2022 Skoda Karoq update revealed, delayed to third quarter

UPDATE, May 26 2022: The updated Karoq is now on sale in Australia, which you can read about at the linke below. The rest of this story remains unchanged, but our latest reviews are also linked below.

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UPDATE, April 22, 2022: Skoda's local division has confirmed the facelifted 2022 Karoq medium SUV will arrive in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of the year.

A spokesperson for the brand said the Karoq is now expected to arrive in Australia during July or August, at least four months after the planned March on-sale date.

The company has not provided a reason for the delay, however, the global semiconductor chip shortage has caused chaos in the automotive industry over the past 18 months, along with parts shortages created by the Ukraine crisis.

Pricing and local specifications will be announced closer to launch.

December 2021: Karoq facelift revealed

The 2022 Skoda Karoq has received its mid-life update, with fresh looks inside and out, and new safety gear.

Skoda has redesigned the Karoq’s front end, making subtle changes to the LED headlights, grille, and bumper, while the rear gains slimmer tail-lights and a spoiler.

Along with revised alloy wheel designs and a new undertray, the Karoq has benefitted from a nine per cent improvement to its aerodynamics, reducing its drag coefficient to 0.30 – or roughly the same as a Ferrari LaFerrari.

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Occupants are greeted with either an 8-inch or 9.2-inch infotainment screen with DAB digital radio and voice assistance, depending on the variant, with the latter gaining wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The driver gets a digital instrument cluster measuring in at 8.0 or 10.25 inches, while an electric seat with memory can be optioned for the front passenger.

Yet to be confirmed for Australia is a new Eco Pack, which gives buyers the option of leather-like upholstery created from a combination of vegan and recycled materials.

While final specification for Australia will be announced in the new year, it’s expected the Karoq will continue to be offered a choice of two engines.

Buyers can opt for either the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, producing 110kW and 250Nm, coupled with an eight-speed automatic in the 110TSI, or a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, which sends 140kW and 320Nm to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the 140TSI variant.

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On the safety front, the updated Skoda gets Travel Assist, which incorporates up to eight features, including semi-autonomous radar cruise control with lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition.

Also available is park assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree parking cameras.