(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – The Czech automaker is planning a continuation of its successful compact model with modern technology. A second generation is announced for 2027, which is expected to include a plug-in hybrid with a high electric range. This means the brand is sticking to the internal combustion engine concept and offering customers a versatile alternative to a purely electric portfolio.
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Originally, the Skoda Karoq was not supposed to receive a direct new edition. Instead, it was planned to replace the combustion engine SUV with the similarly sized electric SUV Elroq after the end of its lifecycle. But as Autocar reports, Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer has now given the green light for a second generation of the Karoq.
The new Karoq is therefore expected to hit the market in 2027 or 2028 and will continue to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. This means Skoda remains with an architecture that already supports the current generation and its predecessor.
Karoq to be priced similarly to the Elroq
Zellmer announced to Autocar a significant development compared to the previous Karoq. At the same time, the new model is to be positioned in the same price range as the Elroq. The goal is to offer customers in this segment “more value for money.”
Technically, the second-generation Karoq is also expected to change significantly. While the current model is offered exclusively with gasoline engines or mild hybrid drives, Zellmer hinted for the first time at a plug-in hybrid for the successor.
This could also differentiate the Karoq from the new Volkswagen T-Roc, with which it is technically closely related.
Over 100 kilometers of electric range?
According to Zellmer, Skoda wants to orient its powertrains on the solutions of the larger Kodiaq. The seven-seater SUV is now also available as a plug-in hybrid and apparently serves as a technical reference point for the upcoming Karoq.
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Particularly interesting is the possible electric range. Zellmer explained that Skoda’s plug-in hybrids are in high demand. An electric range of more than 100 kilometers would be “perfect” for a Karoq successor.
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If Skoda actually implements this specification, the new Karoq could cover a significant part of typical short distances purely electrically in everyday use – without having to do without an internal combustion engine for longer trips.
Elroq apparently does not fully replace Karoq
The fact that Skoda is now reintroducing the Karoq apparently has a direct connection to the development of the Elroq. Originally, the brand had high hopes that the electric SUV would completely take over the market segment of the Karoq.
But according to Zellmer, the Elroq was originally not part of Skoda’s planning. The brand only added the electric SUV to its lineup when it saw the great potential. This decision has apparently paid off: As Zellmer emphasizes, the Elroq is now the second best-selling electric car in Europe.
Nevertheless, the success apparently is not enough to fully replace the classic Karoq. “We would like to see the Elroq completely replace this market for us, but it does not,” Zellmer explained.
Skoda therefore still sees potential for the Karoq – and its successor. This points to an interesting dual strategy for the compact SUV: The Elroq remains in the lineup as a pure electric car, while the new Karoq appeals to customers with combustion engines and possibly plug-in hybrid drives.
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