Car enthusiasts had been eagerly waiting for a mid-sized SUV from Skoda ever since the company had launched the Kodiaq, a large 7-seater SUV. The mid-sized Skoda Karoq has been finally introduced and the experts have now credited the vehicle as the most practical SUV in the mid-size segment. The Skoda Karoq is a replacement of the Skoda Yeti and it is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform which it shares with other popular models from Skoda, Audi, Seat, and Volkswagen. Many of its mechanical parts are related to popular mid-sized SUV’s like Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Skoda Karoq has got some very good features like front fog lights, roof rails, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dusk-sensing headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SUV also comes with a number of engine options.
Engine options
Skoda Karoq’s base level trim is equipped with 1.0 TSi engine that delivers 117 hp. This engine is suitable for customers who do not want to carry heavy loads. For more optimal usage, customers are urged to opt for the 1.5 TSi turbo engine that delivers 152 hp. The engine is suitable for urban and highway use and it gives an average fuel economy figure of 35 mpg. The same engine delivers a fuel economy of 40 mpg when the car is being driven on the highway. A more powerful 2.0-litre turbo engine is expected next year. Skoda Karoq can also be bought with two diesel engine variants, namely 1.6 TDi diesel and 2.0 TDi diesel. The engines can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission system or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission system. The base version with manual transmission is priced at $29,900 and the version with automatic transmission is priced at $32,290.
Technology features
The Skoda Karoq’s instrument cluster comprises of a mix of analog as well as digital dials. A full-digital instrument cluster can be obtained optionally as an additional feature. The SUV is equipped with an 8-inch color touch-screen and features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Other features include removable second-row seats, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity and keyless entry and start feature. The SUV gets a variety of driver assist technologies like driver fatigue detection, a reversing camera, emergency braking, rear parking sensors and tire-pressure monitoring. Other features like cross-traffic alert, lane-key assist, radar-guided cruise control and powered boot are available in top-of-the-range limited edition models.
The Skoda Karoq will be mainly competing with Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and SEAT Ateca. Experts predict that the Karoq’s practicality will help it to prevail in the long run. Do you think the Skoda Karoq is truly the most practical mid-size SUV? Please share your opinions in the comment box below.
