After being tested for almost 2 million kilometres, the Skoda Karoq has made its world debut. The Skoda Kodiaq’s younger brother was unveiled on 18th May 2017 at the Artipelag exhibition hall in Stockholm, Sweden. It is a completely new offering from the Czech automaker in the compact SUV segment.
Just like all latest Skoda cars, the Karoq also follows the new emotive and dynamic Skoda design language which consist of several crystalline elements. The Karoq has a powerful and robust exterior appearance inspired by the big brother, Skoda Kodiaq. Its exterior shape and modified lines give it a distinct look and clearly indicate its use as a compact SUV. On the tape, the Skoda Karoq measures 4,382 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, 1,605 mm in height and the long wheelbase measures 2,638 mm (all-wheel version – 2,630 mm).
The striking front end of the Skoda Karoq is characterised by geometrically shaped full-LED headlamps and the trapezoidal grill with chrome edges. A thin strip of lights under the main headlamp acts as daytime running lights and indicator. Sitting below the headlights are the LED fog lights which come with cornering function. A large Skoda logo proudly sits in the centre of the hood.
From the side, the large wheelbase points to the spacious interior. Short overhangs at the front and rear along with a sloping roof line provide the compact SUV with a sporty appeal. A character line runs across the body from the headlights extending to the tail lights. Wide and squarish wheel arches make the Skoda Karoq appear even more powerful.
The rear design is clean and features a two piece 3-dimensional LED tail lamp which forms the typical Skoda C-shape. The bumper features reflectors on the outer edges which sit below the rear sensors. The horizontal lines emphasise the width of the Skoda Karoq. The new compact SUV comes fitted with 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and in three different designs. Skoda also offers wheels in 17, 18 and 19-inch sizes as optional for the Karoq.
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The Skoda Karoq has been designed as an all-rounder. Be it the business trips or family outings, the compact SUV is ready for every occasion. Along with a generous amount of interior space, the Karoq features state-of-the-art technology and well-thought-out equipment.
For the first time ever in a Skoda, a digital instrument panel is made available which can be configured as per individual preference. It comes with four display layouts – Classic, Digital, Info-Profile and Reduced. These can be programmed using a scroll button in the interactive display of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB).
The Karoq also gets a heated steering wheel and three personalizable keys. These keys will set all the settings as per the individual’s preference for operations such as driving mode selection, assistance system, indoor lighting, climate control, seat adjustments, etc. as soon as the door in unlocked. The compact Skoda SUV also gets LED ambient lighting which can be set in ten different colours.
The Skoda Karoq boasts of 521 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats up. This is increased to 1,630 litres when the seats are folded. The optional VarioFlex rear seats which consist of three individually adjustable seats can accommodate between 479 and 588 litres. These can be completely removed to increase the load capacity to 1,810 litres.
To enhance user convenience, the Skoda Karoq gets an electrically opening tailgate, which can be opened and closed from the interior at the push of a button. It also features the Virtual Pedal, which will open the tailgate with a simple movement of the foot under the rear bumper.
The Skoda Karoq is offered with five engine options – two petrol and three diesel among which two petrol and two diesel engines are new to the lineup. All powertrains use turbocharged, direct injection engines and offer Start -Stop- technology as well as brake energy recovery.
The smallest petrol motor on offer is the 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI which produces 85 kW (115 PS) and generates a maximum torque of 200 Nm. With this engine, the Karoq can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 km/h. It consumes an average of 5.2 l per 100 km.
The second petrol motor on offer is new 1.5 TSI engine with 110 kW (150 PS). It gains Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which works by switching off the second and third cylinders for a short time when their power output is not needed. ACT is activated between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and up to a speed of 130 km/h. With the 1.5 TSI, the Skoda Karoq sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 km/h. It consumes an average of 5.1 l per 100 km.
In the diesel options, the first one is the 1.6 TDI with a power output of 85 kW (115 PS) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. This version of the Karoq can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 km/h. It consumes an average of 4.5 l per 100 km.
Next on the list is the 2.0 TDI diesel engine which churns out 110 kW (150 PS) of power and maximum torque of 340 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. This engine can make the compact Skoda SUV accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 196 km/h. It consumes 5.0 l per 100 km on average.
