Skoda Karoq SUV. 1st generation, 2021 restyling
The Skoda Karoq is a compact 5-door SUV produced by the Czech automaker Skoda Auto since 2017. Both front and all-wheel drive versions are available. The vehicle is built on the MQB modular platform, and the Yeti model is considered its predecessor. The owner of the title ‘The most beautiful compact SUV’ has lived for 4 years without any changes, which means that the time has come for a planned restyling, which we will tell you about.
The first generation Skoda Karoq has proven to be very successful with more than half a million cars sold. The compact SUV comes second in the corporate sales rating (after the Skoda Octavia). The vehicles are manufactured in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia and China. Israeli can currently purchase the original SUV, but we are looking forward to the appearance of the restyled version on our market. The updated Karoq will appear on the European market in the spring of 2022.
The closest rivals of the Skoda Karoq are the Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Kia Seltos, Renault Captur, Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara and Mitsubishi ASX. The Karoq’s advantages over competitors are novelty, good equipment, dynamic engines and a rich set of options. The Czech SUV is distinguished by good handling, comfort, good sound insulation, fuel-efficiency and stylish design.
Exterior
The restyled Skoda Karoq features new bumpers, a wider hexagonal radiator grille and a longer spoiler on the fifth door. The designers have put a lot of effort to improve aerodynamics. As a result, the drag coefficient has become 9%less and is now equal to 0.30. The entry-level version features diode headlights (halogen fog lights), which are divided into two sections by a small ‘step’ from the bottom, breaking the diode line of running lights. You can additionally order matrix headlights. The taillights are smaller than the previous ones, but also diode ones, the expensive versions have an animation in the form of smooth activation of the parking lights and ‘crawling lights’ of turn signals.
All-wheel drive versions are equipped with pads under the bottom that cover the fuel tank and rear independent suspension. The wheels can now have a radius from 16 to 19 inches and feature an aerodynamically optimized design. There is also a Sportline version with a body-color body kit, black decor and 18-inch wheels.
Interior
The new Skoda Karoq already has an 8-inch virtual instrument cluster as standard, but a 10.25-inch display with multiple display options can be installed for an extra charge. There are four options for touch screens with a diagonal of 6.5, 8.0 or 9.2 inches. There is a new version of eco-friendly finishing material Eco Pack, which is made from recycled materials like plastic bottles. The interior LED lighting has been changed.
The restyled vehicle comes with the power driver and passenger seats. You can order a 3-section backseat VarioFlex with longitudinal adjustment and wide transformation possibilities. Moreover, the list of electronic assistants now includes a reverse automatic braking system.
Engines
The engines of the restyled Skoda Karoq remain the same. You can choose from 1.0 TSI (110 hp) and 1.5 TSI (150 hp) gasoline engines, as well as a 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engines in two versions (116 or 150 hp). The Sportline version is equipped with a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine (190 hp). The engines can be paired with a manual transmission or 7-speed DSG robotic gearbox. The all-wheel drive version is offered only with a 150-horsepower diesel or 190-horsepower gasoline engines.
