The Skoda Karoq was sold in India via the CBU route and in very limited numbers. We only got the Karoq in one variant, however, globally, the SUV gets multiple variants which widens its market penetration.
The Skoda Karoq mid-size SUV has undergone a mid-life update. While most mechanical bits of the SUV stays the same, the Karoq now features a more up-to-date styling, newer features and a reworked interior.
Following are a few highlights of the 2022 Skoda Karoq which has been unveiled in the international markets:
Exterior
The overall styling is bolder than the predecessor. The grille design and the headlamp rearrangement is more in line with Skoda’s current family design which we have seen on the Kushaq, Octavia and the upcoming Slavia. The Karoq now gets new alloy wheel designs and the sizes range from 17-inch to 19-inch. At the rear, Skoda has now fixed a longer spoiler which aids the overall aerodynamics of the Karoq. Skoda says that the Karoq has a coefficient of drag of 0.30 which is the best in its segment.
It is not only the spoiler that adds to the aerodynamic efficiency but the vents on the front apron and a rework fuel tank under-trays have optimised the aero by nine per cent.
Interior
The dashboard layout has seen some subtle tweaks as well. In the centre is an 8-inch infotainment screen which features Android Auto and Apple Carplay. For instrumentation, the 2022 Skoda Karoq gets a 10.25-inch digital screen. One key highlight is that the 2022 Karoq’s cabin can be optioned with an ECO-pack in which the seat covers details are made of vegan, leather-like materials, and the trim-specific armrests are made of Suedia (microsuede) – exclusively in Mocca Brown.
Other highlights include all-LED ambient lighting and three-zone climate control. The Karoq gets Skoda’s new two-spoke steering wheel as standard, however, the Sportline trim is the one that comes equipped with a three-spoke wheel.
Engine options
The companies under the Volkswagen Group umbrella have done away with diesel engine options in India. However, there are a few specific models which are powered by a diesel mill and one of them is the new 2022 Karoq. It gets a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit in two states of tune. The lower variant gets puts out 114bhp, whereas the higher variant churns 148bhp. The latter also comes with an all-wheel-drive system.
The petrol models get three different engine sizes, 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged units. The power figures are 108bhp, 148bhp and 187bhp respectively. The engines are mated to with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
India launch
Skoda India boss, Zac Hollis, recently confirmed that the 2022 Karoq is not on the company’s cards. It appears that Skoda is focusing on the Kushaq and the soon to be launched Slavia sedan. That being said, the next launch from the Skoda stable is the facelift Skoda Kodiaq.
It is too soon to confirm if Skoda India will reconsider the Karoq for the Indian market or not. Even if the company agrees upon getting the Karoq back, it will be only in one, 1.5-litre variant and the Karoq will completely miss out on a diesel mill in India. If the mid-size premium SUV will be launched in India, it will be via the CBU route as before, so expect a steep price tag along with the car.
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