Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India

Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India
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NEW DELHI: Volkswagen T-Roc and the Skoda Karoq have both been quite successful in the European markets. Earlier this year, the cousins brought their fight to India and TOI Auto takes a close look at which SUV actually deserves your attention. Both belonging to the same parent company (Volkswagen AG), it is quite practical that they share a lot of their core elements. We have quite a unique case at hand this time, as the clash remains in the family and this time the duel is literally personal.
Price
Both the cars are straight-forward here as both of them are available in a single, fully-loaded petrol-variant alone. Volkswagen T-Roc is priced at Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Skoda Karoq is priced at Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Same parent company, same engine, same platform and yet the price difference is a massive Rs 5 lakh. Is it because of the features, the looks, safety features, luxury quotient or the brand image alone? Let’s find out.

Dimensions
We leave the looks out for you and come straight to the dimensions as the opinion on the looks solely relies on a person’s preference. The dimensions become an important aspect as both the T-Roc and the Karoq are based on the same Volkswagen MQB A1 platform.
The Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4342x1819x1573mm while the Skoda Karoq measures 4382x1841x1624mm. Even after sharing the same platforms, the Karoq is quite bigger than its cousin. The Karoq also has a greater wheelbase of 2638mm compared to T-Roc’s 2590mm. The Karoq is not only taller and longer than the T-Roc but also offers a much wider cabin. The larger dimensions of the Karoq also result in a bigger boot space of 521 litres compared to T-Roc’s 445 litres. You can go for Skoda Karoq blindly if you’re looking a little bit more space. Both cars ride on 17-inch wheels, wearing 215/55-sized rubber. The alloy shades on Karoq look slightly more premium.

, Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India,

Engine and performance
The cousins also end up sharing exactly the same engines- a 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit. The engine manages to churn out 150 PS of power and offers a peak torque of 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The engine is equipped with an Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that senses the driving pattern and activates or deactivates 2 cylinders out of 4 resulting in optimum fuel economy.
Although the cars are supposed to offer the exact same performances, the Skoda Karoq might offer a tad bit better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios compared to the Volkswagen T-Roc. Despite the bigger dimensions, the Karoq’s kerb weight is 30 kg less than its cousin at 1320 kg.

On the driver’s seat, both the SUVs have a similar to feel. The wheel is light and willowy to hold, however, have nice precision and accuracy. Ride quality is on the firmer side and both the vehicles love to be thrown around the corners. Up to 10 kmpl in the cities and 14 on the highways, both SUVs deliver similar FE numbers.
Features
The Volkswagen T-Roc and the Skoda Karoq get similar interiors as well as the features. The T-Roc comes with features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital instrument panel, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seat, start-stop system, automatic headlamps and much more.

, Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India,

The Skoda Karoq pampers its customers with features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is paired with a proximity sensor and voice recognition, fully digital instrument panel, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, powered tailgate, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, engine start/stop button, panoramic sunroof, cruise control and a few more.
Although most of the elements are common here, the Karoq overtakes its cousin with features like ambient lighting, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat, AC vents under front seats, and a few more.

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, Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India,

Built quality
This is an aspect you hardly complain about VW Group cars. Interiors of both the SUVs boast a well-built cabin, durable to touch, and a neat design. Again, Karoq feels a bit more premium in terms of layout, light colour theme, intelligent touches around the cabin. In terms of ride dynamics, there is little separating the two. You sit lower than other SUVs in the segment and in return, have a better grip around the corners.

, Volkswagen T-Roc v Skoda Karoq: Classy clash within family – Times of India,

Safety features
This aspect again becomes an important factor because the Karoq’s features have to justify the extra Rs 5 lakh that a customer will shell out. The Volkswagen T-Roc comes with features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking camera, hill start assist, electronic stability control, four-disc brake system, anti-skid feature, front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring system.
The Skoda Karoq comes with a much comprehensive safety package with 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision brake system, four-disc brake system, hydraulic brake assistant, anti-skid feature, ESC, differential lock, adaptive front light, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, driver fatigue alert and a few more.
Both the SUVs are brought to India through the CBU route. Sheer pricing, Volkswagen T-Roc is a definite pick. While Skoda Karoq offers a much more comprehensive package in every aspect. Though Karoq’s price tag is still a tad bit expensive looking at the features offered, it definitely overtakes its cousin with its practicality and luxury quotient.



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