What's the news?
Following weeks of carefully framed teaser images, and a prototype drive, Skoda has finally unveiled the all-new Karoq. This five-seat compact SUV effectively takes over from the Yeti, and has a more conventional look. It shares much of its DNA with both the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, but the family resemblance with the larger Skoda Kodiaq is obvious.
As is typical with many Skoda models, boot capacity will be good and the Karoq provides 521 litres, making it the current segment leader, by a single litre over the Tiguan. Folding the rear seats can increase this further to 1,630 litres. Skoda will also offer its VarioFlex rear seating system, allowing for greater versatility and easy removal should you need even more space.
The Karoq will come with a range of petrol and diesel engines, ranging in size from 1.0- to 2.0-litres and with power outputs of between 115- and 190hp.Buyers can choose from either manual or automatic transmissions and the Karoq can be specified with all-wheel drive. From Ambition level upwards, there is a Driving Mode Select feature that lets the driver choose between Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow mode with all-wheel drive models. A dedicated Off-Road button gives even better control when going off the beaten track.
Back on the road the Karoq will be available with Skoda's latest driver assistance systems including Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, which in automatic transmission models can take over the start-stop driving in heavy traffic. Other features such as Blind Spot Detection, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protections and Emergency Assist bring added safety to urban driving.
Anything else?
It's too soon for exact pricing to be revealed, but it is expected to have similar pricing to the outgoing Yeti. Speaking at the unveiling of the Karoq, Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing at Skoda Ireland, said: "After the huge success of the Kodiaq our SUV journey continues with the arrival of the Karoq. As part of Skoda's 2025 Strategy, the brand will be continually expanding its model range over the coming years. The primary focus will be on broadening the SUV range. Irish customers can expect to see the Karoq in dealer showrooms later this winter in time to order for January 2018."