Skoda Karoq and Skoda Yeti head-to-head

Latest SUV faces off against its predecessor

How to follow on from a huge success story such as the Yeti? That was the conundrum Skoda faced when it came to planning the replacement for its best-selling SUV. The Czech brand could easily have played things safe, keeping the model name and updating the design, yet it chose to start with a clean slate. The resultant, all-new Karoq does away with its predecessor’s idiosyncratic boxy shape, aping instead its Kodiaq big brother. It’s less eye-catching but more conventionally attractive than the Yeti, which is presumably the point.

The broad engine line-up ranges from a 113bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo to a 148bhp 1.5 petrol that returns a claimed 55.4mpg. Of the trio of diesels available, the most popular will be the 148bhp 2.0 TDI. There are six-speed manual or seven-speed auto boxes, and four-wheel drive for some variants.

Our prototype’s premium-feeling cabin builds on the Yeti’s quality with additions such as the Configurable Instrument Panel. This digital display can be configured in one of four themes, from the Classic display’s speed, location, engine revs and other data, to the Reduced’s minimalist feel.

The infotainment is a clear improvement over what went before, with touchscreens varying in size between 6.5in and 9.2in. Their interface is crisp, clear and fast, there is now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring, too.

We love the Yeti’s Varioflex rear bench seat, so are please to see it’s been carried over to the Karoq. It boosts cabin flexibility as it can recline and slide. It can be removed altogether, as well, leaving a huge, van-like space.

No official pricing has yet been revealed, but when Karoq sales begin late this year it’s expected to cost slightly less, not more, than the Yeti, which starts at £17,770. That means it will also undercut rivals such as the Seat Ateca, which starts at £18,150. More efficient engines than ever mean the Karoq should cost less to run than even the Yeti, too; we can’t wait for the newcomer to arrive.

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