Skoda Karoq Sportline test drive: an attempt to add emotions to practicality
It seems that Skoda Karoq has been well known in Ukraine for many years. But what would you say if I added the word Sportline to its name? This is the Skoda Karoq Sportline version that was introduced for the 2024/2025 model year and tries to keep customers focused and interested in the Skoda Karoq model, while adding emotion to this practical and calm crossover. And what do we get in the end?
Design: classic style, original details
The appearance of the Skoda Karoq is simply a "classic" of compact crossovers. The silhouette of the station wagon with a clear division of the 2-volume body: a separate hood, a separate interior and a separate trunk area. The roof continues at the usual height almost to the end of the car: no coupe-like hints, no "piled-up" glass, but also no loss of interior space, which promises the possibility of transporting large items. Among the memorable features of the Skoda Karoq, it is worth noting only the headlights with a step-bend and narrowed headlights; and even these details appeared only after a relatively recent facelift.
As if realizing the need to add memorable details, the Skoda Karoq Sportline version brings a lot of interesting little things. Here's the radiator grille in black gloss; here are the mirrors and rails with a similar design. The bumpers and side door skirts are now almost completely painted in the body color, with only a few dark gray plastic moldings standing out. At the rear, the chrome bumper trim and Skoda Karoq lettering in black and glossy color attract attention. I can see logos on the front fenders with the Sportline designation; however, I can't help but feel that this trim level could have been equally well called Black-line or Style-line. After all, it is difficult to identify all these elements as sporty; but it is a fact that they add originality to the car's design.
The Skoda Karoq crossover is a true "classic" of the C segment -SUV; both in design and size: length - 4.38-4.39 meters (depending on the version); width - 1.84 meters; height - 1.6-1.61 meters (depending on the version); wheelbase - 2.63-2.64 meters (depending on the version). The vehicle's ground clearance is 161-165 mm (depending on the version). The curvature of the headlights and narrowed headlights are a sign of the already updated version of Skoda Karoq, but numerous black and glossy details (grille, mirrors, rails, inscriptions) are a sign of the Sportline version . I'd also like to note the dark inserts on the wheel disks and dark gray moldings; and I'd also like to note the rear bumper with a chrome overlay that seems to imitate exhaust pipes.
The sport version is better recognized in the cabin. Here we have a familiar front panel made of solid soft plastic, an integrated display between the central ventilation deflectors, a climate control unit with round washers and real buttons, a center console with additional sloping handles (by the way, it looks cool). It looks like a familiar Skoda Karoq interior design. However, the Skoda Karoq Sportline version adds a 3-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather and luxurious seats with a high integrated headrest - and this not only visually updates the interior, but also really invigorates!
However, the rear passengers got only diamond-shaped stitching and a dark ceiling from all the driver's enthusiasm. But I note that in the cabin of the Skoda Karoq, passengers can't complain. Due to the rather vertical seating position (both in front and behind), it is possible to create the impression of a rather spacious interior: the body of the passenger behind is not stretched horizontally, but stretched vertically - and this is why there is a good amount of knee room. There is also enough space inside, so we managed to arrange a wide rear armrest; moreover, it is on the same level as the armrests on the doors - you can put your hands and rest on a long journey. This is an example of ergonomics and attention to detail! And this approach is manifested not only in the cabin, but also in the trunk: it is large and well organized.
The interior of the Skoda Karoq in general and the Sportline version in particular is quite different in terms of the front and rear view. The driver and front passenger will find a massive front panel, decorative background lighting, cool sport seats, soft materials even on the doors; a separate driver's delight is a nice steering wheel with perforated leather. There are not so many advantages in the back, but there is a sufficient amount of space, ventilation deflectors, and an armrest with cup holders. The luggage compartment is simply excellent: both in terms of its volume (521-1630 liters, depending on the position of the rear seats) and in terms of space organization: shelves and hooks, various locking strips, electric lid drive - everything is in place!
Equipment: gasoline or diesel, front or all-wheel drive, conventional automatic or DSG
The Skoda Karoq is built on the MQB platform, which is well known to all fans of VAG cars. This platform provides for a load-bearing body, transverse engine installation, front or all-wheel drive, front independent suspension and rear semi-dependent or fully independent suspension. And what's interesting is that one crossover, the Skoda Karoq, embodies completely different technical variants of this platform.
Thus, the test car is presented with a 1.4 TSI gasoline turbo engine and a hydromechanical traditional 8-speed automatic, this variant has front-wheel drive and a rear semi-independent suspension based on a transverse beam. Another variant of the Skoda Karoq available in Ukraine is a car with a 2-liter TDI turbodiesel engine - and a lot of things change along with the engine: a 7-speed DSG transmission is used, all-wheel drive is added, and the rear suspension is made completely independent.
At the same time, it is not possible to choose a gasoline car with all-wheel drive or a diesel with front-wheel drive only. That is: in the case of the versions of Skoda Karoq offered in Ukraine, the car's equipment is comprehensively interconnected - engine, gearbox, drive type, rear suspension type. At the same time, such considerable technical changes affect a considerable increase in price; I will tell you more about prices below, and now I will tell you about other technical nuances...
Once again about Skoda Karoq in general and the Sportline version in particular, but now with attention to every technical detail. As it has already become clear, this car is distinguished by its exterior design and changes in the interior; however, also pay attention to the overall dimensions and entry/exit angles: they are different and it is Skoda Karoq Sportline that offers better angles. However, it does not offer any technical changes: under the hood is the usual 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine TSI in combination with an 8-speed automatic from AISIN and front-wheel drive. The engine develops 150 hp at 5000-6000 rpm and produces 250 Nm of torque at 1500-3500 rpm; acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h are claimed; fuel consumption in the city is 7.8-8.3 liters per 100 km and outside the city 5.4-5.7 liters per 100 km. So...
