Skoda Karoq, Rapid 1.0 TSI and Superb FL have been launched virtually; a first-time event for Skoda India.
The Skoda Karoq is one of the most anticipated cars of the year and things were looking good for the manufacturer when they opened bookings in March 2020. Karoq deliveries were slated to begin earlier this month but due to the lockdown restrictions, it was put on hold. In today’s virtual launch, Skoda Karoq’s pricing and more details were revealed. It costs Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Skoda Karoq’s styling is much like its larger sibling; the Kodiaq. Prominent design elements include the signature Skoda radiator grille, LED lighting, fog lamps with cornering function, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof and chrome design highlights.
The Skoda Karoq draws power from a BS6-compliant, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). The engine dishes out 150 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm. The Karoq is equipped with a long list of creature comforts, safety features and infotainment technology that makes it a formidable rival for cars including the Hyundai Creta, the Mahindra XUV500, and the Kia Seltos.
In terms of performance, Skoda claim that the Karoq can achieve 0-100 km/h in nine seconds and then push on for a top speed of up to 202 km/h. These figures do not come at the cost of fuel-efficiency because according to the Worldwide-harmonized Light-vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the Skoda Karoq returns an impressive 14.49 km/litre.
Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI
The new Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI was launched as well with prices starting from Rs 7.49 lakh and going up to Rs 11.79 lakh for the top-of-the-line Monte Carlo model (both prices are ex-showroom). The car now draws power from a BS6-compliant 1.0-litre, three-pot, TSI turbo-petrol engine that produces 110 hp and a peak torque of 175 Nm. Customers can choose between either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
Skoda Superb Sportline and Superb Laurin&Klement
The Skoda Superb Sportline and the Skoda Superb Laurin &Klement are priced at Rs 29.99 lakh and Rs 32.99 lakh respectively; both prices are ex-showroom. Both cars are powered by 2.0-litre TSI engine and it develops 190 hp and a peak torque of 320 Nm while mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. 0-100 km/h is dismissed in 7.7 seconds and they boast of a top speed of 239 km/h while returning a reasonable fuel-efficiency figure of 15.10 km/litre. Cosmetic highlights for the Sportline include black alcantara leather upholstery, Sportline badging, new 17-inch alloys and a reworked tail lamp design. The visual highlights and important features of the Laurin & Klement include a redesigned front end, updated LED lighting, Laurin & Klement badging, 17-inch alloy wheels, dynamic turn indicators and panoramic sunroof.
Story: Joshua Varghese
