Czech car manufacturer Skoda had unveiled their new Karoq in 2017. It was introduced as a replacement to their Yeti Crossover SUV. Ever since its launch it is quite popular in the international markets like Europe. Now, Skoda India is all set to introduce this SUV in the Indian market and is likely to be launched in next two-three months.
According to Team-Bhp, Skoda has already started the production of Karoq SUV in their Aurangabad plant. The Skoda Karoq will be a completely Knocked Down (CKD) Unit, which means it will only be assembled in India. It is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform which we have already seen on other Skoda cars like Kodiaq, Octavia and Superb.
On the outside it looks a lot like the Skoda Kodiaq SUV. It features the signature Skoda grille with sweptback headlamps. The fog lamps are accommodated just below the headlamps like we’ve seen on the Kodiaq SUV. Skoda is likely to launch the Karoq SUV with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variant will get a 1.5 liter turbocharged unit whereas the diesel unit is likely to remain the same old tried and tested 2.0 liter unit. Skoda could also offer BS VI compliant 1.6L diesel engine mated to a DSG gearbox.
As mentioned above, the Skoda Karoq will be CKD unit which means it will be expensive. Sources suggest that the Karoq will be launched as a premium product and will carry a price tag of around Rs 25-30 lakh. When launched, Skoda Karoq will face competition from the cars like Jeep Compass and recently launched Tata Harrier.
The Jeep Compass is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged petrol and a 2.0L diesel engine. The Compass now offers an automatic gearbox with the petrol variants while the diesel in manual only. The diesel will get a 9 speed automatic gearbox shortly.
The Harrier also gets a 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine from Fiat that that is seen on the Jeep Compass. Tata has renamed the engine as KRYOTEC and it generates a maximum of 138 Bhp and 350 Nm. All variants get 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6 speed automatic transmission equipped variant is expected to be launched soon.
The prices of the Tata Harrier starts from Rs 12.69 lakh to 16.25 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi whereas the Jeep Compass range starts from Rs 14.95 lakh to Rs 21.07 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi, which is way lower than the rumoured price of the upcoming Skoda Karoq SUV. The Harrier could become the best selling SUV in its segment in the next few months. The Karoq will have its task cut out.
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