2018 Skoda Karoq set for September arrival

Skoda’s Yeti-replacing Karoq medium SUV is set to arrive in Australia in September with a starting price of about $30,000.

The Czech-badged Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5 rival will initially arrive with a single variant, the 110TSI, powered by a 110kW turbocharged petrol engine sending drive to the front wheels.

It was initially thought this would be the same 1.4-litre engine as used in the Skoda Octavia but there is talk it could be a whole new block. Skoda Australia is yet to confirm the Karoq’s full Australian specifications.

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A 110TDI diesel will arrive early in 2019 along with all-wheel-drive options for each variant.

The anticipated $30,000 entry-level pricing should put it right in the mix against its medium-SUV competitors, but expect a pretty long options list if you want to take full advantage of the Karoq’s new kit, which includes the Czech-brand’s latest infotainment system and a 12.3-inch customisable digital driver’s display similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – making it the first Skoda to feature a customisable electronic instrument panel

Advanced driver assistance tech will include auto braking, active cruise control, blind-spot detection and lane keeping assist.

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Other available features include a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate, full LED lighting, heated front and rear seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The five-seater Karoq has a large 521-litre boot capacity, which expands to 1630 litres with the rear seats folded. With optional VarioFlex seating installed the rear seats can be easily removed to extend load capacity to a van-like 1810 litres.

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Unlike the Yeti, the Karoq features more conventional SUV styling that complements its Kodiak big brother.