Sub-$40K Skoda Karoq variant inbound

Skoda Australia is introducing a new entry-level variant of its popular mid-size SUV, the Skoda Karoq, with the cut-price newcomer slotting in below the $40,000 barrier.

Available to order now, the eponymously named 2023 Skoda Karoq arrives with a list price of $39,990 drive-away but still comes with the vast majority of standard equipment fitted to the now second-tier Karoq Style, including its 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Also standard is an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment interface, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, heated and power-folding wing mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED exterior lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic wipers and headlights.

Headline safety gear meantime comprises Side Assist with Lane Assist, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The new base model will be available with just two optional extras: coloured paint ($770) and a seven-year/105,000km service pack ($2750).

Those wanting more gear for their mid-size Skoda SUV will have to spend an extra $4500 for the Style variant, which adds a powered tailgate, larger driver’s display, keyless entry, digital radio, driving profile selection, privacy glass, wireless phone charging, double-sided luggage floor, boot nets, cargo dividers, VarioFlex removable rear seats and driver’s door bin.

Skoda Australia marketing and product boss Kieran Merrigan said the new Karoq grade trumps its most direct rivals when it comes to torque, efficiency, equipment and practicality.

“The new Karoq combines a large 521-litre boot volume with much more torque and lower fuel usage than a comparably priced entry Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 Maxx,” he said.

“Features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning are simply not found with [the] new Karoq’s ‘base’ and basic rivals.”

The claimed fuel consumption figure referred to here is 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.

The arrival of the new Karoq grade expands to three the number of variants in Skoda Australia’s mid-size SUV model range, with the aforementioned Style now sitting in the middle and the all-wheel drive Sportline remaining at the top.

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