Skoda’s new compact SUV is called the Karoq. The name and its spelling originate from the language of the Alutiiq, an indigenous tribe who live on an island off the southern coast of Alaska. The Skoda Karoq will be introduced to the public for the first time in Stockholm on 18 May.

“The Skoda Karoq is a completely newly designed SUV that sets new benchmarks for our brand and its segment in every way. With this new SUV, we are taking the next logical step in our SUV strategy,” said Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier. “The Skoda Karoq impresses with its unique brand identity and a distinctive product identity and is introducing – alongside the typical Skoda strengths – the brand’s new, emotive design language into the compact SUV segment,” added Maier.

“It is important to us to give our new SUV a powerful name. It also forms part of a naming approach across our SUV models,” said Werner Eichhorn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “At the same time, we are creating exceptional and memorable brand recognition value for our customers,” continued Eichhorn.

The new compact SUV measures 4,382 mm in length, is 1,841 mm wide, and 1,605 mm high. The long wheelbase of 2,638 millimetres (all-wheel version: 2,630 mm) is designed to give a comfortable stance on the road.

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 521 litres with the back seats in place. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,630 litres. In combination with the optional VarioFlex rear seat, the boot space is variable and can hold between 479 and 588 litres. The seats can also be completely removed – and the SUV becomes a van with a maximum loading capacity of 1,810 litres.

Skoda says the intelligent networking between car and smartphone has reached a new level in the Karoq. The SmartLink+ platform, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink is available as an option for the basic infotainment system Swing. SmartLink+ comes as standard with higher infotainment systems. The phone box with inductive charging couples the smartphone to the roof antenna and simultaneously charges it wirelessly.

The Skoda Karoq offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. New comfort systems include the parking assistant, Lane Assist and traffic-jam assistant.  Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assistant serve to increase safety. The Karoq can tow trailers of up to two tonnes. The new trailer assistant helps when reversing slowly and manoeuvring.

There are five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines – on offer. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG.