the Karoq.