It’s an extremely competitive SUV marketplace, one in which manufacturers need to keep finding ways to stand out. Škoda have come up with the athletic looking Sportline trim. On the Karoq, the radiator grille, wing mirror housings, alloys and rear diffuser are all covered in gloss black.
The 18-inch Mytikas alloy wheels are also in gloss black, as are the optional 19-inch Vega alloys. The tinted windows and the black roof rails provide that practical weekend adventurer look and there’s a good mix of petrol and diesel engine’s available.
There’s a petrol 2.0 TSI engine with 190 PS and a 1.5 TSI petrol engine with 150 PS. Both come with the option of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG auto. There’s also the option to spec All Wheel drive. Normally I would recommend DSG for urban commuters but this is one of the lightest diesel clutches I’ve tested, especially for a 2.0 litre engine. It’s very easy to drive in heavy traffic.
The interior complements the exterior with black following through onto the sculpted seats. They’re covered in a ThermoFlux fabric consisting of layers of breathable fabric, made to wick away sweat after those tougher weekend hikes. The multifunction sports steering wheel with perforated black leather is a welcome upgrade to the Škoda steering wheel’s of old which never felt right against their surroundings.
The touch screen panel also comes in matching Piano Black, and the door sills include the Karoq logo. Their function to highlight what you may or may not be just about to step in.
The optional virtual cockpit is kind of like the panoramic sunroof on offer, once you have it on board you love it, but the price tags are a little bit on the steep side. The new Sport mode on the Virtual Cockpit shows speed in the middle with the radio station and the driving data shown on either side and you become quickly smitten with its looks. It comes with a modified carbon-fibre effect (sport skin), which changes the foreground and background of the individual display layouts.
In cabin entertainment comes in the form of the SmartLink+ system which means you can mirror your iOS or Android device to the touch screen and select multiple features quick as a flash.
Keyless entry is becoming more and more useful in everyday life where you’re accessing the car without having to search for the key in your bag or coat. It also allows the option to add auto boot opening via some foot waving around the tail gate.
Finally, where Škoda have been sneaking high marks away from its VW brothers & sisters, is the storage options. There’s an adjustable false boot floor, tablet holders on the rear seats, a removable boot light/torch, an ice scraper in the petrol tank lid, an umbrella under the passenger seat and a driver’s storage box with a slot for car park tickets or whatever you want really. And the absolute epitome of well thought out cabin design, is the cup holder base which is designed to help you grip a bottle to open it. Genius.
Special mention : It is the Sportline but it really brings up the Karoq’s game to the slightly more handsome brother Ateca’s standard. Also those storage extras really are standout engineering tricks which hit the mark and genuinely make a difference.
Needs work : There’s not a whole lot wrong with the Karoq. Most people would say, it’s not the Yeti but that’s before they’ve given the Karoq a chance.
Specs:
| Max Power 150ps | 2.0 Diesel / Manual |
| 0-100 km/h in 9.3s | Road Tax € 270.00 |
| Prices start at €26,950 | Claimed economy 54 mpg |