The latest iteration of the Skoda Karoq small SUV is set to hit the Australian shores by June. This 2020 model year will retain the 110TSI while bringing a new 140TSI to the lineup.
If you followed the happenings around the Volkswagen Group in the past, you will notice that the automaker did mention for two years that Australia-bound models will miss out on a lot of new technology and revisions. And very rightly so, the European model gets a 1.5-litre engine mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. However, the local model continues to get the older 1.4-litre powertrain with Aisin-sourced 8-speed torque-converter automatic.
This difference has cropped up purely due to the demand and stricter norms. This has also caused the Australian Skoda Karoq to lag behind with Euro-5 emission norms instead of the latest.
The 2020 Skoda Karoq continues to be powered by the same 1.4-litre engine that makes identical power figures. The powertrain produces around 150 PS of power and a peak torque of 250 Nm. However, the fuel efficiency has taken a dip by 0.8 litre per 100 kilometre.
Apart from this, the new Skoda Karoq is the same in every aspect, which includes the optional packs and equipment - Tech Pack, Premium Pack and Travel Pack.
The buyers opting for the Tech Pack will get a 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment display with satellite navigation. There is also a 10-speaker Canton audio system, digital radio and wireless charging added to this package.
The Premium Pack brings a 9.2-inch sat-nav display, LED headlights, leather-appointed upholstery, steel pedals and 18-inch alloy wheels. And lastly, the Travel Pack brings a lot of drivers’ assistance settings, including emergency assist, rear traffic alert, blind-spot detection, lane assist, heated front seats with memory function and traffic jam assist.
If all of this seems too mainstream, the 2020 Skoda Karoq will see the addition of a 140TSI for the new model. This will be powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that is capable of churning out a maximum power of 190 PS, along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. AWD is standard in this model, over the FWD-only 110TSI and the transmission duties are done by a 7-speed wet DSG unit.
Once on sale, the 2020 Skoda Karoq 110TSI will be sold at $32,990, while the 140TSI can be had at $39,990.
Also read: Skoda released the seven-millionth copy of Octavia