The Skoda Karoq could also be a distinct segment participant in Australia, however it’s a staple for the model abroad.

After its launch in 2017, Skoda’s second SUV shortly grew to become the second-best vendor within the line-up behind the Octavia, with greater than 500,000 items produced between launch and the facelifted mannequin debuting late in 2021.

Tight provide from the homeland has hindered the Karoq’s progress in Australia, with simply 979 examples discovering properties domestically in 2022, down on 1079 registrations the earlier 12 months.

The associated Volkswagen Tiguan did about 2.5 occasions that quantity regardless of related provide challenges. Ought to that deter you from taking a look? Completely not.

There’s lots going for the compact Czech crossover, which straddles the small and medium SUV segments dimensionally very similar to its arch nemesis within the Nissan Qashqai.

With acquainted Volkswagen underpinnings and tech, the Karoq presents a cultured and no-nonsense bundle with a little bit of aptitude in its vivid colors – in addition to a smartly-packaged inside that belies its compact dimensions.

Let’s see how the present one is holding up in 2023.

How a lot does the Skoda Karoq Fashion value?

The entry-level Karoq in Australia is at the moment marketed from $43,990 drive-away.

Whereas a worth beginning with a ‘4’ appears excessive, take note Skoda does nationwide drive-away pricing.

Our tester was fitted with all of the fruit, from premium metallic paint to each possibility pack you may throw at it. Utilizing the model’s on-line configurator, the drive-away worth of the automobile you see right here is nearer to $60,000 – which is what many of the top-sellers are charging for lately.

Having such an array of choices is a part of Skoda’s technique to supply the selection to have a extra primary or fully-optioned automobile as a stand-in for extra variants. Consider the $43,990 D/A mannequin as the fundamental or mid-tier model, with the choice packs representing a high- after which flagship-level specification.

The bottom worth aligns with mid-range variants of the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and is in the identical ballpark because the associated Volkswagen T-Roc 110TSI Fashion ($39,990 D/A) which shares the identical drivetrain, in addition to the Nissan Qashqai ST+ which utilizing a Victorian postcode is round $41,450 drive-away.

2023 Skoda Karoq pricing:

• Skoda Karoq Fashion: $43,990
• Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4: $50,990

Costs are drive-away

What’s the Skoda Karoq Fashion like on the within?

The Karoq’s mid-life facelift was pretty delicate one by way of design, however the cabin tech has been up to date to convey the Skoda into line with the most recent from the Volkswagen Group.

The ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and optionally available 9.2-inch navigation unit in our tester have each been handled to the Group’s newest interface, dubbed MIB3.

Which means new graphics, higher processing, and options reminiscent of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With the optionally available show you additionally get embedded navigation to go along with the bigger display screen, and it’s good the facelift introduced the usual fitment of Digital Cockpit throughout the board.

As we’ve discovered with most Volkswagen Group merchandise, the show here’s a benchmark for readability, customisation, and breadth of options and menus. You may venture maps and navigation forward of you, in addition to issues like journey pc and help methods.

Every thing works easily for essentially the most half, although we skilled the occasional wi-fi smartphone mirroring dropout in sure elements of Melbourne – appears to be a difficulty with interference – although on a few events the Skoda took some time to re-establish a connection.

Additionally notably absent are any type of related providers, regardless of it being out there abroad, in addition to in an rising quantity of the Skoda’s rivals.

It’s maybe not as important in these segments as it’s for EVs and the like, however the array of options the Volkswagen Group presents abroad mimics like Audi’s Join plus vary of providers domestically.

Storage is one other Skoda robust level, with a modular centre console and a helpful lidded drawer to retailer your cellphone which additionally includes a wi-fi charger with sign booster.

Total materials high quality is robust for the category, with a superb ratio of soft-touch surfaces contrasting with textured, more durable plastics. The Karoq isn’t fairly as upmarket feeling because the bigger Kodiaq, however it stays one of many extra premium-feeling cabins within the phase – maybe extra so than the Tiguan in areas.

Regardless of its compact exterior, the Karoq’s second row presents fairly good area and heaps of modular facets to tailor it to your wants.

The nifty VarioFlex seating system means you may individually recline, fold, tumble and even take away every rear seat. The again of the centre seat doubles as a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, too.

At 6’1 I’m in a position to sit behind my most popular driving place in cheap consolation, although leggier passengers might discover they’re fairly near the seat backs with their knees. Two adults ought to be superb again there, however three throughout is a little bit of a pinch.

Our optioned-up take a look at automobile featured heated rear outboard seats, and there’s additionally customary rear air vents and map pockets, along with bottle holders within the doorways.

Within the Fashion FWD, Skoda quotes baggage capability of 588L (VDA) with the rear seats up and as much as 1810L with them folded and tumbled ahead.

That’s up on the 521L-1630L quoted by the Sportline 4×4 which has AWD {hardware} below the boot space and likewise lacks the VarioFlex seating.

All variations of the Karoq are fitted with a space-saver spare wheel below the boot flooring.

What’s below the bonnet?

The Karoq Fashion is powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4 TSI four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, driving the entrance wheels.

