Scoop! Skoda Karoq caught in India

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The Skoda Karoq has been spotted in India. The SUV was snapped in an airport parking lot, sporting Czech Republic license plates and was parked alongside the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq.

The Karoq is the replacement for the erstwhile Yeti. It uses Volkswagen's MQB platform and is longer and wider than its predecessor. It also features a more conventional design. At first glance, it looks a lot similar to the larger Kodiaq. The front end features a similar grille with vertical slats and a chrome border. The shape of the LED headlights is different compared to its larger sibling. The headlamp clusters feature LED DRLs, while fog lamps are placed just below them. The Karoq gets a dual-tone front bumper. Unlike the Kodiaq, it does not get a scuff plate. 

On the sides, the Karoq gets squared-off wheel arches filled with alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres. The India-spec vehicle is expected to ride on smaller diameter wheels and tyres with taller sidewalls. The car has blacked-out B and C-pillars and a chrome border around the window area. The car also has roof-rails and a roof-mounter rear spoiler. 

At the rear, the Karoq features re-profiled tail lights, rear wiper and a black rear bumper with integrated reflectors.

In the international market, the top-spec Karoq comes with a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, a digital instrument panel and safety systems like blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, city emergency brake, pedestrian protection, lane assist, driver alert, traffic sign recognition, etc.

The India-spec Karoq could be offered with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. The engine options might also include a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, although Skoda is yet to make a formal announcement regarding the same. 

It is rumoured that the Skoda Karoq will be launched in India in 2018. It is expected to be pitted against the Jeep Compass.