Skoda Yeti’s successor, Skoda Karoq spotted testing without camouflage !
Skoda Yeti, the capable compact SUV from the Czech manufacturer has been a worldwide successor failing only in India. It has been more than seven years since the original model was introduced in Europe. Even though there was a mild facelift around 2013 with the butterfly grille carrying the new Skoda front, it was getting a bit long in the tooth. Skoda needed a new one to replace the ageing war horse and it looks like Skoda Karoq is the one. Recently, a spy video of the new Skoda model was uploaded by one key observer “Euroman driver”. The vehicle can be seen in the video getting tested on the roads of Czech Republic with minimal camouflage.
The Skoda Karoq looks like a baby Skoda Kodiaq when viewed up front. The close resemblance to the group’s sister company Seat’s Ateca cannot be dismissed, especially upto the C pillar. The rear grabs the look of Skoda Kodiaq once again. From the video, it can be seen clearly that the model is more of straight clean lines with no unnecessary cuts and creases and is totally in sync with the family design language. The design is not at all offensive and should appeal to all markets where Skoda has presence.
The car is built on the Skoda’s new modular design platform (MQB) and that should translate into much bigger space on the inside. The MQB platform first saw the day with the Skoda Octavia (A7) and later with the all new Superb (B8). The biggest advantage of the MQB platform is the parts sharing which should help Skoda price the SUV competitively.
Skoda will definitely launch the Karoq SUV with a multitude of TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol engines and TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel engines. The Skoda Yeti can be currently seen with 1.2 L TSI and 2.0 L TDI engines. Matching of these powerful engines with the quick shifting dual clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) by Skoda holds a very high probability. Expect the interiors of the Skoda Karoq SUV to be built with high quality, premium materials just like any other Skoda. Since the Skoda Yeti came with an all-wheel drive with Haldex coupling as an option, its successor in Karoq too should definitely get those.
When launched in Europe, it will be a direct competition to many soft roaders and SUVs like VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Seat Ateca. It is slated to be revealed in the Geneva Auto Show in May 2017 and commercial production can be expected to start by the year end. Since Skoda Yeti did not see the light of success in India, we have to wait and watch whether Skoda India launches the same in India.
You can watch the video of the spy grab here !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glDDkgRqR10
Photo Courtesy: CARS UK
