2020 Skoda Karoq to hit showrooms in June, new 140TSI joins the lineup

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.

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