Skoda India has introduced the much-awaited Karoq compact SUV in the Indian market at a price of INR 24.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, India). The all-new Skoda Karoq which was showcased at the Indian Auto Expo 2020 is based on the India-specific MQB platform and is the replacement for the Skoda Yeti.

Although the five-seater compact SUV is only available in the Style grade for the Indian market, it does pack in a lot of features.  The Karoq shares a similar face with the Kodiaq and it gets the traditional Skoda Design elements like the Signature Skoda Radiator Grille, LED Headlamps with Illuminated ‘Eyelashes’, Skoda-typical C-shaped LED taillights, fog lights with cornering function and 17-inch Aronia dual-tone Anthracite alloy wheels. The Karoq measures 4,382 mm long, 1,841 mm wide and 1,624 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,638 mm. The boot capacity stands at 521 litres and can be increased to 1,630 litres by folding down the rear seatbacks.

On the inside, the Karoq gets a stone beige leather upholstery with silver decor on the dashboard. A 20.32 cm touchscreen-based Amundsen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity sits on the centre.  A 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat including Lumbar support with three memory functions is also offered.  On top of that, you also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear indicator, and aluminium pedals.

In addition, the all-new Karoq also features panoramic sunroof, virtual cockpit, two-zone climate control, cruise control, diffused footwall lighting, and colour programmable interior ambient lighting. In terms of safety, the Karoq comes loaded with 9 airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), MKB (Multi Collision Brake), TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), Parktronic system,  and more.

Powering the Karoq is a 1.5 TSI petrol engine with a 7-speed DSG. The motor delivers 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The company claims a fuel efficiency of 16.95 kmpl and a top speed of 202 km/h. The active cylinder technology of the engine boosts the fuel economy by deactivating 2 of the 4 cylinders in view of the power requirement.

The Karoq will take on the likes of Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson in India.