All set for Skoda Karoq Sportline

SKODA Australia will provide a booster shot for its Karoq small SUV in the second quarter of next year with a 140TSI Sportline 4x4 variant stationed at the top of the range.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the Sportline will live up to its name, producing a healthy 140kW of power and 320Nm of torque and driving all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Production is now underway at the Czech factory for the incoming MY20 Karoq series, and while full pricing and specifications are still to be released, the Sportline – which marks the first four-wheel-drive variant in the model range – will be priced above the entry 110TSI auto, currently set at $32,290 (plus on-road costs) with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto also fitted.

The six-speed manual gearbox that previously opened the range at $29,990 is no longer available, while the 110TSI auto, which continues with a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four, switches from the seven-speed DSG to a conventional Aisin-sourced eight-speed torque-converter unit.

Volkswagen Group Australia said in a statement that “the previous 1.5 engine with the same output and its attendant seven-speed DSG are prioritised for WLTP and Euro 6 markets”.

“This sees the 110TSI’s fuel consumption in combined driving rise from 5.8L/100km to 6.6 litres,” the company said.

“DSG continues with all other Skoda engines.”

As well as boasting performance benefits, the Sportline brandishes a black-accented bodykit, multifunction sports steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, LED lighting, stainless-steel pedals and 19-inch Vega alloy wheels.

All Karoqs come with Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit and offer up to 1605 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

The 110TSI ups this to 1810 litres with the rear seats removed entirely.

According to Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer, Australian customers already have a taste for higher-specification Sportline variants in the Czech brand’s line-up, which bodes well for the new Karoq 140TSI Sportline 4x4.

“By mid-year Skoda will have in place its full range of SUVs starting with the Kamiq, through Karoq and Kodiaq,” he said.

“The range will be ‘haloed’ by the Kodiaq RS that’s with us in March.”

Skoda had recorded 1012 Karoq sales to the end of November this year, after launching in June 2018.

Its volume has been limited by supply restrictions at the factory, and the unavailability of any model grade other than the front-drive 110TSI.