2023 (23) Škoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE Drive 5dr DSG

Skoda has had decent success with its mid-sized SUV, the Karoq. Jonathan Crouch looks at the updated version of this crossover to see what it has to offer.

Ten Second Review

Skoda is these days very serious about SUVs and the core of the company's Crossover range is found with this mid-sized Qashqai-class Karoq model, here lightly updated. As before, it gets all the latest Volkswagen Group engineering and differs from rivals with a useful sliding and removeable rear bench and generous levels of equipment. Everything in fact, that you'd want from a modern family-sized SUV of this kind.

Background

Skoda's best selling SUV is this one, the Karoq, a mid-sized Qashqai-class Crossover originally introduced back in 2017 which went on to become the brand's second best selling model, generating more than half a million sales in sixty countries. But time moves on and the segment this car competes in gets ever-more competitive, hence the need for updates. The main one came in mid-2022, then two years on, Skoda added more equipment and uprated the base 1.0-litre TSI engine to EVO2 status, creating the line-up we're looking at here. At its original introduction, this Skoda was basically a successor to the brand's popular Yeti line of compact SUVs, but the Czech maker re-named it to designate the fact that this was a slightly larger and considerably more versatile product. It sits just above the little Kamiq and just below the seven-seat Kodiaq in a line-up of Skoda SUVs that now accounts for 50% of the marque's total sales. If you're wondering, by the way, if the word 'Karoq' has any meaning, then we'll tell you that it's taken from the language of an Alaskan tribe and, roughly translated, means 'car arrow'. Make of that what you will.

Driving Experience

Not much has changed with the engineering of this car. Under the skin, this Skoda uses much the same MQB chassis as you'll find in the Volkswagen Group's rival SEAT Ateca and CUPRA Formentor models. The set-up with this Karoq is deliberately more comfort-orientated than it is in those two. The various powerplants on offer are all familiar from other Volkswagen Group SUVs. There are four turbo-charged direct injection engine options, none of which (yet) get the VW Group's latest mild hybrid tech. Things kick off with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit, which is now from the VW Group's EVO2 family and develops 116PS. But most choose the 150PS 1.5 litre TSI powerplant, which can be had in manual or auto forms and uses cylinder deactivation for an exemplary combination of performance and efficiency. There's also a top 2.0 TSI 190PS DSG auto 4x4 petrol variant, but that's a rare sight on our roads. More common will be the 2.0 TDI diesel engine, which uses the VW Group's 'Twin Dosing' technology and now comes only in 150PS DSG auto 4x4 form. The 4WD derivatives are fitted with a special 'Off Road' mode and hill descent control so that you can more easily slither down slippery slopes. In general though, this Skoda's limited ground clearance makes testing off road forays fairly inadvisable. The Karoq is much happier being used for tarmac use and an option worth considering here is the 'DCC' 'Dynamic Chassis Control' adaptive damping system that can considerably improve the ride over poor surfaces. It works through the settings of the standard 'Driving Mode Select' system.

