Skoda has finally revealed the all-new Karoq small SUV that's set to replace the ageing Yeti later this year. Not only has the name changed, but the new model adopts an entirely new design, albeit one heavily influenced by the larger Kodiaq.

While at a first glance it may look like a downsized version of the company’s first true SUV, its smaller brother does have its own identity once you look closer. For example, the headlights, while still reminiscent of the Kodiaq, boast a different shape and the pattern of the LED lights is also new.

A sister model of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Seat Ateca, the Karoq is 4,382mm long, 1,841mm wide, 1,605mm tall, and with a generous wheelbase stretching at 2,638mm. Skodas are known for providing great boot space and the new compact crossover is no exception: it can hold 521 litres of cargo with the rear seats in place or 1,630 litres after folding them down.

The Karoq thus has a bigger boot with the seats up than Vauxhall's new Insignia Grand Sport...

Should you need even more space to carry items, three independent rear seats can actually be removed entirely to give the Karoq a maximum load capacity of a whopping 1,810 litres —  prompting Skoda to call it a van. The modular rear seats are part of the VarioFlex system, which fans of the brand will remember from the defunct Roomster.

A first for the Czech marque, the Karoq can be optionally equipped with an all-digital instrument cluster replacing the analogue dials and providing multiple customisation options. Also on the tech side, buyers can spend more and get the crossover with niceties like full-LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, electric tailgate, 10-colour LED ambient lighting inside the cabin, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Gallery: 2018 Skoda Karoq teaser


Engines and gearboxes are all familiar carry-over units from the Tiguan and Ateca, but with one Easter egg: the group’s new 150hp 1.5-litre TSI Evo that recently made its debut in the facelifted Golf. The other petrol engine is the tiny 115hp 1.0-litre, while on the diesel side are the popular 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI units. Depending on engine, a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed DSG will be offered. More expensive versions of the range will be available with an all-wheel-drive layout whereas the lesser ones will be stuck with a FWD setup.

Skoda has announced it will have the Karoq on sale in the second half of 2017 and has made the promise to expand its portfolio in the coming years. Unsurprisingly, the focus will be on crossovers, so don't be too surprised if the Karoq gets a Fabia-related baby brother to serve as the brand's first-ever subcompact crossover.

Source: Skoda

 

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Gallery: 2018 Skoda Karoq

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The ŠKODA KAROQ: New compact SUV with lots of space and state-of-the-art technology

Design: modern dynamic SUV design language
› Powertrains: four new engines, powerful and efficient TSI and TDI
› Chassis: state-of-the-art technology, up to five driving modes and special Off-Road mode
› Driver assistance systems: extended range for increased safety and comfort
› ŠKODA Connect: infotainment with capacitive touch screen in glass design and Care Connect for assistance
› Equipment: Full-LED headlights, digital instrument panel
› ŠKODA drives SUV campaign forward with the ŠKODA KAROQ

Mladá Boleslav / Stockholm, 18 May 2017 – The ŠKODA KAROQ is a completely new compact SUV from the long-standing Czech brand. The emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements characterises ŠKODA’s new SUV design language. As a true ŠKODA, the ŠKODA KAROQ offers exceptional space, new driver-assistance systems, full LED headlights and – for the first time in a ŠKODA – a digital instrument panel. Five engine variants are available from 85 kW (115 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS), of which four are new. Typical of ŠKODA are smart ideas for the brand’s new compact SUV which include features such as the rear-seat VarioFlex system and the virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot. Particularly long items can be comfortably transported in the interior of the compact SUV – this is made possible by the folding front passenger seat.

It is clear from the exterior shape, modified lines and larger dimensions that this is a completely new vehicle. The ŠKODA KAROQ is a sports utility vehicle with character: The emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements characterises ŠKODA’s new SUV design language.

The compact SUV measures 4,382 mm in length, is 1,841 mm wide, and 1,605 mm high. The increase in size benefits the passengers. The kneeroom is 69 mm. The long wheelbase of 2,638 mm (all-wheel version: 2,630 mm) gives the ŠKODA KAROQ a comfortable stance on the road and provides an indication of the generously proportioned interior.

The ŠKODA brand stands for an exceptional package. This also applies to the new KAROQ. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 521 l with the rear seats in place. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,630 l. The VarioFlex system consists of three separate seats, which can be individually adjusted and the seats can also be completely removed – and the SUV is then converted into a van with a maximum load capacity of 1,810 liters.

Segment leader: connectivity solutions
The ŠKODA KAROQ is at the top of its segment with innovative connectivity solutions. The infotainment building blocks come from the second generation of the Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix, offering state-of-the-art functions, interfaces and equipped with capacitive touch displays. The top systems Columbus and Amundsen have a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional LTE module is available for the Columbus system. The Internet connection is based on today’s fastest mobile radio standard, with which passengers can surf and access email freely with their phones and tablets.

The new mobile online services ŠKODA Connect are divided into two categories: Infotainment online services are used for information and navigation; the CareConnect services for assistance in case of breakdowns and emergencies. The Emergency Call button, which will be part of the standard equipment in Europe from 2018, is now available as an optional CareConnect service. Additional online services can be accessed via the ŠKODA Connect app. These can be used to remotely check, configure and find the parking place of your car using a smartphone.

The intelligent capability of pairing a car with a smartphone has reached a new level in the ŠKODA KAROQ. The SmartLink+ platform, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLinkTM, is available as an option for the basic infotainment system Swing. SmartLink+ comes as standard with higher infotainment systems. The Phonebox with inductive charging couples the smartphone to the roof antenna and simultaneously charges it wirelessly.

Reliable helpers: driver assistance systems
The ŠKODA KAROQ offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. New comfort systems include Park Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assist serve to increase safety.

Additional driver assistance systems are available for the ŠKODA KAROQ to keep the car at a safe distance from the car ahead, to make it easier for the driver to change and keep in lane, to point out important traffic signs, and to assist when parking.

The freely programmable digital instrument panel is available for the first time in a ŠKODA. In the ŠKODA KAROQ, the cockpit displays can be set to the driver’s individual preferences.

Full-LED headlights with clear-lens optics are available as an option for the ŠKODA KAROQ from the Ambition trim level upwards. In the interior, new LED ambient lighting in the decorative door trims and the dashboard creates a pleasant atmosphere, which can be set to one of ten colours.

Powerful and agile: engines and chassis
The ŠKODA KAROQ offers state-of-the-art technologies for engines. Five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines – are on offer. The two petrol engines and two diesels are new in the line-up. The displacement ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 l; the power range is from 85 kW (115 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). All powertrains feature turbo-charged direct injection units as well as start -stop- technology and brake energy recovery. They are extremely efficient and comply with EU 6 regulations. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 PS) comes as standard with 4×4 drive and 7-speed DSG. The new 1.5 TSI has the special feature of cylinder deactivation.

The ŠKODA KAROQ chassis also sets benchmarks in its segment and demonstrates its quality, even off the beaten track. From the Ambition trim level upwards, Driving Mode Select with the Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4x4) modes is available on request. The Off-Road mode with all-wheel drive improves the driving characteristics on rough terrain.

2025 Strategy: ŠKODA drives SUV campaign forward
As part of ŠKODA’s 2025 Strategy, the brand will be continually expanding its model range over the coming years. The primary focus will be on broadening the SUV range. Most recently, the ŠKODA KODIAQ became the brand’s first large SUV to be launched in the international markets. With the ŠKODA KAROQ, the company has now reached the next milestone. The new compact SUV market launch is set for the second half of 2017.