Ten things to know before buying Skoda’s latest Karoq

Published on 27 April, 2022

Overview

Skoda has just rolled out its latest compact SUV – the Karoq. It is technically a facelift but it also a much better drive than I remember from way back, so I held on to it for a while.

It certainly caught the eye in strong bronze/orange.

Here are 10 things you might like to know about the ‘new’ car.

1. A new look

It gets styling tweaks, new front and rear bumpers and a new grille.

2. Improved aerodynamics

They have managed to improve aerodynamics by more than 9pc – thanks to the addition of air vents in the front bumper, aerodynamic inserts on the wheels and a longer rear-roof spoiler.

3. Lower costs

Lower aerodynamics means it takes less energy to keep the car on the move.

This leads to less fuel consumption and lower costs. It now has a drag co-efficient of just 0.3cD. That’s good for an SUV.

4. Four engines

There are 1.0 TSI (110hp) and 1.5TSI (150hp) petrol engines, with two diesels also in the line-up.

5. Three of a kind

As a measure of how popular SUVs have become, the three non-electrics that Skoda have on sale – Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq – account for around 50pc of total buying.

6. Pricing

Prices here start from €33,750 – that’s for the 1.0TSI 110 Ambition. Diesels start from €34,900.

7. Popularity

The most popular is expected to be the 2.0TDI 115 (less powerful of the two diesels).

8. It comes with...

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, dual zone climate, rear parking sensors, cruise control, auto wipers and headlights.

Additionally, there are LED lights (Matrix option), as well as a keyless start, electric folding mirrors, 8-inch infotainment display, privacy glass, chrome roof rails, lumbar support and more.

9. Five years on the go

The Karoq was originally launched in 2017 and was the second SUV in the Skoda range after the Kodiaq

10. Busy production line

More than half-a-million Karoqs have been produced. It is on sale in 60 countries.

:: Meanwhile, the new BMW i7 luxury saloon will arrive as an all-electric drive option in December, with plug-in hybrids in early 2023.

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is priced from €133,085 on-the-road (OTR). It has a claimed range from 590km to 625km depending on model. The other model is the i7 xDrive60M Sport and it costs from €138,625 OTR.

The arrival of the cars means that every BMW model sold in Ireland will have plug-in electrification.

It comes only in long-wheelbase guise in either M Sport or Excellence specification.

The car launches with the electric i7 xDrive60. The plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive will follow in spring 2023.

The M Performance model will deliver 571hp. The new car has BMW iDrive and the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8.

 An interesting option will be the theatre screen which includes a 31.3-inch touchscreen display.