Skip advert
Advertisement

Mid-size SUV of the Year 2018: Skoda Karoq

Skoda is on a roll, and the Karoq is proof that the Czech brand knows exactly what it’s doing in the field of family SUVs.

Skoda is on a roll, and the Karoq is proof that the Czech brand knows exactly what it’s doing in the field of family SUVs. The manufacturer has confidently followed up the excellent seven-seat Kodiaq with another class-leading crossover, distilling what made its large SUV such a success into a more compact and affordable package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The appeal of the Karoq is much the same as that of its bigger brother. This is a no-nonsense mid-size SUV that does the basics brilliantly. While that means it doesn’t quite boast the wow factor of some of the Karoq’s more flamboyant rivals, the Skoda is a winner for value, refinement, practicality and tech, thanks to its excellent and intuitive infotainment options. As an all-round proposition it makes great sense.

The quirks of the old Skoda Yeti that used to occupy this space in the market have been replaced by a more grown-up and modern-feeling approach with the Karoq.

Its MQB platform underpinnings ensure it’s good to drive, with comfort and composure on offer. That is matched by performance and efficiency thanks to the choice of modern turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that are familiar from elsewhere in the VW Group range.

At the top end of the line-up, the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI Karoq is equipped with all-wheel drive and comes with a special off-road driving mode. However, it’s the 1.5-litre four-cylinder 148bhp TSI petrol unit that impresses the most. It boasts a solid spread of torque, great refinement and cylinder deactivation technology to help improve fuel efficiency.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Those benefits are bolstered by excellent usability – a trait any family SUV has to nail. The Karoq offers up to 588 litres of boot space with the seats up, which expands to 1,810 litres when they’re folded, while there’s lots of leg and headroom in the back of the car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Factor in Skoda’s trademark Simply Clever touches, and this mid-size crossover should slot into family life seamlessly. It’s the most convincing offering in this class, which is why it scoops our award this year.

Our choice

Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE (£22,230)

Developments in petrol technology mean that Skoda’s 1.5-litre TSI engine suits the Karoq’s character perfectly. The 148bhp four-cylinder turbo is our choice because it serves up smooth performance and never feels strained. The unit balances this with fair fuel economy, with claims of up to 52.3mpg. Basic SE spec is generous enough, with an eight-inch colour touchscreen featuring CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys. 

Commended 

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot 3008 - Front

The Peugeot 3008 won this category last year and is still an immensely commendable car, and a more eye-catching alternative to the straight-laced Karoq, thanks to its distinctive design inside and out. It’s also slightly more practical, because of its 591-litre boot. But the Skoda beats it for value, versatility, performance and comfort.

Toyota C-HR

Toyota C-HR - front

As this sector begins to saturate, Toyota’s C-HR gains a commendation in 2018 for injecting a bit of excitement into a derivative class. The vibrant design and sharp driving characteristics make the Toyota one of the more lively crossovers out there, while an efficient hybrid powertrain option offers something most of its rivals don’t.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2018

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2018 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cheap family cars
Best cheap family cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best cheap family cars

Families don’t come cheap, but these used family cars do
20 Mar 2024
Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024
Best small 4x4s - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024

Need off-road capability but in a smaller package? Take a look our top 10 small 4x4s
17 Jan 2024
Best used mid-size SUVs and 4x4s 2024
Best used mid-size SUVs and 4x4s - header image
Best cars & vans

Best used mid-size SUVs and 4x4s 2024

Mid-size SUVs and 4x4s are as popular as ever, and these the best pre-owned ones to buy right now
9 Jan 2024
Best diesel cars 2024
Best diesel cars 2023 - header
Best cars & vans

Best diesel cars 2024

Diesel power strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, and these are some of the best diesel cars you can buy…
2 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024