Skoda Karoq launched at Rs 24.99 lakh

Skoda has launched the Karoq SUV priced at Rs 24.99 lakh. This five-seat SUV is available in a single fully-loaded version and is available only with a petrol engine. The Karoq essentially takes the place of the quirky Skoda Yeti and sits below the seven-seat Kodiaq SUV in the Czech brand’s India line-up.

Which engine does the Skoda Karoq for India get?

Powering Skoda’s new SUV is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Volkswagen Group’s TSI engine family. This unit is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends 150hp and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels. The Karoq's WLTP rated combined fuel economy figure is 14.49kpl. Our exclusive review of the Skoda Karoq showed that this combination works quite well for urban environs and out on the highway too. Skoda claims a top speed of 202kph for the Karoq.

What features do you get with the Karoq?

Being available in a single fully-loaded variant, Skoda has packed in quite a bit of kit into the SUV. The Karoq comes kitted out with a panoramic sunroof, Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, 17-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, configurable ambient lighting, full-LED headlamps and more. However, Skoda’s five-seat SUV does miss out on kit like wireless charging and cooled seats, which are available in more affordable SUVs.

In terms of safety kit, the Karoq comes packed with 9 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESC, hill-start assist front and rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.

What does the Karoq look like outside and in?

First showcased in India at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Karoq features Skoda’s family SUV design language in line with the Kodiaq. In fact, the overall look is much akin to a scaled-down Kodiaq with similar clean cut lines and sharp detailing. The cabin too is typical Skoda with a neat and tidy cabin and well thought-out dashboard.

Which SUVs does the Karoq rival?

As it is Imported to India as a CBU under the 2,500-car import rule, the Karoq is priced higher than some like-sized midsize SUVs. However, alternatives to the Skoda Karoq come in the form of the Jeep Compass - which in petrol-automatic form costs between Rs 19.69-21.92 lakh* - and the Volkswagen T-Roc (Rs 19.99 lakh).

All prices are ex-showroom, pan-India

*Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi