THE MUCH-AWAITED Skoda Karoq has launched in Ireland. The all-new model joins the crowded compact SUV market to rival the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
The Karoq effectively replaces the quirky Yeti model and is built on the same platform as the current SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan.
It continues much of the look that the larger Skoda Kodiaq possesses with a familiar broad grille and split headlights that are now becoming a signature feature of Skoda’s cars.
Here in Ireland the Karoq comes with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, with both automatic and manual transmissions on offer. The range starts with a 115hp 1.0-litre petrol unit, followed by a 150hp 1.5-litre TSI. The diesel options are a 1.6-litre 115hp unit and a 2.0-litre 150hp all-wheel drive TDI engine.
Annual road tax ranges from €200 to €280.
The cabin features lots of practical storage solutions as well as Skoda’s trademark ‘Simply Clever’ solutions. The Karoq is the first Skoda to use the all-digital instrument pack which is the same as the Active Info Display found in Volkswagen models. There’s also the option of a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging.
The boot can hold 521 litres, with the capacity to be expanded to 1,630 litres. You can also opt to have Varioflex rear seats which can be adjusted into multiple formats and can be removed entirely. Boot space is 588 litres with Varioflex seating.
Traditionally Skoda Ireland has offered three specification levels – Active, Ambition and Style – but the new Karoq is not offered in entry-level Active trim.
The Ambition trim comes standard with 17-inch Ratikon alloy wheels an eight-inch touch screen, Climatronic air-con, rear parking sensors, Smart Link+ and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.
The Style trim adds 18-inch Mytikas alloy wheels, a 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment system with sat-nav, rear view camera, DAB radio and Keyless Entry with a Start/Stop button.
The Style versions also benefit from the full suite of Skoda Connectivity solutions, including Infotainment Online, Care Connect and Emergency Call.
Infotainment Online provides Online Traffic Info and Online RSS News Feeds, fuel prices and weather alerts as well as Google Earth overlays for the sat-nav.
Emergency Call automatically connects the Karoq to the Skoda Call Centre to alert emergency services of the GPS location and automatic dial-in assistance from an emergency services operator.
Prices for the Karoq start at €27,715 for the 115hp 1.0-litre Ambition model and rise to €37,765 for the 150hp 2.0-litre all-wheel drive model in Style trim.
The starting price means the Karoq is more expensive than its SEAT Ateca stablemate but the entry level Karoq is very well equipped.
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