The Karoq is one of the most sophisticated all-rounders in the SUV segment. As a "Sportline" model, he now orientates himself a little more towards sportiness. A little bit.
Where the Skoda Yeti scored with weird charm, its successor Karoq soberly focuses on suitability for the masses. In the new “Sportline” version, he has recently spiced up the practicality with an extra dash of dynamism. It makes it look good, but it doesn't make the compact SUV a sports car even in conjunction with the top-of-the-range engine.
If you want to slightly differentiate your Karoq from the crowd, you have two options when ordering a new car. Either he chooses the "Scout" model in the robust off-road style or he chooses the opposite: the "Sportline" variant. The absence of planking, underride protection and the like makes the Skoda chic instead for boulevards and paved country roads. The program includes a blackened grille, black 18-inch rims and roof rails in the same tone. In keeping with this, the panes are tinted dark. The overall picture looks sporty, but does not show bright effects. Incidentally, the design appearance is not linked to particular engine performance, with the exception of the entry-level versions, all Karoq models are available in the equipment line. Which also applies to the “Scout”, which by no means always has four-wheel drive.
The interior is also discreetly dynamic, with the dark roof creating a slightly sporty basic atmosphere enhanced by the standard sports seats with pronounced cheeks and integrated headrest. However, the upholstery and choice of materials in the stalls can not fully convince, for example, in the sporty motorized RS models of the brand, they seem more binding and valuable. In general, you notice the interior at one point or another, the saving efforts of the manufacturer, not everywhere was the material used in the highest shelf. In return, however, the good workmanship and sophisticated ergonomics ensure that you feel completely comfortable on each of the five seats. These are the well-known Skoda gimmicks in the form of practical hooks in the trunk, the wastebasket in the door panel or the famous ice scraper in the tank lid for a dash of originality, which do not hurt in the steadily growing mass of compact SUV not only in the VW Group as a distinguishing feature can. In the basic virtues, the Skoda makes anyway no weaknesses: The space is good, the trunk is easy to use and the variability due to the sliding and removable seats (option, around 400 Euro) large.
A particularly dynamic character, however, is not one of the outstanding features of the Karoq. And that does not change the "Sportline" equipment anything fundamental. Not even if the 140 kW / 190 PS strong 2,0-liter top gasoline engine is selected, which is coupled as standard to dual-clutch transmission and four-wheel drive. Maybe the extra weight of the latter and the slightly delayed response of the automatic has something to do with the fact that you do not necessarily notice the actually strong paper form on the road. A little more spontaneity and ferocity would not have hurt the at least as a dynamic top model positioned Karoq variant anyway.
Oh, the strongest Karoq is therefore more relaxed and quiet than really sporty, which also fits the fundamentally quite supple suspension. This can be set sharper at the touch of a button to reduce the side tilt in the curve, but makes the all-round SUV for a long time no athlete. The same applies to the electronically modulated engine sound, in which Skoda has at least composed a good audible compromise between robust sportiness (especially in the button-selectable "Sport" mode) and continuous sound capability (especially in the other modes).
The consumption of the four-cylinder turbo is indeed okay with eight liters with a correspondingly unagitated driving style, but provoked in view of the manageable driving dynamics, the question of whether a lower engine level would not have done. There is an 1,5-liter turbo gasoline engine with 110 kW / 150 PS, which is also known from other corporate models as a reasonably strong and economical companion, but currently no longer offered as a "Sportline" model.
A little financial relief should please the inclined buyer, however, because with nearly 37.000 Euro, the tested top variant is very self-consciously priced. Those who book standard amenities such as LED lighting, adaptive suspension and heated seats add a few undemanding extras such as metallic paint, parking sensors, sensible infotainment and some assistance systems quickly cross the 40.000 Euro border.