Driving report: Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI Evo

With a cool smile in the new radiator grille, Skoda's most popular SUV, the Karoq, is entering the second phase of its life. The changes are largely cosmetic.

Some significant news turn timidly around the corner. So you find out more casually that too Skoda has now mostly fallen for the SUV. The mother of all Fabias, Octavias and Superbs already has an SUV share of just over 50 percent. Strong upward trend. The middle of the six long-legged brothers plays a decisive role here. Skoda has already sold more than half a million units of its compact SUV Karoq since its market launch in 2017, more than 100.000 of them in Germany.

Available for less than €30.000

Such a successful type must be treated with care. That's why the VW subsidiary sent the 4,38 meter long compact SUV for a facelift after five years. With prices starting at 25.290 euros, it can now be delivered freshly ironed to dealers. The treatment is more subtle than expected. In principle, the technology brother of the VW T-Roc and Seat Ateca only tightens its slightly graying folds, interventions in the sheet metal were not necessary. Despite this, the guy looks so relaxed as if he just came back from a vacation in the Caribbean.

Driving report: Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI Evo
The Skoda Karoq is 4,38 meters long

The new, three-dimensional hexagon grille greets us with a cool smile, which appears narrower, wider and more dynamic than before thanks to its six corners. It makes room to the side for the new, flatter headlights. LED is standard in all versions, from the Ambition line onwards they now flash dynamically and greet their driver with a joyful Welcome. For the first time, Skoda is offering optional matrix LED technology (1.610 euros) with the Style, in which two LED modules for low and high beam are arranged one above the other. A new interpretation of the four-eyed face, so to speak.

A little sportier

Under the grill, connoisseurs will recognize the modified front apron of the Karoq with a new air intake and side air curtains. They are designed to reduce turbulence. In general, the facelift is characterized by aerodynamic fine-tuning. Because the new light alloy wheels from 17 to 19 inches with their aero inserts should offer less resistance to the wind. Together with the longer, body-colored rear spoiler and side finlets, Skoda promises ten percent better aerodynamics, the drag coefficient drops to 0,30, which would be a new class best. Skoda wants to have reduced CO2 emissions by 15 percent with the measures. So it also means less consumption.

In addition to the additional metallic colors Phoenix Orange and Graphite Gray as well as stylish, narrow LED rear lights, it was the new, character-forming measures. The update in the interior is basically told quickly. There are new colors, new decorative strips, new seat covers and updated ambient lighting, which now also illuminates the rear door panels in ten colors. The front passenger seat can now also be ordered electrically adjustable. In the Eco package, the Karoq is sustainable with seat covers made from recycled PET bottles and leather-like side bolsters that no animal has to die for. In addition, Skoda has simplified the optional extras and combined them into clearer packages.

Technically refreshed

In the digital area, Skoda is bringing the Karoq up to the state of the art and equipping it with the current, third generation of the modular infotainment system. In the course of the year, all models will have the virtual cockpit as standard, the SUV is now always online via an integrated eSIM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, a phone box for inductive charging of the cell phone is available from 920 euros extra (standard with Style) .

Driving report: Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI Evo
In the digital area, Skoda is bringing the Karoq up to the state of the art and equipping it with the current, third generation of the modular infotainment system

No electric variants

For friends of electrical support, however, the facelift is rather sobering and therefore not remembered for long. There is still neither a mild hybrid nor a plug-in hybrid in the price list. This MQB platform from the VW modular system is currently not equipped for both, and electrification would probably not be economically viable either.
So it remains with three petrol engines and two diesel, from 81 kW/110 hp to 140 kW/190 hp.

The best-selling engine is the 110 kW/150 hp 1,5 liter petrol engine with cylinder deactivation, which has a share of 42,5 percent. When it comes to equipment, the Ambition line is clearly in the lead with 58,4 percent. In this combination with front-wheel drive, the Karoq costs from 29.880 euros and then drives as expected. A harmonious team, where we would perhaps wish for a little more commitment when strolling at low revs and a little less volume when spontaneously accelerating. Always a good alternative is the equally powerful diesel (from 33.330 euros), which with its extra torque fits the character of the Karoq even better.

The pre-facelift Karoq

Overall, this remains what it was before the facelift: a modern pragmatist. It springs consistently a little softer than too hard, has plenty of space on all seats and can hold up to 1.810 liters of luggage. The Czechs plan to sell a self-confident 20.000 plus pieces of the refreshed Karoq per year. Which once again underlines Skoda's ambitions as a new SUV competence.

Technical data 

4,38-door SUV; Length: 1,84 metres, width: 1,60 metres, height: 2,64 metres, wheelbase 479 metres, trunk volume: 1.810 to XNUMX litres.

1,5 liter four-cylinder petrol turbo engine 110 kW/150 hp, maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500 - 3500 rpm, front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission, driving performance: 0-100 km/h: 8,7 s, Vmax: 208 km/h, consumption 5,6 l Super/100 km (WLTP), CO2 emissions 128 g/km (WLTP), efficiency class B, Price: from 29.880 euros

In brief

Why: because the Karoq is a rock-solid guy that doesn't disappoint anywhere
Why not: because Skoda cannot deliver an electrified drive for the Karoq
What else: Seat Ateca, VW T-Roc, Opel Grandland, Renault Arkana, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, Dacia Duster
When does he come: from now on

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