Design and Build

Subtle styling changes marked out the changes made to this updated Karoq model back in 2022. The front grille became wider and hexagonal in shape, the headlights and tail lights became slimmer, there was a larger rear spoiler and the bumpers were restyled. This remains one of the larger SUVs in the mid-sized SUV class. Take the boot, rated at 521-litres and extendable to 1,630-litres if you fold forward the rear bench. Avoid base trim and that back seat will come in 'VarioFlex' form made up of three separate seats that canslide and, if required, be taken out completely. If you do that, a van-like capacity of up to 1,810-litres is freed up. Few Qashqai-class models can get close to that. View the car in profile and the longer-than-average wheelbase by class standards is very evident and the side aesthetics are also characterised by short overhangs and a sloping roofline that's visually extended by a contour in the D-pillar. Inside, as part of that mid-term update, Skoda improved the ambient lighting system and offered an 'Eco Pack', with upholstery made from vegan materials. Digital instruments are standard, with an 8-inch screen across the range and a 10.25-inch upgrade available as an option, or on plusher variants. The central infotainment screen is 8-inches as standard, with a 9.2-inch 'Columbus' upgrade available if you want it. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone-mirroring are standard, with wireless connectivity optional. And, as usual, there are a range of 'Simply Clever' features, including an electrically-retractable tow bar. And a 'Virtual Pedal' option that allows you to open the power-operated tailgate with a wave of your foot beneath the bumper.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £30,000 but if you go for a pricier model and add a few well-chosen extras, you'll probably be looking at getting on for £40,000. There are three trim levels - 'SE Drive', 'SE L' and 'Sportline' and equipment levels across the range are pretty generous. All models have gained extra kit in recent times; Lane Assist, an advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor, a power-operated child lock, Traffic Sign Recognition and Tow bar preparation. Plus there's Skoda's 'Care Connect and Infotainment Online' package (a 3-year subscription) Base 'SE Drive models' now feature a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and Wireless smartphone charging. Plus, as before, there's 17-inch Scutus alloy wheels, Amundsen touchscreen navigation and LED headlights (low functionality) as standard. 'SE Drive' models also feature rear LED lights with welcome effect and dynamic indicators, colour multifunction trip computer, Smartlink with wireless Apple CarPlay and rear parking sensors as standard. Mid-level 'SE L' customers additionally benefit from 18-inch Procyon silver alloy wheels with anthracite aero inserts. Plus, as before there's chrome for the roof rails and window surround, VarioFlex seating (a sliding rear bench) and a Winter Pack (which includes a heated steering wheel and heat for the front seats, heated windscreen washer nozzles and headlight washers). 'SE L'-spec also gets you Keyless entry, an engine start/stop system and an extended rear spoiler and the Parking Pack that includes rear view camera and front parking sensors. Buyers choosing the range-topping 'SportLine' model gain two tablet holders and ISOFIX on the front passenger seat. All models in the revised range also feature new rear badging that incorporates the brand's latest corporate identity. 'SportLine' variants also feature Full LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), plus an LED interior light pack and a panoramic sunroof. Metallic paint and an electrically operated boot and virtual pedal are also standard, along with a Winter Pack and Parking pack that includes front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Cost of Ownership

Rather surprisingly, none of the EVO series engines installed in this updated Karoq feature the Volkswagen Group's latest mild hybrid technology - and this Skoda hasn't been favoured with the conglomerate's PHEV tech either. Still, lots of work has gone into the units we do get to ensure that the efficiency figures are more than class-competitive. Advances like high injection pressures and plasma-coated cylinder crankcases mark out the petrol units, which begin with the brand's usual three cylinder 1.0-litre TSI 116PS powerplant, which manages up to 48.0mpg on the combined cycle and up to 134g/km. Hardly any worse, thanks in part to its cylinder deactivation technology, is the 1.5-litre TSI 150PS four cylinder engine, which in manual form manages up to 47.1mpg and up to 137g/km. The rare 2.0 TSI 190PS 4x4 variant is of course quite a lot worse, at up to 36.8mpg and up to 175g/km. Skoda has no intention of dropping diesel just yet and offers its 2.0-litre TDI unit with two SCR catalytic converters and a twin dosing method for particularly effective exhaust gas treatment. The single 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4 variant manages up to 48.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 152g/km of CO2.

Summary

You can see the appeal of this Karoq model. It's spacious, safe, drives well, has a cool but understated image and is affordable to run. In short, what we have here is a class act in a market full of try-hard rivals and a car that strikes an appealing chord between practicality, quality and fashion. True, some of the rivals it has to face are larger, more hi-tech or more efficient. Most of them are pricier too though and it's that very affordability that'll keep this Skoda in the frame for customers who want a more interesting and flexible alternative to yet another Qashqai clone in this class. It's a car that transcends lifestyle snobbery. A family car that doesn't shout 'family'. And a Crossover you could be genuinely pleased to own.