The wait is over. After many teasers, Skoda finally showed the new Karoq, which went through the usual half-cycle update and gained new arguments to face the competition.
Launched in 2017, it quickly established itself as one of the pillars of the Czech brand in Europe and in 2020 it even managed to close the year as Skoda's second best-selling model in the world, only behind the Octavia.
Now, it is undergoing an important facelift that has given it a “face wash” and more technology, but still without any commitment to electrification, as had happened recently with the new Skoda Fabia.
Image: what has changed?
On the outside, the differences are centered almost entirely in the front section, which gained new LED optical groups and a wider hexagonal grille, and even new bumpers with redesigned air curtains (at the ends).
For the first time the Karoq will be available with Matrix LED headlamps and at the rear the headlamps feature Full LED technology as standard. Also at the rear, the redesigned bumper and spoiler painted in the same color as the body stand out.
Customization options have also been expanded, with Skoda taking advantage of this renovation to introduce two new body colors: Phoenix Orange and Graphite Grey. New wheel designs were also presented, ranging in size from 17 to 19”.
Interior: more connected
In the cabin, there is a greater concern with sustainability, with the Czech brand introducing a level of Eco equipment that includes vegan fabrics for the seats and armrests.
Overall, cabin customization options have been increased and, according to Skoda, the level of comfort has been improved, with the front seats being electrically adjustable with memory function for the first time since the Style equipment level.
In the multimedia chapter, three infotainment systems are available: Bolerom, Amundsen and Columbus. The first two have an 8” touchscreen; the third uses a 9.2” screen.
Teaming up with the central multimedia screen will be a digital instrument panel (standard) with 8”, and from the Ambition level onwards you can opt for a digital instrument panel with 10.25”.
Electrification? Not even seeing her…
The range continues to feature Diesel and petrol engines, which can be combined with front or all-wheel drive systems, as well as six-speed manual transmissions or seven-speed automatic (double clutch) transmissions.| Type | Motor | power | Binary | Streaming | Traction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 1.0 TSI EVO | 110 CV | 200 Nm | Manual 6v | Forward |
| Gasoline | 1.5 TSI EVO | 150 CV | 250 Nm | Manual 6v / DSG 7v | Forward |
| Gasoline | 2.0 TSI EVO | 190 CV | 320 Nm | DSG 7v | 4×4 |
| Diesel | 2.0 TDI EVO | 116 CV | 300Nm | Manual 6v | Forward |
| Diesel | 2.0 TDI EVO | 116 CV | 250 Nm | DSG 7v | Forward |
| Diesel | 2.0 TDI EVO | 150 CV | 340 Nm | Manual 6v | Forward |
| Diesel | 2.0 TDI EVO | 150 CV | 360 Nm | DSG 7v | 4×4 |
The big highlight turns out to be the fact that the Karoq still does not have any hybrid plug-in proposal, an option that Thomas Schäfer, executive director of the Czech brand, had already explained would be limited to just two models: Octavia and Superb.
Sportline, the sportiest
As always, the Sportline version will continue to assume the role of the top of the range and stands out for taking on a more sporty and dynamic profile.
Visually, this version stands out from the rest as it features black accents all over the body, bumpers in the same color, tinted rear windows, standard Matrix LED headlamps and wheels with a specific design.
Inside, the multifunction steering wheel with three arms, sportier seats and specific finishes stand out.
When arrives?
Made in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia and China, the Karoq will be available in 60 countries.
The arrival at dealerships is scheduled for 2022, although Skoda does not specify the time of year when this will happen.