What's the news?
Hot on the heels of the just-shown Skoda Karoq Scout comes that car's anthesis - if the Karoq Scout is all about serious off-roading, then this, the Karoq Sportline, is all about serious posing. It follows on from the success of Sportline versions of the Superb and Kodiaq, but for those hoping for an RS-alike, sadly this one is all about the looks.
The Karoq we already know pretty well - introduced in 2017, and the second addition to Skoda's SUV line-up (alongside the Kodiaq and with another, smaller, model due to come soon) the Karoq was the first Skoda to get the all-digital instrument panel, and was one of the debut models for Skoda's online services and in-car internet connectivity systems.
Now, it's getting the gym-shoes treatment with the Sportline pack. The most obvious changes on the outside are the deeper, chunkier, Sportline bumpers, and 18-inch 'Mytikas' alloy wheels, finished in black.
There are also some subtle Sportline badges, tinted windows and black-finished roof rails.
On the inside you'll find black sports seats with contrast silver stitching, upholstered with three-ply air-permeable Thermoflux fabric, which brings extra comfort to passengers, especially in summer. The front seats also feature lumbar support.
There's slightly-retro perforated leather covering for the steering wheel, which is a three-spoke, multi-function item, and that leather gets the same contrast silver stitching as the seats. There are stainless steel pedals, a black rooflining and black roof pillars, all to help accentuate the sporty effect.
No Irish prices as yet, unfortunately, but the first right-hand-drive cars are expected to be here in November, following a proper public debut at the Paris Motor Show. Full LED headlights, a reversing camera, drive mode select and interior ambient lighting are expected to be standard equipment.