TYPO: a title displayed on-screen in this video mistakenly says the vehicle has a DSG. It doesn’t. It’s an eight-speed torque converter automatic, which I understood when assessing the car - just the visual on-screen is mistaken. Apologies! As for my opinion on the auto: it’s fine - not the last word in crispness but some people will indeed prefer it over a DSG, especially a dry one.

I test drove a 2023 Karoq Style last year and absolutely loved the drive and interior practicality. Ultimately, I put an order on a Corolla Cross GXL because the maths just didn’t work for the Sköda for long-term mostly urban fuel usage - more than double the running cost of the Toyota hybrid.

@JordanJanssen

3 ай бұрын

@@perpetualgrin5804 I’m a numbers guy at heart - any excuse to open a new Excel spreadsheet ha!

The 7-year service package only costs $2750, which is a big bonus. My Mazda 3 doesn't come with a capped price service plan (they didn't offer me one when purchasing the car), and now the annual service price has inflated to about $450 per visit. I will soon shift to a Skoda or Cupra. No more trust in any Japanese car.

Great review Tom.👍🏼 Just one question regarding the VarioFlex seat system. Any idea what the storage capacity is with all seats removed?

My partner has the 110TSI Kamiq. Cracking car to drive with a surprising amount of space. My only criticism is the fiddly on-screen ventilation controls.

Great review Tom. How do you compare this with the current Kona hybrid re drive & space?

Great review Tom , a small correction, the base Karoq has a torque converter with the 110. We test drove one over the weekend but purchased an Octavia sport line wagon ( identical driveline) for $500 more than the Karoq. If you don’t need the taller driving position, it’s seriously worth the look.

@Olliebobalong

3 ай бұрын

Weird. We have the 1.0 and 1.5 with ACT, both with DSG gearboxes in the UK

@chasingcars

3 ай бұрын

Yep - just an unfortunate typo on screen, sorry. Have added a pinned comment.

@marcpacey

3 ай бұрын

@@Olliebobalong we ended up with an Octavia ( 1.4 with Torque Converter ) for about $500 extra. Second Skoda, absolutely brilliant!.

@marcpacey

3 ай бұрын

@@chasingcars the best independent car channel in Australia……..Hands down !

@chasingcars

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Really enjoyed your review! Just a question, obviously you're sitting higher with the Karoq. Are you that much higher in the kamiq when compared to a sedan?

Speaking from an owner's view, the transmission is not a 7 speed DSG. It uses a 8 speed torque converter automatic.

@chasingcars

3 ай бұрын

Just a typo on screen, sorry.

I think the additional 7k for Karoq is no brainer for a family . There is way more space and better ride over our bumpy roads. Also the AC works more faster and cooler in Karoq. If Škoda had done a bit more work on sound deadening it would have been great. The tire noise is more felt on coarse surfaces but not a deal breaker. Great fuel economy on highways. Easy to drive and planted on roads . Even on rough patches and curves. It’s a good buy and 7 year warranty is great.

@marcpacey

3 ай бұрын

We test drove the Karoq ( identical to the one tested ) over the weekend, was ok, then drove the Octavia wagon …….. worlds apart. We purchased the Octavia ( collected today ) for about $500 more. If you don’t need the raised driving position- it’s well worth the look.

@cisa1622

3 ай бұрын

Good to know. I was downsizing from SUV and hence did not check wagon or sedan.

This is compelling value

A very compelling suv. Just wanted to ask how does it compare against base Tucson and CX-5 ?

Id go with Kamiq

I like how you touched on the build quality and refinement. VAG group have set those standards for about 30 years now, since the MK4 Golf. Its probably the most important aspect the typical European drivers looks for. Screens and gadgets are rather low-down on the list. Im not exactly an old driver, but I cant stand glaringly bright screens in my face constantly. There is a mode on the virtual cockpit on the Kamiq's at least which is basically a night mode, turns off the fuel and water temperature gauges, limits the screen to just showing range and speed, on a dark screen, and you can switch off the centre screen automatically after 10 seconds. Lots of asian buyers dont care for build quality of refinement as much as they do toys and gadgets, and why Skoda is so popular in Europe is testament to that.

Although you did mention the Kamiq as a very good vehicle, you didn't mention the big difference between the review of the Karoq and the good packaging of the kamiq is the smaller engine in the Kamiq .Regards and like watching your reviews.

a hybrid corolla cross fwd is 40k. its a long wait, but kills this skoda in terms of value

Great job with 45s of B-roll. Saw it 10 times!! Would rather see Tom presenting to camera more. Maybe my attention span is too long!

??? Big plus for this car is Japanese 8 speed torque converter auto?.?.? Why no mention of it's best feature???

Good car, need to consider maintenance cost after the warranty. I spent $7000 to change the mechatronics in the transmission on my 2017 skoda ocatavia. If you are planning to sell the car within warranty then the depreciation on the Skoda is shocking. will loose 60% of the value by the warranty ending period. Either they have to reduce maintenance spare parts cost or atleast reduced upfront purchase cost.. then I will consider skoda again.

Kamiq may have better offerings, but it's paired with VWs dual clutch, which is terrible for around town and slow movement- which the Kamiq is aimed for.

@darrenmorgan5849

3 ай бұрын

No it was a typo in the video. It is fitted with the 8spd torque converter (normal) automatic transmission.

@pauld6556

3 ай бұрын

@@darrenmorgan5849 yes the Karoq does, however he does mention the Kamiq as an alternative which indeed has the DSG.

Fuel economy is not great once you factor in premium fuel. My V6 gets 10L per 100km in city driving using 91 ron...this thing gets 8.5 but actually that is 9.3 when factoring in 10% more expensive fuel......plus my V6 is much more powerful.

Value for money makes sense in this overpriced market Tom 😊

The cabin noise is unbearable in country roads.

The Karoq is a great car, but it's a shame that something as sparsely specced as this is still pushing $40k. Inflation! Being shorter than it's rivals is actually a huge benefit to lots of people, I think, especially those living in newer townhouses and units where garages are often only just over 5m long. The 10-20cm saved in the car's length can go a long way in such situations.

Am I right in thinking the boot capacity claim from Skoda is using a different calculation method than other manufacturers? There is no way the karoq’s boot is bigger than the Japanese and Korean brands who claim a smaller capacity.

@questionmark7045

3 ай бұрын

AcTually NOT it has 520

A very good video. I rate the Skoda quite highly However in terms of Australian conditions the Japanese rivals such as Mazda or Toyota are better suited. Nothing against the Skoda but they just do not hold up over time as well as the Japanese. As an independent mechanic down in Melbourne for many of my customers who usually run between 12,000-15,000ks between servicing most European vehicles do not like being pushed so long distances between intervals. The Japanese can tolerate it much better. Also I disagree with the service plans! They do not cover everything you will pay extra for wear & tear items such as brakes & coolant or fluid flushes. They just tie you into the Skoda dealer network & nothing else.

It looks like a Russian car (of the 80s that is).

You would agree Tom, a difficult decision to buy either the Kamiq, the Karoq or the Kodiak. Don’t we like the “KKK” option.

better off buying a GSR or exceed ASX instead of the bottom of the range euro

@chasingcars

3 ай бұрын

Firmly disagree - the ASX’s ride and handling is terrible. This is a far better car.

Did you get Married Tom?