Outputs are rated at 110kW (6000rpm) and 250Nm (1500-3500rpm), and just like the associated Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, native variations ship drive to an eight-speed computerized sourced from Aisin, relatively than a dual-clutch auto.

Increased up within the vary you will get the Karoq Sportline 4×4 with a 2.0 TSI and all-wheel drive, that includes a seven-speed DSG. This mannequin is extra aligned with European specification, and even will get a petroleum particulate filter (PPF).

Skoda quotes a 9.2-second 0-100km/h dash for the Fashion 1.4 TSI. In the event you go for the Sportline 4×4, that acceleration time drops to a claimed 7.0s – not far off a few of the model’s RS-badged efficiency fashions.

Abroad the Karoq is obtainable with a wider vary of powertrains, starting from the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol you discover within the VW Polo to a 2.0 TDI four-cylinder diesel much like the one present in high-spec variations of the Tiguan domestically.

At present, there aren’t any electrified choices regardless of an rising quantity of rivals providing some type of hybrid know-how, although Skoda has confirmed the Karoq might be changed globally in 2024 by the all-electric Elroq.

Skoda claims the Karoq 1.4 TSI makes use of a thrifty 6.5 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle, with a 50L gas tank. CO2 emissions are rated at 147g/km.

Although we don’t get the newer 1.5 TSI in Australia, the whole Karoq line-up vary in Australia is homologated to Euro 6 emissions requirements, with 95 RON premium unleaded required at least.

Skoda additionally quotes a 1500kg braked towing most for the Karoq Fashion, with a max downball weight of 90kg. The Sportline 4×4 ups the braked determine to 1900kg.

How does the Skoda Karoq Fashion drive?

In the event you’ve pushed a 1.4 TSI-engined Golf, Tiguan or T-Roc, you’re in acquainted territory right here.

With its MQB underpinnings and acquainted powertrain, the Karoq Fashion presents easy efficiency and a refined total drive completely suited to the day by day commute.

The 1.4-litre engine is a tried-and-tested unit that provides robust low-down response and wonderful gas economic system, and whereas the outputs aren’t standout on paper it really works effectively with the eight-speed computerized to shift the Karoq’s 1510kg tare mass with cheap tempo – in order for you extra go, get the Sportline 4×4.

I miss the snappiness of a DSG. The Aisin auto feels prefer it’s slurring by way of ratios and might generally hunt for the precise ratio, not feeling as crisp or decisive as a dual-clutch.

Give it some beans and also you’ll be greeted by the everyday raspy engine word and a bit extra shove, however 110kW at 6000rpm isn’t an enormous quantity of energy and it runs out of puff on the high finish. It’s finest to drive this in a extra measured method.

My typical commute between dwelling and the CarExpert workplace takes me from the jap suburbs through the M3 Japanese Freeway, then in and round Melbourne’s inner-city areas as I method the Docklands. The Karoq proved greater than able to dealing with no matter day by day life can throw at it.

The trip is typical Volkswagen taut on the Karoq Fashion’s passive damping and 18-inch wheels, placing a superb steadiness between consolation and dealing with response if slightly on the firmer facet. Price noting additionally, is the Karoq Fashion’s torsion beam rear suspension system in comparison with the Sportline 4×4’s extra subtle multilink setup.

Dealing with is predictable and safe, in typical Skoda trend. The steering is gentle however response is fairly direct, although you don’t get an enormous quantity of really feel such as you would possibly in a Volkswagen or Cupra equal.

Whereas the driving expertise is total pretty refined, you’ll discover a little bit of tyre noise creeping into the cabin at freeway speeds, significantly over rougher surfaces.

Not less than it’s fantastically steady and composed on the freeway.

Help methods, a lot of that are optionally available, are sometimes Volkswagen Group as effectively. Adaptive cruise management with optionally available Site visitors Jam Help works a deal with when navigating bumper-to-bumper congestion on peak-hour freeways, and the lane-keep help system doesn’t really feel prefer it’s continuously attempting to wrestle the steering wheel out of your hand.

You may mix all of those capabilities with the Journey Help button on the steering wheel, which permits for semi-autonomous freeway driving too.

Past that, the (once more optionally available) Matrix LED headlights are unbelievable in poorly-lit environments, and the out there Space View encompass cameras makes parking a doddle. Outward visibility by way of the tall glasshouse is likewise superb.

What do you get?

Karoq Fashion highlights:

• 18-inch Miran alloy wheels, black
• LED headlights
• LED tail lights incl. dynamic indicators
• Fog lights
• Electrical folding, heated facet mirrors
• Rear spoiler
• Silver roof rails
• Rear privateness glass
• Electrical tailgate with hands-free operation
• VarioFlex rear seats
• Keyless entry and begin
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Door welcome lights with Skoda brand
• Entrance and rear footwell lighting
• Entrance and rear studying lights
• 3-spoke leather-based sports activities steering wheel
• Selectable drive modes
• Peak-adjustable entrance seats (guide)
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Digital radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• USB-C port connectivity
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Baggage nets

