Better tech, new styling and an environmentally friendly interior - say hello to the facelifted Skoda Karoq SUV.
There’s a lot to like about the Karoq, which sits a rung down from the larger Kodiaq in the Skoda range.
The Karoq is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen T-Roc but is likely to be more affordable than the VW. It’s physically slightly smaller than the VW Tiguan but has virtually the same sized boot at around 520 litres. It’s also a lot cheaper to lease than the Audi Q3.
And now a new makeover - four years after first launching - brings it bang up to date and ensures it’s likely to attract more admirers.
First thing to note is the focus on helping to save the planet.
A new optional ‘Eco’ pack includes seat covers made of vegan and recycled materials.
Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, says:
“Thanks to the redesigned decorative trim and seat covers, the Karoq’s interior has a fresh, modern look and the car now also comes with additional comfort features. A special highlight is the new Eco pack, in which we focus on the use of vegan, recycled and reclaimed materials. The seat covers, for example, are made of disposed PET bottles.”
The cabin also now benefits from seats with electric adjustment, including a memory function, which is available in ‘SE L’ trim and above.
Meanwhile lease customers have a choice of two digital instrument clusters with an 8- or 10.25-inch display as well as four infotainment systems with touchscreens measuring up to 9.2 inches
On the outside, there’s a new focus on improved aerodynamics - including new wheels, rear window finlets and a new rear spoiler - which improves fuel efficiency across the range.
And the Karoq has got a brand new look, too.
There’s a wider, hexagonal front grille, a new front apron, new body-coloured rear spoiler, as well as slimmer headlights with optional full-LED Matrix technology.
This all combines, says Skoda, to a design that makes the Karoq appear ‘more striking, more elongated’ and ‘more rugged’.
There are basically three models to choose from - ‘SE Drive’ and ‘SE L’ trim levels and a striking ‘SportLine variant’.
The SportLine model comes with a Black pack as standard, which includes gloss black roof rails and window frames.
When it comes to the powertrains, there are five engines up for grabs, delivering between 110 PS and 190 PS.
If you want all-wheel-drive, you’ll have to go for either the 2.0 litre TSI EVO petrol mill - where AWD comes as standard - or you can pick 4x4 as an option with the 2.0 TDI diesel mill.
If we had to plump for one, we might have to go with the 1.5 litre petrol TSI unit. You still get a healthy 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, but you’ll also get 45 mpg. That’s largely thanks to clever ‘Active Cylinder Technology’ (ACT), which automatically shuts down two cylinders when engine load is low, reducing fuel consumption.
The Karoq should also prove incredibly safe, with systems fitted as standard including Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian Protection and City Emergency Brake.
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