We’ll see all of it on May 18 in Stockholm
Less than a week before the Karoq's official presentation, Skoda has released the first uncensored exterior and interior photos of its compact SUV.
As the official and unofficial spy shots have already shown, the Skoda Karoq will be very similar to the larger Kodiaq from a styling point of view. However, now it's the first time we can see the shape of the headlights and taillights.
Inspired by Bohemian glass art, the full-LED headlamps have a crystalline cut, eight light strips that look like eyelashes, and smaller units below. The C-shaped LED taillights incorporate the rear lights, brake lights, and fog lights. The taillamps' outer segment is embedded in the side frames, while the inner segment is integrated into the tailgate.
Skoda has also shown the first photos of the interior which reveal a new dashboard divided into a tall upper and narrow lower section and dominated by a massive touchscreen. We get a glimpse of the digital instrument panel as well, which is likely to be an optional feature.
The Karoq's cabin also features four vertical large air vents and LED ambient lighting with ten colors.
The SUV is 4,382 mm long and 1,841 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,638 mm that increases legroom for rear passengers. The height is 1,605 mm, lowering the center of gravity compared to the Yeti. Like its predecessor, the Skoda Karoq is all about practicality.
The boot has a capacity of 521 liters that can extend to 1,630 liters with the rear seats folded down. In combination with the optional VarioFlex rear seat, cargo volume becomes variable and can hold between 479 and 588 liters. The seats can also be completely removed, turning the Karoq into a van with a maximum loading capacity of 1,810 liters.
At launch, the Karoq will be available with five turbocharged direct injection engines (two gasoline and three diesel units) with displacements of 1.0, 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 liters and outputs ranging from 115 hp to 190 hp.
A six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG automatic will be on offer, except for the most powerful diesel which comes as standard with all-wheel drive and the dual-clutch transmission. As in the facelifted Octavia, the new 1.5 TSI features cylinder deactivation. The new SUV will have its market launch in the second half of 2017.