Skoda will next year unveil a second generation of its popular Karoq SUV, which could adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.
The original arrived in 2017 but, because of its electrification plans, the Czech firm hadn’t initially planned to directly replace it. Instead its spot in the line-up was to be filled by the similarly sized Elroq EV.
But Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer has since given the green light to a new Karoq, which will sit on the same Volkswagen Group MQB platform as its predecessors and will “launch in 2027 or 2028”.
He added that “it will be a significant change to the current Elroq, but we’re trying to hit the same price segment so you get more value for your money”.
The current Karoq is only offered with pure petrol and mild-hybrid engines, but Zellmer hinted the Mk2 will come as a plug-in hybrid. That would set it apart from the new version of the closely related Volkswagen T-Roc.
Zellmer said the drivetrains for the new Karoq “will be very comparable to what we have in the Kodiaq”, Skoda's hugely popular seven-seat SUV, adding: “Our plug-in hybrids are in great demand. If you look at an electric range of more than 100km [62 miles], that is perfect for a successor to the Karoq.”
While a new Karoq wasn’t originally in Skoda’s plans, Zellmer noted that the firm also hadn’t originally planned to launch the Elroq.
He added: “We came with that car because we saw there was massive potential, and thank God we did: it’s the second best-selling electric car in Europe.
"We would like to see the Elroq totally replace that kind of market for us, but it doesn’t, so we see great potential for the Karoq and its successor.”