All these powertrains are available with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG.
Finally, the most powerful of the lot is the 2.0 TDI which generates a power output of 140 kW (190 PS) and maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. This variant is combined with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard and offers impressive tractability and sporty acceleration. With this powertrain, the Skoda Karoq can accelerate to 100 km/h from a standing start in 7.8 seconds while reaching a top speed of 211 km/h. It consumes an average of 5.3 l per 100 km.
The chassis of the Skoda Karoq has been designed to give the compact SUV an all-around characteristic including genuine off-road capabilities. The front axle uses a MacPherson design with lower triangular wishbones and a subframe made from steel, which has been placed far forward for well-balanced load distribution. The four-link rear axle in the all-wheel-drive variant is largely made from high-strength steel. The driving and braking forces are absorbed by the sword-shaped trailing arms. The wheels are kept in optimum position in relation to the road at all times with help of three wishbones per wheel.
The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) provides the driver with three chassis modes – Comfort, Standard and Sport which control the damper settings. The Skoda Karoq is also equipped with Driving Mode Select which changes the steering characteristics, the operation of the DSG transmission, and the settings of other systems. The driver can choose between Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual modes. Snow (4×4) mode is available as an optional extra from the Ambition trim level upwards.
The all-wheel drive system of the new compact Skoda SUV which utilises an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch ensures optimum handling on slippery terrain or when towing a particularly heavy trailer. Various sensors continuously monitor the driving situation and relay the data to the all-wheel-drive controller which accordingly distributes optimum amount of power to the wheels.
An optional extra for the all-wheel-drive variants is the Off-Road mode. This setting provides better driving characteristic on an uneven and rough terrain. The Skoda Karoq is also equipped with Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Hill-Hold Control, Hill-Descent Control and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Skoda also provides a Rough-Road package that protects the compact SUV against mechanical damage and prevents dirt from getting into the engine bay or cable harness. It consists of an engine skid plate, brake line protection, fuel line protection, cable protection and additional protective plastic covers.
A Light Assist sensor of the Skoda Karoq continuously assesses the light conditions and automatically switches the headlights between daytime running light and dipped beam as required. It will also turn on the lights automatically when the windscreen wipers are activated. A multifunctional camera used detects oncoming traffic and vehicles ahead and ensures that in such situations the high beam is automatically turned off. In addition, the Karoq compact SUV gets the Come Home and Leaving Home light function along with the puddle light which activates upon opening the door and projects the Skoda logo on the floor.
The Skoda Karoq offers loads of driver assistance systems that are seen mostly in vehicles of higher segments. The compact SUV is equipped with Radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist feature including City Emergency Brake with Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Alert and Auto Hold function.
The compact Skoda SUV also gets an electrically retractable tow bar, which only folds out at the rear when it is needed. The SUV also comes with an electromechanical parking brake as standard.
The Karoq comes with the Skoda Connect feature which is further divided two categories: Car Connect services and Infotainment Online services.
The Car Connect feature offers two types of service for the user: the Proactive Service and Remote Access. Proactive Service includes Automatic Accident Notification, Breakdown Call, Service Scheduling, Vehicle Health Report and Info Call. The Remote Access which can be accessed via the smartphone includes features such as Parking Position, Driving Data, Online Anti-Theft Alarm, Area Notification, Vehicle Status, Speed Notification, Honk & Flash.
The Infotainment systems offer numerous functions and interfaces and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens. Four hardware components are available: the Swing (standard) and Bolero music systems as well as the Amundsen and Columbus navigation infotainment systems. The screen of the optional Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus infotainment systems in the new glass design enhance the appeal of the instrument panel.
In addition, the new compact Skoda SUV gets a gesture control feature for selected functions (available for the Columbus navigation infotainment system). A camera detects and identifies defined hand movements that the driver makes and enables scrolling through the menu of the infotainment system, without having to take their eyes off the road.
The mobile online services from Skoda Connect provide extensive additions to the infotainment offering. It provides information and entertainment services such as Online Traffic Information, information about nearby petrol stations, parking spaces, news and the weather.
2017 Skoda Karoq – Image Gallery
