Skoda Yeti's Successor To Be Named Karoq
Skoda will unveil the second-generation Yeti on May 18 2017 in Stockholm. And Skoda is also dropping the 'Yeti' moniker altogether and will name the upcoming compact SUV the 'Karoq.'
Czech automaker Skoda is popular for its premium sedans in the Indian market. However, SUVs haven't been the driving force of Skoda so far. Although Skoda's compact SUV, the Yeti, has been on sale since 2010, it hasn't made a mark here due to its boxy styling and hefty price tag. The Yeti made its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and is currently the oldest model in Skoda's lineup. However,
The Karoq name and spelling have been derived from the language of Alaska’s indigenous people. It is a combination of two words, ‘KAA’RAQ’, which means car and ‘RUQ’ which means arrow. Apart from the new name, no further details have been revealed now. However, the Karoq has been spotted testing on the roads of Czech Republic recently.
A video on YouTube video shows the new Karoq with barely any camouflage being tested on a highway in Czech Republic. The Karoq is likely to be based on the MQB platform which also underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq. From the looks of it, the new Karoq borrows its styling from its elder sibling, the Kodiaq, and has similar proportions as the second-generation Tiguan, which is scheduled to be launched in the country later this year.
In terms of mechanicals, the Karoq is likely to retain the 2.0-litre TDI engine along with 6-speed manual/ 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the 4x4 badge does confirm that it will be offered with a four-wheel drive powertrain. It will be launched in the international market in the second half of 2017.
The Volkswagen Group has already confirmed that the new Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan will be launched in India. While the Skoda Kodiaq is a seven-seater SUV and will compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, the Tiguan is a five-seater compact SUV and will go up against the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V. It is quite unlikely that the new Karoq will make its way to India this year. However, the current Yeti has been removed from Skoda India's website recently. If introduced, the Karoq will be placed in the same segment as the upcoming Tiguan.
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