How the renewed Skoda Karoq has become a (very small) bit cleaner | Car

There will be no electric version of the renewed Skoda Karoq. The buyer does not have to count on a hybrid variant or plug-in model. And the brochure of the refined Karoq does not say a word about mild hybrid technology.

However, our renewed acquaintance with the compact Czech SUV is mainly about sustainability: improvements to the aerodynamics of the body and the technology under the skin have reduced CO2 emissions by just under 7 percent. When you order the Karoq with the optional Interieur Eco, the seats are upholstered with a material made from recycled PET bottles. It cleans up nicely, and it still looks neat.

Skoda apparently had no reason to subject the Karoq to a radical metamorphosis and to electrify the technology. In four years, more than half a million copies of the midi SUV have been sold, of which more than nine thousand in the Netherlands. With its exterior adjustments, the Karoq closely follows its bigger brother Kodiaq; that SUV got a subtle facelift a few months ago.

The updated Karoq is recognizable at the front by the ‘pinched’ headlights, the wider Octavia-style hexagonal grille and the air slots on the outer corners of the front bumper. Like the new streamlined Aero wheels and the slightly longer roof spoiler, these slots provide better airflow along the body.

The less resistance the wind encounters, the lower the consumption and CO2 emissions. Skoda has also looked at the underside of the Karoq for elements that disrupt the airflow, and mounted a flat plate through which the wind is guided without obstacles. All in all, the wind is experiencing 10 percent less resistance, which means that CO2 emissions have fallen by 5 grams per kilometre. Modifications to make the engine, air conditioning, gearbox and brakes work more efficiently, as well as the installation of tires with a lower rolling resistance, contribute to an overall CO2 gain of 10 grams per kilometre. That saves a (small) sip on a drink.

Like, for example, the Seat Ateca and Volkswagen T-Roc, the Skoda Karoq is based on the MQB A1 platform of the Volkswagen group. Compared to the Ateca, the Skoda has a 1.3 centimeter shorter wheelbase. You don’t notice that in practice at all: on the back seat, the Karoq can even compare with the longer Volkswagen Tiguan. The Skoda has a luggage compartment with a very usable capacity of 521 liters. If you fold down the rear seats, a cargo hold of 1,630 liters is created.

We know Skoda as the brand of smart tricks, details that you never think about at first, but that prove their functionality in practice. The Karoq also has a number of them, such as the rubber bands in the door bins where you can clamp loose items behind. The cap of the windshield washer reservoir is in the shape of a funnel, which reduces the risk of spillage. If you opt for the optional Technology Package, the Karoq will be equipped with a phone charger on which larger smartphones can also be placed without any problems. The additional cost of this package (at EUR 490) also includes an easily readable set of digital instruments.

Compact SUVs such as the Skoda Karoq are extremely popular as caravan tractors. Not only because of their high towing weight – the Karoq can tow 1500 kilograms – but also because of the space and travel comfort they have to offer. This Skoda is definitely comfortable: you sit on pleasant seats and the car has a smooth suspension. If we compare the Karoq again with the Seat Ateca, it is noticeable that the Spanish SUV has a 100 kg higher maximum towing weight. The larger Volkswagen Tiguan even comes to 1800 kg.

The renewed Skoda Karoq will be at the dealer later this month. Prices for the middle model from Skoda’s SUV trio Kamiq / Karoq / Kodiaq start at 32,990 euros. For this amount you get a car with a 110 hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder, a manual six-speed gearbox and the equipment level Ambition. For an extra 500 euros, the car will be delivered as a Business Edition, which includes an automatic tailgate, navigation and climate control with two temperature zones.

The more powerful 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder (with 150 hp) is available from 35,490 euros, in the Business Edition version. The Business Edition Plus (38,690 euros) adds heated comfort seats, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera to the standard equipment of the Karoq. The most expensive version is the Sportline Business (38,990 euros), where the chrome moldings have been replaced by black elements and the bumper and sills have been painted in the body color. The Sportline Business includes 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and Full LED Matrix headlights. An automatically shifting DSG transmission is only available on the 1.5 TSI versions, for an additional cost of 2000 euros.