http://www.evoIndia.com 59
To p : The Karoq doesn't have the sheer length of the
Kodiaq. Above: The Karoq gets a Virtual Cockpit
instead of analogue dials
SKODA KAROQ
- High quality interiors, driving dynamics - Is likely to be expensive evo rating (^) ;;;;f
Engine
1968cc, inline 4-cyl, turbo-diesel
Power
148bhp @3500-4000rpm
Torque
340Nm @ 1750-3000rpm
0-100kmph
8.8sec (claimed)
Top speed
NA
Transmission
7-speed DCT
Price
`30 lakh (estimated)
Specification
familiar 2-litre TDI in the Kodiaq mated to a
DSG, and makes a similar 148bhp and 340Nm.
Where the Kodiaq feels a little dull under hard
acceleration, the Karoq feels more sprightly.
It is smaller, and consequently lighter after all.
More surprising than the acceleration, though,
was how quiet the cabin was. The suspension
felt stiff over the occasional bumps we
encountered on the otherwise smooth roads
around Prague, but that is also because the
European-spec cars are set up stiffer than
what we’re accustomed to in India. I can’t
say much about its handling either, because I
drove the car on straight highways, and narrow
village roads, neither of which really allowed
us to explore the dynamic capabilities of the
Karoq. That said, the Kodiaq holds up well
for its size and the Karoq shouldn’t be too
different.
Space on the inside is good. The Karoq gets
a rear bench comprising of three separate
seats like the Yeti that can be adjusted to
free up more legroom or recline to give you
more space. The seats can also be removed
completely, making the Karoq a van to free up
more loading space, though nobody is going
to configure it like that in India. With the seats
gone, the Karoq has a total 1810 litres of boot
space! It also gets a fair amount of equipment
— this one had CarPlay and Android Auto
connectivity, inductive charging for phones
and had a sim card to surf the internet.
The Skoda Karoq is expected to come
to India by mid-2020, and keep the Skoda
portfolio alive till the full assault of India 2.0.
Skoda will be bringing the Karoq as a CBU, so
it will be a bit pricey, but we can only hope
they’ve learnt their lessons from the Yeti and
will spec it right for the price. L
Aatish Mishra (@whatesh)
