Thirsty engine is only downside to very impressive model SKODA KAROQ
There’s little not to like about the SKODA KAROQ. Germinating from the Volkswagen family-designed medium SUV under the SKODA badge – others being the VW Tiguan and the SEAT ATECA – it is slap bang in the middle of the fastest-growing segment of the Irish motor market right now.
As mid-sized SUVs go, it gets high marks in almost every department. The 1.5-litre petrol version tested this week has all the credentials you would want from a car like this, but might not be the car of choice from the KAROQ range.
Diesel still commands price status in this bracket and while there are a lot of options, this car only suffers from a thirst for fuel that won’t appeal to those outside urban surroundings. Although SKODA tell us that the fuel consumption is 5.4L/1200km, I could only manage to achieve 7.5L/100km with a mix of motorway, country roads and city driving covering 1,100km. That, in my book is a smidgen too high.
Otherwise, the car itself is a good specimen of what a modern medium SUV should be. Add in the excellent build quality that we have come to expect from SKODA, the incisive design lines, Sunset-tinted glass and the overall look on 18” wheels, this is a very handsome car and in my opinion, will age very well as time goes by.
On the road, the KAROQ has few rivals in terms of handling, surefootedness and cornering ability. You don’t get too much roll in the corners compared to others and the high seating position give great all-round visibility.
It comes with a light steering action that, although I would prefer more feedback, it is accurate and makes town driving very easy. You also get a rear-view camera for easy parking along with all the driving aids you would want.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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