Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 2017 UK review

This is our first chance to sample Skoda’s new junior SUV on British roads - albeit as a Czech-registered left-hooker. The Karoq is the smaller sister to the seven-seat Kodiaq, sitting on the same familiar MQB platform that underpins (almost) all of VW Group’s mid-sized products. As such, it is also a first cousin to the Seat Ateca and Volkswagen T-Roc, with more staid design than the latter but also much more practicality.

While the Karoq lacks the visual excitement of the T-Roc, it can offer both generous standard equipment and strong value for money. Our test car was in European ‘Style’ trim, but we’re told that this is almost identical to the top-spec British ‘Edition’. That means almost a full bingo card of kit as standard: leather trim, panoramic sunroof, power-operated tailgate, full LED lights and a power-operated driver’s seat. It also means Skoda’s full-spec Columbus infotainment system with a 9.0in touchscreen. The only difference between this car and a UK Edition is the wheels, our test car riding on 18s when the British car will have 19s as standard.

The 1.5 TSI petrol engine sits in the middle of the range and is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. As tends to be the case with modern crossovers, it’s front-wheel drive (only the top-spec diesel Karoq will come with AWD), with our test car also getting the optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As such, it’s set to cost a very competitive £28,410. 

Satisfyingly sensible, the Karoq is unlikely to spike pulse rates, but it does everything will a relaxed competence that marks it out as an all-round talent. While it’s short on flash, the exterior design incorporates Skoda’s origami design language to a pleasing degree; our only area of criticism being the fake grille texture plastics at both ends – something the T-Roc also suffers from.

Cabin materials have been chosen for durability rather than premium feel, although some black gloss trim lifts the ambience, with intelligent design and good ergonomics. The display of the big infotainment touchscreen is rendered with an impressive crispness and responds quickly and intuitively to instruction.

Space is impressive, both up front and with adult-viable room in the back. More important for family use is the relatively low window line compared with more fashionable coupé crossovers, meaning kids will be able to see out. Top-spec trim means the adaptable Varioflex seating comes as standard – it’s a cost option on lesser Karoqs – and it’s well worth having.