Karoq blends in

With the might of the VW parts bin and Skoda’s quirky heritage behind it, the Skoda Karoq is entering a very crowded compact crossover market. puts it to the test.

We’re getting pretty bored of introducing yet another compact crossover, but if anything has the potential to be a bit different, it’s the Skoda Karoq. It’s the replacement for the Czech brand’s quirky but brilliant Yeti, and incorporates the best the VW Group has to offer. Can it mirror the success of its bigger Kodiaq brother?

Buyers can choose from a number of petrol or diesel engines from an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel. We spent a week with the 2.0 TDI tuned to produce 148bhp. It’s great on the open road, offering super-quick shifts, but it’s laggy at slow speeds. Inside is a refreshed cabin.

It’s clearly a quality product, and there’s a reassuring solidity to all the controls. Skoda has tuned the Karoq differently to its Seat Ateca sibling though, aiming for comfort rather than dynamic ability. Our model was equipped with four-wheel drive and offered safe handling. With good refinement throughout, it’s a relaxing car to do long distances in.

Where the Yeti stood out, the new one blends in, with a generic silhouette only broken up by Skoda’s now-trademark sharp styling lines. It’s far from ugly though and looks every bit the Kodiaq’s smaller brother. As for the Skoda badge,

any perception that it’s just Volkswagen’s poor sibling has been washed away. It doesn’t bring glances in the same way an Audi Q3 would – but it’s a cut above a Nissan Qashqai. The interior is a real success story of the Kodiaq. It’s the ideal combination of roomy, premium and clever, and is likely to be a hit with family buyers plus there’s a comfortable amount of room for four 6ft adults. Best of all are the ‘Simply Clever’ touches Skoda hides. There’s an optional wireless phonecharging mat ahead of the