Skoda Karoq Launch Postponed Due To Coronavirus

In order to prevent the ongoing pandemic from further rising, the entire nation is currently under a lockdown which has frozen almost every business in the market. The automobile industry is not an exception. Car brands have to delay all the marketing campaigns and the launches of the new vehicles are put on hold. Skoda, for example, has cancelled the launch of the Skoda Karoq, which was expected to go on sale this April. It is officially confirmed that the new Karoq will be launched on 6^th May. Bookings for the new model commenced last month.

Skoda Karoq’s launch is removed to next month due to the Coronavirus outbreak

Skoda Karoq employs the MQB platform, the same platform used on other VW Group models like Skoda Octavia, Kodiaq and VW Tiguan. An affordable version of the MQB platform called MQB-A0-IN is under development and will be introduced in a slew of upcomin  India-spec models. The new platform will allow Volkswagen Group to introduce competitively-priced cars for the local customers.

With regards to the features, the new Skoda Karoq will be fully-equipped with segment-leading equipment like Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster display, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The SUV will be provided with safety features like 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, and ESC.

Skoda Karoq will be imported to India in a limited number

Under the hood, Skoda Karoq sports a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which develops a peak power of 148 PS and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It will be set up with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Initially, the Czech carmaker will only offer the Karoq with a front-wheel-drive system in India market. An AWD version might be considered for the later stage.

Skoda Karoq will be imported to our market as CBUs (completely built unit). It is revealed that Skoda will only import a limited number of this model. It will be offered in one single variant with only one powertrain option. Official pricing will be revealed on the day of launch. As other CBU models, the Skoda Karoq will not have a very competitive price tag. The new vehicle is expected to compete against the likes of Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tuscon.