Nikki Hayes
Our Guest Reviewer, DJ Nikki Hayes has been checking out Skoda’s newest SUV the Karoq
When it comes to Skoda – I’m a fan. Its like following an artist for years and when they release some new tracks, you draw breath wondering whether or not they’ll continue to impress you. This is how I felt with the Skoda Karoq.
The Karoq has replaced the Yeti with the appeal of the mid-sized crossover aimed and women and young people. Tick and Tick.
I love a good looking car and the Karoq is definitely this. it is a shrunk version of the larger Kodiaq but a handsome model with its own charm and character. It’s also a whopping 16 inches longer than its predecessor.
The standard kit across the range is very generous which means if you were to opt for the basic SE-spec car there’s still a good spread of standard kit to get your teeth stuck into. This includes 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, cruise control, dual-zone climate control,DAB Radio,Bluetooth phone connectivity, rear parking sensors and Smartlink (Apple Carplay and Android Auto). Personally I’d be happy with that and you really would feel you are getting alot of bang for your buck. If you decide to choose the Edition range-topper with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a 9.2-inch Columbus infotainment system and extra active safety features you’ll be very satisfied with the luxury finish that you get.
The Karoq is a 5 seater with plenty of room. The boot space was huge, I always use the buggy/pram plus shopping meter, which the Karoq passed with more space left to fit another buggy/pram in. I was impressed, since becoming a mum my focus on what I want and need in a car has changed . I need space and alot of it and comfort.
The panoramic roof leads to the feeling of a huge open space but with the Karoq, even when this is closed over, the space is still there. Its not an illusion. You could comfortably have 4 full sized adults on board.
Parking the Karoq is a doddle and there is low wind and driving sounds making it sound as silent as a hybrid. Engine choice shouldn’t be an issue, whether you want a petrol or diesel. The former is covered by a 1.0-litre with 113bhp or a 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp, both of which can return just over 50mpg and have CO2 emissions from 119-125g/km. It handles so easily on bumps and cracks on the road, its a smooth ride. I had the 1.5 litre TSI Petrol and took it on a run down to Limerick from Dublin I was so impressed how economic it was on fuel. Some SUVs can feel ropey on corners but the Karoq handled them with ease.
If you are purchasing a Karoq as your family car you’ll be happy to hear that it was awarded the full five-star score for crash safety by Euro NCAP in late 2017. It’s fitted with an impressive roster of safety equipment and actually beat the scores of the larger Skoda Kodiaq.
The Karoq is available from from €27,715 with PCP finance available from €319 per month.
All that’s left to say is … I still love Skoda but yet again they’ve managed to blow me away with their fabulous models.
As for the Karoq? I’d marry it tomorrow.
For more information on the Karoq check out Skoda.ie, the Skoda Facebook page or follow them on twitter here.
Nikki Hayes
20th March, 2018
