Skoda Karoq review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
The Skoda Karoq won’t break the bank, but it’s not top of the class for running costs
Aside from its relative practicality, one of the Karoq’s great attractions is the combination of fashionable SUV style with manageable running costs. Apart from a small fuel economy penalty, these cars shouldn’t cost more to run than a comparable hatchback - especially if you forgo the 4x4 models as most buyers do.
The Karoq’s petrol engines look attractive from a cost point of view, as they’re pretty efficient and cheaper to buy than the diesels you might typically associate with the SUV genre.
The Karoq’s engines aren’t class-leading for economy, but they’re still among the most efficient in the sector. The 1.0 TSI can return up to 48.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting as little as 132g/km of CO2.
The larger 1.5 TSI’s official maximum combined cycle figures are 46.3mpg (45.9mpg with the DSG auto), with CO2 emissions from 138g/km. Our tests of this 1.5-litre unit suggest that owners should be able to get very close to those numbers in the real world, too.
If you really do want to eke the best mileage out of every gallon, the manual 116PS 2.0-litre diesel is the sensible choice. It returns up to 59.4mpg with CO2 emissions from 125g/km.
If you choose the 4x4 option that’s available with the 2.0-litre engines, you’re looking at a reduction in WLTP fuel economy compounded by the fact that all-wheel drive is only available with the DSG gearbox. In the case of the 2.0-litre TSI petrol, you’re looking at 36mpg and 180g/km, while the 2.0-litre TDI gets 47.3mpg and 158g/km.
Insurance groups
You won’t pay too much for insurance with any of the Karoq models, but the lower spec versions are obviously cheaper. The smallest 1.0-litre petrol engine in SE Drive trim resides in group 12, but opting for the more powerful 2.0-litre diesel only ups the insurance rating to groups 13-15. Predictably, the 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol in range-topping Sportline trim is the costliest Karoq to insure as this sits in group 25.
Premiums across the Karoq range are likely to be slightly less than those for the Peugeot 3008 which sits in groups 22 and 38. The Nissan Qashqai is in a similar ballpark to the Skoda, with entry-level models starting in group 11.
Depreciation
Skoda is known for solid residual values, and the latest data suggests that the Karoq should retain up to 54 per cent of its initial value over three years and 36,000 miles, depending on your chosen engine and trim level.
