Skoda has had decent success with its mid-sized SUV, the Karoq. Jonathan Crouch looks at the updated version of this crossover to see what it has to offer.

Ten Second Review

Skoda is these days very serious about SUVs and the core of the company's Crossover range is found with this mid-sized Qashqai-class Karoq model, here lightly updated. As before, it gets all the latest Volkswagen Group engineering and differs from rivals with a useful sliding and removeable rear bench and now even more generous levels of equipment. Everything in fact, that you'd want from a modern family-sized SUV of this kind.

Background

Skoda's best selling SUV is this one, the Karoq, a mid-sized Qashqai-class Crossover originally introduced back in 2017 which went on to become the brand's second best selling model, generating more than half a million sales in sixty countries. But time moves on and the segment this car competes in gets ever-more competitive, hence the need for updates. The main one came in mid-2022, then two years on, Skoda added more equipment and uprated the base 1.0-litre TSI engine to EVO2 status, creating the line-up we're looking at here. At its original introduction, this Skoda was basically a successor to the brand's popular Yeti line of compact SUVs, but the Czech maker re-named it to designate the fact that this was a slightly larger and considerably more versatile product. It sits just above the little Kamiq and just below the seven-seat Kodiaq in a line-up of Skoda SUVs that now accounts for 50% of the marque's total sales. If you're wondering, by the way, if the word 'Karoq' has any meaning, then we'll tell you that it's taken from the language of an Alaskan tribe and, roughly translated, means 'car arrow'. Make of that what you will.

Driving Experience

Not much has changed with the engineering of this car. Under the skin, this Skoda uses much the same MQB chassis as you'll find in the Volkswagen Group's rival SEAT Ateca and CUPRA Formentor models. The set-up with this Karoq is deliberately more comfort-orientated than it is in those two. The various powerplants on offer are all familiar from other Volkswagen Group SUVs. There are four turbo-charged direct injection engine options, none of which (yet) get the VW Group's latest mild hybrid tech. Things kick off with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit, which is now from the VW Group's EVO2 family and develops 116PS. But most choose the 150PS 1.5 litre TSI powerplant, which can be had in manual or auto forms and uses cylinder deactivation for an exemplary combination of performance and efficiency. There's also a top 2.0 TSI 190PS DSG auto 4x4 petrol variant, but that's a rare sight on our roads. More common will be the 2.0 TDI diesel engine, which uses the VW Group's 'Twin Dosing' technology and now comes only in 150PS DSG auto 4x4 form. The 4WD derivatives are fitted with a special 'Off Road' mode and hill descent control so that you can more easily slither down slippery slopes. In general though, this Skoda's limited ground clearance makes testing off road forays fairly inadvisable. The Karoq is much happier being used for tarmac use and an option worth considering here is the 'DCC' 'Dynamic Chassis Control' adaptive damping system that can considerably improve the ride over poor surfaces. It works through the settings of the standard 'Driving Mode Select' system.

