Skoda mulling new Karoq vRS performance SUV, hints CEO Bernhard Maier

Czech car-maker Skoda Auto unveiled its new compact SUV, Karoq, on Thursday in Sweden. The new SUV will replace the ageing Yeti crossover and will sit below flagship Kodiaq SUV. It looks like Skoda has more plans with Kodiaq. Emerging reports indicate that a performance SUV variant of Karoq is already in talks inside the company.

Also read: Skoda Karoq unveiled: New compact SUV to replace Yeti crossover

Speaking at the launch of the Karoq SUV, Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier said: "We have from customer base very clear feedback that there is obviously a demand in having an SUV with our vRS logo as well, and that has all the ingredients which make the Skoda a vRS."

Talks on the performance-spec Karoq comes at a time when iconic vRS moniker of the company is sold only in the Octavia range. After the discontinuation of Fabia vRS hot hatch, the performance oriented vRS variant has not seen in any other car models of Skoda, Autocar.

If Skoda goes ahead with the plan of Karoq vRS, the model will be a competitor to Seat Ateca Cupra.

For uninitiated, Seat and Skoda car brands are under Volkswagen group. Hence the engine tipped for Karoq vRS is the 300bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that also does duty in the Ateca Cupra.

Skoda is usually known for cars that focus on practicality and space. The company's plans to launch niche products such as Karoq vRS mean that it's a bold move. Until then, buyers will have to make do with the standard Karoq.

The regular Karoq will be available in five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines. The displacements of the engines are ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0-litres and the power range is from 113bhp to 188bhp. All the powertrains feature turbo-charged direct injection units as well as start-stop technology and brake energy recovery.