Skoda Karoq SUV, Superb facelift and Rapid TSI to be launched on May 26
Skoda India will come out of the COVID-19 lockdown with a bang. The Czech brand plans to launch its three biggest offerings for 2020 all on May 26. These will be the Skoda Karoq SUV, the Skoda Superb facelift sedan and the Skoda Rapid with the new 1.0-litre TSI engine. The company has already started accepting bookings for all three cars online. The Karoq SUV and Rapid 1.0 TSi can be booked for Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively, while the Superb needs a Rs 50,000 booking amount.
The BSVI-compliant Skoda Superb facelift will be powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol that debuted in the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. This version makes 190PS between 4,200 and 6,000rpm, max torque is 320Nm from 1,500 to 4,100rpm. It will come paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The base Style variant with the manual gearbox will be discontinued and only the Sportline and Laurin and Klement trims will be available now. Aside from the new exterior look and interior features, both versions will get unique paint options with the Sportline carrying an all-black interior trim and a slightly sharper external look.
Powering the Skoda Karoq SUV is the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, delivering an impressive power output of 150PS and a peak torque output of 250 Nm. the Skoda Karoq will be positioned beside the Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tuscon which is also expected to receive a generation upgrade this year. The prices are expected to range from Rs 20-24 lakh ex-showroom India. We have already driven the Skoda Karoq SUV and here is our first drive review.
The old 100PS naturally aspirated 1.6-litre motor has been discontinued for the Rapid. This has been replaced with a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol with 115PS and 200 Nm. This will be paired with a 6-speed manual and a new 6-speed torque converter automatic. The new engine is one of three BSVI petrol engines that Skoda India is introducing in the country.
The BSVI Rapid comes with minor cosmetic upgrades, these include a new bootlid spoiler and rear diffuser, new LED DRLs, and an updated set of alloy wheels. The interiors carry on largely unchanged but there is a larger infotainment screen.