Skoda Karoq Costs WHOPPING Rs 5 lakh More Than Mechanical Twin VW T-Roc

Skoda Auto India has recently launched the new Skoda Karoq in the local car market. The new model is available in a single engine variant – a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, inline-4, petrol unit. This motor can generate a maximum power and torque of 150 PS and 250 Nm, respectively. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only gearbox option on offer.

The 2020 Skoda Karoq is available in a single trim, which is decked out with nearly all the features and equipment you can expect from a car in this segment. You get a panoramic sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, customisable ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver's seat, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Sadly, ventilated seats and wireless charging are not on the options list.

The Karoq also lays quite a lot of emphasis on safety. You get 9 airbags, Anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, tyre pressure monitor, hill-start assist, parking sensors (front and rear),  and a rear parking camera.

Mechanically, the Skoda Karoq shares a lot with the Volkswagen T-Roc. Both the crossovers are based on the same MQB platform, and have the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Its VW cousin is much cheaper though, priced at Rs. 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). This might probably be because VW group wants to present Skoda as a premium car brand to the Indian audience. It's important to mention here that both the SUVs are being imported via the CBU route, which involves a lot of taxes, thereby increasing the prices.

Apart from the VW T-Roc, the 2020 Skoda Karoq only directly competes with Jeep Compass. Indirectly, however, it also competes with the top-end variants of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, MG Hector and even the Tata Harrier. However, all these 'indirect competitors' are significantly more affordable than the Karoq, but as Skoda only plans to sell a limited number, that might not be a huge problem for the company.