Half-term report

Report 4 Skoda Karoq

£28,415/£29,270 as tested

We’ve come to the half-way point in the Karoq’s time with us at TG, and I thought it would be a good time for a school-style half-term report.

After a tricky beginning, when we had a limescale mess all over the front of the car and the less-than-ideal driving position causing a painful commute, things have settled down.

After careful buffing, the Skoda is now squeaky clean, and I’m even getting used to the driving position. Almost. On short journeys, I can angle my foot so it doesn’t hurt as much, but on long motorway trips, cruise control is a must. It’s far from ideal on a modern car, and I’m not overly tall at 6ft 2in, so I find it suprising.

What it does well, however, is be a decent family car. Tables in the back and door bins are invaluable, as is the ability to fold/remove the rear seats independently. The boot isn’t huge, but the opening size and the shape are very usable. A reversible rubber/carpeted boot liner is a boon, as will be the torch, umbrella and fuel-cap ice scraper (pictured) in the winter months.

Getting away smoothly is still an issue, though, as the 7spd DSG is never consistent. I thought, like most auto ’boxes, I’d get used to it and be able to regulate the throttle input accordingly, but you just never know what you’re going to get. It’s possible that with more miles, it could loosen up more, but I’ve done over 5,000 now and it’s showing no sign.

Overall, a C+, then. A good start, but there’s room for improvement.