For many, Skoda is the real hero brand within the VW Group, as it offers not just good value for money but, in some cases, cars that are on par, or even better, than their VW counterparts.
One of them that comes to mind is the Yeti, the quirky compact crossover that was originally launched in 2009. Despite its boxy design and a wealth of practical features, the Yeti drove like a hot-hatch without being overtly sporty, making it one of the most exciting surprises of the year.
Skoda is now launching its replacement, which is named the Karoq. Gone is the quirky, van-like design of the Yeti, as the Karoq adopts a more standard-issue SUV shape – and that’s because the automaker wants you to see it as the smaller brother of the Kodiaq.
It may look conservative, but the cabin feels like a nice place to spend time in, with nice soft-touch materials and the latest in infotainment and connectivity features. Some might say that the dashboard even looks more interesting than the one in the VW Tiguan.
So, is the new Karoq another genuine surprise from Skoda? Let’s find out what Car Buyer has to say.