
Skoda Karoq refers to the KAROQ model, which is a compact SUV. The body dimensions are: length 4432mm, width 1841mm, height 1614mm, with a wheelbase of 2688mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 51 liters and a luggage compartment capacity ranging from 455 to 1543 liters. The Skoda Karoq is equipped with a 1.4L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 110kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm. The engine reaches its maximum power at 5000rpm and its maximum torque between 1750 to 3000rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This is a compact SUV launched by ŠKODA in 2017, positioned between the Kamiq and the Kodiaq. I used this car for a while, and the cabin space is quite pleasing. With the seats folded down, the trunk can fit a bicycle. The front grille with vertical slats paired with split headlights gives it a distinctive look. The combination of a 1.5T engine and a 7-speed DSG transmission delivers a smooth drive, with fuel consumption under 7L/100km. Starting from the mid-range trim, it comes with a full LCD instrument panel and a 9-inch touchscreen, and the automatic parking feature is very user-friendly for beginners. However, the suspension is tuned on the stiffer side, making the rear seats a bit bumpy on rough roads. Rear air vents are standard across all trims, which is a thoughtful detail. If there's one complaint, it's that the seats are a bit firm, making long drives uncomfortable for the lower back.

I once took my colleague's Karoq for a camping trip, and it's quite suitable for family use. The three independent rear seats can be individually adjusted and moved, and when removed, they free up 1,810 liters of space for tents and equipment. The 1.2T version may have modest horsepower, but it's sufficient for city driving, with gear shifts being almost imperceptibly smooth. The real surprise was its all-terrain driving mode—though positioned as an urban SUV, its electronic slip control responds quickly during light off-roading. I remember one time when a sudden heavy rainstorm hit, the emergency braking assist system kicked in very promptly. The noise insulation is better than Japanese cars, though the infotainment system occasionally lags.

This car is frequently seen in the market. Its PQ34 platform, though outdated, is stable and durable, with a higher resale value compared to French cars. The base manual transmission model can be acquired for less than 150,000 yuan, equipped with cruise control and fatigue monitoring. The best part is the design details—the door panel umbrella slot is especially practical on rainy days, and the heated mirrors defog faster than many domestic models. The rear torsion beam suspension slightly compromises comfort, but the completely flat rear floor is a plus. Recently, I helped a client find a 1.5T all-wheel-drive version with blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam functions.

I often use my wife's Karoq to pick up the kids, and it's a car that parents should really consider. The ISOFIX anchor points are clearly visible, making it easy to install and remove child seats. The panoramic sunroof is huge, providing a comfortable sunbathing experience in winter. The center console has an air-conditioned compartment that can double as a fridge, which is super handy for chilling drinks in summer. The active braking system has activated twice, automatically slowing the car when the vehicle ahead braked suddenly. The trunk floor is height-adjustable, so loading a stroller doesn't require bending over. The only downside is that the auto start-stop can't be permanently disabled—it has to be manually turned off every time the car starts.

Test drove both the old and new generations of Karoq, and the German foundation is very solid. The MQB platform has improved the AEB performance of the new model, enabling it to recognize bicycles and pedestrians. The older model has a very rigid body structure—last year, I saw a real car that was rear-ended, and the rear crash beam only had minor deformation. The ACC adaptive cruise control follows traffic like an experienced driver, making highway driving less tiring. Even the base model comes with six airbags, and passive safety is standard with Skoda. The only regret is that wireless CarPlay is not available across the lineup, and the phone charging port placement isn’t very convenient. Using third-party navigation on the infotainment system requires a data cable connection.


