Review: Skoda Karoq 2023 – Striking a Balance Between Simplicity and Completeness

Having been first launched in 2017, the Skoda Karoq is relatively new in comparison to many other renowned models. However, this European B-segment crossover has gained high recognition among modern customers due to its practical values.

Being a successor to the outdated Yeti in terms of design, the Skoda Karoq is equipped with several notable features. For instance, it inherits the MQB chassis system from its parent company Volkswagen, which is similar to that of the Polo or Jetta. Additionally, it offers a variety of engine options, including 1.0L turbo, 1.4L, 1.5L, or 2.0L petrol engines, as well as a 2.0L turbo diesel engine paired with VW’s DSG gearbox.

One of the striking features of the Skoda Karoq lies in its impressive design, which bears resemblance to the luxury brand Audi. This association with Audi stems from its affiliation with the Volkswagen family. The Karoq effortlessly exhibits square lines, showcasing a strong and sturdy appearance while maintaining a youthful and modern feel.

The car grille is designed with a dark tone, featuring square dimensions and vertically run grid patterns. The intelligent LED headlight system, consisting of two layers of spherical-shaped lights, enhances the overall lighting performance. The enclosed design of the wheels not only adds visual appeal but also provides an aerodynamic advantage, contributing to fuel efficiency.

The body of the Skoda Karoq adopts a simple yet square design, reminiscent of renowned models like the Q3 or Q5. LED taillights with sharp lines and multiple cut lines endow the rear of the car with a square aesthetic. Nevertheless, these features fail to fully elucidate the advantages offered by the Skoda Karoq. Only by stepping inside the car can one truly experience its exceptional qualities.

When seated inside the Karoq, the first thing to notice is its premium feel. Skoda positions itself in the middle ground, above mainstream brands while not being as “luxurious” as German brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi. In terms of design, Skoda takes a simple approach that deviates from the flashy style adopted by many modern models.

The Czech brand delves deeper into user experience, particularly the choice of materials, thus enabling customers to truly comprehend the meaning of a “European standard model.” The materials used in the dashboard, seats, and door panels consist of leather and soft plastic, exuding robustness and providing a friendly tactile experience. The 9.2-inch screen may not be as large as those found in other vehicles of the same segment, but it offers a reasonable display area. The interface is simple, easy to access and navigate, and operates smoothly without any lag. In fact, this screen is shared with other models such as the VW ID.3 or Golf. Physical buttons, especially those controlling the air conditioning system, are still retained.

The steering wheel of the Skoda Karoq is flat-bottomed, wrapped in leather and adorned with three spokes, delivering a comfortable grip. Convenient and safe driving support features are integrated on both sides of the steering wheel. Behind the steering wheel lies a visually appealing and modern instrument cluster.

The spaciousness of the car offers comfort for five adults. Although it falls within the B-segment crossover category, the size is not obstructively spacious, yet it can hardly be considered cramped. Storage compartments for water and convenient storage trays are arranged around both rows. The rear seats are equipped with vents and charging ports.

If the stylish design and quality interior fail to convince customers, then it is undoubtedly the driving experience that persuades people to opt for the Skoda Karoq. Sitting in the driver’s seat and experiencing it firsthand is the only way for buyers to truly appreciate the value provided by this vehicle.

A standout feature of the Skoda Karoq is undoubtedly its suspension system. Despite utilizing 18-inch wheels, the car effectively absorbs impact forces, rendering rough and bumpy roads much more tolerable for passengers. Even without the rare version equipped with an adaptive suspension system in the UK market, the Karoq showcases remarkable weight distribution capabilities. It can navigate corners or lane changes at high speeds effortlessly, displaying a nimble, flexible, and precise performance. Although it retains the McPherson front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, the Karoq’s suspension system and “German standard” chassis inherited from the VW parent company offer a completely different driving experience.

In addition to its outstanding suspension system, the Skoda Karoq excels in terms of sound insulation compared to other affordable mainstream models. The cabin effectively filters out tire and road noise, with minimal wind noise around the windows. Only a negligible amount of wind noise manages to penetrate through the side rearview mirrors.

The off-road capability of the Skoda Karoq is also commendable, especially for the 4×4 version. Even the front-wheel-drive version targeted at the Vietnamese market comes equipped with four different driving modes, catering to specific operating conditions.

In conclusion, the Skoda Karoq unequivocally falls into the premium B-segment crossover category, boasting a European design that exudes a youthful, classy, and robust aesthetic. Its interior is spacious, practical, and flaunts meticulous finishing quality. Most importantly, the driving experience is truly impressive, thanks to the values it inherits from its parent company, Volkswagen.

Considering all these exceptional attributes, it is clear that the Skoda Karoq surpasses mainstream models, particularly those originating from Asia. This fact is clearly reflected in the pricing set by the distributor Thanh Cong. Whether the Karoq will enable Skoda to achieve success in the Vietnamese market remains to be seen, and the answer will unfold when the production of this emblematic model commences at the company’s factory in Quang Ninh province in 2024.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)

Source: TopGear