New Skoda Karoq SUV priced from £20,875

The choice to drop the favored Yeti identify was partially to strengthen hyperlinks to the Kodiaq, but in addition designed to assist increase the automotive’s international attraction. In China, one of many fastest-growing automotive markets the place SUVs are vastly well-liked, the yeti affiliation is seen as a adverse, provided that the yeti folklore originates in Bhutan, a rustic with which China has no diplomatic relations.

Board member for gross sales and advertising Werner Eichhorn mentioned: “We bought 550,000 models in 2006, and 1.1 million in 2016. China is our quickest rising market. The compact SUV phase is the expansion phase within the business. Gross sales within the phase have tripled within the final couple of years and that may proceed. The Karoq units a transparent lower pattern in its goal phase.”

When requested concerning the identify, Maier conceded that the Chinese language market was an element within the resolution – but in addition cited a want to make sure the Karoq had a novel id. He mentioned: “Beginning with the Kodiaq, we thought a Okay and a Q is an ideal match for our SUV, so we predict it is well worth the identify Karoq.

“In China certainly [the Yeti name] is, let’s say, polarised. With the Karoq we don’t see that any extra. Karoq is its personal distinctive identify, and you’ll’t take it in another way or in a foul manner. And Karoq has a pleasant story behind it.”

Skoda Karoq provided with 5 engine choices

The Karoq can be provided with two petrol engines: a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder with 113bhp and 129lb ft, and a 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp and 184lb ft. The latter, which options lively cylinder expertise, can propel the automotive from 0-62mph in 8.4sec.

The three diesel engines embrace a 2.0-litre TDI with 148bhp that has already featured in Skoda’s vary. The opposite two are new: a 1.6-litre TDI with 113bhp and 184lb ft, and a range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 186bhp and 295lb ft.

The brand new 2.0-litre TDI engine comes with a seven-speed DSG computerized gearbox as commonplace, whereas the others can be found with a six-speed guide as effectively.

The Karoq is out there in two and four-wheel-drive. Larger specs will include a Driving Mode Choose system with 5 modes: Regular, Sport, Eco, Particular person and Snow. Off-Highway mode, that includes traction management and digital differential lock, can be an possibility on four-wheel-drive fashions.