Like its VW brethren, the Skoda Karoq will also take the CBU route to reach our shores and will go on sale with just a single, fully-loaded variant on offer.
Skoda Auto India has opened the order books for its upcoming Karoq SUV as well as the BS-VI compliant Rapid. Both these models were on display at the 2020 Auto Expo (Indian debut of the Karoq). The bookings can be made online against a refundable amount of ₹50,000 (for the Karoq) and ₹25,000 for the Rapid 1.0 TSI. A launch date for both cars is yet to be announced.
Like the recently-launched VW Vento, the Rapid will also ditch all its old engine options (1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol units) for the brand's 1.0-litre TSI petrol motor (good for 108bhp & 175Nm). It will be launched exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox option, with the automatic option reserved for a later date.
As for the Karoq, it'll be powered by a larger 1.5-litre TSI unit (mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox), which will make its debut on the VW T-Roc SUV day after tomorrow. For the uninitiated, the Skoda Karoq and the VW T-Roc are essentially counterparts to each other, built on the same platform. They'll be going up against the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson when launched in India. The Karoq will put out 148bhp & 250Nm of torque.
Sharing his thoughts on both products, Mr Zac Hollis (Brand Director - Skoda Auto India) said, 'Our SUV model range caters to a growing class of discerning customers with the taste for luxury as well as the right "value for money" proposition. While retaining its strong family characteristics, the much-anticipated Karoq will continue to drive Skoda Auto's success in India. The state of the art 1.0 TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol engine, to be introduced with the Skoda Rapid, is central to our BS-6 powertrain and fuel strategy - offering an exceptional power output as well as excellent fuel economy.'
Additionally, the Karoq will be brought to India as a CBU (only the front-wheel-drive version will make it to our shores), thanks to the 2,500 car import rule. But there's no reason to worry as Skoda claims the pricing will be kept competitive in order to keep customers interested. As for the Rapid, it looks like the BS-VI version is unlikely to get any major visual changes. Although, some feature additions can't be ruled out.
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