Skoda Karoq

Skoda is offering an all-black theme for the interior in all the variants of the Karoq midsize SUV, with the top-spec Style variant having leather upholstery as standard. The overall layout of the dashboard and features look very similar to that of the more-premium Kodiaq, which might make one believe that the Karoq is a five-seater version of the Kodiaq, which comes with a seven-seater configuration.

The cabin of the Skoda Karoq has traditional new-age Skoda elements, which include a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with chrome accents, a full-TFT instrument console and a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system stacked between vertical AC vents. Along with the steering wheel, the AC vents and inner door handle surrounds also get chrome garnish around them. The lower centre console here in the cabin has a slanted design, with it housing controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control, engine start-stop button and wireless charging pad.

The Skoda Karoq creates a strong impression of being a mature, no-nonsense SUV with its functional exterior. While it does have a modern and edgy appeal, the overall impression is somehow toned down a bit, which makes it a bit plain. Also, the overall design language is very similar to the other two midsize SUVs from Skoda, the Kamiq and Kodiaq, which robs a bit of its individuality.

At the front, there are a lot of angular design elements which form the fascia of the Skoda Karoq. In the middle, the SUV gets a trapezoidal grille with tapered lower edges and chrome surrounds, while having vertical slats inside it. The grille here is flanked by an angular set of headlamps, which feature all-LED projectors along with daytime running LEDs at their bottom edges.

The trapezoidal fog lamps are placed just below the headlamps, with the Skoda Karoq getting a wide air dam spread across the width of the front bumper. The side profile of the Skoda Karoq is very similar to the other two SUVs from Skoda – Kushaq and Kamiq, with angular window panels and a sharp crease flowing sideways from the front fender to the rear. The Skoda Karoq misses out on body moulding over the wheel arches, but it is present over the bottom part of the door panels.

One can choose between 16-18-inch alloy wheels in the Karoq, depending on the variant selected. At the back, the Skoda Karoq looks a bit plain, with the main elements being the roof-mounted spoiler and rectangular headlamps placed beyond the edges of the boot lid, which have upper extensions flowing towards the boot lid.

The Skoda Karoq is a fine handler, and despite its raised ride height, this midsize SUV is capable of holding its ground and not losing out on traction even at higher speeds. Skoda has tuned the steering quite finely, with it having a perfectly weighted feeling at higher speeds while being easy to control at lower city speeds.

The Skoda Karoq in the UAE gets only one powertrain option across its lineup, which is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Also offered in the Kushaq and Kamiq, this turbo-petrol engine is here paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and produces 150 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of maximum torque.

The comprehensive suite of safety features offered in the Skoda Karoq includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree parking camera, lane assist, front assist with predictive pedestrian protection, blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and auto park assist.

The Skoda Karoq might not be high on flashy appeal, which makes it look quite understated for its price positioning. However, if you are someone who wants to have a practical SUV which feels premium and built to last, the Skoda Karoq ticks all the right boxes, with its punchy performance, agile driving dynamics and a long list of safety features.