We always feel like ‘stop the presses!’ but the facelifted Skoda Karoq is not exciting enough for that. The SUV under the Kodiaq and above the Kamiq sells quite well, we just can’t remember when we last saw one. We may come across a Karoq every day, but we think it is a Seat or Volkswagen. After all, its design is not the most distinctive.
LED lighting now standard on Skoda Karoq
And it’s no different after the facelift. Skoda has made the grille slightly larger and the headlights have a ‘playful’ nod. LED lighting is now always standard. Matrix LED is optional. Furthermore, the rear of the Karoq has been slightly redesigned, apparently with a new rear spoiler. The light-alloy wheels on which this orange Karoq stands are very cool, but reserved for the top version.
Eco package with vegan material and plastic bottles
The big improvement in the interior is the addition of a standard digital clock shop (8 inch). For the full monty – a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit display – you still have to pay extra. Furthermore, Skoda has upgraded the infotainment system to the latest version and it is now possible to order an Eco package. Then you get seat covers from recycled plastic bottles and vegan material instead of leather.
Still two engines: 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI
Everything mechanically remains the same. And that means that in the Netherlands you can choose from a 1.0 TSI with 110 hp / 200 Nm and a 1.5 TSI with 150 hp / 250 Nm. The first is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. If you opt for the 1.5 TSI, you can also opt for a DSG automatic transmission with seven gears. The market launch of the new Skoda Karoq is planned for next year. That sounds far away, but that’s still 32 nights of sleep.