Skoda Karoq 2022: restyled Czech SUV due March next year

---

The Skoda Karoq midsize SUV has been facelifted for 2022 with crisper exterior styling, as well as more technology and safety features as standard with an Australian arrival confirmed for the 22nd of March in 2022. 

Sitting between the Kamiq small SUV and Kodiaq large SUV in the Skoda range, the Karoq is categorised as a midsize SUV, yet both its size and pricing straddles the line between a small and midsize SUV.

The Karoq’s facelift is subtle, but it picks up a larger hexagonal grille as seen on the Octavia, and there are new alloy wheel designs and lighting features.

Inside there is a focus on increasing technology levels, with an optional 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Skoda has also sourced more sustainable interior fabrics for the new Karoq’s cabin.

While the European Karoq will pick up a suite of new TSI Evo engines, Australian will retain the current duo of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines. 

Globally, the Karoq has been Skoda’s second best-selling vehicle after the Octavia over the last 18 months with over 500,000 examples of the SUV delivered since its 2017 launch. 

In Australia, Karoq supply has been plagued by semiconductor shortages, but Skoda Australia general manager corporate communications Paul Pottinger told Chasing Cars the marque has ambitions to shift more Karoqs in Australia.

The new Karoq: redesigned in the name of efficiency

The exterior tweaks appear minimal at a glance, but the more prominent grille, new front and rear bumpers and LED taillights add up to give the Karoq a more confident stance.

Skoda hasn’t just redesigned the Karoq’s in the name of a new appearance, there are functional differences including a longer roof spoiler at the back and revised air curtains on the front bumper which more efficiently cut through the air.

Additionally, Skoda revised the undertray of the AWD-equipped models to provide a flatter floor, which combined with the revised alloy wheel designs sees the Skoda Karoq drop its drag coefficient by 9 percent from 0.33 to 0.30 Cd. 

What will power the facelifted Karoq?

In Europe, the Skoda Karoq has been treated to refreshed ‘Evo’ drivetrains for the 2022 facelift.  However, Chasing Cars understands that these newer motors are prioritised for markets with stricter emissions regulations than Australia.

That means the Karoq will continue in 2022 with the same choice of engines. The entry-level 110TSI Karoq scores a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. 

The athletic Karoq 140TSI Sportline is powered by a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder motor that drives all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, providing a brisk 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds – nearly the same as a MK5 Golf GTI (7.2 seconds).

Though the Karoq’s Cd has improved, its Australian arm has yet to quantify improvements in fuel efficiency for models coming to our shores.

How big is the Skoda Karoq?

One of the Karoq’s unique features is its size, and though it is officially classified as a medium SUV competing with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, it really straddles the small and midsize segments.

Measuring 4382mm long, 1841mm wide and 1603mm tall and riding on a 2638mm wheelbase, the Karoq is significantly smaller than a Volkswagen Tiguan (4509mm long) yet offers 521L of boot space and Skoda’s usual ‘simply clever’ practicalities.

It’s for this reason that Mr Pottinger referred to the Karoq 110TSI as the “definition of practicality.” 

How well equipped is the Karoq?

Though specification is yet to be finalised, Skoda Australia indicated that the current two-prong lineup is likely to continue when the facelifted Karoq arrives.

For 2022, the Karoq 110TSI is likely to retain the 8.0-inch touchscreen, but move to an 8.0-inch digital driver’s display as standard in place of analogue dials.

The range-topping Karoq Sportline can be identified by its lack of body cladding, 18-inch ‘Procyon’ alloy wheels and black pack.

Inside, the Sportline gets tombstone seats appointed in black ‘Thermoflux’ fabric, piano black and carbon fibre effect trim inserts and flat-bottom leather-appointed steering wheel.

Front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection feature in all markets, though it’s likely some of the new features reserved for option packs overseas will be fitted to Australian cars as standard.

The new safety gear include trailer sway assist, rear cross-traffic alert, an improved blind-spot monitoring system, traffic sign recognition, lane-keep assist that has provisions for roadworks, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. 

How much will the Karoq cost?

Detailed pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the Karoq’s launch on March 22 next year. 

However, given the increased equipment levels, expect Karoq pricing to climb from the current $38,990 driveaway price for the 110TSI and $45,990 for the 140TSI Sportline.