Skoda Karoq Test Drive: Pros and Cons of the Updated Crossover. Discover the strengths and weaknesses of this refreshed SUV in our detailed review.

The Skoda Karoq crossover holds a unique place for domestic drivers, as the vehicle is manufactured at the Ukrainian "Eurocar" plant in Transcarpathia. With its update, the car features a "fresh" design and technical changes. Let’s take a closer look at the new model.

Reduced Resistance

The Czech crossover has won the hearts of the brand's fans: worldwide, nearly a million units of the Karoq have been sold, and currently, the model ranks second in the corporate sales chart (after the bestseller Octavia), with production taking place in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and China.

The update has introduced new bumpers, a wider grille with a different shape, and a more substantial spoiler on the fifth door. The range of wheel rims (from 16 to 19 inches) now includes options in 17 and 19 inches with aerodynamically optimized designs, which are fitted on the test vehicle. Interestingly, the all-wheel-drive versions also feature new underbody covers that shield the fuel tank and the rear independent suspension. Together, these modifications have reduced the drag coefficient by 9%, bringing Cd down to 0.30. This change positively impacts fuel efficiency.

The most noticeable feature of the facelifted crossover is its narrower headlights, which are divided into two sections. The base model comes equipped with LED headlights. Our test vehicle boasts a new option for the model - matrix headlights, where the upper and lower sections contain LEDs that work synchronously, while the fog lights operate as a separate mode.

The adaptive light sensor is quite interestingly calibrated - it detects bright signs and "cuts" them out of the beam, anticipating oncoming traffic while striving to keep the Skoda driver illuminated.

The new rear lights are also LED, more compact than the previous ones, and for an extra charge, you can get an interesting animation featuring smooth activation of the daytime running lights and a "running line" for the turn signals. The test vehicle is presented in the Sportline version, characterized by body-colored trim and black decor instead of chrome elements.

A signature snow scraper is conveniently hidden in the fuel cap: to retrieve it, you don’t need to open the cabin, which would otherwise lead to snow piling onto the seats. Simply opening the car gives you immediate access to the compact snow-fighting tool.

Smooth and Expressive

From the moment you enter the interior of the Czech crossover, you realize that the car's cabin features many elements familiar from other models of the German concern. This includes the climate control unit, steering wheel controls, lighting control zone, and more. Is this a downside? In my opinion, not at all. Once you get acquainted with VAG, all the "relatives" become familiar.

The update has introduced new options for finishing materials in the car, including an Eco Pack that utilizes recycled materials such as plastic bottles for the interior. Interestingly, virtual instruments with an eight-inch screen and fixed graphics are available even in the base configuration. For an additional charge, there is a 10.25-inch display with multiple display options, as seen in the test vehicle.

The two-spoke steering wheel, which is smaller in diameter and well-known from the Octavia, has a basic set of necessary buttons. However, the cruise control is somewhat old-fashioned, being placed on a separate stalk. But if you mostly drive in the city rather than on the highway, you don't really pay attention to it. The driver’s and front passenger's seats are excellently designed in terms of shape and material density: even with minimal adjustments, it was easy to find a comfortable position, and after almost 1000 km behind the wheel, there was no desire to change anything.

The media system with a 9.2-inch screen may not impress with innovative features, but it handles basic tasks well, such as displaying Apple CarPlay and showing the rearview camera feed. There are no complaints regarding response time or image clarity.

The trunk offers a capacity of 521 liters for luggage. If the second row of seats is folded down and the shelf is removed, it expands to 1630 usable liters.

Among the key features of the trunk are hidden hooks for bags and separate niches on the sides. There is also space for a spare wheel under the shelf.

How the Czech Crossover Drives

Our test vehicle is equipped with a 150-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from Aisin. Overall, the Karoq inspires light off-road adventures thanks to its short overhangs. However, it's worth noting that the car has a modest ground clearance of just 160 millimeters, and limited wheel travel. So, it’s easy to scrape the undercarriage or sills on obstacles. Additionally, there is no all-wheel drive available with the gasoline engine; the 4x4 version is only offered with a diesel engine.

The main strength of the crossover lies in its comfortable yet firm suspension. It easily absorbs all the imperfections of regional roads, and surprisingly, the vehicle remains stable on high-speed straights, even when encountering potholes, patches, and transverse waves in random succession.

The steering effort and road feedback are also commendable, and the combination of the engine and "automatic" works very harmoniously. Both in the city and on the highway, there is ample dynamism - there's no need to pre-calculate even prolonged overtaking. The car is particularly lively in sport mode, as the engine tends to keep the revs higher, constantly anticipating a new acceleration from the driver. On the contrary, in eco mode, the car tries to shift to the highest gear as quickly as possible to minimize fuel consumption.

Overall, on the highway, the vehicle consumes between 6.5 to 7.2 liters per 100 km, depending on the number of overtakes and driving mode. In the city, it typically averages around 8 liters per hundred kilometers. Aerodynamics and clearance play a significant role. The Skoda Octavia with the same powertrain in the hands of a journalist from RBC-Ukraine Auto consumed one to one and a half liters less fuel.

Price Point

Ukrainian buyers can choose the Skoda Karoq crossover in two configurations - Selection and Sportline. There are also two powertrains offered - a gasoline front-wheel-drive variant, which we tested, and a diesel modification with a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch "robot." Interestingly, the diesel version is the one equipped with all-wheel drive.

The most affordable Karoq is priced at 1,244,594 UAH - this is the gasoline vehicle in the Selection version. The surcharge for the diesel and all-wheel drive amounts to 335,000 UAH. The test vehicle in Sportline trim is valued at 1,397,990 UAH.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Skoda Karoq

Key advantages of the Czech crossover include:

• Comfortable suspension
• Convenient and logically arranged cabin
• Choice of powertrains
• Numerous charging points for gadgets
• Handy features from the Simply Clever series

Disadvantages of Skoda Karoq:

• Absence of a hybrid variant.
• Electric adjustment only for the driver's seat
• Not the most modest appetite among its peers.
• Long assembly age.