Test Skoda Karoq Style 1.5 TSI Evo 150 CV DSG (video)

Test Skoda Karoq

When what you are looking for is a practical and rational car, there are many buyers for whom one of the brands that comes to mind is Skoda. And is not for less. Not only because of the catchy phrase “Simply Clever” in his ads, but because of something more tangible like the sheer number of useful and functional solutions that they incorporate into their models. This is one of the things, but not the only one, that defines the SUV that we tested on this occasion: the Skoda Karoq.

Indeed, apart from the intelligent solutions, Skoda can also offer a certain level of comfort and almost luxuries. Good good of it gives the model that we have had the opportunity to test: the Skoda Karoq with the highest finish called Style, the new gasoline engine 1.5 TSI Evo 150 hp and automatic double clutch DSG. A good opportunity both to see if it is as good an SUV as it promises, and to check if some of its extras are worth it.

Skoda Karoq Design

The Skoda Karoq maintains the design lines that we already saw in the brand's large SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq. Although with a few elements that give it its own personality. For example, on the front you can see some almost rectangular headlights and slightly more angular lines than those of his older brother.

Both on the side and the rear you can see some subtle differences with that, such as the lack of black plastic lining the wheel arches or the inclusion of small taillights in the bumper. Otherwise, the only thing left to differentiate it from the Kodiaq is its proportions and size. The Karoq measures Meters long 4,38, 1,84 meters wide y 1,60 tall, so it falls into the category of midsize SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai or the Seat Ateca.

Inside, the design of the Skoda Karoq stands out for having a well ordered and great quality. We have been particularly struck by the large number of well padded surfaces on the dashboard and good touch of materials. everything seems to be well assembled and there is no visible surface that can disappoint because it is poorly finished. It seems that the Czech factory in Kvasiny, where the Kodiaq and the Spanish Seat Ateca are also manufactured, have plenty of experience in manufacturing SUVs.

Habitability of the Skoda Karoq

In terms of space, the Skoda Karoq is at the same level as other cars that we have tested, such as the Seat Ateca or Peugeot 3008. Although height level is a little above of these even with the solar roof that our unit incorporated, which usually subtracts a few centimeters.

En the trunk has a capacity of 520 liters (just like a Peugeot 3008) and a curious detail is that does not lose liters when chosen in a version four wheel drive. Something that does happen with cars like the Seat Ateca, which goes from 510 liters to 485 liters.

In the trunk is where we find many of the solutions that the brand calls "Simply Clever". As they are, for example, the removable trunk light that turns into a flashlight multiple hooks to fix the bags, the adhesive bumpers by means of velcro so that the different packages do not move, the reversible bottom with a rubber face, etc.

An interesting equipment: Varioflex seats

Skoda Karoq Varioflex system

But if there is an element to highlight that affects the trunk but also the rear seats, it is the Varioflex system. With him the three rear seats are independent, sliding and removable, so you can play with them in many ways to increase cargo capacity or space for passengers.

El first move what can be done is move the rear seats forward or backward. Thanks to this system the space of the trunk can stay at 479 liters, to increase legroom, or grow up to 588 liters to the detriment of these. He second is to increase the space for the shoulders of two passengers, thanks to the fact that it can be remove the central square and slide the two side seats a few centimeters towards the center.

Finally, the rear seats with the Varioflex system can not only be folded down, but also extract completely to take advantage of all the space to the charge. With the seats slid forward and folded down, the available space is 1.630 liters and removing them from the interior of the vehicle increases to 1.810 litres.

Equipment of the Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq comes very well equipped from the most affordable version what is there at the moment: the Ambition. Although this is partly due to the fact that it is actually the one that will occupy the middle position of the range. Later Skoda will offer a more basic version of access.

It has rear parking sensors y reversing camera, hill start assistant, knee airbag for the driver, and driving aids such as cruise control with limiter, radar monitoring of the space in front of the vehicle with automatic braking. For multimedia system includes 8 inch touch screen, phone connectivity and control by voice commands. How could it be otherwise according to the philosophy of the brand, a 12 volt socket in the trunk.

The finish that we have tested (Style) also has some aesthetic improvements such as inch wheels 18 instead of 17, but especially equipment such as a navigation system with more functions (Amundsen), vehicle access and keyless start, parking sensors front and rear, and comfort-type front seats with lumbar support.

The operation of multimedia system is one of the most intuitive that we have handled. Far above others like Subaru or Nissan. It does not have conventional buttons for volume control or power, they are all incorporated into the screen. The operation of driving aids we liked it a lot because the softness with which it intervenes on the steering wheel or pedals. Although it is a pity that they do not come as standard in the Style finish either. For example, the system lane keeping (390 euros) is noticeably more comfortable than, for example, that of the Subaru XV, which acted on the direction very soon and with some abruptness, something that is noticeable too much when the lane is somewhat narrow.

