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What’s it like?
Although it shares much with the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Skoda Karoq offers its own take on the mid-size SUV market, with an appealing blend of practicality, style and capability. It’s a recipe that has served Skoda well over the years, and it’s common to the brand’s other products, including the Kamiq and Kodiaq SUVs, and the Octavia and Superb hatchbacks.
The Karoq has enjoyed much the same success as those products since its arrival in 2017, and no wonder. The car’s appealing style is merged with decent cabin quality and plenty of space, as well as Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features that make life with the car that little bit easier. And with decent ride comfort and handling, as well as some efficient engine options, the Karoq is capable of being all things to all customers. All of which makes it one of the very best in the business.
Which model to go for?
The Karoq range is quite big and includes a wide range of different models to suit different customers. That’s good news, because it means customers can find a car to suit them, but it also makes wading through the classifieds that little bit more complicated. Nevertheless, there are some terrific value versions in the range.
For those who want a petrol-powered example, there are some 1.0-litre petrol options kicking around, offering 115hp, but most will prefer the slightly more potent 1.5-litre options, which get 150hp. Both come with front-wheel-drive transmission as standard, but further up the range are the 2.0-litre petrol versions, offered with all-wheel drive. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available for most models, apart from the 1.0-litre options.
Alternatively, the diesel engines displace either 1.6 or 2.0 litres, with the former producing the same 115hp as the 1.0-litre petrol model and sending it to the front wheels. The 2.0-litre diesel options, meanwhile, are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive layouts, and there are manual and automatic versions.
All are fairly economical, but those doing longer journeys will want the diesels, which will provide very competitive fuel efficiency on a long drive. But those mostly driving around town will prefer the petrol options, which are still fairly economical but won’t suffer the same diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues. Similarly, those going off-road or living in areas that often suffer snow will prefer the all-wheel-drive options – and those who tow will want an all-wheel-drive diesel.
Does anything go wrong?
Some problems have been reported with the Karoq, although it’s worth noting that petrol versions tend to be more reliable than diesels. For the most part, Karoqs will be pretty dependable, but some electrical gremlins can raise their heads. Generally, such issues are easily fixed, but they can be irritating niggles. Diesel-powered Karoqs, on the other hand, can suffer issues with the diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that filter out the nasties from the exhaust.
As a result, it’s important to ensure any used Karoq has been properly maintained, and it’s important to make sure you pick the engine type that’s right for you. If you only do short journeys, a diesel engine’s particulate filter will clog, requiring a long drive to clear it out. And, of course, it’s important to observe all the usual checks, including looking at bodywork, wheels and interior trim for signs of damage. As the Karoq has been so popular, you should have plenty of examples to choose from.