Skoda Have A New Mid Size SUV, The Karoq, and its Very Good! 

Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.

Motorists are going crazy about SUV’s. Any manufacturer who does not have one in their range is suffering as their popularity continues unabated. Now Skoda have a new mid size 5-seat SUV called the Karoq. The Karoq is a direct rival to the likes of say the Nissan Qashqai.

Prices start at €27,715. I have spent some 600km behind the wheel of the Karoq to see how it compares. There are two trim choices Ambition and Style as well as a host of optional packs, petrol and diesel engines , manual or DSG gearbox choices.

So Has It Any Street Cred?

While the Karoq looks well it will not win any design awards. Its a good looking conservatively styled vehicle, (think of a VW Tiguan and you’ve got it) but shys away from the more trendy style of some rivals such s the Renault Kadjar, or Hyundai Tucson. That said I liked it.

Whats it like inside?

The interior designers seemed more brave and I must say its all very nice indeed with a good style and high quality materials throughout. My test car was the top of the line Style model with some options such as a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. However all models are very well equipped with the latest in connectivity, Apple car play, keyless start, reversing camera, sat nav and so forth. The large centrally mounted touchscreen is nicely integrated into the dashboard design and gets top marks for ease of use. I particularly like the iPad holders on the back of the front seats. Great for the kids!

There is decent space for four adults and five at a squeeze. The load area extends to 1,810 litres (does this mean anything to you? I cant visualise that) Its large and practical thanks to the Vario-Flex rear seats.

So inside the new Karoq gets great praise for quality, specification and practicality.

What is under the bonnet?

The real news story is the new 1.5 litre TSI petrol engine but of course there are other options such as a 1.0 TSI petrol, a 1.6 TDI diesel, and a 2.0 TDI diesel all from the VW group of course.

The 1.5 TSI petrol is a lovely engine, it performs well and offers a good turn of speed. Its a little more thirsty than the diesel 1.6 TDI but thats to be expected. The 6-speed manual gearbox I tested proves light and easy with well chosen gear ratios to get the best from the engine.

Road tax for the 1.5 TSI is €270.00 or €200 for the 1.6 TDI diesel.

Will I enjoy driving it?

Like most SUV’s or Crossovers, you don’t buy them for a truly rewarding driving experience.They are designed to be practical family transports and in that area the new Karoq scores highly in my books. It proves quiet and refined on the motorway,motorway, comfy on country roads and its nimble enough around town, its angular shape makes it easy to judge its extremities when parking. 

The steering is nicely weighted and the driving position excellent. Whats not to like?

So what is the verdict?

The new Karoq really does everything well and nothing badly. That may sound like muted praise, but its not. As a practical family SUV its a winner. It does lack a bit of the pizzaz of some rivals but not everyone wants “pizzaz”

The 1.5 litre TSI petrol STYLE costs €32,315. Definitely one for your shortlist!