When you ask me, the Skoda Karoq is amongst Australia’s most under-appreciated compact SUVs.
You’d be forgiven for figuring out little or no about it – though 5000 have discovered their method into Australian driveways since late 2017 – as a result of tight provide has lengthy held it again.
That is poised to vary with the 2023 mannequin that’s arriving now, armed with some mid-cycle updates. This time, Skoda’s center little one between the Kamiq and Kodiaq is poised to shine.
Tweaks embrace redesigns to the wheels, bumpers, lights, and entrance grille; whereas on the within there are revisions to the inside lighting, steering wheel, upholstery, and screens.
The revised Karoq once more is available in two specification ranges with completely different focuses: a base variant that maximises practicality, and a flagship that focuses on premium options and sportiness.
The tip result’s a bookended vary that gives a fairly compelling and barely extra compact various to the ever-present Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and co.
How a lot does the Skoda Karoq value?
Two grades of Skoda Karoq are supplied, each with nationwide drive-away pricing:
Skoda Karoq Type: $42,990Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4: $49,990
For a bit of context, a Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD is $42,700 drive-away (in Victoria) and a GT SP AWD kicks off at $53,900 drive-away.
Each Karoq variations are $3000 costlier than the 2022 fashions, however Skoda counters this by claiming every comes with added options price greater than the worth enhance.
The worth equation does doubtlessly take successful in the case of extra-cost choices by way of, most of that are bundled up in packages and detailed additional down within the assessment.
It’s doable to configure a base Karoq Type to value $58,090 though granted, it’s well-equipped should you do! It’s also possible to choice up a Karoq Sportline to value $61,430, once more if you’d like all of the options on provide.
We’re not saying Skoda is forcing you to pick out choices. However many Karoqs stocked at sellers will include some or all of them – our check automobiles included – so simply hold it in thoughts.
MORE: 2022 Skoda Karoq value and specs
What’s the Skoda Karoq like on the within?
There’s loads of seat and steering wheel adjustment, that means individuals of most sizes and styles will get snug, and visibility out is essentially unencumbered.
Each Karoq grades include a terrific leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with tasteful stitching, and features managed by buttons and curler dials fairly than fiddly haptic trackpads. Merely intelligent certainly…
Extra importantly the construct high quality is superb: fit-and-finish is difficult to fault, the supplies have a semi-premium really feel – notably the softer contact factors – and a few engineers and designers have clearly put some thought into the general user-friendliness.
For example, whereas there’s an excessive amount of piano black trimming for my liking, Skoda has caught with buttons, dials and switches for issues like air flow controls and driving modes.
The Digital Cockpit digital cluster is normal too, and presents numerous shows together with maps. It’s crisp and extremely configurable, which isn’t at all times the case with such setups. A head-up show by no means goes astray, nonetheless.
Each Karoq grades provide comparatively snug entrance seats, however the Sportline’s have higher bolstering to your thighs, befitting its extra dynamic focus. The Sportline additionally has swisher ambient LED inside lighting as normal, which is most welcome at night time.
The usual 8.0-inch touchscreen presents wi-fi telephone mirroring (Apple and Android) and wi-fi charging, digital radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. Skoda overlays the VW Group {hardware} with its personal software program or pores and skin, and the graphics are vibrant and user-friendly.
That stated, you need the higher 9.2-inch ‘Columbus’ infotainment system, which provides manufacturing facility satellite tv for pc navigation alongside the additional display actual property and a surround-view digicam – albeit not a very sharp one.
Skoda being Skoda, there’s a plethora of inside storage options akin to massive door bins, a dash-top lidded cubby, a ticket holder, and an array of nets, hooks and plastic storage brackets within the boot. Each additionally include an influence tailgate with ‘digital pedal’ kick sensor.
Regardless of being fairly small on the surface (at 4390mm lengthy, it’s 185mm shorter than a CX-5), its again seats are extremely spacious. I’m 194cm (6ft 4) and had leg- and headroom behind my very own driving place, even with the panoramic sunroof choice fitted.
Rear air vents are mounted behind the centre console.
The extra practicality-minded purchaser is urged to look to the Karoq Type, which has the bigger boot right here at a extremely capacious 588 litres, on par with the bodily bigger Toyota RAV4. In contrast the AWD Sportline shops 521L. Each grades have a reversible carpet and rubber boot mat.
Cleverer nonetheless is the front-drive Karoq Type’s VarioFlex again bench, which is break up into three seat sections, every of which may slide, tilt, tumble or be eliminated solely – turning the Karoq right into a supply van, primarily. You simply want someplace to retailer ’em!
The AWD Sportline with its inferior packaging makes do with extra typical rear seating, although it stays extremely spacious.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Karoq Type makes use of a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol making a modest 110kW of energy at 6000rpm, however its stable 250Nm of torque as little as 1500rpm provides low-down oomph.
This grade is front-wheel drive and makes use of an eight-speed automated like the bottom VW Golf fairly than a DSG. It’s additionally front-wheel drive, has combined-cycle (95 RON) gasoline consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km, and does the zero to 100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
Step as much as the Karoq Sportline and also you get a meatier 2.0-litre turbo-petrol making 140kW and 320Nm (once more from 1500rpm), with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG.
Skoda claims gasoline consumption of 6.6L/100km and a sprightly 0-100km/h time of seven.0 seconds – which is as fast as your typical decade-old sizzling hatch.
The Karoq Type is rated to tow 1500kg braked, whereas the Sportline’s braked-trailer score is 1900kg. Nonetheless, each have modest 90kg downball weight ceilings…
How does the Skoda Karoq drive?
