Skoda Karoq, a giant among the dwarves
Skoda Karoq is the smallest SUV in the czech range, replacing the popular (but quite controversial) Skoda Yeti. Compared to Yeti, Karoq is bigger, but retains the practical character which represents the spirit of Skoda brand.
Skoda Karoq has a length of 4.38 meters (+160 mm from its predecessor, Skoda Yeti), a width of 1.84 meters (+48 mm) and a wheelbase of 2.63 meters (+52 mm). Karoq lost 88 mm in height from its predecessor, which gives it a much more dynamic figure. As I was going to see at the entrance in the car, this change does not mean a compromise in terms of head space. As a colleague journalist puts it, a tall person can sit back even with his topper on his head.
Beyond the joke, the passenger space is more than generously sized, with a knee spot that allows even the tall ones to stand behind with their feet crossed. And if you were tempted to believe that this space was achieved by limiting the luggage, well, it’s not the case: the Skoda Karoq has the largest trunk in its segment, with values ranging from 479 to 1,810 liters (in the version with VarioFlex seats ). In the standard version with rear bench seat, the luggage compartment volume goes from 521 liters to 1.630 l.
Being a Skoda, passengers are spoiled by the numerous Simply Clever fetures that make life on board more enjoyable. Here we highlight practical storage compartments, trunk opening with foot movement under the rear bumper, or luggage compartment separator that can be attached to the tailgate for a “one-step” opening. The smart key also belongs to the Simply Clever philosopy and allows to customize settings for the infotainment system, support systems, and Driving Mode Select.
The Skoda Karoq will be available with five engine versions – two petrol (1.0 TSI / 115 hp and 1.5 TSI / 150 hp) and three diesel (1.6 TDI / 115 hp, 2.0 TDI / 150 hp and 2.0 TDI / 190 hp). Only 2.0-liter diesel engines are available with an all-wheel drive system. For the first test drive in Sicily, we had available the smallest diesel, with front-wheel traction and manual gearbox, as well as the 150 hp version of the 2.0-liter unit with all-wheel traction and DSG gearbox.
Impressive is the character of the smaller engine, which does pretty well with the mass of almost 1.5 tons of the car. It does not have any weaknesses, although the turbo lag can sometimes surprise when climbing ramps into a higher gear. Much more dynamic is the 2.0-liter unit which works very well with the DSG transmission. A white ball for Skoda engineers, who managed to adjust this box for a smooth start, and that’s not a small thing.
