Popular Škoda Karoq gets a refresh for 2022

Four years after its launch, the Škoda Karoq has received an update, refreshing the mid-sized SUV to ensure continued appeal. In addition to an even more refined design language, the update brings optional sustainable materials, and new technology.

The new Karoq is characterised by Škoda’s updated emotive design language. New design details include the wider, now hexagonal Škoda grille, restyled front and rear aprons, as well as slimmer and sharper LED headlights and taillights.

The daytime running lights are now split in two, and for the first time, the Karoq is equipped with full-LED Matrix headlights. An impressive range of assistance and safety systems ensures even higher levels of active and passive safety, while new interior decor and seat covers are made from recycled, sustainable materials.

The look of the Karoq’s refreshed interior is defined by new decorative trim and upholstery which, as an option, can be made from sustainable materials, enhanced LED ambient lighting (standard on the Sportline grade) and new decorative strips on the instrument panel and door trims that create new visual highlights.

Two petrol engines deliver power outputs ranging from 110kW to 140kW. The 2.0 TSI producing 140kW is reserved for the Karoq Sportline and exclusively with all-wheel drive.

The Škoda Karoq’s connectivity features are state of the art: the SUV is equipped with a choice of the Bolero or Amundsen infotainment systems that are based on Volkswagen Group’s third-generation modular infotainment matrix. Both the Bolero or Amundsen systems come with an 8-inch screen that can be operated via the touchscreen, the buttons and knurled wheels on the multifunction steering wheels, or through Laura, the digital voice assistant.

The Bolero system (standard in the Ambition+ grade) comes with Wireless SmartLink connectivity, while the Amundsen system, available in the Style and Sportline versions, comes with built-in Navigation. Sportline also comes with wireless charging and the Digital Dash digital instrument cluster.

The Karoq’s spread of safety equipment has also been updated. The SUV’s occupants are protected by up to nine airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver.

Crew Protect Assist now comes standard in the revised Karoq. Crew Protect Assist uses vehicle sensors to detect an imminent collision or register sudden braking; the system automatically closes any open windows and, if necessary, the panoramic roof, and activates the hazard lights and pre-tensions the front seat belts. Following a collision, the Multi-Collision Brake prevents the vehicle from rolling any further in an uncontrolled manner.

The new Karoq comes with a choice of nine body colours, with the two metallic paint finishes Phoenix Orange and Graphite Grey making their debut in the range. Aerodynamics are improved by two new alloys: the 19-inch Sagitarius, standard on the Sportline, features black plastic Aero trim that reduces air turbulence and the 18-inch Proycon alloy that comes standard on the Ambition+ and Style is also aerodynamically optimised. The18-inch Miran and 19-inch Sagitarius Aero wheels are optional for Ambition+ and Style.

As New Zealand’s dynamic top-of-the-range model, the Karoq Sportline exclusively features the 2.0 TSI petrol engine that delivers 140kW, which is transferred to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG as standard. Visually, the Karoq Sportline can be identified by numerous black design features, and the interior is also dominated by black sports styling.

Additional black design details include the rear diffuser on the body-coloured rear apron, the wing mirror caps and the 19-inch Sagitarius alloy wheels, which feature an Aero trim. The rear side windows and the rear window are tinted, and the front wings are adorned with a Sportline badge. The standard equipment of the Karoq Sportline also includes full-LED Matrix headlights.

The Škoda Karoq range starts at $43,990 + On-Road Costs.