Photo: X-Tomi design
The Karoq is a different interpretation on the SEAT Ateca and, all things considered, a different breed from the Yeti. The MQB-based compact crossover entered production in July 2017, and Skoda is already looking forward to adding more exciting derivatives to the lineup in 2018 and most likely beyond.
In the first instance, the Karoq will follow in the footsteps of the Kodiaq by welcoming the Sportline appearance package. Due to go official sometime next year, the Karoq Sportline will stand out from the crowd with a blacked-out grille and mirror caps, two-tone alloy wheels, a couple of badges, and silver stitching throughout the cabin. From a mechanical standpoint, the upcoming model will make do with the 1.5 TSI Evo and 2.0 TDI engines.
The best is yet to come, however. According to Auto Express, the Karoq RS is considered for production. Though not greenlit by the Czech automaker’s higher-ups, the hot version of the Karoq certainly makes sense, including from the viewpoint of R&D head Christian Strube. “I’m fighting for it. Just as I was fighting for the Kodiaq vRS,” he declared, adding: “But yes, we are in discussions about it. It would fit absolutely perfectly to this car, I believe. Even more than Kodiaq [in RS spec], I would say, because it’s compact, it’s agile."
Auto Express believes that electric forced induction could be on the menu, and that’s what Strube also hopes for. “If we were to discuss a vRS version, it would also be interesting to discuss whether it is a pure petrol or it is something else.” Electric assistance such as an integrated starter generator or an electrically-assisted turbocharger would work wonders on the 2.0-liter TSI, but for what it’s worth, even an ICE-only setup would fit Karoq RS perfectly.
The yet-unconfirmed powertrain for the yet-unconfirmed Karoq RS is most likely to come from the 2018 SEAT Ateca Cupra, which has been spied time and time again testing on the Nurburgring. With 300 to 310 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive, as well as performance-tuned suspension and steering, Skoda’s future hot crossover is irresistible.
The best is yet to come, however. According to Auto Express, the Karoq RS is considered for production. Though not greenlit by the Czech automaker’s higher-ups, the hot version of the Karoq certainly makes sense, including from the viewpoint of R&D head Christian Strube. “I’m fighting for it. Just as I was fighting for the Kodiaq vRS,” he declared, adding: “But yes, we are in discussions about it. It would fit absolutely perfectly to this car, I believe. Even more than Kodiaq [in RS spec], I would say, because it’s compact, it’s agile."
Auto Express believes that electric forced induction could be on the menu, and that’s what Strube also hopes for. “If we were to discuss a vRS version, it would also be interesting to discuss whether it is a pure petrol or it is something else.” Electric assistance such as an integrated starter generator or an electrically-assisted turbocharger would work wonders on the 2.0-liter TSI, but for what it’s worth, even an ICE-only setup would fit Karoq RS perfectly.
The yet-unconfirmed powertrain for the yet-unconfirmed Karoq RS is most likely to come from the 2018 SEAT Ateca Cupra, which has been spied time and time again testing on the Nurburgring. With 300 to 310 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive, as well as performance-tuned suspension and steering, Skoda’s future hot crossover is irresistible.
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