The Skoda Yeti had been one of our favourite SUVs because of its capability, its quirky character and unique looks, its build quality, great engines and most of all, its stamina. We had driven the car over 20,000km in one month across Europe and then another 20,000km in a year in India and had fallen in love with the Yeti. That it did not do exceptionally in the Indian market was because it was quite expensive for the size of vehicle it was, the in-cabin space was not great and with a full-size spare wheel, luggage space was also restricted. However there was no vehicle I would have picked over the Yeti to drive long distance in India and actually did lots of cross country trips in the SUV including the first three-country drive embarked on in India. Even though the mid-life facelift saw the Yeti lose some of its character, it was a great car to drive even when it was phased out in the country.
After the Yeti went out of production in 2017, we have had to wait three years for a successor but has it been worth the wait? The Karoq is based on the Volkswagen modular platform, MQB A1 and that has given the engineers a lot of flexibility to make the cabin roomier but the biggest change has come on the outside. Gone is the quirky front end, the rounded edges and the height that gave the Yeti such a unique character. The Karoq now follows the family look of Skoda SUVs and can be very easily mistaken to be a mini Kodiaq with a sharp and bolder front end, a lower stance, and a more planted look.
Full LED headlights are standard in the only variant that is currently for sale in India and with crystal elements harking at its Czech origins, the front looks more premium as well.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VW India Future Plans Revealed
Volkswagen has unveiled new variants for the Taigun and Virtus, as well as showcase the upcoming ID.4 electric crossover at its recent Annual Brand Conference in Jaipur. Abhinav Jakhar has all the details
MG Comet
Another month has gone by with the Comet, and I’m happy to report, it continues to impress. The compact dimensions and zippy power delivery make cutting through traffic a breeze.
Hyundai Verna
As a certified petrol-head, who has been openly raving about the Hyundai Verna 1.5-litre turbo DCT, one question I keep getting asked is whether the ride and handling of the Verna measures up to the likes of the VAG competition.
Self improvement
The Pulsar N250 gets a number of feature additions and updates, along with three new colours. Will it be enough to stand atop the quarter-litre segment in India?
Xtreme ways
Does the newest member of Hero's Xtreme family have the credentials to be considered a fitting member? Can it hold its own in a segment which thrives on all-rounders that can be capable commuters with that sporty edge?
A petrolhead's vacation in Dubai
Breakfast at a car themed cafe with iconics cars and hot laps at the Dubai Autodrome weren't the only highlights from Anagh Bhaskar's visit to Dubai as he engaged in many other touristy activities
New York showstoppers
Here's Dhruv Saxena with a roundup of the best cars and new launches showcased at the 2024 New York International Auto Show
King size
BMW's radical new design aesthetic has reached its flagship X7 SUV along with new tech and features and we put the petrol variant through its paces
Potent Juice
Mercedes-Benz's update spree has now reached the GLE Coupe, more specifically the GLE 53. We tore through some corners and cruised around to see how much the update adds to the package
Top-up
Slotting under the Volvo XC40 V80 Twin-motor, the E60 comes with more aggressive pricing, a smaller battery, one less motor and about the same range, but is it more sensible?