The Karoq, which was unveiled in Stockholm, Sweden, will replace the Yeti in the Czech carmaker’s line-up. This all-new SUV is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform and shares parts and technology with the VW Tiguan and Seat Ateca. The Karoq’s design is based on the larger Kodiaq, which will make its way to India as the company’s new flagship soon.
Skoda's CEO Bernhard Maier said, "With the Karoq, we are opening a new chapter in the success story of SUV at Skoda. The Yeti sold 100,000 cars per year, which was no less than 10 percent of global sales. We expect the Karoq to do more than that." The Karoq is also available with a range of advanced driver assistance and infotainment options and is the first Skoda to come with a digital instrument panel.
The decision to drop the popular Yeti name was taken to help boost the car's global appeal. In China, where SUVs are hugely popular, the Yeti association is seen as a negative, given the Yeti folklore originates in Bhutan, a country China has no diplomatic relations with.
There are two petrol engines on offer - a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder with 115hp, a 1.5-litre TSI with 150hp. The three diesel engines include the current 2.0 TDI that makes 150hp, and a new 1.6 TDI with 115hp, and a new range-topping 2.0 TDI with 189hp. The new 2.0 TDI engine comes with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard, while the others are available with a six-speed manual as well.
The Karoq is available in two- and four-wheel-drive. Higher specs will come with a Driving Mode Select system, offering five options: Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow. A range of driver assistance systems will be available, including a Front Assist autonomous emergency braking system as standard. Other systems available include adaptive cruise control, blindspot detect, rear traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and lane assist.
The Karoq has space for five and comes with a 521-litre boot, which expands to 1,630 litres with the rear seats folded. The carmaker hasn’t revealed the car’s price or release date yet and there is still no news on an India launch for this SUV.