Presentation and price: Skoda Karoq starts at a good 25,000 euros
The prices at a glance:
1.0L TSI 110
1.5L TSI ACT 150
2.0L TSI 4×4 190
2.0L TDI SCR115
2.0L TDI SCR150
2.0L TDI SCR 150 4×4
Appearance and dimensions: Karoq facelift can only be recognized at second glance
The facelift of the Skoda Karoq is visually more than decent. The biggest changes are at the front. The wider, now hexagonal radiator grille features vertical double ribs. Adjacent there are new, narrower headlights for the Karoq (on request for the first time with matrix LED technology).
The rear lights have become narrower, the insert in the rear apron shorter. The 19-inch rims are called “Sagitarius” and are new.
Apart from smaller rear lights, which are full LED as standard and are equipped with dynamic indicators from the “Ambition” equipment line, a new insert in the rear apron and the two fresh exterior colors “Phoenix Orange” (known from the new Fabia) and “Graphite Gray”. “There are no optical innovations. With a length of 4.39 meters (+ 1 cm) and a width of 1.84 meters, the dimensions remain almost unchanged.
The wheelbase is 2.64 meters (2.63 meters for the all-wheel drive versions) and the trunk volume is 521 to a maximum of 1630 liters. With the well-known Varioflex seats, the storage space increases to between 588 and 1605 liters (rear seats folded down) or 1810 liters with the seats removed.
Dimensions of the Skoda Karoq facelift:
Length: 4390mm
Width: 1841mm
Height: 1624mm
Wheelbase: 2638 mm (2630 mm with 4WD)
Trunk: 521 to 1630 liters (up to 1810 liters with Varioflex seats)
Driving: On the Road with the Karoq Sportsline (Update!)
As a “Sportline” with a 2.0 liter TSI and 190 hp, the Karoq is a step ahead, and the level of comfort is also convincing.
When driving, it is noticeable that the engine and transmission are quite well matched to each other. The 320 Nm strong 2.0 TSI presses pleasantly at low speed, making some gear changes superfluous. The seven-speed DSG masters smooth starting just as well as snappy downshifts. The simulated exhaust hum is still annoying, but it can be switched off.
Very comfortable handling, but too pointed steering
In its class, the Karoq is one of the particularly well-tuned SUVs, and luckily the Sportline is no different. Even in the tightly tuned setting, the DCC presents itself from its flexible side in combination with the 19-inch wheels; in soft mode, even bad roads are no longer a problem.
The optional Eco package with seat covers made from vegan and recycled materials is new.
Small point of criticism: From the central position, the steering reacts a bit too sharply, on the freeway the Karoq sometimes feels high-legged and jittery. On the other hand, the steering wheel, which is already known from the Octavia, is chic. So if you like a separate climate control unit with rotary controls and buttons for the seat heating, you will be happy here.
Digital instruments are now standard
There is at least one small surprise in the interior: the Karoq is no longer offered with analogue instruments. Instead, the Virtual Cockpit is now standard. The digital instruments are available in two versions (8 and 10.25 inches). There is also a choice of four infotainment systems with screen sizes from 6.5 (Swing) to 9.2 inches (Columbus).
A new feature is the optional eco-package with vegan seat covers that hardly differ in feel from other imitation leathers, but are made from recycled PET bottles. Parts of the seats and the armrests are also made of microfibre Suedia in the color “mocha brown”. The LED ambient lighting was extended to the rear and that’s it, nothing more has happened in the interior of the facelift.
Analog instruments are a thing of the past in the Karoq. The Virtual Cockpit is now available as standard.
The space is, as before, very good and the choice of materials fits. The assistance systems have been improved, so in the future the Travel Assist will be available in two different versions in the options list, with Skoda already warning that some of the assistance systems will not be available until later in 2022. The reason for this is also the lack of chips.
engines and equipment lines
In addition, the range of engines includes a three-cylinder petrol engine with 110 hp (not for the Sportline) and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 150 hp (optionally with a seven-speed DSG). On the diesel side, there is the two-liter diesel with 116 (optional with seven-speed DSG) or 150 hp (optional with all-wheel drive and DSG).
Technical data at a glance:
engine
fuel
drive
perfomance
Max. Torque
gearbox (series)
0-100km/h
top speed
Consumption combined according to WLTP*
