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The Skoda Yeti is dead, long live the Skoda Karoq. The word game actually works differently, but the Czechs have changed the name of their compact SUV and adapted it to the current family nomenclature. "Karoq" comes from the island of Kodiak in Alaska and - translated from the language of the indigenous people - stands for a combination of a car and an arrow. The latter therefore fits perfectly with the company logo. We were there live when the Skoda Karoq was shown to the world public for the first time and have the detailed information about the new Czech compact SUV.
Welcome to modernity
The boxy Skoda Yeti is a thing of the past. Too bad he was, after all, a character actor in the compact SUV segment, which was not lost in the design-wide range. The now much prettier Skoda Karoq drives up and makes the duo consisting of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Seat Ateca, now to the trio. The Czechs say that the new one Karoq is a completely newly developed compact SUV, but the resemblance to its Spanish brother is impressive. Its design fits the current Skoda family, which has four “eyes” on the SUV. In addition, elements of Czech crystal art should flow, which can be seen from the rear lights. This is combined with a generous amount of space, new driver assistance systems, full-LED headlights and - for the first time - with a freely programmable, digital instrument panel.
On a big foot: The Skoda Karoq grew in all dimensions
Compared to the Skoda Yeti, the Karoq grew in all dimensions. But that shouldn't come as a surprise if his predecessor wasn't exactly a giant - despite the rustic name. The Karoq measures 4,38 meters in length, 1,84 meters in width and 1,60 in height with a wheelbase of considerable 2,64 meters. The increase in space is not only felt by the rear passengers, but also by those who load the cargo space: the trunk volume now ranges from 521 to 1.630 liters, while the base Yeti only offered 405 liters. If you choose the optional VarioFlex rear seat for the Skoda Karoq, you get variable storage space and the base volume can vary between 488 and 588 liters - depending on the position of the rear seat. In addition, the three separate seats can be individually adjusted or removed - the Yeti sends its regards. If the three seats are completely removed, up to 1.810 liters of luggage space are available.
Latest connectivity in the Skoda Karoq
Skoda is committed to being at the forefront of the segment with the infotainment of the new Karoq. The second generation of the modular infotainment system is now used in the SUV and offers numerous interfaces and capacitive touch displays. Depending on the version, a WLAN hotspot and LTE module are available. In addition, the system, which is already available in the facelift of the Skoda Octavia, offers the “Skoda Connect” mobile online services. They can be sorted into two categories. Firstly, there are the infotainment online services for information and navigation. On the other hand, there are the Care Connect services, which offer assistance in the event of breakdowns and emergencies, for example. Additional services can be added via the Skoda Connect app, so that you can check the tank content remotely, to name just one function.
In terms of connectivity, the SmartLink + platform is available, which offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. If supported, the smartphone charges inductively in the Phonebox. With the assistance systems, the parking, lane or traffic jam assistant is available and is supplemented by blind spot detection, front assist for pedestrian protection and emergency assist. In addition, there is now a cruise control system, traffic sign recognition and other safety-promoting systems. Skills that the Yeti has so far not been able to offer, or only to a limited extent. The same applies to the full-LED headlights that are available for the new SUV: the xenon light of the Yeti was anything but bad, but the new LED headlights convince with even better illumination and a finer design.
The freely programmable, digital instrument panel in the new Skoda Karoq is completely new. If you already know digital displays instead of the usual, analogue clocks from group siblings, the displays can now be put together according to your own wishes.
Engines - well-known diesel and petrol engines
The new Skoda Karoq will be available from the dealer in five variants at the market launch. As a basic unit, the 1.0 TSI with 115 PS and 175 Nm finds its way under the characteristically shaped bonnet. 5,2 liters are said to be in a third mix. The much more powerful 1.5 TSI with 150 PS, 250 Nm torque and an even lower thirst of just 5,1 liters on 100 km seems more recommendable.
The 1.6 TDI with 115 PS and 250 Nm is the entry-level model for diesel engines. Its consumption should be in the mix with manageable 4,5 liters. The same applies to the 2.0 TDI with 150 PS and 340 Nm. The diesel engine with 2.0 PS, which is also blessed with 190 cubic capacity, generates 400 Nm and consumes an average of 5,3 standard milk cartons per 100 km.
Depending on the equipment, the Skoda Karoq is also available with a driving profile selection that offers the choice between normal, sport, eco, individual and snow. The latter automatically switches on the four-wheel drive, if available. How it will look in the future with four driven wheels is not clear, after all, the trend towards SUVs is without additional driven wheels. On the other hand, Skoda is an all-wheel drive brand - as the Czechs themselves provide information. On the other hand, it is clear that they want to expand their SUV range up to 2025. First, however, the new Skoda Karoq starts in autumn this year and makes the famous snow man from the Himalayas a legend again.