The Karoq is pure Volkswagen to drive: pretty quiet, numerous low-down engine torque, and a well-engineered steadiness between trip consolation and dealing with in corners.
The Karoq Type’s 1.4-litre engine appears to be like modest on paper however its 250Nm torque output presents good rolling response, and its torque-converter fashion transmission is extra instantly intuitive to those that use aggressive pedal inputs in cease/begin site visitors.
That stated, my launch drive featured simply myself within the cabin, not 5 occupants and baggage.
As a result of this grade is front-wheel drive, it’s actually a hatchback on stilts, with the profit on this driveline being higher inside house and 165kg much less weight.
Not solely does the racier Sportline provide extra energy and torque with a nicer engine word, but it surely has on-demand AWD and a DSG for extra speedy shifts between gears, and higher four-link rear suspension.
Our check mannequin additionally had the non-obligatory Dynamic Chassis Management with adjustable damper settings, to stiffen the trip (by lowering up and down physique motion) as a way to improve cornering.
It’s not precisely a Tiguan R, however the engine presents loads of punch and character, whereas it’s fairly well-sorted in additional dynamic driving conditions.
The primary dynamic disappointment is Skoda’s resolution to place options akin to lane-keeping support, site visitors jam help, facet help (blind-spot monitoring) and rear site visitors alert onto the choices listing – with the latter two options not even supplied on the Type in any respect.
What do you get?
Karoq Type highlights
18-inch alloy wheels Area-saver spareLED headlights LED tail lights with dynamic indicators Fog lightsElectric folding, heated facet mirrors Rear spoiler Silver roof rails Rear privateness glass Electrical tailgate with hands-free operation Keyless entry and begin Rain-sensing wipers Entrance and rear parking sensorsDoor welcome lights with Skoda logoVarioFlex detachable rear seatsFront and rear footwell lightingFront and rear studying lightsThree-spoke leather-based sports activities steering wheelFabric seat trimFloor matsSelectable drive modesHeight-adjustable entrance seats Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster (10.25-inches)8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android AutoDigital radioEight-speaker sound systemWireless telephone chargerUSB-C port connectivityDual-zone local weather controlLuggage nets
Kodiaq Type choices
Tech Pack: $59009.2-inch navigation system w/ gesture controlMatrix LED headlightsAdaptive high-beamAuto parking assistLane assistSurround-view cameraTraffic jam assistEmergency assistAmbient lightingPremium Pack: $10,900Tech PackLeather-appointed upholstery (black or ivory)Electrical entrance seats w/ memoryHeated entrance and rear seatsHeat insulating windscreenHeated steering wheel w/ DSG paddlesHeadlight washersPanoramic sunroof: $1900Side steps: $1200
Karoq Sportline provides (over Type)
19-inch alloy wheelsSpace-saver spareMatrix LED headlightsAdaptive entrance lighting systemAdaptive high-beamFog lights with nook functionBlack shine exterior accentsFront grille frameDoor mirrorsRoof railsWindow framesBlack rear diffuser with chrome insertsBlack headliner and pillar trimRear sports activities seats (exchange VarioFlex)Piano black dashboard trimCarbon-look door trimStainless metal pedalsThree-spoke leather-based sports activities steering wheel w/ paddles
Kodiaq Sportline Choices
Premium Pack: $59009.2-inch navigation system w/ gesture controlHeated entrance and rear seatsHeated steering wheelHeat insulating windshieldHeadlight washersAdaptive chassis management (dampers)Park assistLane assistSurround-view cameraTraffic jam assistEmergency assistPanoramic sunroof: $1900Side steps: $1200Side Help with rear cross-traffic alert: $1250
Is the Skoda Karoq secure?
The Skoda Karoq wears a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP checks performed in 2017.
All variants are lined by this score, primarily based on class scores of 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 79 per cent for little one occupant safety, 73 per cent for pedestrian safety, and 58 per cent for security help.
Commonplace security tools contains:
7 airbags (incl. driver’s knee)Autonomous emergency braking (metropolis/pedestrian)Adaptive cruise controlDriver fatigue detectionManoeuvre Braking AssistMulti-collision brakeFront and rear parking sensorsReversing cameraTyre stress monitoringRear ISOFIX x2, high tethers x 3
Sadly options together with lane-keep help, site visitors jam help, facet help, rear cross-traffic alert and emergency help are a part of the choices listing – as talked about earlier.
How a lot does the Skoda Karoq value to run?
Skoda gives a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee.
Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, and also you’re greatest off pre-paying for a transferrable Skoda Service Pack: kicking off at $1550 for 5 years or 75,000km, and $2400 for seven years or 105,000km of primary servicing.
The latter pack extends your guarantee to seven years should you purchase earlier than December 31.
The service bundle prices don’t cowl all upkeep; simply objects within the service schedule – that means you must pay further for issues akin to tyres, wheel alignments, brake pads, discs, and timing belt. This isn’t unusual within the automotive trade.
It’s also possible to pay numerous levels of month-to-month subscriptions to cowl both primary servicing, by way of to packaging up the gamut of working prices virtually like a novated lease may.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Karoq
The Karoq will not be fairly the cut price it was – however what’s lately?
Nonetheless, it stays fairly under-appreciated: a smart-looking entry European compact SUV with good highway manners, and comparatively manageable working prices.
The Karoq Type with its intelligent again seats and larger boot is the sensible alternative, whereas the Sportline lives as much as its title with a punchy engine, AWD traction and – non-obligatory once more – energetic dampers, in a bundle that also stacks up financially towards different Euros at the least.
Put it this manner, if we see you kicking about in a Karoq, we’ll know you place some thought into it. Potential Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 consumers ought to go kick the tyres – you could be stunned.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: All the things Skoda Karoq