Design and Build

Subtle styling changes marked out the changes made to this updated Karoq model back in 2022. The front grille became wider and hexagonal in shape, the headlights and tail lights became slimmer, there was a larger rear spoiler and the bumpers were restyled. This remains one of the larger SUVs in the mid-sized SUV class. Take the boot, rated at 521-litres and extendable to 1,630-litres if you fold forward the rear bench. Avoid base trim and that back seat will come in 'VarioFlex' form made up of three separate seats that canslide and, if required, be taken out completely. If you do that, a van-like capacity of up to 1,810-litres is freed up. Few Qashqai-class models can get close to that. View the car in profile and the longer-than-average wheelbase by class standards is very evident and the side aesthetics are also characterised by short overhangs and a sloping roofline that's visually extended by a contour in the D-pillar. Inside, as part of that mid-term update, Skoda improved the ambient lighting system and offered an 'Eco Pack', with upholstery made from vegan materials. Digital instruments are standard, with an 8-inch screen across the range and a 10.25-inch upgrade available as an option, or on plusher variants. The central infotainment screen is 8-inches as standard, with a 9.2-inch 'Columbus' upgrade available if you want it. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone-mirroring are standard, with wireless connectivity optional. And, as usual, there are a range of 'Simply Clever' features, including an electrically-retractable tow bar. And a 'Virtual Pedal' option that allows you to open the power-operated tailgate with a wave of your foot beneath the bumper.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £30,000 but if you go for a pricier model and add a few well-chosen extras, you'll probably be looking at getting on for £40,000. There are three trim levels - 'SE Edition', 'SE L Edition' and 'Sportline Edition' and equipment levels across the range are pretty generous. All models have gained extra kit in recent times; Lane Assist, an advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor, a power-operated child lock, Traffic Sign Recognition and Tow bar preparation. Plus there's Skoda's 'Care Connect and Infotainment Online' package (a 3-year subscription) Base 'SE Edition models' now feature front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and Keyless entry, along with a two-spoke heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and wireless smartphone charging. Plus, as before, there's 17-inch Scutus alloy wheels, Amundsen touchscreen navigation and LED headlights (low functionality) as standard. 'SE Edition' models also feature rear LED lights with welcome effect and dynamic indicators, colour multifunction trip computer, Smartlink with wireless Apple CarPlay and rear parking sensors as standard. Mid-level 'SE L Edition' customers additionally benefit from an electrically-operated boot with virtual pedal, adaptive cruise control and a 9.2-inch Skoda infotainment system with navigation. Plus as before there's 18-inch Procyon silver alloy wheels with anthracite aero inserts, along with chrome for the roof rails and window surround, VarioFlex seating (a sliding rear bench) and a Winter Pack (which includes a heated steering wheel and heat for the front seats, heated windscreen washer nozzles and headlight washers). 'SE L Edition'-spec also gets you keyless entry, an engine start/stop system and an extended rear spoiler and the Parking Pack that includes rear view camera and front parking sensors. Buyers choosing the range-topping 'SportLine Edition' model gain Dynamic chassis control, Progressive steering and Adaptive cruise control. The 'SportLine Edition' also features Hill descent control (4x4 engines only), heated rear seats, heated windscreen and a 9.2-inch Skoda infotainment system with navigation as standard. As before, at this level in the range you also get two tablet holders and ISOFIX on the front passenger seat. All models in the revised Karoq range also feature new rear badging that incorporates the brand's latest corporate identity. 'SportLine Edition' variants also feature Full LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), plus an LED interior light pack and a panoramic sunroof. Metallic paint and an electrically operated boot and virtual pedal are also standard, along with a Winter Pack and Parking pack that includes front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Cost of Ownership

Rather surprisingly, none of the EVO series engines installed in this updated Karoq feature the Volkswagen Group's latest mild hybrid technology - and this Skoda hasn't been favoured with the conglomerate's PHEV tech either. Still, lots of work has gone into the units we do get to ensure that the efficiency figures are more than class-competitive. Advances like high injection pressures and plasma-coated cylinder crankcases mark out the petrol units, which begin with the brand's usual three cylinder 1.0-litre TSI 116PS powerplant, which manages up to 48.0mpg on the combined cycle and up to 134g/km. Hardly any worse, thanks in part to its cylinder deactivation technology, is the 1.5-litre TSI 150PS four cylinder engine, which in manual form manages up to 47.1mpg and up to 137g/km. The rare 2.0 TSI 190PS 4x4 variant is of course quite a lot worse, at up to 36.8mpg and up to 175g/km. Skoda has no intention of dropping diesel just yet and offers its 2.0-litre TDI unit with two SCR catalytic converters and a twin dosing method for particularly effective exhaust gas treatment. The single 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4 variant manages up to 48.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 152g/km of CO2.

Summary

You can see the appeal of this Karoq model. It's spacious, safe, drives well, has a cool but understated image and is affordable to run. In short, what we have here is a class act in a market full of try-hard rivals and a car that strikes an appealing chord between practicality, quality and fashion. True, some of the rivals it has to face are larger, more hi-tech or more efficient. Most of them are pricier too though and it's that very affordability that'll keep this Skoda in the frame for customers who want a more interesting and flexible alternative to yet another Qashqai clone in this class. It's a car that transcends lifestyle snobbery. A family car that doesn't shout 'family'. And a Crossover you could be genuinely pleased to own.

