… Skoda Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI …
Goodbye Skoda Yeti, hello Karoq. In some respects that’s a great pity. The previous model had bags of character and stood out in the parking lot. It was different to other small SUVs and that gave it an appeal and charm all its own.
Now we’ve got the new Skoda Karoq. Of course it’s a better car, but there are so many compact SUVs around these days that they are all beginning to look very similar. Tall car, high driving position, chunky looks – there’s only so much you can with that recipe.
That’s not to say it’s actually quite smart in a clean-cut sort of way, but the individuality has gone. Fortunately, Skoda makes up for it with other design flourishes that shows their design and engineering team don’t always toe the party parent company line.
This approach becomes more apparent inside the car rather than outside. For a start, the interior furniture looks sturdy and well-built although the flexible rear seating of the previous model is now an option on the new car. The Varioflex system allows the rear seats to be removed completely or slide and recline them. Ideal for rally spectators parking up mid forest and having a quiet kip before the rally cars arrive – a feature that Austin Maxi drivers used to greatly appreciate once upon a time!
Otherwise the black interior, which is given a lift by chrome highlights, shows attention to detail which is evidenced by such thoughtful attributes as the sealed rubbish bin in the driver’s door pocket and the rear-facing tablet holders that can be fitted to the front headrests above the fold-out tables. There is also an umbrella under the passenger seat and even a removable torch in the large boot.
There are three trim levels to choose from. The entry-level SE models get 17in alloy wheels, black roof rails, front foglights, autonomous emergency braking, automatic wipers and lights, rear parking sensors and cruise control. It also has height adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control and Skoda’s infotainment system complete with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration and 12 speaker audio system.
The SE L version gets added attractions with heated front seats, VarioFlex seats, Alcantara upholstery, front parking sensors, rear view camera, 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and an 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with SatNav.
Splash the cash and the extra dosh for the Edition model provides 19in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, front assist radar and automatic braking, pedestrian monitor, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, LED interior ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, wireless mobile phone charging mat, powered tailgate and a 9.2in touchscreen infotainment screen.
Now that you are sitting comfortably in the trim of your choice, time to make up your mind about what lies under the bonnet. The test car came with the 1.5 litre turbocharged 148 bhp petrol engine, but the range includes a turbocharged triple and a couple of diesel options powered by 1.6 and 2 litre 4 cylinder units.
This 2WD (4WD is an option) 1.5 litre job is quick enough for what you need and fast enough for a bit of fun, but it’s no sports car. That’s not what buyers will be looking for though as they will be after a comfortable, roomy good handling family car with bags of room, excellent build quality and lots of little extras.
Even so it cuts a dash with an 8.4 second nought to 62mph time, and it’s quieter than the diesel alternative. Skoda claims 51.4 mpg on the combined cycle, although I barely managed 40 mpg in real life conditions, but I daresay if I was in less of a hurry and used the six-spd gearbox a bit more considerately that figure would improve.
The words ‘Skoda’ and ‘price’ don’t usually rate a mention but at £24,515, eyebrows might be raised. However, you do get a lot of car for the money and it stacks up very well against the opposition. The test car also had a thousand poundsworth of options with family pack and privacy glass, heated windscreen and washer nozzles, metallic paint and a spacesaver under the boot floor instead of the ‘skoosh and go’ temporary repair option.
The end result is a cracking little motor that would please and delight in equal amounts. I’d have one like a shot.