THE NEW COMPACT SUV FROM ŠKODA
“The ŠKODA KAROQ is a completely newly designed SUV that sets new benchmarks for our brand and its segment in every way."
On the 18th May, the shiny new Karoq was unveiled in Stockholm with ŠKODA fans eagerly watching to see the Yeti’s replacement for the first time. Whilst it looks more like its bigger brother, the Kodiaq, this smaller scale SUV has been confirmed to take over from the hugely successful Yeti towards the end of 2017 and will instead be the same size as the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, measuring up at 160mm longer, 48mm wider, and with a 58mm longer wheelbase than the Yeti.
Drivers can choose between a manual or DSG option, 4 driving modes labelled Normal, Eco, Sport, and Individual (with four-wheel drive versions also getting an Off-Road mode), plus 5 engine sizes to choose from:
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1.0-litre Petrol, 114bhp
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1.5-litre Petrol, 148bhp
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1.6-litre Diesel, 114bhp
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2.0-litre Diesel, 148bhp
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2.0-litre Diesel, 228bhp
ŠKODA have also introduced their first 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with the Karoq, which uses the same hardware as that found in the latest Audi and Volkswagen models, displaying engine temperature, fuel level indicators, speed, and even the navigation system, if selected as an optional extra, to offer a seamless driver experience.
Alongside the instrument panel is a separate 6.5in infotainment screen as standard including two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a DAB radio with three system upgrades on offer. The Bolero provides a higher resolution and 8.0in touchscreen, whilst the Amundsen further adds satellite navigation and even a Wi-Fi hotspot. At the top end is the Columbus system with all of those features plus a 9.2in touchscreen, DVD/CD player, 64GB of onboard memory, and its own internet connection. ŠKODA’s SmartLink+ platform also allows for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink connectivity on all systems, including the entry level Swing.
Its increased boot space offers 521 litres naturally and 1,630 litres when the rear seats are folded down, with the choice to include VarioFlex. This option allows all 3 rear seats to move individually or be taken out altogether offering 421 litres when prioritising legroom, 588 litres when prioritising storage, and a huge 1,810 litres with the row removed entirely. In addition, the Karoq has a tailgate, operated via either a button inside the car or by waving a foot under the rear bumper, and an electrically deployable tow bar.
Whilst ŠKODA haven’t yet released which safety and assistance systems will be onboard as standard, we know that adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, and a driver fatigue monitor will be available.
Starting at £20,875 it's sure to be competitive and we can see it being just as successful as the Yeti, if not more! We’ll be keeping a very close eye on the Karoq and can’t wait for it to be released in late 2017, so stay tuned.
