EXCLUSIVE: India-spec Skoda Karoq SUV Spotted on test - Launch soon
The spy pictures of the upcoming Skoda Karoq confirm that the German car manufacturer will soon launch the SUV in India. Most likely the India-spec Karoq will be unveiled at the Auto Expo which is scheduled for next month.
The spy pictures confirm the Karoq will come equipped with all-LED headlamps and the fascia will be close to what we've seen on the larger Skoda Kodiaq. The side profile highlights the alloy wheels which are 17-inch in size, however, the SUV may come with an option to up the wheel size when launched in India. The side profile strongly resembles the crossover body style, although minimum overhangs on either end could help in its SUV duties.
India bound Karoq will be based on the Skoda's A0 IN platform which has been specifically tweaked keeping the Indian automotive industry in mind and the SUV will be the first one to debut with the same.
The occupants will experience features such as a larger touch screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The instrument cluster will be the similar virtual cockpit interface seen on current Skoda cars. A panoramic sunroof will also be on offer.
The power source on option could be the 2.0-litre diesel engine that has been doing duty in the Skoda Superb and Kodiaq, and the Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat but in the BSVI state of tune. That said, the possibility of a turbocharged petrol engine cannot be neglected. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is an option in the VW group cars internationally can make its way to India and could debut with the Karoq. Expect the power figure to be between 120-150PS for both petrol and diesel variants. The Karoq will also benefit from a Dual-clutch automatic gearbox whereas a six-speed manual transmission is expected to be standard. The higher trims could see an optional all-wheel-drive system on offer to keep it at par with its rivals.
Speaking of the rivals, the Skoda Karoq will be positioned beside the Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tuscon which is also expected to receive a generation upgrade this year. The prices are expected to range from Rs 20-24 lakh ex-showroom India.