Body Glass

Acoustic glass

Heated rear windscreen

Rear window wiper with washer system and intermittent control

Aero front windscreen wipers with intermittent function

Privacy glass

Electric front and rear windows with child proof lock

Black electric window control buttons

Brakes

Hill hold control

Emergency rear braking signal

ESC (incl. ABS+MSR+ASR+EDS+HBA+DSR+RBS+MKB)

Electronic parking brake with auto hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Textile floor mats

Black floor carpet

Communication

Wireless smartphone charging

Driver Aids

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Drive Mode Selection including ECO function

Traffic sign recognition

Electro-mechanical Power Assisted Steering

Sensor for driver assistance systems

Driver Convenience

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Virtual pedal with electrically operated boot door

Emergency services call system

Driver Information

USB C Port x 2 in front centre console

SmartLink wireless for Apple and wired for Android

Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display

Outside temperature gauge

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming rear view mirror with light and rain sensors

Embellishment Trims

Satin black dashboard

Black centre console

Chrome framed air vents

Entertainment

USB connection

DAB radio with Bluetooth

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door mirrors and handles

Unique dark chrome design logo on alloy wheels

Plastic scuff plates in door apertures

Safety reflectors on front doors

Extended rear roof spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

Light assistant (coming/leaving home/tunnel light)

LED rear lights with high functionality welcome effect and dynamic indicators

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Interior Features

Rear boot cover

2 x Tablet holder

12v socket in front centre armrest with storage compartment and rear air vents

2 spoke leather heated multifunction steering wheel

Foldable hooks in the boot

Pearl grey interior ceiling

Interior noise suppression

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Skoda lettering on steering wheel

Rear package tray

4 foldable roof handles with rear coat hooks

Ticket holder

Chrome inner door handles

Pen holder

Ice scraper

Rubbish bin door

12V socket in boot

1.5 litre bottle holders in driver and front passenger door panels

Storage box in upper central dashboard closed

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Illuminated glovebox

Illuminated luggage compartment

Cargo elements in boot

Safety vest holder

Packs

Non Smokers pack

Columbus pack - Karoq

Design Pack - Karoq

Parking pack - Karoq

Safety

Automatic door unlocking in case of crash

Seatbelt reminder signalisation and pretensioner for all seats

Three point seatbelts rear

Tyre pressure monitor

Driver airbag

Pedestrian monitor

Automatic fuel cut off in case of crash

Passenger airbag with switch-off function

Two tone horn

Head airbags

Front side airbags

Knee airbags

Seats

Isofix child seat preparation for front passenger seat

Single front passenger seat

Manual lumbar support for front seats

Height adjustable front three point seats belts with tensioners

3 rear height adjustable headrests

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Isofix child seat preparation outer rear

Security

Keyless entry and start/stop

Alarm with interior monitoring, back up horn and tilt sensor with safe function

Electronic engine immobiliser

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Anti-theft wheel bolts protection

Wheels - Spare

Breakdown and tool kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.02

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 174

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 182

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 129

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 136

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 112

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 136

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 141

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 132

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

CC: 999

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 48.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 37

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 49.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 47.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 57.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 55

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 47.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 45.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 46.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.1

General

Coin Series: SE L Edition

Coin Description: TSI 116

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 186000

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 116

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.3

Top Speed: 119

Engine Power - BHP: 116

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 85

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 148

Engine Torque - NM: 200

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: PROCYON

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4390

Width: 1841

Wheelbase: 2638

Width (including mirrors): 2025

Height: 1603

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1289

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1890

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50.8

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 680

Max. Loading Weight: 601

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 521

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1630

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.2

Entertainment

Canton sound system

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Panoramic sliding sunroof

Exclusive paint

Running boards

Metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone climate control with rear air conditioning control panel

Interior Features

Suite leather upholstery

Variable boot floor

Eco suite cloth/artificial leather upholstery

Partition net screen

Packs

Winter plus pack with heated front and rear seats - Karoq

Travel assist pack without traffic sign recognition - Karoq

Ambient Lighting Package - Karoq

Safety pack - Karoq

Light Pack - Karoq

Convenience pack - Karoq

Rough road pack - Karoq

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Brilliant silver

Metallic - Moon white

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Black magic

Paint - Solid

Solid - Energy blue

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Phoenix orange

Exclusive paint - Velvet red

Seats

VarioFlex seats with standard rear seat release

Security

Third key and drive mode personalisation for upto 3 drivers

Service/Warranty

Service plan (Your first two services)

Extended warranty (5 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 80000 miles)

Towing

Removable towbar with adaptor

Trim - Leather

Suite leather - Black

Trim - Part Leather

Eco suite cloth/artificial leather - Black/Mocca Black with Deep mocca door trim and Nisha fabric door decor

Lounge microsuede - Black

Wheels - Alloy

18" Miran alloy wheels in black

Wheels - Spare

Steel space saving spare wheel

Temporary steel space saver spare wheel