The word restyling seems well suited to the mid-career update of the Skoda Karoq. The exterior design of the SUV is changing discreetly but visibly, while the changes are much more timid elsewhere. Its endowment in high-tech equipment is nevertheless improving.
Launched in 2017 on the buoyant market but contested for compact SUVs, the Skoda Karoq has carved out a place in this segment. He has, in fact, sold more than 500,000 copies in four years across the sixty countries where it is distributed. Its sales pace places it in second position at Skoda, behind the Octavia. Restyling the vehicle is therefore no easy task for the Czech manufacturer. The Karoq “phase 2” is unveiled today with changes visible on the outside but very discreet inside and some new equipment.
A restyling that stands out
The restyled Skoda Karoq can be recognized quickly, seen from the front. Its now hexagonal grille has been widened, and its upper headlights have been refined. The new design of the bumper air intake visually accentuates the width of the car. The height of the rear lights has also been reduced. Certain aesthetic changes have an aerodynamic vocation, such as the longer roof spoiler or the new optional 17 or 19-inch rims with black plastic covers. Skoda announces a drag reduction of up to 9%. Enough to bring the Cx to 0.30 with the key to a slight reduction in fuel consumption, and therefore exhaust emissions. For the first time, the Karoq can be fitted with adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, standard on the Sportline premium trim.
Standard digital instrument panel
At first glance, nothing changes aboard the Skoda Karoq. The crossover, however, abandons the needle counters for receive from its basic finish a digital instrument cluster of 8 inches diagonal. A 10.25-inch, customizable digital instrument panel is available as an option.
The central touchscreen of the infotainment system always displays 8 or 9.2 inches depending on the configuration, and the layout of the controls is unchanged. As an option, the front passenger seat can now benefit from electrical memory adjustments. An Eco pack allows you to opt for vegan and recycled interior materials. Finally, new chrome or shiny black inserts are available depending on the finish.
More efficient assistance
Skoda announces improved driving aids for the restyled Karoq. Both versions of the Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving system incorporate predictive cruise control that anticipates gear changes using GPS and the front camera. This, improved, offers better recognition of panels, and Lane Keeping Aid now detects work areas, according to the manufacturer.
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An unchanged mechanical offer
As for the engines, nothing is moving. In essence, the restyled Skoda Karoq is still offered with the 110PS 1.0 TSI Evo three-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission, the 150PS 1.5 TSI Evo four-cylinder with manual or seven-speed dual clutch , and the 190 hp 2.0 TSI Evo four-cylinder with DSG7 gearbox and four-wheel drive, a powertrain reserved for the Sportline version. On the diesel side, we find the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI of 116 hp with manual or DSG gearbox, as well as the 2.0 TDI of 150 hp associated with either the front wheels. via a manual gearbox or an all-wheel drive in DSG7 gearbox.
Skoda confirms the renewal of Style, Business, Ambition and Sportline finishes; a new Scout version could be made official at a later date. The details of the equipment and prices for the French market remain to be known.
