Skoda is looking to make a significant impact in the Chinese market, and they desperately need more popular SUV models to attract buyers. The Kodiak has been a promising start, and now the brand is pinning its hopes on the KAROQ, a smaller yet equally appealing SUV, to revitalize their presence in the region. Let’s dive into what makes this vehicle stand out!
According to reports, the Skoda KAROQ, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, shares its MQB platform with the Kodiak. From the official spy shots, it’s clear that this compact SUV adopts the same modern family design language as its larger sibling, giving it a distinctly similar appearance but on a smaller scale.
The front grille, headlight shapes, and the overall front-end design closely mirror those of the Kodiak, though there are slight differences in the finer details. On the sides and rear, the KAROQ retains many of the Kodiak's styling cues, with the roof rack and surrounding trim painted in black to enhance its dynamic feel. In terms of dimensions, the new SUV measures 4,382 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, 1,605 mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2,638 mm (2,630 mm for the four-wheel-drive variant).
Inside, the cabin feels more refined compared to some of Skoda's previous offerings. While the layout remains largely formal, it introduces a fresh perspective with elements such as the centrally mounted multimedia touchscreen, chrome-trimmed air vents, and a glossy panel in the lower HVAC control area. Despite these improvements, the center console predominantly features dark tones, which somewhat detracts from the premium feel one might expect.
In terms of technology, the KAROQ is well-equipped. It comes standard with full LED headlights and offers an array of infotainment options, including the Columbus and Amundsen systems. Both feature Wi-Fi hotspots (with the Columbus offering an optional 4G LTE module) and smartphone integration capabilities. The car also integrates the new SKODA Connect system, which includes an online service for navigation and communication, along with a CareConnect emergency assistance feature. Drivers can even use the SKODA Connect app to remotely locate their vehicle or perform basic controls via their smartphones. Safety-wise, the KAROQ is packed with advanced driver assistance systems, including parking assistance, lane-keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.
Storage-wise, the KAROQ offers an impressive 521 liters of trunk space, expandable to 1,630 liters when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, buyers have the option of the VarioFlex seating arrangement, which allows for complete removal of the rear seats, boosting the cargo capacity to a whopping 1,810 liters.
Under the hood, the KAROQ is expected to come equipped with Volkswagen's latest 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and the familiar 1.4-liter turbo unit, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The suspension setup reportedly uses a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, though it remains to be seen whether this configuration will remain unchanged once the vehicle reaches the domestic market.
Overall, the Skoda KAROQ seems poised to fill a crucial gap in the brand's lineup, particularly in the competitive Chinese SUV segment. With its blend of style, practicality, and cutting-edge tech, it could very well become the lifeline Skoda needs to regain traction in this critical market.
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