The Škoda Karoq is pretty much the Czech manufacturer’s answer to such competitors as the SEAT Ateca, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008 and Nissan Qashqai—except a little smaller and less sporty, but more practical and comfortable. Škoda’s done a remarkable job in carving out yet another niche for an already crowded market. It boasts slim LED headlights and tail lights, not to mention more safety kit and a more aerodynamic bodykit than its Škoda predecessors.

There’s plenty of choice available with the Škoda as well. It comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines, you can select front- or four-wheel–drive, there’s the option of a manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic—and on top of that there are several trim levels.

Equipment, options and extras

The Karoq’s entry-level SE Drive trim is generously equipped, with privacy glass, 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic lights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

If you fancy some extras, our favourite SE L trim comes with 18in alloy wheels, a rearview camera, all-round parking sensors, VarioFlex rear seats, Drive Mode Select, and keyless entry and start.

Finally there’s the Sportline, with sporty finishing, a panoramic roof, and special black 18in wheels and sports seats.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

In its entry-level form the Karoq costs about the same as a Visa spec Qashqai—although there’s then a dramatic walk-up in price for that competitor if you want a car with some luxuries, like alloy wheels and climate control. The rest of the range makes for excellent value considering the spec, and undercuts equivalent Qashqais and Sportages by a decent margin.

In terms of running costs, including insurance and servicing, the Karoq is in line with the Ateca, although its predicted resale values might see you lose a little less in depreciation over three years. The Qashqai and Sportage have similar resale values to the Karoq, but the latter also boasts competitive PCP finance deals thanks to generous deposit contributions from Škoda.

The entry-level 1.0 TSI 110 engine manages a respectable 41mpg, rendering the larger 1.6L petrol engine of the similarly priced Sportage a little thirsty by comparison, with its 36mpg. The 2L diesel isn’t much more efficient but it’s pricier, so it’s harder to recommend. There aren’t any plans currently to produce a hybrid Karoq, so if you’re seeking a family SUV with a low company car tax rate we recommend checking out the plugin hybrid Sportage.

Safety and security

All Karoqs come with automatic emergency braking as standard, which contributed to Euro NCAP awarding the car a five-star safety rating. You’ll also get Škoda’s eCall service, which automatically alerts the emergency services if you’re involved in an accident. In fact, the manufacturer has made eCall free for 10 years.

What’s more, the Karoq outscored the 3008 in adult protection, although the 3008 and Ateca then outscored the Karoq in child occupancy protection.

If you go for the Travel Assist package, you’ll enjoy adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. If you want blind spot monitoring as well, you’ll need to upgrade to Travel Assist Plus, available only with the Sportline trim.

Reliability

The Karoq comes with a standard 3-year 60,000-mile warranty, which you can extend up to 5 years or 100,000 years for a reasonable fee. It’s worth noting that both Kia and Hyundai match or even beat that extended warranty as standard.

The Car Planet verdict

The Karoq is a superb family SUV with a big boot, smart seating options and plenty of space for passengers. It’s also a pleasure to drive by virtue of its comfortable ride and tastefully considered interior.

Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand Škoda Karoqs today and let’s get the ball rolling!