What's the news?
In a surprising move, Skoda has announced that the replacement for its much-loved Yeti crossover will in fact be called the Karoq. It doesn't take a genius to work out that, following on from the Kodiaq, Skoda intends to name its SUVs with plenty of ks and qs. This time around, the name is apparently taken from Alaska, combining 'KAA'RAQ' (for car) and 'RUQ' for arrow.
"The Skoda Karoq is a completely newly designed SUV that sets new benchmarks for our brand and its segment in every way. With this new SUV, we are taking the next logical step in our SUV strategy," said Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier. "The Skoda Karoq impresses with its unique brand identity and a distinctive product identity and is introducing - alongside the typical Skoda strengths - the brand's new, emotive design language into the compact SUV segment," added Maier.
"It is important to us to give our new SUV a powerful name. It also forms part of a naming approach across our SUV models," said Werner Eichhorn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing. "At the same time, we are creating exceptional and memorable brand recognition value for our customers," continued Eichhorn.
All this talk of new naming clearly points to yet another Skoda SUV in the pipeline, expected to share underpinnings with forthcoming junior crossovers from Volkswagen and SEAT.
Anything else?
Skoda will reveal the Karoq in full on May 18th.