Driving report: Skoda Karoq 2.0 TSI 4×4 Sportline

Particularly fast Skodas carry the suffix RS. Despite the facelift, the compact SUV Karoq is still denied these blessings. But there is an alternative.

Skoda Compact SUV revamped in spring 2022 Karoq is available with various rational drives and equipment. It starts at around 25.000 euros. Alternatively, you can also get the Czech with a 140 kW/190 PS top engine 2.0 TSI, for which you have to pay at least 42.000 euros. That's a chunk of money, but in return, as a wealthy customer, you are rewarded in several ways: the top model offers superior driving performance, has high-traction all-wheel drive technology and a high-performance dual-clutch transmission. In addition, the powerful petrol engine is linked to the stylish Sportline equipment, which offers a variety of amenities. 

Black is sporty

The Sportline gives the almost 4,40 meter long five-door a touch that corresponds to the name. What is finished in chrome on other equipment items shines in black here. The large radiator grille, the exterior mirror caps and the standard 18-inch wheels are also black. Skoda put our test example on an anthracite-colored and high-sheen 19-inch model with aero panels. It looks even fancier, but it costs another 620 euros.

If there are accents on the outside, black is even the dominant color on the inside. The black fabric covers of the heavily contoured sports seats, of course, lighten up the dark ambience with contrasting stitching and diamond quilting. The chairs with headrests integrated into the backrests are characterized by good lateral support and a high level of comfort over long distances in an ergonomically designed workplace. Despite its sports car flair, the Karoq remains suitable for families. In any case, space is not a problem – at the front or at the back. The trunk, equipped with a number of clever solutions that make everyday use easier, can be traditionally expanded from 521 to 1.630 liters. 

Quieter and more digital

But the music is actually playing in the front, albeit quietly. After the start, the two-liter TSI holds back with noises. Only the virtual tachometer needle of the digital cockpit introduced for the facelift reveals that the four-cylinder is doing combustion work. The interaction with the seven-stage DSG and the variable all-wheel drive, which very dynamically adapts the power distribution between the axles according to the situation via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, is also extremely sophisticated. In virtually every situation, you experience the drive as smoothly as possible. When it comes to performance, the 1,6-tonner amazes with its lively nature. 

Without whimpering tires or a strained sounding engine, the high-legged car marches from a standstill to 7,0 km/h in just 100 seconds, and the 200 mark quickly falls on the motorway if necessary. Up to the maximum speed of 221 km/h it takes a bit of a run-up. In the case of spontaneous intermediate sprints, the DSG quickly changes to a lower gear, which allows vehicles in the next lane to be pulled past just as quickly. Even in normal mode, the 2.0 TSI feels confident. If you pick the sport mode from the 6 available driving programs, you will be rewarded with an even sharper gait and a more robust, albeit synthetic and muffled sport sound. 

Comfort and sportiness

A comparison also shows that the Karacho-Karoq is a fast driving machine: The new Kia Sportage with the same transmission technology, all-wheel drive and 180 hp 1,6-liter petrol engine sprints to 100 km/h in 9,0 seconds and manages a maximum of 201 km/h. Even a BMW X1 xDrive 20i with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 131 kW/178 hp, which completes the sprint in 7,3 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 223 km/h, meets the Karoq on an equal footing. 

Also at the top level, the Top-Karoq masters the balancing act between comfort and binding road holding. The standard adaptive chassis and the chassis construction with multi-link axles, which is more complex than that of the weaker series brothers, are helpful here. The driving experience, which is fundamentally relaxed even at high speeds, rounds off the pleasantly low level of driving and wind noise. The top version of the Karoq is not only economical. Our jaunt was acknowledged with 7,9 liters. As mentioned at the beginning: You can also have the Karoq much cheaper with reasonable drives.

Technical data

4,38-door SUV; Length: 1,84 meters, width: 1,63 meters, height: 2,63 meters, wheelbase 521 meters, trunk volume: 1.630 to XNUMX liters

2,0 liter four-cylinder petrol turbo engine 140 kW/190 hp, maximum torque 320 Nm at 1.500 - 4.100 rpm, permanent all-wheel drive, 7-speed DSG, driving performance: 0-100 km/h: 7,0 s, Vmax: 221 km/h, consumption 7,5 l Super/100 km (WLTP), CO2 emissions 171 g/km (WLTP), efficiency class C, Price: from 42.490 euros

In brief

Why: because you want a practical everyday car with a little spice in the drive

Why not: because sporty airs and graces seem a bit out of place in a classic family car 

What else: a Skoda Karoq with 1.5 TSI, Seat Ateca, VW T-Roc, Opel Grandland, Renault Arkana, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga or as a premium alternative BMW X1, Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * marked

Related Posts