Skoda is making a strong push in the Chinese market and desperately needs more popular SUV models to boost its presence. The recently launched Kodiak has already made a decent start, and now Skoda is introducing the KAROQ, a more accessible compact SUV that they hope will serve as another lifeline for their brand in the country. Let’s take a closer look!
As you can see from the official spy photos, the Skoda KAROQ, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, is built on the MQB platform and shares many design elements with the larger Kodiak. The new car adopts the same family design language as its bigger sibling, resembling a scaled-down version of the Kodiak.
The front grille, headlight shapes, and front bumper design of the KAROQ are strikingly similar to those of the Kodiak, though there are subtle differences in the details. On the sides and at the rear, the compact SUV also mirrors the Kodiak's styling cues, with black accents around the windows, roof rails, and bumpers adding a sporty touch. In terms of dimensions, the KAROQ measures 4382 mm in length, 1841 mm in width, 1605 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2638 mm (2630 mm for the four-wheel-drive variant).
Stepping inside, the interior exudes a formal yet modern vibe. The central multimedia display stands out prominently, while the air vents on either side feature chrome trim and a glossy panel in the lower HVAC control area. Despite these touches, the overall console remains predominantly black, giving it a slightly utilitarian feel.
In terms of technology, the KAROQ is well-equipped. It comes standard with full LED headlights and offers both the Columbus and Amundsen multimedia systems, both of which include Wi-Fi hotspots (with an optional 4G LTE module for Columbus) and smartphone integration. The SKODA Connect system further enhances connectivity, offering infotainment services, navigation, and an emergency assistance feature called CareConnect. Drivers can also remotely monitor and control the vehicle via a dedicated mobile app, allowing for features like remote locking and unlocking.
Safety-wise, the KAROQ doesn’t disappoint. It includes a suite of driver assistance technologies such as parking assistance, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.
When it comes to practicality, the KAROQ shines with a generous trunk capacity of 521 liters, which can expand to 1630 liters when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, customers have the option to remove the rear seats entirely, increasing the trunk volume to an impressive 1810 liters.
Under the hood, the KAROQ is expected to come with Volkswagen’s latest 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, alongside the familiar 1.4-liter turbocharged unit, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the European model uses a multilink rear suspension, it remains to be seen whether this setup will remain unchanged for the Chinese market.
Overall, the KAROQ represents Skoda’s effort to cater to a broader audience in China with a stylish, feature-packed, and versatile compact SUV. Whether it will truly act as a lifeline for the brand remains to be seen, but it certainly shows promise.
Comcn Electronics Limited , https://www.comencnspeaker.com