Skoda Karoq goes under the knife

Details of the upgraded Skoda Karoq have emerged ahead of its 2022 debut, showing that the Czech brand's mid-size SUV is set for styling tweaks, more efficient engines, extra tech and more safety and comfort features.

Freshened up to help it compete with far newer rivals like the new-generation Hyundai Tucson and Nissan QASHQAI, the 2022 Skoda Karoq gets a restyled hexagonal-shaped grille that's wider than before.

There's also new LED headlights with matrix LED tech, while the redesigned tail-lights are much slimmer.

New wheels measuring between 17 and 19 inches have also been developed, in some cases with plastic aerodynamic trim that's designed to cut drag.

Speaking of aerodynamics, there's a fresh front bumper that features air curtains and a new rear tailgate spoiler.

In total, designers claim the drag coefficient has been cut by nine per cent compared to before.

Inside, the Skoda Karoq gets a new Eco pack option that introduces seats made from 'vegan' recycled materials.

Depending on trim, Skoda also claims new seats have boosted comfort over the outgoing model.

For the first time, there's electric adjustment with position memory and lumbar support for the front passenger seat, as well as the option of Skoda's VarioFlex seats that allow the rear bench to be split 40:20:40.

The VarioFlex option boosts luggage space from 521 to 588 litres with the rear seats upright, increasing to 1605L with them folded or 1810L if fully removed.

There's also a new LED ambient lighting system.

New tech includes a standard 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster that can be upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch system.

As standard, the Euro-spec Karoq gets an 8.0-inch 'Amundsen' infotainment system, while higher-grade models get the bigger 9.2-inch 'Columbus' unit.

Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can be updated over the air. Wireless charging is also an option.

Under the bonnet, in Europe at least, five updated 'Evo' engines will be available, opening with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo that pushes out 80kW/200Nm and is combined with a six-speed manual transmission.

Also on offer will be a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo with cylinder deactivation tech that shuts off two cylinders at low revs. The punchy 1.5 is combined with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

At the top of the tree is the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder used in the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI that produces 140kW/320Nm and comes with all-wheel drive.

Two 2.0-litre turbo-diesels are available, one with 85kW and the other 110kW (the latter with AWD).

As part of the updates, the Karoq will be offered with up to nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that includes pedestrian detection, as well as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and traffic jam assist.

A new SportLine model grade has also been introduced that features 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior styling, sport seats, piano black and carbon-fibre trim and the aforementioned LED matrix headlights.