The updated Skoda Karoq SUV will be officially unveiled later this month before going on sale next year.
The new Skoda Karoq has been previewed in sketch form ahead of its official reveal on 30 November. The new images show the brand’s mid-size SUV will get a styling makeover similar to the latest Kodiaq, along with a revised engine range and updated technology.
Skoda’s SUVs all have pretty similar names but the Karoq is its middle offering, sitting between the smaller Skoda Kamiq and the larger Skoda Kodiaq, which has seven seats in most trim levels. The five-seat Karoq is Skoda’s answer to family SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.
Judging from the latest prototype sketches, exterior changes to the facelifted Skoda Karoq will be subtle. The facelifted car will feature LED daytime running lights, which have been moved up from the lower light cluster, giving it a similar look to the latest Skoda Octavia. It will also get a larger front grille echoing the design seen on the new Skoda Kodiaq, plus a restyled front bumper. At the rear, the changes are limited to a new slimmer light design and a slightly tweaked bumper with a silver trim insert.
We also expect there will be a range of new paint colours and alloy wheel options for buyers looking to personalise their cars.
As is common with midlife updates, the Skoda Karoq is set to receive a few interior upgrades to keep it fresh. A new steering wheel could feature, alongside new seat fabrics and an updated infotainment system. We may also see the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster from the VW Group parts catalogue.
Under the bonnet, we expect Skoda to make use of the VW Group’s mild-hybrid engines, which would see a small battery added to the 110kW petrol and diesel engines. This battery stores energy lost in braking and uses it to help acceleration or to shut the engine down when coasting. The Group’s 84kW three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine is also likely to be included as an entry-level option in the range, while a 139kW 2.0-litre engine will be introduced for drivers wanting a bit more power.
Skoda also has access to plug-in hybrid technology that combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, leaving the door open for a potential ‘Skoda Karoq iV’ model. In the Volkswagen Passat GTE and Skoda Superb iV, this equates to a 55km electric range and low CO2 emissions.
Tom Jervis