If a few years ago someone said that an SUV measuring 4.38 m in length and weighing more than 1360 kg would one day be equipped with a 1.0 l engine and only three cylinders, that person would be called crazy. However, it is exactly an engine with these characteristics that we find under the bonnet of the Karoq that we could rehearse.
Launched about a year ago with the aim of replacing the “old” Skoda Yeti, the Karoq is based on the MQB platform (the same used by the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen T-Roc) and it is not difficult to find similarities between the Karoq and its brother oldest (and first member of Skoda's new SUV wave) o Kodiaq.
Betting on typical Skoda arguments: space, technology and “Simply Clever” solutions (all while maintaining a competitive price), Karoq wants to stand out in the segment. But is a small gasoline engine the best ally in this task? To find out, we tested the Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI at the Style equipment level and with DSG housing.
Inside Skoda Karoq
Once inside the Karoq one thing is certain: we are inside a Skoda. This happens for three simple reasons. The first is the fact that the design adopted prioritizes function over form, featuring great ergonomics — it's just a matter of not having physical controls for the radio.
Subscribe to our newsletter here
The second reason is the build quality, which is at a good level with the dashboard featuring soft materials on top and no parasitic noises. The third is the many simply clever solutions like the coat rack attached to the tailgate, the place to store the umbrella under the front passenger seat, among others.
Karoq's infotainment system is easy and intuitive to use.
Even within Karoq, if there is one thing that is not lacking, it is space, with the MQB platform revealing all its benefits. Adding to the generous space available, the unit tested also featured the optional VarioFlex rear seats, which consist of three independent, removable, longitudinally adjustable rear seats.
Our unit featured the optional VarioFlex rear seat, which is longitudinally adjustable and can be removed. Allows you to vary the base volume of the luggage compartment between 479 and 588 l.
At the wheel of the Skoda Karoq
The first thing that strikes you when we get behind the wheel of the Karoq is how easy it is to find a comfortable driving position. In terms of handling, the Karoq is stable and predictable, revealing only a slight adornment of the bodywork when we decided to demand a little more from it. On the highway, it is stable and comfortable.
As far as the engine is concerned, the 1.0 TSI is a pleasant surprise, "marrying well" with the seven-speed DSG gearbox and revealing itself capable of making forget about its small dimensions such is the way it manages to move the Karoq (especially in highway rhythms where it shows itself capable of much higher rhythms than expected).
Consumptions, on the other hand, depend (a lot) on the way we decide to drive. If we're in a hurry, the small engine will pay off with consumption in the region of 8 l/100km. However, in normal driving it is possible to drop down to 7.5 l/100km and very calmly even reach values in the region of 7 l/100km.
Is the car right for me?
Contrary to what one might expect, the Skoda Karoq does well with the 1.0 TSI of 116 hp, with the engine proving to be a good ally both in the shorter turns and in the longer trips, impressing not only for the availability revealed. (Only at very low speed is the reduced displacement felt) as well as the smooth running.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel
So, if you're not one of those who “devour” kilometers a year, you don't have a “heavy foot” (consumers are quite affected by the practiced driving style) and you're looking for a discreet, comfortable, well-built, spacious car , well equipped and versatile, then the Karoq 1.0 TSI is an option to consider.
Finally, to all the typical features of SUVs, the Skoda model also adds the simply clever solutions typical of the Czech brand that make it even more versatile.