Skoda began production of the Karoq crossover in Nizhny Novgorod

On December 12, Skoda announced the start of mass production in Nizhny Novgorod of the compact crossover Karoq in a version intended for the Russian market. The presentation of the model took place the day before - at the same event the company showed the updated Rapid liftback.

As RBC writes, the base engine for a crossover with a length of 4382 mm and a wheelbase of 2638 mm in Russia will be a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 100 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This unit will be equipped with front- and all-wheel drive modifications of the Karoq in Russia. In addition, the crossover will be available with a 1.4-liter 150-horsepower turbo-four. On front-wheel drive cars, this engine will work with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and on all-wheel drive cars – with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Skoda’s plans to begin production of this model in Russia became known back in October last year, but the company decided on the site only in March 2019. The same plant in Nizhny Novgorod is already assembling other company models, including the larger Kodiaq crossover. In Russia, the Karoq crossover will be sold in Active, Ambition and Style trim levels, each of which will be supplemented with a package for bad roads, including enhanced protection for the engine compartment and plastic linings for brake hoses and other elements.

In the base, the crossover will receive 16-inch wheels, fog lights, LED taillights, rain and light sensors, as well as rear parking sensors and cruise control with a speed limiter. In addition, the Karoq is equipped with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a multimedia system with a 6.5-inch screen, writes Motor.ru .

The start of Karoq sales is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020. The cost of all Skoda Karoq trim levels in Russia will become known closer to the car’s market release date, but it is already known that the crossover in the mid-range Ambition configuration with a 1.4-liter turbo engine and front-wheel drive will cost 1.515 million rubles.