Skoda Karoq 2017 preview

Here's the Carzone.ie preview to the 2017 Skoda Karoq.

What's this?

There's a reason you won't have heard the name 'Karoq' before, and that's because it's a brand new one. However, the car itself won't be completely unexpected. This is, in fact, the replacement for the Skoda Yeti crossover and it will be built on the same platform - and share a lot of its components with - the likes of the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan. It's a five-seat SUV or crossover, basically, tasked with retaining loyal Yeti buyers without alienating the general population.

What will its rivals be?

The Karoq will compete in the hottest segment in the market, that of compact SUVs - or crossovers. Underlining their popularity, three competitors to the new Skoda are in the top 10 for new car sales this year - the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Those are undoubtedly the Karoq's biggest rivals, though it also has to battle its cousins from within the Volkswagen Group, such as the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan. Not to mention other notable alternatives such as the cool Toyota C-HR, the Renault Kadjar and Opel's promising looking Grandland X model.

Any tech info?

The Skoda Karoq will come with four driving modes by default - Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual (customisable by the driver, as the name suggests) - plus an Off-Road setting for versions fitted with four-wheel drive. These alter the power assisted steering, throttle response and, if fitted, the characteristics of the automatic transmission. The Off-Road mode also changes the stability control set-up to suit looser surfaces. Dynamic Chassis Control with adaptive dampers will be offered as an option at a later stage.

Inside, the Karoq can have the latest generation of Volkswagen Group infotainment systems fitted, including its 9.2-inch glass-fronted touchscreen system with satnav and even a wireless hotspot facility. On top of that, it will also be possible to replace the standard analogue instruments in front of the driver with a high-tech all-digital display.

What will the range be like?

Although the full Irish line-up has yet to be confirmed, Skoda has developed five engines for the Karoq - two petrol and three diesel. The TSI petrol units are 1.0- and 1.5-litre in capacity, while the diesels are 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI engines. Power outputs vary from 115hp to 190hp, the latter from a 2.0-litre diesel engine that is mated with four-wheel drive and Skoda's seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard. Trim levels are likely to be called Ambition, Style and Active to start with.

Expectations?

The Skoda Karoq is larger than the Yeti it replaces and comes with the latest infotainment and engine technology from the Volkswagen Group, so it's sure to be a winner. Especially as this area of the market is very popular right now. Our only reservation is with the appearance. Hopefully the character of the Yeti hasn't been totally lost.

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