Behind the wheel: comfort and ease, but where's the sport?
The Skoda Karoq crossover is a great car to relax behind the wheel. After all, it gives you a soft ride and good suspension comfort on bumps. Moreover, it overcomes them with incredible stability and steadiness: the body does not move once again. But a loud resonance from somewhere behind or below sometimes passes. It sounds as if the large cavities inside the tires are resonating or the suspension beam is vibrating slightly. However, this happens very rarely and the car is generally quiet.
It is also very easy to drive. That is, it is easy both in terms of the steering wheel itself, which offers medium sharpness (just over 2.5 turns from stop to stop), and in terms of general understanding. Turning, adequate reaction to the driver's actions, easy entry into a bend, the expected body roll - everything happens exactly as it should for an ordinary crossover for every day. By the way, a similar statement applies to the engine and automatic transmission. They are generally "quiet" at low revs of about 1.5-2 thousand: thanks to the torque converter and a large number of gears, all shifts are very smooth and the change in torque from gear to gear is low. Sometimes you get the impression that you're driving a car with a variable speed - everything is so smooth and measured. But as soon as you want dynamic acceleration, the S-mode of the automatic transmission or the comprehensive sport mode will help. It turns out that the engine has good traction in the mid-range (2.5-3-4 thousand) and in general it does not mind gaining 5.5-6 thousand if necessary, additionally supporting the mood with a clear synchronous sound of the "four". But...
Now, don't get me wrong: I don't have any global complaints about the behavior of the Skoda Karoq on the road. But it is from the Sportline version that I want to get more. Perhaps a stiffer suspension and reduced body roll in corners, a supersport control mode with sharp engine responses to the accelerator pedal, a sharper and heavier steering wheel, additional indicators in accordance with the sports theme (although there is a lap timer), and so on. It's just that since it's called Sportline, the expectations are appropriate. Instead, the Skoda Karoq Sportline crossover continues to play the "balance of everything" game. Although, I must admit, it succeeds quite well.
In general, the engine keeps its promises: acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.2-9.3 seconds, and you can actually drive around the city with fuel consumption of 7.5-8 liters. However, if traffic jams are added, then +1 liter of fuel is added with them; and if an active driving style is added, then write down another +1 liter; so my maximum in the city was about 10 liters per 100 km. On the highway, fuel consumption plus or minus corresponds to the promised: at a speed of 100 km/h - consistently 5.5 liters. The drive mode selector affects the engine and automatic transmission, the amplifier, and even the air conditioning; you can create your own individual mode and select the desired settings in any form. However, the overall change in the car's character is only slight: in eco mode, the reactions are a little more relaxed, while in sport mode they are only slightly more "warmed up".
Cost: how much does the Skoda Karoq cost and what are the rivals
The Skoda Karoq crossover is offered in Ukraine with a 1.4 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp) gasoline engine, with front or all-wheel drive, in two configurations and with the possibility of ordering additional options - a total of four variants of the car.
The model lineup is opened by the Skoda Karoq Selection version, which immediately offers the following: ESC stability control, numerous airbags (including knee airbags for the driver), keyless entry and push-button start, FRONT ASSIST, fabric upholstery, infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated steering wheel and front seats, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch digital instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, JUMBO BOX armrest, etc. The price of Skoda Karoq 1.4 TSI 8AQ Selection - from 1.23 million UAH or $29.5 thousand.; price Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 7DSG 4x4 Selection - from 1.56 million UAH or $37.5 thousand.
One level up is the Skoda Karoq Sportline version, which adds the following: DRIVING MODE SELECT driving profile selection, Black exterior package in black gloss, sports seats with Termoflux trim, Piano Black and Carbon interior décor plus LED package, black ceiling, 3-spoke sports steering wheel, virtual instrument cluster with 10-inch display, wireless charging, LED Matrix headlights and dynamic headlight control, cornering light function, 18-inch alloy wheels, rearview camera, etc. The price of Skoda Karoq 1.4 TSI 8AQ Sportline - from 1.38 million UAH or $33 thousand.; price Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 7DSG 4x4 Sportline - from 1.72 million UAH or $41.5 thousand.
The Sportline package offers not only sporty hints, but also an expansion of the equipment: matrix headlights, larger 18-inch wheels, a full-size digital instrument panel, a rearview camera (but no surround view), wireless charging, and more. Despite the fact that even the starting equipment Skoda Karoq already offers separate climate control, a multimedia system with an 8-inch display, a miracle armrest JUMBO BOX and useful "little things" from the Simply Clever set .
In conclusion, traditionally, a few words about rivals. One of the closest competitors is the Nissan Qashqai: it offers more modern equipment, hybrid electrified engines, a wide range of versions - but in general, it is more expensive. If you need something cheaper, you should pay attention to the Suzuki S-Cross: it has only a gasoline engine, but there is a version with all-wheel drive. I would also like to mention the Citroen C5 Aircross: this is if you do not need all-wheel drive, but need a spacious interior, a turbo diesel engine, and a comfortable suspension.
We can also mention: Volkswagen T-Roc, Honda HR-V and Honda ZR-V, Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Tucson (basic versions), Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-30, KIA Sportage, Toyota Corolla Cross; there are a lot of competitors. However, the Skoda Karoq crossover is not going to give up: it offers its advantages, although it is not without its drawbacks - and all this leads us to the overall assessment...