ŠKODA’s new compact SUV is called the Karoq. Its name and spelling draw on the language of the Alutiiq tribe – inhabitants of a southern Alaskan island whose native tongue was also the inspiration for Kodiaq. The names of the brand’s future SUVs will also follow this pattern.
The Karoq will be unveiled in Stockholm on Thursday 18 May with its market launch following later in the year – we’ll provide UK-specific timings as soon as we have them.
“The ŠKODA Karoq is a completely newly-designed SUV that sets new benchmarks for our brand and its segment in every way. With this new SUV, we are taking the next logical step in our SUV strategy,” said ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier.
“The Karoq impresses with its unique brand identity and a distinctive product identity and is introducing – alongside the typical ŠKODA strengths – the brand’s new, emotive design language into the compact SUV segment,” added Maier.
Once again, ŠKODA has looked to the Kodiak archipelago for the name of its latest SUV. In the language of the Alutiiq tribe who live there, ‘car’ is ‘kaa’raq’, while ‘ruq’ means ‘arrow’ - the central symbol in the ŠKODA’s logo, which represents the brand’s dynamism. The name for the new compact SUV is formed from a combination of both words.
“It is important to us to give our new SUV a powerful name. It also forms part of a naming approach across our SUV models,” said Werner Eichhorn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “At the same time, we are creating exceptional and memorable brand recognition value for our customers,” continued Eichhorn.
The brand will continue to expand its model range in the coming years, with particular focus on its SUV portfolio.
Karoq is offered with a choice of five engines – two petrol and three diesels – with a displacement range of 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 litres.
Power output starts at 115ps and rises to a maximum 190ps. All drivetrains are turbocharged direct injection units, feature start-stop technology, brake energy recovery and are EU6 compliant.
With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 190ps comes as standard with 4×4 drive and seven-speed DSG. The new 1.5 TSI also features cylinder deactivation.
Driving profile selection, with a choice of Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4x4) modes is available on some trims**.
The boot, which can be opened hands-free using the virtual pedal, has a capacity of 521 litres with the back seats in place. With the rear seats folded down, this volume increases to 1,630 litres.
The optional VarioFlex rear seat configuration also means that the boot space can hold between 479 and 588 litres. The seats can be completely removed, effectively transforming the SUV into a van with a maximum loading capacity of 1,810 litres. Need to carry more? The Karoq can also tow a trailer weighing up to two tonnes.
Featuring second generation modular infotainment technology (MIB II), Karoq offers state-of-the-art functions and interfaces, and is equipped with capacitive touch displays.
New mobile online services through ŠKODA Connect are 4G-compatible and are split into two categories:
Additional online services can be accessed through the ŠKODA Connect app. These can be used to remotely check, configure and find the car via a smartphone.
The Karoq features the SmartLink+ interface, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLinkTM, as an option for the entry-level Swing infotainment system.
New systems include:
The freely programmable digital instrument panel is offered for the first time in a ŠKODA. In the Karoq, the cockpit displays can be pre-set to the driver’s chosen configuration.
Inside the Karoq, LED ambient lighting in the decor strips of the doors and the dashboard can be set in 10 colours.
More Information will be available soon or you can register your interest Here