COVER Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI

Skoda Karoq 1.5TSI 150 SE L

Price: £29,455

Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl turbo petrol Power/torque: 148bhp/250Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 8.8 seconds

Top speed: 131mph

Economy: 43.5mpg CO2: 147g/km

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EQUIPMENT Eight-inch touchscreen is a solid piece of tech. You can upgrade to a 9.2-inch unit, but the standard set-up is fine and boasts plenty of features. Its graphics and responses are solid enough, too

Alastair _ crooks@autovia.co.uk

THE Skoda Karoq burst onto the scene in 2017 and was our Mid-Size SUV of the Year in 2018. So, given that success, it’s understandable that Skoda hasn’t tweaked the formula much with this mid-life facelift.

There are some subtle cosmetic changes, such as new LED matrix headlamps, a rearlight design in line with the larger Kodiaq, a wider grille and reprofiled bumpers. This mid-spec SE L model also has 18-inch alloys, chrome roof rails and an extended rear spoiler to set it apart from the base-spec SE.

Inside, the layout is essentially the same as before, but SE L trim now gets a heated steering wheel and microsuede leather. There’s a mix of various plastics in the cabin, but it all feels well screwed together.

While the basic SE isn’t exactly lacking in tech, the SE L gets a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry on top of an eight-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It’s a shame that a digital dash is an option in this class in 2022, though.

As we expect from Skoda, there are lots of thoughtful touches, such as the familiar ice scraper and umbrella, plus fold-out tables for rear passengers, storage nets, a clip-on waste bin and a jumbo box with reversible cup-holders in the centre console.

Skoda also offers 10 ‘packages’ that bundle together extras in themes. The £950 Travel Assist Package adds adaptive cruise control with collision warning, AEB and a speed limiter, lane assist, traffic jam assist, traffic-sign recognition and a USB-C port. The £1,955 Light Package includes ambient lighting and LED exterior lights.

One of the reasons the Karoq has won so many Auto Express group tests in the past is its practicality. SE L trim has individually folding rear seats, and with up to 588 litres of boot space, the Karoq beats rivals such as its close sibling, the SEAT Ateca, as well as the Ford Kuga, the recently updated Vauxhall Grandland and the Peugeot 3008.

The Skoda is available with five engines: two petrols and three diesels. The 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder unit we’re testing here is the most powerful petrol model you can buy, with 148bhp and 250Nm of torque.

It’s a decent step up in performance compared with the entry-level 108bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, but it feels similar to that powertrain in its delivery. The 8.8-second 0-62mph time is quick enough and the in-gear acceleration is more than adequate for a mid-size family SUV.

The small turbocharger kicks in early, so there’s enough power low down in the rev range to save you from having to work the six-speed manual gearbox hard – although it’s a nice shift action and will save you £1,505 over the DSG auto unit.

While we’ve driven more refined fourcylinder petrols, the suppression of wind and road noise even on SE L’s larger 18-inch wheels is good and it adds to the overall feel of solidity. Plus the 1.5 TSI sits just one CO2 tax band above the three-cylinder version; its claimed fuel economy of 43.5mpg is respectable enough.

Sitting on the tried-and-tested MQB platform, this updated Karoq doesn’t feel any different to the original when it comes to ride and handling, but that’s no bad thing. Adaptive dampers are available on higher-spec models, but the standard suspension does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections.

Although the Karoq feels agile enough and there’s a surprisingly small amount of body roll, the soft ride and light steering make the car feel much more at home when you’re driving it more gently.

Skoda is offering keen finance deals for the Karoq, too. This SE L is available on a 48-month deal with a £10,000 deposit for £362 per month. A similarly specced SEAT Ateca with the same 148bhp engine will cost £375 per month and the Vauxhall Grandland will cost £396 per month.

Verdict

THE SUV market moves quickly, so it’s testament to the Skoda Karoq that with only small tweaks it can still challenge the best in its (very competitive) class. The engine range is as strong as ever, but the lack of electrification is a little disappointing when most of the car’s rivals offer mild or plug-in hybrid tech to help cut running costs.