Skoda Karoq India First Look Walkaround Review | Auto Expo 2020 | ZigWheels.com

Pros: 1) Build Quality, Fit & finish, Paint quality, everything is top-notch 2) Exterior looks: LED headlights and tail lights with AFS and details inside it, use of chrome around the car, etc make it stand out on Indian roads 3) Premium Interiors with soft-touch finish all around and tasteful use of chrome and metal inside 4) Ride Quality: Suited for Indian roads and 200 mm GC ensures it doesn't bottom out on steep bumps 5) Performance: Nice and smooth engine, 0-100 comes in 9 seconds flat and top speed is in excess of 200 kmph. DSG is also very quick-shifting and smooth, it's just not a car to be pushed too hard, it's more suited for the comfortable driver (Unlike the Torq which has better performance and handling due to lighter weight and stiffer suspension). But Karoq's performance is decent enough for 99% of the drivers. 6) Mileage: I'm getting 12 kmpl in the city and 16 on the highway which is impressive for a TSI motor, that too for an SUV (due to Active cylinder tech (ACT), Mileage improves) 7) Comfort: the seats themselves are very comfortable (especially the front seats are 12 way adjustable with nice cushioning, lumbar and thigh support) and you won't feel tired even in long trips. The car glides over the road and as mentioned, ride quality is very good even when it doesn't get independent rear suspension like the compass (it has electric limited-slip differential (LSD) although). 8) Space: Legroom and headroom are good for the rear seat and the car is very wide (even wider than the Tiguan All-Space, Innova Crysta, and many other bigger SUVs)! So 3 people can seat in the rear easily (although the transmission tunnel may cause some annoyance for the middle passenger). Boot space is 520 ltr approx and it's best in class (even higher than much bigger cars like Tucson and Harrier). Also, the glass area is huge and the car is very airy and it enhances the sense of space even more in the car (along with light-colored interiors). Also, the massive panoramic sunroof is another plus here (even bigger than much bigger cars like Endeavour) 9) Connivance: SKODA's simply clever touches like Proximity sensor for the infotainment screen, Dustin in the front door pockets, Multifunctional cup holders at the front, the umbrella under front seats, removable boot torchlight, luggage management accessories for the boot, etc make this car stand out and you appreciate the attention to details which the manufacturer has provided for your convenience. 10) One of the SAFEST cars you can buy in India: It Got 5 STAR IN EURO NCAP With 9 airbags, Manoeuvre Breaking (read about it, it's a very underrated feature where the car automatically breaks for you if it's about to crash into something if u haven't applied the break yourself), iBuzzer system with driver attention sensors, and other regular stuff like ABS, EBD, ESC, etc, etc. 11) Special mention to some features which I love: Paddle Shifters, Auto-Dimming ORVM & IRVM, E-Parking break with Auto hold is super convenient, Virtual cockpit is awesome and crisp, Massive panoramic sunroof as mentioned before, LED illumination at night, Air Care system to remove dust and odour from the cabin & Memory function for the ORVM & driver seat. Cons: 1) No DIESEL, No 4x4 at this price (although I don't require any of the 2, many Indian buyers still prefer diesel SUVs which competition is offering like Tucson and Compass) 2) Missing features: No electronic Tailgate, Electric Front Passenger seat, No hydraulic struts for the Hood, No 360 camera, no drive modes, no wireless charger, lack of USB-C ports and No ventilated seats & connected car tech (many of these features are there in the new Compass and even Creta & Seltos). 3) Being a CBU: It has exclusivity on the road but it's expensive by at-least 2 lakhs due to the taxes and availability of spare parts may take some time and money to get (as they have to be imported from Europe itself). 4) Size: Indian buyers want the biggest size for their money which this SUV doesn't provide, it is almost as big as a compass (a little wider but shorter in height though). Cars like Harrier, Tucson, Safari, XUV 500, MG Hector Plus, CRV and even sedans like Octavia, Civic offer much better Prize to Size ratio as such which might deter many Indian buyers to go for the Karoq. 5) Audio system lacks bass: it doesn't get the 11 speaker canton sound system like in the L&k Models of the Skoda cars, rather it has 8 speakers SKODA's own system, which has good mids and highs (offers excellent clarity as such), but it lacks in lower end thump aka the bass which Indians love (as there's no subwoofer in this car). So if you are a bass head like me, you might be disappointed, but speakers are of excellent quality so you don't have to change them, just add an aftermarket subwoofer to the boot and you will be good to go. 6) Although all the lights in this car are LEDs except the Rear indicators which are still halogen bulbs. I don't get why Skoda left them out, like the front, they should have provided LED rear indicators too which would have looked much better for the rear. Overall Verdict: As you can see from the above assessment, Karoq is a Well rounded car. It performs great, it looks good, it rides well, it's spacious with luxurious interiors, it's super safe, has a ton of features and advanced tech. But if you want the biggest size for your money or want to go off-road, better look for Tucson GLS 4x4 or Compass Trail-hawk at this price point of 30 Lakhs. Karoq is a sophisticated European Car, suited for buyers who are looking for comfort and luxury (similar to Audi Q3), so don't expect to be rough and tough like its rivals. So it's a niche product & its takers would probably know what they are getting themselves into. 

Outstanding car, best build quality, peppy engine. Driving dynamics are outstanding, with no body roll, and a silent cabin.

Skoda Karoq Car has the best in class features in its segment and performs so good. This car gives me an amazing driving experience with comfortability and entertainment features. Audio System Control & Bluetooth Connectivity like features make my drive much convenient. I am very satisfied with the overall performance of this car.

I bought the Skoda Karoq Car just a few months ago and I am so happy with the decision of taking it as its performance and features are appreciating. This car looks so good and its Low Fuel Warning Light, DRLs, and Accessory Power Outlet make it more safe and stylish. With its exterior and its interior is also very amazing and gives a peaceful feeling. I think its the best car which comes at the best price.

Skoda Karoq Car comes with many modern features. It has a height-adjustable driver seat, adjustable headlights, cruise control, etc features that provide me comfort along with safety. I am using this car and I am very satisfied with the features and performance of this car. I recommend this car to others also as it comes at the best price.