Choices

Tech Pack: $5900

• 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Gesture management
• Matrix LED headlights
  • Dynamic headlight vary management
  • Dynamic cornering gentle
• Auto parking help
• Lane Help
• Space View Digital camera
• Site visitors Jam Help
• Emergency Help
• Ambient lighting

Premium Pack: $10,900

• Leather-based-appointed upholstery
• Electrical entrance seats incl. reminiscence, lumbar
• Heated seats entrance, rear
• Heated steering wheel
• 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Gesture management
• Matrix LED headlights
  • Dynamic headlight vary management
  • Dynamic cornering gentle
• Headlight washers
• Auto parking help
• Lane Help
• Space View Digital camera
• Site visitors Jam Help
• Emergency Help
• Ambient lighting
• Auto-folding facet mirrors
  • Auto-dimming operate
  • Reminiscence operate
• Warmth insulating windscreen
• Gearshift paddles

Aspect Help: $1250

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Panoramic sunroof: $1900

Aspect steps: $1200

Colors

Commonplace: $NCO

Metallic / Pearlescent: $770

• Moon White Metallic
• Graphite Gray Metallic
• Good Silver Metallic
• Black Magic Pearlescent

Premium Metallic: $1100

• Velvet Pink Metallic
• Phoenix Orange Metallic

Is the Skoda Karoq Fashion protected?

The Skoda Karoq wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on Euro NCAP checks carried out in 2017.

All variants are lined by this ranking, primarily based on class scores of 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 79 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 73 per cent for pedestrian safety, and 58 per cent for security help.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise management
• Driver fatigue detection
• Mild Help (auto high-beam)
• Manoeuvre Braking Help
• Multi-collision brake
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Reversing digicam
• Tyre stress monitoring

Non-compulsory security gear contains:

• Auto parking help
• Emergency Help
  • Pulls over when driver is incapacitated
• Lane Help
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane maintain help
• Matrix LED headlights
• Aspect Help
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
• Space View Digital camera (360-degree)
• Site visitors Jam Help
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
  • Adaptive lane steerage

The majority of the above optionally available security and help gear will be had with any of the varied possibility packs out there with the Karoq (extra particulars beneath), although Aspect Help is a standalone possibility ($1250) that wasn’t initially out there for MY22 manufacturing on the launch of the facelifted mannequin, as a consequence of element shortages on the time.

It’s a disgrace Skoda relegates the majority of the protection tech suite to the choices record, when most rivals – together with the associated Volkswagen Tiguan – match nearly all of these options as customary gear.

How a lot does the Skoda Karoq Fashion value to run?

All new Skodas delivered from September 1, 2022, are lined by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Skoda’s guarantee is longer than the five-year plans supplied by its fellow Group manufacturers Volkswagen, Audi and Cupra – giving it an added level of distinction.

The seven-year time period matches the likes of Kia (which was the primary mover again in 2014), plus an array of challenger manufacturers MG, GWM, and SsangYong. Skoda says prospects who’ve bought a automobile prior to now 5 years can improve their present guarantee with the extra two years – for a worth, which varies by mannequin. Learn extra right here.

As for servicing, Skoda presents five- and seven-year packages for scheduled upkeep. For the Karoq 1.4 TSI, the five-year bundle is $1850 whereas the seven-year cowl is $2800. Intervals are 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Throughout our week of testing, we managed to get the Karoq Fashion mighty near its mixed declare. We noticed an indicated 6.9L/100km in blended driving, unfold pretty evenly between city and prolonged freeway stints.

That’s lower than half a litre above the marketed determine. With a 50-litre gas tank, you may count on a driving vary of round 700km between fills.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Karoq Fashion

Like nearly each Skoda product, the Karoq deserves to do higher in Australia.

It’s a worthy various to the likes of the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Nissan Qashqai; bringing a distinctly European bundle that goes arduous on inside practicality and driving refinement in a city-friendly type issue.

The Fashion 1.4 TSI can also be impressively environment friendly in the actual world, even when it doesn’t fairly pull Toyota Hybrid numbers, and you may have it as primary or fully-specified as you want. Go for the latter, and also you get fairly an upmarket suite of options and applied sciences in a comparatively compact SUV.

It’s obtained an enormous boot for the phase, and a reasonably sensible second row if not fairly the phase benchmark within the latter respect.

Worth and worth is the continuing query, nonetheless. Edging $60,000 as examined might be a bit a lot for the FWD Karoq, which at that time is inside a stone’s throw of Cupra Ateca territory – successfully the identical automobile however with a stonking 221kW/400Nm AWD drivetrain priced from $68,990 drive-away.

Sure the Skoda’s cabin fitout is a bit more premium than the Ateca’s, however in the event you fully-option the 140kW Karoq Sportline 4×4 the hole shrinks even additional once more.

Volkswagen is just about contemporary out of five-seat Tiguans, that means there’s much less competitors within the household, although you will get a decently specified Audi Q3 35 TFSI for related spend to our fully-optioned tester.

Then there’s the truth that $60,000 will get you lots of Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. All providing extra grunt, more room, and equal ranges of specification and high-end trimmings.

However Skodas have all the time gone in opposition to the grain, and attraction to a selected purchaser that after one thing totally different with considerate touches. On this respect, the Karoq nails the transient.

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