The new generation Skoda Yeti is expected to adopt a new moniker, the Karoq. In circulation for almost eight years now, and after a minor facelift in 2014, the Yeti was in dire need of a replacement. Now that the Kodiaq SUV has been launched, Skoda has now shifted focus to come up with a successor to the Yeti using the same platform. And here we have, the first ever spy shots of the new generation Yeti, the Karoq.
The test mule spotted on the Czech streets is wearing little to no camo, revealing all the essentials of the Karoq. The dimensions are similar to the current Yeti and much smaller than the Kodiaq. However, the design cues are quite similar to the Kodiaq. The Skoda family grille is surrounded by sleeker headlamp units on either side which seem to have been scrounged from its bigger sibling, the Kodiaq. The front and back bumpers are blacked out and so are the side skirts; this could mean that there’s still some work to be done on this pre-production model. Moving on to the back, the Karoq’s tail lamps signature is identical to that of the Kodiaq.
The Karoq will be based on the same MQB platform as the Kodiaq, the Seat Ateca and the VW Tiguan, albeit with a shorter wheelbase. Because of this, the same range of petrol and diesel engines offered in the afore-mentioned cars will be available under the new Yeti. On the inside, the Yeti currently employs a functional layout and the same will be carried over to the new car. The new Karoq’s interiors would be a combination of practicality with quality interiors.
As far as the name is concerned, Skoda has not made an official statement about the Karoq’s insignia. With the production-spec almost out on the street, we expect that the launch of the new-gen compact crossover is just around the corner. If rumours are to be believed the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker will unveil the new Yeti next month in Stockholm.
