This year many automobile manufacturers, be it new or already established made their entry into the SUV space.
Tata launched Harrier, Nissan launched Kicks, MG made their entry with Hector SUV and Kia with Seltos which has become best selling SUV, selling 40,000 units since its launch. Now, Skoda has announced that the company will bring in the Skoda Karoq SUV in April, 2020.
Here, it will compete against the MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass and Kia Seltos. The all-new Skoda Karoq will be brought via Completely Built Unit (CBU) route under the government’s new import rules that allows a company to import 2,500 units.
The Skoda Karoq in India is expected to come with a BS6-compliant 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine coupled with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The manufacturer is also considering a diesel option for the future. Internationally, the SUV also gets a 115hp, 1.0-litre, TSI three-cylinder unit, while diesel options include a new 115hp, 1.6-litre engine; the 150hp 2.0-litre unit from the Kodiaq; and a range-topping 189hp, 2.0-litre mill. The Skoda Karoq measures 4382 mm in length, 1814 mm in width and 1605 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,638 mm.
The SUV has a ground clearance of 200 mm and offers a cargo area of 521 litres. One can expand its boot space up to 1810 litres by folding the rear seats.
Skoda will not only launch Karoq, but also plans to launch the Octavia RS 245, another model to fall under the 2,500 units rule. The company is banking on these niche models to maintain its sales volume in what seems like a challenging year ahead.
Which SUV do you own or would like to drive? Do share your favourite in the comments below.
