Czech brand Skoda has gone from strength to strength under Volkswagen Group ownership – sharing platforms with Volkswagen models yet retaining a certain individuality and appeal. I’ve just driven the uprated mid-size Skoda Karoq SUV – it first arrived in one model, the 1,4-litre 110 TSI front wheel drive in 2018, but recently refreshed with a new engine and 8-speed conventional automatic, at the same time joined by a more powerful 140TSI SportLine 7-speed auto all-wheel drive. The mid-sized five-seat Karoq is where most of the action is in SUV’s today however its outsold by the likes of Mazda’s CX-5 and Hyundai’s Tucson.

But if your liking is more European then the Skoda Karoq may appeal more – certainly more individual, more compact and with a lot of character – the Karoq built on the VW Tiquan platform, you can see the likeness, both are great but the Skoda gets my vote for its clever packaging. I particularly like the 110TSi, currently $35,990 drive-away, good value at that, although options can get a little expensive. The Skoda Karoq 110TSi features VarioFlex seating – the three back seats can be independently folded down, even removed and it’s a real bonus. Skoda’s catchphrase of ‘Simply Clever’ really fits this vehicle, if you’re after a five-seat SUV put it on your test list you wont be disappointed. More details next segment.

I’m David Berthon.

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