Karoq at the double for Skoda
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THERE was a time when car makers were lucky to have a single SUV in their ranks but these days it seems that one is simply not enough.
That’s certainly the case at Skoda, where the multi-award-winning Yeti has been sidelined and in its place are two new cars.
We saw the launch of the mighty Kodiaq last year, with seven-seat versatility, and now the Czech manufacturer has introduced its smaller sibling called the Karoq.
The five-door Karoq is available in three core time levels – SE, SE L and Edition – and is driven by a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 115PS to 150PS.
A special SE Technology grade is also being offered to meet the demands of the fleet market.
There’s a choice of manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic DSG gearbox that is available across the range, and 4WD is also available on all 2.0-litre TDI diesel models. With bold, athletic styling and a choice of 13 colours, the Karoq is a head-turner, with powerful dimensions – it is longer, wider and lower than the Yeti, which gives it a real presence on the road.
Eye-catching design cues include a dual slat radiator grille that flows effortlessly into the headlight clusters, a black bumper finisher that accentuates the width of the car, a sloping roofline, powerful lower door creases, pronounced wheel arches, chunky alloys ranging in size and an angled tailgate.
Move inside and the clutter-free cabin has a split-level design which again shows off the width of the car.
All models feature a smart touchscreen infotainment system, with the SE L and Edition models fitted with a feature-packed navigation system as standard. And the Edition car also gets a 9.2-inch touchscreen with gesture control. Even the entry-level SE models are generously equipped with the likes of 17-inch alloys, privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, radar scanning front assist, an automatic braking pedestrian monitor, plus driver fatigue warning.
SE L trim adds 18-inch wheels, an Amundsen sat nav with eight-inch screen, Smartlink, full LED headlights with adaptive front lights, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Take the step up to range-topping Edition and you will see the introduction of 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, metallic paint, leather upholstery, the upgraded sat nav system with larger screen, an electrically-operated boot, LED ambient lighting and a host of driver aids such as blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
It has to be said just how spacious the Karoq is, with ample room inside for five adults to travel in comfort. The high-seated driving position offers excellent all-round visibility and all the instrumentation is perfectly positioned for ease of use.
Luggage options are excellent, too, with a boot capacity ranging from 521 to 1,630 litres on SE models.
The introduction of Skoda’s Varioflex seating system as standard or an option on higher grades means the trio of rear seats can be tilted, folded flat or removed completely, and that results in a storage capacity that ranges from 479 litres to a whopping 1,810 litres.
With all the safety specifications that helped it achieve the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP testing, along with competitive pricing, the Skoda Karoq is a worthy replacement to the Yeti.
Only time will tell if it can make a real dent in a market that has been flooded with quality SUVs in recent years.