The Skoda Karoq sits mid-pack in the Czech brand’s growing Australian offering which comprises passenger cars and SUVs, the mild-mannered and the not so, with an electric vehicle tipped for the not-too-distant future. So the Volkswagen-owned brand has many bases covered.
The petrol-only Skoda Karoq is available in the front-wheel drive 110TSI variant (as tested) and the sportier all-wheel drive 140TSI Sportline.
With room for five passengers only, the Skoda Karoq slots neatly in between the also-new Skoda Kamiq small SUV and the Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat large SUV.
The Skoda Karoq’s pricing and packaging see it competing against rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.
It’s a fiercely-fought segment, but if past performance is anything to go by, Skoda is poised to charm buyers with its practicality, sophisticated styling and strong value-for-money proposition.
Running changes to the Skoda Karoq has seen pricing skip around a little since its launch a couple of years ago, but in MY20 guise the starting point for the 110TSI is $32,990 plus on-road costs.
An MY21 update will push that up slightly, however the Skoda Karoq 110TSI remains well in the ballpark of its major competitors and its 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) delivers power in the region of its similarly-specified petrol-powered peers.
The Karoq 110TSI is paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission – a conventional Aisin-sourced, torque-converter unit – and sends power to the front wheels.
The Skoda Karoq 140TSI Sportline uses a bigger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (140kW/320Nm) mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive. It’s priced from $39,990 plus ORCs in MY20 guise.
Standard equipment on the 110TSI includes LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and push-button start, fuel-saving automatic engine idle-stop technology, a 9.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto, eight-speaker sound system, rear-view camera and adaptive cruise control, much of which can be viewed via the virtual cockpit instrumentation panel and controlled through the multifunction leather-clad sports steering wheel.
The Karoq 110TSI rides on 17-inch alloys as standard with an optional 19-inch upgrade available ($900).
An optional Tech Pack ($4200) adds a premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, parking assist, a foot-gesture electric tailgate, satellite navigation and driver’s seat electrics and memory function.
The Travel Pack ($3800) bundles more sought-after driver assist technology such as blind spot sensors, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert, plus heated front seats with position memory, puddle lamps and electric folding side mirrors.
You can also bundle option packs for better overall value – the Premium, Travel & Tech Pack bundle, for example, will set you back $8500. Metallic paint costs $770 and a panoramic sunroof will set you back $1900.
A generous 588-1605 litres of luggage space demands a weekend away! Skoda’s VarioFlex seating system means you can also remove each of the three seating positions independently for a maximum load space of 1810 litres – hello IKEA!
Like the car, love the typically Skoda design versatility. And the Skoda Karoq 110TSI is no exception.
Spend any amount of time in a Skoda and you’ll find yourself waxing lyrical about its clever storage solutions and thoughtful design details, like the little (removable) rubbish holder in the driver’s door pocket, a dash-top storage box, sliding lidded arm rest, tactile cup and key holder insert in the centre console, back-of-seat pockets, back-of-seat device mounts (optional)…
And then there’s the boot, with its rubber floor insert, robust sliding bag hooks, multiple cargo nets, tie-down straps, anchor points, a 12-volt outlet, a light that doubles as a removable torch, and a tailgate-mounted retracting cargo cover.
It’s a win for functionality and we’re totally on board.
Admittedly, the Skoda Karoq does have other redeeming features like a frugal 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that sips an average of just 6.6 litres of fuel per 100km.
There’s also a good level of standard equipment, notwithstanding some safety technology sitting inside a cost option package. Ride comfort is commendable, too.
The Karoq will move from 0-100km/h in a claimed 8.8sec, but if you suffer redline fever and crave cornering speed, look elsewhere. This is a fit-for-purpose small-capacity, family-friendly SUV.
The Skoda Karoq’s understated and utterly Volkswagen Group design aesthetic will appeal to more conservative buyers who rate ease of use and versatility over the bragging rights that accompany a prestige badge.
At the heart of the Karoq’s appeal is a story of space, versatility and liveability – qualities that are hard to ignore once you experience the vehicle and do the numbers. Savvy buyers will also understand the good genes that live beneath the metal.
Family-car buyers will enjoy the size and practicality of the mid-size Karoq which will comfortably seat five occupants and their gear.
In the 110TSI, they’ll also benefit from an economical engine that is at home in the city or on the open road. The entry-level Karoq feels like an excellent compromise in this regard.
You can option a tow bar and trailer assist technology ($2100) which will see the Karoq pull a braked towing capacity of 1500kg.
The Karoq is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with recommended 12-month or 15,000km service intervals.
The family-friendly Skoda Karoq 110TSI will satisfy the needs of both city-dwellers and weekend adventurers alike.
Its peppy engine brings some fun behind the wheel, albeit tamed by its small-capacity output, but this is offset by its fuel efficiency.
So while the 110TSI may present a tad vanilla compared to the sportier 140TSI, the $7K price difference commands a different budget entirely.
The Skoda Karoq is a fresh and well-packaged mid-size SUV that is likely to support the European brand’s growing presence in Australian driveways, and is one of many Skoda products that we’d happily recommend to new car buyers in a segment typically defined by comfort and functionality.
How much does the 2021 Skoda Karoq 110TSI cost?
Price: $32,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 155g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)