Skoda reveals Karoq Sportline and Scout

Skoda is bookending its Karoq mid-sized SUV range with new sporty and rugged variants, both of which are set to debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October.

The Karoq Sportline and Scout offer diverse exterior designs and trim options with performance tweaks to match their persona.

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As its name suggests the Sportline is the racier variant that’s been draped in active wear similar to the larger Kodiak Sportline, which includes sports bumpers and sideskirts, 19-inch ‘Vega’ black polished alloy wheels, tinted windows and black trim elements including roof rails.

Hop inside and you’ll find black sports seats trimmed with Thermoflux breathable fabric and contrasting, black leather steering wheel, contrasting silver stitching, stainless steel pedals, LED ambient interior lighting, red accents and black headliner.

The athletic look will be offered with the grunt to match and a choice of either 140kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or the 140kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel already available here in the Kodiaq and Superb.

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Buyers will also be able to choose between front- and all-wheel-drive, and a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual clutch auto, although the manual version is highly unlikely to be offered in Australia’s auto-hungry market.

The Karoq Scout will be the Sportline’s outdoorsy sibling, characterised with chrome and silver-coloured exterior trim, front bash-plate, rugged wheel arch linings, 19-inch ‘Crater’ alloy wheels, multifunction leather steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and an LED interior ambient lighting.

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It will come with four-wheel-drive only and power courtesy of the 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine available in the Karoq 110TSI that’s available here, plus a choice of two 2.0-litre diesels producing 110kW and 140kW.

Like the Sportline, the Scout will be available with the six-speed manual or seven-speed auto in Europe.

Each car will come with hands-free powered tailgate, while virtual Cockpit digital dashboard and in-car internet with WiFi will be available as extra-cost options.

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The Skoda Karoq is currently available in Australia in the one, front-wheel-drive, 110TSI spec powered by the 110kW petrol engine with a choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed auto.

A Skoda Australia spokesman told WhichCar it's too soon to confirm future Kodiaq variants for Australia, however it is interested in adding the Sportline to the local line-up.