El adaptive cruise control It also stands out for its performance. brakes automatically without abruptness, although forcefully when the circumstance requires it. We have been able to test adaptive cruise controls that were not so nice, as is the case with Suzuki Swift, which kept its distance from other cars with brake touches that were bothersome. It's funny that its price varies according to the speed to which it can work: 280 euros up to 160 km/h and 625 euros up to 210 km/h. Judge for yourself which option is worth it taking into account the legal limits to which you can circulate.

driving impressions

Dynamic behavior of the Skoda Karoq

As a good SUV, the Skoda Karoq has better off-road qualities than a conventional compact or sedan, although dynamically his favorite element is still asphalt. With a ground clearance of 17 cm, it is not one of the lowest in its category, but it is not designed for terrain beyond paths with a certain unevenness. The tare of its suspension is well balanced between firmness and comfort, and correctly filters the imperfections of the road.

On the road the Skoda Karoq behaves with poise and even in a somewhat agile way, although in this it is below other SUVs such as the Seat Ateca. The sense of control and security behind the wheel is very high in the car, because if at any time we ask for more than we should, driving aids kick in very quickly to correct any departure from the track.

La cabin soundproofing is good both in terms of aerodynamic noise at highway speeds and rolling noise. In this section the smoothness of the 1.5 TSI EVO engine it helps a lot. It is barely audible at low and medium speeds, so it's much nicer to drive than the TDI with the same CV which we tested at the end of last year.

The 1.5 TSI EVO Engine

1.5 TSI EVO engine from the Skoda Karoq

The behavior of this TSI engine together with the DSG change is very nice, although it does not stand out for its thrust capacity as much as might be expected for a Volkswagen group engine with 150 hp. Nevertheless, moves with enough ease to the Skoda Karoq without causing too much consumption.

We have managed to record a fuel consumption of 7,1 liters on highway trips, 5,6 liters on roads with a maximum speed of 90 km/h and 8,1 liters in the city with heavy traffic, without having to pay attention to Don't go overboard with the throttle. Nail Acceptable figures for a 1.400 kg SUV with a gasoline engine.

Conclusion

The Skoda Karoq is a very complete SUV to which it is very difficult to get anything wrong in any of the sections. What has surprised us most is the quality of its finishes, which is practically at the level of more expensive cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan.

It is a very good option if what you are looking for is an SUV for the road and the occasional getaway on the roads. Their trunk y Simply Clever solutions like the bonus varioflex They give a plus to its ability to adapt to different space needs that its owner may have.

Equipment of the Skoda Karoq

Ambition

  • inserts
  • Plastic door sill trims on the door edges
  • chrome package
  • Leather Gear Shift Knob/Grip
  • Door and side cladding
  • Leather multifunction steering wheel
  • Exterior mirror housing and various accessory parts in body color
  • Light alloy wheel trims
  • 7J x 17 light alloy wheels
  • 215/55 R17 94V tires with optimized rolling resistance
  • Cruise control with speed limiter
  • Camera goes back
  • Radar surveillance of the space in front of the vehicle with automatic braking
  • maxi-dot
  • Radio Infotainment «BOLERO» or «AMUNDSEN»
  • Climatronic with CFC-free air dust control

Style

  • Chrome Package
  • Door and side cladding
  • Leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel with Tiptronic
  • 7J x 18 light alloy wheels
  • 215/50 R18 92W tires with optimized rolling resistance
  • Central locking «Keyless-Entry» without security lock

Skoda Karoq Prices

Motor Change Finished Price
Motor Change Finished Price
1.0 TSI 115 HP manual 6v Ambition 18.900 €
1.0 TSI 115 HP DSG Ambition 20.850 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP manual 6v Ambition 21.500 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP manual 6v Style 24.300 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP DSG Ambition 23.300 €
1.5 TSI 150 HP DSG Style 26.100 €
1.6 TDI 115 HP manual 6v Ambition 20.140 €
1.6 TDI 115 HP DSG Ambition 22.000 €
2.0 TDI 150 hp 4×4 manual 6v Ambition 24.550 €
2.0 TDI 150 hp 4×4 manual 6v Style 27.950 €
2.0 TDI 150 hp 4×4 DSG Ambition 26.350 €
2.0 TDI 150 hp 4×4 DSG Style 29.750 €

*Commercial discounts included

Editor's opinion

Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 HP DSG Style
  • Editor's rating
  • 4.5 star rating
€18.900 a €29.750
  • 80%

  • Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 HP DSG Style
  • Review of:
  • Posted on:
  • Last modification:
  • Exterior design
    Publisher: 75%
  • interior design
    Publisher: 80%
  • front seats
    Publisher: 80%
  • rear seats
    Publisher: 75%
  • Trunk
    Publisher: 85%
  • Spring Suspension
    Publisher: 80%
  • Consumption
    Publisher: 70%
  • Comfort
    Publisher: 75%
  • Price
    Publisher: 80%

Pros

  • habitability
  • Trunk
  • internal quality

Cons

  • Without 4x4 for gasoline engines
  • Conservative design
  • Few standard driving aids

Skoda Karoq Image Gallery


Rate your car for free in 1 minute ➜

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.