Skoda Karoq to replace Yeti

This month will see the unveiling of an all-new Skoda Yeti replacement complete with a new design and name

Skoda is consigning the Yeti to the history books with a replacement model set to not only look radically different but it will also sport a new name.

The Yeti has been a sales phenomenon for Skoda and has shown that there is a voracious appetite for Skoda SUVs.

Thanks to its stand out from the crowd styling, good price and excellent practicality, the Yeti has found a place in buyer’s hearts.

Launched in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, in its first full year on sale (2010) the Yeti found a home with nearly 4,400 buyers. Not satisfied there, the Yeti’s sales have grown year-on-year ever since culminating with its best ever year in 2016 with over 13,600 sales.

Its replacement will be called the Karoq and is being launched around Alaskan lifestyle. Consider that the Skoda Kodiaq large-SUV also shares its name with a town in Alaska and you can see the pattern.

Karoq is a combination of the words ‘KAA’RAQ’ (car) and ‘RUQ’ (arrow) from the Alaskan indigenous language.

The new SUV ditches the unique styling of the Yeti. Even in the latest disguised images, you can clearly see the design of the Kodiaq at the front with a SEAT Ateca profile and rear end.

It measures in at 4382mm long, 1841mm wide and 1605mm high with a 2638mm (all-wheel drive version 2630mm) wheelbase. Skoda promises supreme rear legroom while the boot offers 521-litres of storage capacity (1630 litres with the rear seats lowered).

When the Karoq arrives, it’ll get a choice of five turbocharged engines including a 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0-litres with power outputs ranging from 113bhp and 187bhp all of which feature stop-start tech and brake energy recovery.

All but the most powerful diesel come with a six-speed manual gearbox while a seven-speed DSG gearbox is available to order. All-wheel drive is also be offered.

The Karoq gets driving profile selection with modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow.

There’ll be a swathe of technology including park assist, lane and traffic-jam assistant, blind spot detection, front assist with predictive pedestrian protection and emergency assistant.

The all-new Karoq will be unveiled on 18th May in Stockholm, Sweden and we’ll be there to bring you the latest news.