Skoda Karoq long-term test review

Can the Skoda Kodiaq's smaller sibling convince a long-time fan of estate cars that SUVs are a better option?...

Skoda Karoq long-term test review
  • The car Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 DSG SE L
  • Run by Will Williams, photographer
  • Why it’s here This is our favourite trim of one of our favourite family SUVs, so we want to see how it stacks up in the real world
  • Needs to Be comfortable, smooth-riding and economical on a colossal commute, with plenty of space for photography equipment

Price £25,820 Price as tested £27,650 Miles covered 12,606 Official fuel economy 50.4mpg Test economy 36.8mpg CO2 emissions 127g/km Options Three-spoke leather heated multi-function steering wheel (£150), upgraded Canton sound system (£550), Family Pack (£120), heated windscreen and washer nozzles (£250), Isofix front passenger seat (£35), metallic paint (£575), steel space-saving spare wheel (£150)


16 August 2018 – in-car tech

You'd never call me a technophile – I’ve only recently been convinced it’s not spelt ‘eye-phone’, for example – but I’m a fan of my Skoda Karoq’s infotainment system.

It’s fitted with an 8.0in touchscreen (a £450 option on entry-level SE, but standard on SE L) that's actually really simple to use, even on the move.

While many car manufacturers seem desperate to make their interior’s as buttonless as a t-shirt, Skoda has at least left a couple of dials either side of the screen. One is a good old-fashioned volume knob, the other helps you cycle through the menus on the bright and crisp display.

 

Skoda Karoq long-term test review

The system works so well that I’d actually avoid going for the bigger 9.2in system. It’s standard on range-topping Edition models, but a very pricey £1500 option on SE L and is entirely touchscreen – no knobs – so actually a bit more distracting to use on the move. Trust me: keep the cash.

It’s not all good news, though, because the infotainment system crashed yesterday – twice. It fixed itself without much bother, but as it’s happened a few times before I’m now planning to visit a dealer.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more long-term tests >

More on our long-term Skoda Karoq >

Also consider