In recent years we have seen an exponential growth in the SUV offer, a “fever” that is far from over — did you know that 1/3 of the cars sold in Europe are SUVs? It is in this context that the new Skoda Karoq appears, the Czech brand's latest proposal in a segment where everyone is glad for stardom.
Based on the MQB platform, which it shares with other Volkswagen Group SUVs such as the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen T-Roc, the new Skoda Karoq manages to keep intact the credentials that Skoda has already inhabited: space, technology, “Simply Clever” solutions and of course , Competitive price.
Design and Customization
Abroad we find a baby-Kodiaq, more SUV than the old Skoda Yeti. Available in 14 exterior colors and possible to be equipped with wheels with dimensions of up to 19 inches, the Skoda Karoq not only allows a differentiated exterior customization, but also bets, like the other models of the Czech brand, in adapting the interior to each driver.The key is electronically customizable and can be set to identify up to 4 conductors . As soon as the driver enters the vehicle, all he has to do is select his profile and the Skoda Karoq will adapt the interior to the settings recorded by the driver: driving mode, electric seats adjustment, interior and exterior lighting setting, Climatronic and infotainment system.
space, lots of space
Compared to the Yeti and as you would expect, the Skoda Karoq is bigger. They are 4,382 meters long, 1,841 meters wide and 1,605 meters high. The wheelbase is 2,638 meters (2,630 meters in all-wheel drive versions). It is shorter than the Skoda Kodiaq and slightly longer than the SEAT Ateca.
Inside, the benefits of the MQB platform and generous dimensions favor the occupants, with the Skoda Karoq proving to be very spacious, both in the front and rear seats.
The luggage compartment also has space for "give and sell", more precisely 521 liters of capacity . But as we are talking about Skoda, Simply Clever solutions were also applied to the luggage compartment to make the most of the available space.
As an option, the VarioFlex banks , which consist of 3 independent, removable and longitudinally adjustable rear seats. With the seats folded down, the trunk capacity increases to 1630 liters, reaching up to 1810 liters of capacity if the rear seats are removed.
Connected technology
In the technological field, all the latest technologies available in the brand's models are transferred to the Skoda Karoq, including the 2nd generation of the modular Skoda infotainment system.
The Skoda Karoq is also the first Skoda model to receive a 100% digital quadrant (optional) , something that, according to the responsible of the Czech brand with which Razão Automóvel spoke, will be introduced in all models.
The top versions, equipped with the Columbus or Amundsen system, have a Wi-Fi hotspot. An LTE connection module is available as an option for the Columbus system.
The new online services Skoda Connect , are divided into two distinct categories: online infotainment services, used for information and navigation, and CareConnect, which serves in case of need for assistance, whether due to breakdown or emergency.
THE emergency button installed on the new Skoda Karoq, it will be mandatory in all cars marketed in Europe from 2018. Through Skoda Connect app , it is possible to access other services, allowing users to remotely control the status of the vehicle.
Equipped with the Smartlink+ system , integration of devices compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLinkTM is possible. This system can be chosen, as an option, from the most basic infotainment system, Swing. A wireless charging platform with GSM signal amplifier is also available.
Driving Safety and Assistance
The Skoda Karoq has several driving assistance systems , including Park Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Manouver Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist.
To support the driver and increase safety on board, systems such as Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection, Hill Hold Control, Emergency Assist and a traffic sign recognition system are also available. The Skoda Karoq is also equipped with 7 airbags as standard and 2 optional airbags.
For the first time in a Skoda we find a 100% digital quadrant, something that the Volkswagen Group has been gradually introducing in all models of its brands, now, with this latest introduction in Skoda, it is available in all of the Group's brands.
The Skoda Karoq can be equipped with Full-LED lights , an option that is available from the Ambition gear level onwards. And speaking of lighting, the interior was not forgotten either: there are 10 colors available for the ambient lights that can be changed through the vehicle configuration menu.
Standard (and optional) “Simply Clever” solutions
Skoda is known for its smart solutions and at Skoda Karoq it didn't want to let go of that identity. Among the various solutions, there are many which are standard in the range: the shelf attached to the tailgate, ticket holder, place to store the umbrella under the front passenger seat, fuel tank filler with a system that prevents misuse of the fuel to be used (only on units equipped with engines Diesel), mesh in the trunk, bottle holders of up to 1.5 liters at the front and rear (in the doors), hanger for the emergency vest, cup holder with easy opening, pen holder and the already classic ice scraper in the fuel cap.
THE Simply Clever option list is also interesting. From a removable flashlight located in the trunk, to small litter bins placed in the doors, there is no shortage of intelligent solutions to improve life on board the Skoda Karoq.
Engines
Are available five Euro 6 engines, two petrol and three diesel , with powers between 115 and 190 hp. In the gasoline offer we find the 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI 115 hp engine and the 4-cylinder 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp engine, with a cylinder deactivation system. On the Diesel supply side, which will be the most sought after in the Portuguese market, we have the 1.6 TDI engine with 115 hp and the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 or 190 hp.
With the exception of the more powerful diesel engine, all the others are coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox available as an option. The most powerful Diesel comes equipped with all-wheel drive and a DSG-7 gearbox as standard.
From the Ambition equipment level, it is possible to choose the driving mode selector, which allows us to switch between Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow modes. In versions with all-wheel drive (4×4) there is also an off-road mode.
And behind the wheel?
Reason Automobile had the opportunity to drive two Diesel units of the new Skoda Karoq : top of the range, equipped with 2.0 TDI engine, 190 hp and all-wheel drive. And also the Skoda Karoq equipped with the 115 hp 1.6 TDI engine, a proposal that should be, along with the 115 hp 1.0 TSI, one of the most sought after in the Portuguese market. Although the latter, despite gaining market share, has a lower sales record than Diesel.
At the wheel of the top-of-the-range version, it was possible to see the services of the 2.0 TDI engine with 190 hp, which combined with the all-wheel drive and the 7-speed DSG gearbox, reveal a set where there is little or nothing to point from the point of view of benefits. Fast and smooth, it proves to be an excellent proposition on all types of road, although we haven't had the opportunity to put this block to the test in more extreme situations.
On the other hand, the Skoda Karoq with the 115 hp 1.6 TDI (4×2) engine, coupled to a DSG-7 box, despite being less powerful, does not compromise. This engine and transmission configuration will be the most sought after in the Portuguese market.
During a more rugged route and with a few kilometers covered on land, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Sicily, our Skoda Karoq 4×2 never lacked traction. A proof that this version is more than enough to overcome, in addition to daily challenges, those we like to accept on weekend trips.
The quality of the materials used in the interior also gets high marks. Among other details, the presence of soft plastics on the top of the dashboard and undersides is one of the important details in determining the positioning of the Skoda Karoq.
The Skoda Karoq is one of the candidates for the World Car Awards 2018
SUV strategy to 2025
Skoda's strategy until 2025 is to continue the expansion of its SUV offer, the Skoda Kodiaq was the spearhead of this revolution. With the Skoda Karoq, the Czech brand adds the second SUV to its range.
The Skoda Karoq arrives in Portugal at the end of the first quarter of 2018, with prices still to be defined.