Skoda updates mid-size Karoq SUV

SKODA has announced pricing for its updated Karoq range. VW Group Australia’s Czech brand says it has packed $4300 worth of extra standard equipment into the medium SUV, along with a refreshed design, advanced tech and clever convenience features.

Priced from $42,990 drive-away, the two-variant Karoq line-up begins with the entry-level Style front-wheel drive.

For 2022, the Karoq Style is bolstered by the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch), LED headlights, front parking sensors (in addition to rear), foot motion-opening  power tailgate, electrically folding and heated wing mirrors, rear dynamic indicators, tailgage spoiler, extended AEB functionality, driving profile selection, DAB+ digital radio reception, wireless phone-charging pad, front and rear map lights and luggage nets.

Skoda says the latter feature further enhances the Karoq’s VarioFlex rear seating arrangement, which allows for the three-segment rear seat to be individually removed, folded or slid fore and aft. The Karoq offers between 479- and 1605 litres of cargo space.

The top-tier Karoq Spotline 4x4 (from $49,990 drive-away) is distinguished by its Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, 19-inch anthracite alloy wheels, fog lights with corner function, as well as a gloss black radiator grille frame, door mirrors, roof rails and window frames with matching integrated rear diffuser with chrome-plated inserts.

The flagship’s interior is fitted with sports seats with silver stitching, black roof lining and pillar trim, Piano black decorative dashboard trim and carbon door trim, stainless steel pedals and a three-spoke multifunction leather sports steering wheel with shift  paddles.

A range of option packages and standalone options are available for both variants.

Karoq Style is offered with the Tech Pack ($5900) that incorporates a larger (9.2-inch) gesture control infotainment array with satnav, 360-degree camera technology, Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, automatic parking assist, lane assist, traffic-jam assist, rear-traffic alert, emergency assist and interior LED ambient lighting.

It is also available with a Premium Pack ($10,900) which adds leather appointed upholstery in black or ivory, electric front seats with memory, front and outboard rear seat heaters, heat insulating windscreen, heated steering wheel and headlight washers.

For Karoq Sportline 4x4 variants we find the Travel Pack ($2600), which offers larger (9.2-inch) gesture control infotainment array with satnav, front and outboard rear seat heaters, heat insulating windscreen, heated steering wheel and headlight washers.

The Tech Pack ($3500), in turn, offers adaptive dampers, park assist, lane assist, 360-degree camera technology, traffic-jam assist, rear-traffic alert and emergency assist; and the Premium Pack ($5900), which adds both Tech Pack and Travel Pack features.

A panoramic sunroof ($1900) and side steps ($1200) can be specified on both variants.

The Skoda Karoq Style is powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 110kW/250Nm and drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Skoda claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6.6L/100km for this variant

The Sportline 4x4 features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission combination. It develops 140kW/320Nm and consumes 6.9L/100km.

All Skoda passenger models are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Skoda Australia offers packaged service bundles on Karoq variants, including prepaid and pay-as-you-go options.

The fully transferable seven-year service package ($2400) includes the first three services and roadside assistance for seven years. Karoq customers can alternatively select their annual mileage in concert with a level of servicing coverage to better suit their needs.

These include Value, Essential and Complete plans with roadside assistance and a service loan car. Skoda Australia says an owner who travels 15,000km annually can expect to pay from $39.50 per month for the additional coverage.

“The Karoq continues to offer customers a best-of-all-worlds approach to medium SUV buying,” said Skoda Australia national sales and planning manager Kieran Merrigan.

“With design highlights like VarioFlex in the Karoq Style, Skoda can offer the practical smarts of a larger vehicle in a size that offers greater urban agility and lower weight for enhanced efficiency.

“Or, for those wanting the most emotional and engaging driving experience, no European medium SUV can touch the Karoq Sportline 4x4 for sporty fun and technology under $50,000 drive-away.”

Year-to-date sales show the Karoq – with sales of just 256 units in 2022 – garners but a fraction of the sales achieved by rivals such as  the Toyota RAV4 (13,862) and Mazda CX-5 (10,951). Karoq sales make up just 0.5 per cent of the total Medium SUV (under $60k) segment.

2022 Skoda Karoq pricing*:

*National drive-away price.