Skoda Karoq – what is the basic equipment like?

Karoq is the latest model of the traditional and popular Czech car manufacturer. I expected a smaller and cheaper version of the already established Kodiaq . However, Karoq is different and goes its own way. We did not receive the fully equipped version with the most powerful engine for the test, but instead the basic Ambition equipment in neutral white, supplemented with some elements from the price list with a weaker diesel engine and manual transmission.

From the outside

The basic equipment does not detract from the elegance of the exterior design. The 17" wheels are large enough and fit nicely into the angular fenders. Black cladding on the sides and bumpers underlines the SUV look of the car. The front part is quite conservative, but the distribution of headlights makes it special and attractive. On the side, an interesting molding that stretches from the front lights to the rear, above the door handles, stands out. The bigger brother is reminiscent of the larger dent in the lower part of the door. The designers won probably the most on the back of the car. The shape of the rear lights is often criticized, but I like it. It distinguishes Karoq not only from competitors, but also from other models of the brand. An interesting detail is also the optical break of the fifth door above the registration number. I appreciate that the manufacturer did not resort to dummy exhausts in this case and the lower part remained clean in design.

Inside

The interior design is clean and efficient. I like the materials on the dashboard, which is mostly made of softened plastic. Fine chrome accessories soften the dark interior. I was also pleased with the location of the infotainment display in the correct, higher position. Although its glass design looks impressive, on the other hand it requires more frequent cleaning from fingerprints. The same applies to the ventilation control panel. I appreciate the number of easily accessible single-purpose buttons, and I was satisfied with the three-spoke sports steering wheel with a relatively thick rim and well-made buttons.

The instrument panel consists of classic analog circular speed and speed indicators and a TFT display in the middle. Its development is simpler than in the recently tested Octavia or Kodiaq , but the speedometer and tachometer are clearer just because the white numbers are placed on a black background.

I liked the tastefully designed central tunnel finished with a sliding and height-adjustable armrest. The seats are upholstered with durable material and are elegantly stitched with white thread. Similar to the Octavia , I missed upholstery and slightly better materials in the door panels. However, it is probably the only thing that I perceived negatively in the interior of the Karoq.

Driving

I found a seat behind the wheel quickly. In the lowest position of the seat, you sit comfortably low, which suited me perfectly. It took me a while to get used to the position of the pedals, which are placed a bit high and close to the seat for my taste. However, this does not apply to the large left leg rest. The view from the car is excellent in every direction, which was also helped by the thin A-pillars. The height of the rear-view mirrors was sufficient, but they could have been a little longer.

All controls were within easy reach and properly placed except for the window controls behind the door handle. When operating them, I had to bend my hand into an unnatural position. On the other hand, I was completely satisfied with the location of the control lever and its handling. Working with the infotainment was comfortable, despite the exclusively touch control. Android Auto support was trouble-free despite the fact that I had a mobile phone connected to the multimedia system with a non-original cheap cable, which is not common for other car manufacturers.

A good posture was supported by decent seats. I was satisfied with the length and inclination of the seat, the height of the backrest, and the lateral guidance sufficient even for this type of car. I did not use the adjustable lumbar support, because it was placed too high for my taste. On the other hand, I appreciate that the passenger seat was also equipped with it, which is not quite common with other brands.

Considering the compact external dimensions, I was satisfied with the space in the driver's seat. The location of the door handle and the not too wide center console contributed to a comfortable seat behind the wheel.

On the road

Karoq pleasantly surprised me with the ride. I expected a hard and unyielding chassis, on the contrary, it is comfortable and still sufficiently stiff. I also attribute it to the 17" wheels, which I think are the perfect size for this car. I was also satisfied with the tuning of the "stiff" rear axle, which didn't bounce on bumps in the corner and decently kept the track. The chassis can easily cope with normal road irregularities, but larger ones are already transferred to the body. I was positively surprised by the small tilts of the body during faster cornering. The drive for a sportier ride is curbed by the stabilization system, which intervenes early and prevents the driver from testing the limits of the chassis.

The power steering is set almost perfectly. Although it does not provide feedback, it feels natural and has no play around the center position. In Normal mode, the steering is light and suitable for driving in the city. When switching the system to Sport mode, the steering stiffens, but it still doesn't feel artificial. I used to use this mode mainly on the highway.

