Skoda Karoq, which will be the first SUV from the brand to be launched in the Indian market next year has become a highly anticipated vehicle. The all-new car, which will be based on the MQB platform will be similar to the international model. In fact, Skoda will bring in the Karoq as a completely built unit (CBU) initially, shifting to assembly through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit only later.
The Volkswagen Group is currently working on the India 2.0 strategy and Skoda is heading the whole project. The manufacturer will launch a slew of cars including the Karoq and the all-new Rapid in the Indian market next year. The Karoq will be the first-ever compact SUV from the brand in the Indian market in recent years. It will take on the likes of Jeep Compass and higher-end variants of the vehicles like Tata Harrier. Here are all the details that you need to know about the upcoming Skoda Karoq.
Launch time
The all-new Skoda Karoq will be launched by mid-2020. This timeframe was revealed by Skoda India’s Director, Zach Hollis to a prospective customer on Twitter. It will be the first car to be built on the MQB A0 IN platform that will also underpin a slew of upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars in the Indian market. It is a low-cost derivative of the MQB platform for the Indian market and the use of the platform will ensure that the price of the vehicles remains competitive.
Engine options
The Volkswagen Group has decided to do away with the diesel engines after the diesel gate scam. In the future, after the BS6 compliance gets implemented in the Indian market next year, the new cars from the group will be petrol powered only. Internationally, the Karoq will get powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will generate around 113 Bhp of maximum power. In India, the SUV is likely to be offered with a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will generate around 148 Bhp of maximum power. The car may get CNG options as the VW Group is working on alternative fuels. 6 speed manual and 7 speed twin clutch automatic gearboxes are likely to be on offer.
Price
Skoda has always priced its products at a premium and the Karoq is expected to carry a similar price tag that will put it at a premium position. The Skoda Karoq is expected to get a price tag of around Rs 17 lakhs, which will make it much more expensive than the entry-level variants of vehicles like XUV500, Harrier and more. However, in 2021, Skoda will launch the Kamiq, which will take directly on the vehicles like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks. This will ensure that Skoda covers almost all the price bands in the segment.
Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival