Skoda Karoq to start at $30,000

Skoda’s entrant to the booming mid-size SUV segment, the Karoq, will offer unprecedented tech and a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains when it lands in showrooms mid-2018.

In addition, stakeholders have revealed to motoring.com.au they are targeting a $30,000 starting price for the five-seat SUV, which will debut new tech for the Czech brand including an Audi-style virtual instrument display.

“$30,000 is certainly the price we’re looking at for the front-drive petrol model,” Skoda Australia public relations boss Paul Pottinger said, adding “a 4x4 diesel option will come in slightly higher”.

“This is the first model to be available with the new digital instrument cluster. The acquisition of that technology itself really embodies the perception change that Skoda has here as opposed to the rest of the world. It’s a logical fit into these cars now because it’s not a budget brand; it’s its own fully fledged thing.

“It’s difficult to say whether the display will be standard. Logic suggests it’s a pack elsewhere so I imagine that will be the case in Australia.”

The Karoq will be pitted against the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, but is set to leverage its appeal with technology including full LED headlamps and safety equipment including self-park, lane assist and blind spot detection.

Based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform – the same as that used on the Golf and Tiguan - the all-new replacement for the current Yeti is significantly larger, measuring in 150mm longer and 50mm wider.

According to Skoda, this liberates more passenger space inside and provides for a huge 512-litre boot.

All models will come with a Driving Mode Select system offering Normal, Sport, Eco, Snow and Off-Road modes, plus the option to tailor the engine, transmission and suspension in an Individual mode.

Like the Skoda Octavia Scout, a Rough Road package will be offered on the Karoq which adds underbody armour for some protection when driving off the beaten track.