The manual transmission lever is relatively short and provides precise shifting paths for individual gears. Gears are long and suitable for maintaining low consumption at the expense of vehicle dynamics. However, it works perfectly with the engine, which is built for consumption and has no sporting ambitions.

It is a four-cylinder diesel unit with a volume of 1598 cm ³ , a maximum output of 85 kW between 3250 and 4000 revolutions/min. and a torque of 250 Nm between 1750 and 3200 rpm. It is intended for drivers who are more satisfied with looking at average consumption values than quick starts from a place. The engine is not one of the quietest and its diesel character is more or less apparent at every moment of driving. I was pleasantly surprised by the relatively small delay in the engine's response to pressing the accelerator.

Due to the heavy gears, it is necessary to keep the engine at a speed above 1700, below which it is basically unusable. This causes me to advise e.g. sixth gear only after exceeding the speed of 90 km/h. However, I do not criticize this fact, I just want to point it out. However, by shifting correctly and keeping the engine between 2000 and 4000 rpm, I was not a drag on traffic and was able to drive relatively briskly. The engine can "pull" up to a speed of 140 km/h, above this limit its willingness to accelerate significantly weakens.

The car's compact dimensions (4382 mm/1841 mm/1603 mm) predetermine it for city driving. However, I would recommend a gasoline engine if the majority of driving is in city traffic. The maneuverability of the car is excellent thanks to the turning diameter of 10.2 m, and I also appreciated the perfect view from the car. Due to the lack of a rear camera, I had to rely on the rearview mirrors and rear sensors when parking. I didn't have a problem with it, but interested parties may miss this currently standard equipment element. Consumption depends on traffic, but keeping it at seven liters is not a problem.

I lacked higher engine power in the districts, so it was necessary to count on a reserve when overtaking slower vehicles. Adaptive cruise control is absent in this equipment, which I would use quite often due to the prudent nature of a car with this engine. The quiet driving was also reflected in the consumption, which ranged from 4 to 5 liters.

On the highway, the lower engine power, on the other hand, did not limit me too much. After reaching the desired speed, he was able to maintain it even on a normal climb without the need to downshift. When there was no wind, the car was exceptionally quiet, but when the wind was stronger, aerodynamic noise penetrated the car from the area of the side windows. However, the noise from the chassis was still at an acceptable level. The car is stable on the highway and still very comfortable. The brakes have a sharper onset, but I was satisfied with their dosage. Consumption at a speed of 130-140 km/h ranges from 6.5-7 liters. A steady speed of 110 km/h will reduce it to a value of 4-4.5.

I handed over the car with an average consumption of 5.3 l/100 km, which with a 50-liter tank means a real range exceeding 900 km.

Long gears are also confirmed by the following table, which shows the revolutions at individual speeds with the 6th gear engaged.

Practical side, equipment, price

Skoda does not forget the practical side even with the Karoq model. The car is spacious enough for a family of four. In the back, sitting behind me, I was gently touching the back of the front seats practically upholstered in artificial leather. I appreciated the ventilation vents for the rear seats and, among others, the 230 V socket.

There are plenty of storage compartments and they are mostly decently padded inside. I was pleased with the "secret" storage space under the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard.

I was surprised by the height of the open fifth door, under which I comfortably fit at my height of 185 cm. The luggage compartment with a volume of 521/1630 has a regular shape and provides a number of "simply clever" solutions. The 1:2 split rear bench does not create a flat floor.

Ambition equipment is quite rich. The price with the tested engine starts at EUR 22,190. With accessories (Ambition Plus package, AMUNDSEN Navigation system, 17" RATIKON light alloy wheels) it rose to a value of EUR 23,619. I consider the price reasonable.

However, I personally would choose the 1.5 TSI gasoline engine, which I was satisfied with in the recently tested Octavia . It would provide the car with more significant dynamics and the difference in consumption would not be too high. I would certainly supplement the equipment with assistance systems and a parking camera.

 Verdict

In my opinion, the new Skoda model has succeeded. The proof of this is the fact that it can be seen more and more often on our roads in various equipment and modifications. It is obvious that the manufacturer has hit the taste of the Slovak customer with both design and price. Personally, I am curious about the new versions of the Karoq – Scout and Sportline, which were recently presented at the Paris Motor Show.