Skoda prices Karoq mid-size SUV from $29,990 BOCs
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 15th May 2018
SKODA Australia has announced that its first Karoq mid-size SUV will hit showrooms on July 2 this year with a single front-wheel-drive grade, dubbed 110TSI, while a more powerful all-wheel-drive grade is set to launch in 2019.
The 110TSI is priced $29,990 before on-road costs with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission commands a $2300 premium.
Comparatively, the best-selling Mazda CX-5 starts from $28,690, while the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail kick off at $29,450 and $28,490 respectively.
Additionally, the mechanically related Volkswagen Tiguan commences proceedings from $31,990, making the entry-level Karoq $2000 more affordable.
Motivated by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with cylinder deactivation technology, the 110TSI produces 110kW of power from 5000 to 6000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1500 to 3500rpm.
As a result, the 110TSI can dash from standstill to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds (manual) or 8.6s (DSG), while its claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and 5.8L/100km respectively.
Speaking to GoAuto, Volkswagen Group Australia general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger confirmed that the second grade will have a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot with 140kW, but whether it will be a 320Nm petrol (140TSI) or 400Nm diesel (140TDI) depends on availability.
Standard equipment in the 110TSI includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), dusk-sensing headlights, front foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and silver roof rails.
Inside, an 8.0-inch Bolero touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, voice control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, VarioFlex removable second-row seats, height-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, LED ambient lighting and two tablet holders feature.
Advanced driver-assist safety technologies extend to adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, low-speed autonomous emergency braking, driver fatigue detection, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and high-beam assist plus seven airbags.
Three full-time option packages are on offer, including the Premium Pack ($3600), Tech Pack ($3200) and Travel Pack ($1700).
The Premium Pack bundles in adaptive full-LED headlights, leather-appointed upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, a power tailgate and steel pedals.
Meanwhile, the Tech Pack consists of a hands-free power tailgate, a 9.2-inch Columbus touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, gesture control, a 10-speaker sound system, digital radio, park assist, Drive Mode Select and wireless smartphone charging.
The Travel Pack includes lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a power-adjustable driver seat with memory functionality, heated front seats, puddle lighting and power-folding side mirrors with auto-dimming and memory functionality.
Alternatively, a limited number of 110TSIs can be specified with an $8900 Launch Pack, which features all the equipment in the aforementioned option packages, excluding the 10-speaker sound system, plus a three-year/45,000km servicing package.
Individual options extend to a panoramic sunroof ($1900), metallic or pearl-effect paintwork ($700) and 19-inch alloy wheels ($700). A five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty is standard.
The sub-$60,000 mid-size-SUV segment to the end of April this year has been led by the CX-5 (8329 units), which currently places ahead of the RAV4 (7017), X-Trail (6897), Hyundai Tucson (6441) and Honda CR-V (5468), among others.
2018 Skoda Karoq 110TSI pricing*
| 110TSI | $29,990 |
| 110TSI (a) | $32,290 |
*Excludes on-road costs
