Skoda Karoq Style review: specs, price, drive impressions

This compact softroader from a relatively unknown brand makes a solid impression, with a quality cabin and thoughtful inclusions. But there are some things missing.

Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda has slowly built up a loyal following in Australia.

Buyers have been drawn to its thoughtful cabin designs, impressive driving manners and value for money, although stock shortages have hurt the brand this year.

VALUE

There are only two variants in the Karoq range, the $42,990 drive-away Karoq Style tested here and the $49,990 Sportline.

Those prices are about par for the course for a mid-size family SUV.

The Karoq Style is a handsome SUV with sharp lines, edgy 18-inch alloy wheels, a healthy dollop of chrome highlights and LED head and tail lights.

There’s an eight-inch central touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an excellent 10.25-inch fully digital instrument display. Other goodies include a wireless device charging pad and two USB-C charging ports in the front.

Photo of the Skoda Karoq Style 110TSI

Some features have been left off the list of standard equipment, though.

Skoda points buyers toward optional packs with in-demand luxury and tech features such as a bigger 9.2 central screen, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, faux leather upholstery and heated front and rear window seats.

Be prepared to fork out almost $11,000 for a fully-loaded version.

Skoda covers its vehicles for five years/unlimited km and you can buy servicing packs costing $1550 for five years or $2400 for seven years of regular checks.

COMFORT

Inside, the Karoq is a comfortable space.

Well bolstered seats have plenty of adjustment, providing a good driving position for motorists of all shapes and sizes.

The cabin is festooned with a mixture of soft-touch materials and textured and patterned surfaces, with very few hard plastics at eye level.

Photo of the Skoda Karoq Style 110TSI

A snazzy flat bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in faux leather and has easy to use buttons that control infotainment and radar cruise functions.

There is plenty of head and shoulder room in both rows and enough legroom to accommodate average-sized adults in comfort in the rear pew.

The rear seats slide back and forth and fold forward to increase boot size from an already impressive 588 litres to a massive 1810 litres. Owners can access the boot via a hands-free power tailgate that can be opened by swiping your foot underneath the boot.

It’s quiet on the road and the ride is comfortable for the most part, although the firmish suspension can crash over larger road imperfections and fidget over constant smaller bumps.

Photo of the Skoda Karoq Style 110TSI

SAFETY

Skoda charges extra for safety aids that are standard on many rivals.

The Karoq comes with auto emergency braking that’ll automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with a car or pedestrian. It’ll also warn you if it detects your concentration waning and it has seven airbags.

But you’ll need to pay $5200 for a travel pack that includes a bird’s eye view camera and lane-keep assist, while crucial blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are only available as a $1250 extra on the pricier Sportline variant.

DRIVING

On the road the Karoq is a capable performer.

Power comes from a familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 110kW and 250Nm to the front wheels.

Photo of the Skoda Karoq Style 110TSI

The Karoq Style has an eight-speed automatic transmission that is smoother and more comfortable to drive around town than the old dual-clutch gearbox.

The turbo engine delivers plenty of thrust low down in the rev range, translating to zippy performance around town and fuss-free overtaking on the highway.

The suspension exerts superior body control through corners than most rivals, sitting flatter through corners. Crisp and direct steering adds further to the driving pleasure.

Skoda claims the Karoq drinks 6.5L/100km, which is excellent, although it does require pricier premium unleaded petrol.

Drivers wanting a little bit more grunt should consider the Sportline variant that uses a more potent 2.0-litre turbo unit making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a snappy seven-speed dual clutch auto powering all four wheels.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

Comfortable, lovely to look and a pleasure to drive, but the standard safety equipment list is skinny.

Photo of the Skoda Karoq Style 110TSI

ALTERNATIVES

Subaru Forester 2.5i AWD, from about $42,600 drive-away

Frumpy looking SUV that isn’t as sharp to drive but is packed with vital safety gear and standard all-wheel drive.

Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid 2WD, about $41,000 drive-away

Excellent fuel efficiency but short on equipment and you’ll have to wait at least a year to get your hands on one.

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2WD, from about $43,600 drive-away

Good looking SUV that is fun to drive but is starting to show its age in the cabin.

VITALS

PRICE $42,990 drive-away

ENGINE 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 110kW and 250Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1550 for five years

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control

THIRST 6.5L/100km

SPARE Space saver

LUGGAGE 588 litres

Originally published as Skoda Karoq Style review: specs, price, drive impressions