Skoda Ireland has revealed full details of the eagerly-anticipated Karoq, the second model in the brand’s SUV offensive.
The Karoq makes its debut here this month, and starts at just €27,715 for what it says is the very well-equipped Ambition model. It adds that new technologies, including a digital information display and a new 1.5 TSI petrol engine, will be featured for the first time in a Škoda
The Karoq sits just below its bigger brother the Kodiaq in the Skoda line-up, and the carmaker says this gives customers all the space, functionality and simply clever features that are synonymous with the brand.
The company says the Karoq offers exceptional space and functionality for five people, with the Skoda design language clear to see. From its aggressive stance and off-road character to its LED lighting, use of high-quality materials and precise workmanship, the Karoq makes a great first impression.
The positive impressions continue with the optional Vario-Flex seats that can be adjusted forward and back, folded or completely removed, allowing for the boot capacity to be increased to a cavernous 1,810 litres if required, as well as the umbrella beneath the passenger seat and the optional electric tailgate.
From a dimensions point-of-view it is larger than the Yeti, which it replaces, 160mm longer, 48mm wider, and the boot capacity increased by 105 litres. Despite this, the Karoq is actually 13kg lighter than the outgoing Yeti.
New technologies including driver-assistance systems and full LED headlights are featured and – for the first time in a Skoda– a digital instrument panel, which allows the driver to dynamically view numerous pieces of information at a touch of a button.
The Karoq comes with a choice of four engine variants ranging from 116HP to 150BHP with three DSG offerings as well as a 150hp 4X4. The top navigation systems, Columbus and Amundsen, also offer a Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional LTE module is available for the Columbus system for on board Wifi. A wireless phone charger can also be added to the Karoq removing any smart phone battery life anxiety.
The Ambition trim comes standard with 17” Ratikon’alloys, 8” touch screen Bolero radio, two-zone climatronic air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, Smart Link, and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.
The Style trim adds 18” Mytikas alloys, 9.2” Columbus touch screen sat nav, sim card slot for SkodaConnect, rear view camera, DAB radio and keyless entry with start/stop button.
Mark Mulvaney, PR manager at Skoda Ireland, says: “After the huge success of the Kodiaq, our SUV journey continues with the arrival of the Karoq. This is a hugely important vehicle for us moving into 2018 and one that we see taking Skoda’s SUV range to the next level. Irish customers can expect to see the Karoq in dealer showrooms later this winter in time to order for January 2018.”
