After the recent launch of the its new large SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq, the company is all set for the next milestone with the all-new Skoda Karoq compact SUV. The new Skoda SUV will make its world premiere on 18 May in Stockholm followed by the market launch in second half of 2017.
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Bernhard Maier, Skoda CEO said, “The Skoda Karoq is a completely newly designed SUV that sets new benchmarks for our brand and its segment in every way. With this new SUV, we are taking the next logical step in our SUV strategy. The Skoda Karoq impresses with its unique brand identity and a distinctive product identity and is introducing – alongside the typical Skoda strengths – the brand’s new, emotive design language into the compact SUV segment.”
Skoda Karoq – Naming Story
For the name of the new compact SUV, Skoda has drawn on the spelling from its big brother the Skoda Kodiaq and in doing so, has created a consistent nomenclature for the brand’s current and future SUV models. Like before the company has sought inspiration from the people of Kodiak Island for the name of the new Skoda SUV.
“It is important to us to give our new SUV a powerful name. It also forms part of a naming approach across our SUV models. At the same time, we are creating exceptional and memorable brand recognition value for our customers,” said Werner Eichhorn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing.
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The name Karoq originates from the language of the Alutiiq, an indigenous tribe who live on an island off the southern coast of Alaska. In this language ‘car’ is ‘KAA’RAQ’ and the word ‘RUQ’ is used for ‘arrow’, which is the symbol that constitutes the central element of Skoda’s logo. The name for Skoda’s new compact SUV –SKODA KAROQ, was put together from the powerful combination of both these words.
Skoda Karoq – Design
The Skoda Karoq is a sports utility vehicle with character. It’s larger dimensions, crisp lines and the overall exterior shape suggest that this is a never seen before offering from the Czech car maker. The new compact SUV has been designed with the brand’s new crystalline design language and has an intensely emotive and energetic appearance giving it a very appealing stance on road.
The compact SUV measures 4382 mm in length, 1841 mm in width and 1605 mm in height. The all-wheel drive version has a wheelbase of 2630 mm whereas the long wheelbase measures 2638 mm. The increase in size benefits the passengers and the legroom is 68 mm.
Every Skoda vehicle is known for its space and exceptional package, the same applies for the new Karoq as well. With the back seats in place, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 521 litres. Folding down the rear seats increases it to 1,630 litres.
The optional VarioFlex rear seats can hold between 479 and 588 litres of luggage while removing them completely will provide a maximum loading capacity of 1,810 litres, almost turning this new Skoda SUV into a van.
Skoda Karoq – Engines
The new compact Skoda SUV will be offered in five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines which come with state-of-the-art technologies. The two petrol engines and two diesel engines are new in the line-up.
The displacement ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 litres while the power range is from 85 kW (115 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). All drivetrains are turbo-charged direct injection units and feature start-stop technology and brake energy recovery. All engines comply with EU 6 regulations and are extremely efficient.
All drivetrains can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG except the most powerful diesel engine. The 2.0 TDI motor with 140 kW (190 hp) with 4×4 drive gets the 7-speed DSG as standard. Additionally, the new 1.5 TSI has the special feature of cylinder deactivation.
Skoda Karoq – Chassis
The chassis of Skoda’s new compact SUV sets benchmarks in its segment. It demonstrates its quality and agility even off the beaten track. On Ambition or higher variants, the SUV gets a driving profile selection with the modes Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4×4) is available on request. The Off-road mode with all-wheel-drive improves the driving characteristics on rough terrain.
Skoda Karoq – Features
For the first time in a Skoda vehicle, a freely programmable digital instrument panel is available. The driver can set the cockpit display as per individual preference. Full LED headlights with clear-lens optics are available as an option from the Ambition equipment line and higher. Inside, the new Skoda SUV gets LED ambient lighting in the decor strips of doors and the dashboard which can be set in ten different colours.
The Skoda Karoq offers segment-leading innovative connectivity solutions with state-of-the-art infotainment systems which are equipped with capacitive touch displays. The top systems Columbus and Amundsen have a WLAN hotspot while an optional LTE module is available for the Columbus system.
The new mobile online services Skoda Connect are LTE-compatible. The Infotainment Online package provides a vast selection of services such as the traffic situation, news, weather forecast, etc. The Care Connect offers services for assistance in case of breakdowns and emergencies.
The Emergency Call which will come as standard in Europe in 2018, is now available as a Care Connect service. It automatically initiates a connection to the Skoda Emergency Centre if the airbag control unit reports a major accident. Additional online services can be accessed via the Skoda Connect app. These can be used to remotely check, configure and find the car via a smartphone.
The SmartLink+ platform allows intelligent interface between car and smartphone and is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The Skoda Karoq also comes with a phone box which charges the smartphone wirelessly and connects it to the roof antenna.
The Skoda Karoq offers a wide range of driver assistance systems. It includes Parking assistant, Lane Assist, Traffic jam assistant, Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian Protection and Emergency Assistant. The compact SUV can tow trailers of up to two tonnes and the new trailer assistant helps when reversing slowly and manoeuvring.
Skoda Karoq – Image Gallery (Camouflaged):
