Skoda has made inroads into the SUV market with their Karoq, Kodiaq and Kamiq models, boasting smart designs that provide excellent value.
The Kodiaq is an amazingly spacious seven-seat SUV designed to be effortless off road driving experience. Recently it received a facelift featuring more muscular design features as well as the high performance vRS model for performance enthusiasts.
1. Karoq
Skoda’s SUV lineup began with the quirky Yeti, followed by 2017’s Karoq that hit family crossover market perfectly with its modern yet sophisticated design and assortment of clever features.
The Karoq stands out among SUVs due to its raised driving position and generous practicality, providing one of the smoothest driving experiences available. You’ll enjoy tech features like its nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; though not quite providing as much driver pleasure as its rival, the Seat Ateca, this vehicle provides plenty of miles-worth of driving pleasure while being packed with safety kit.
Euro NCAP awarded the Karoq with five stars overall for safety, earning top scores for adult and child occupant protection as well as front assist, which detects pedestrians on the road ahead of you and applies brakes if you fail to pay attention. Available as both petrol and diesel powertrains, with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol model being an especially great pick for city use thanks to its surprising pep.
Expect to spend around PS1,000 for a low-mile used Karoq with no modifications, depending on which specification you opt for. The SE model may be cheaper; don’t be seduced into spending more for SportLine features unless they really stand out in your mind as being of interest to you.
When it comes to running costs, the Karoq is relatively economical for a large SUV; both petrol and diesel versions can return 33-40mpg on average. You could further improve this figure by opting for four-wheel drive and automatic gearbox options.
If you want a car with all the bells and whistles, look for optional extras such as panoramic sunroof and metallic paint. In addition, make sure it has a service history, warranty extension plan or fixed price maintenance pack as these packages can help spread out costs related to essential servicing thereby helping keep running costs under control.
2. Kodiaq
Skoda was slow to bring its second SUV into production, but once they did so, the Kodiaq made the wait well worthwhile. Boasting Euro flair that seemed absent elsewhere as well as impressive space and value for money.
Kodiaq comes equipped with an impressive variety of equipment, but certain models stand out more than others. A used Kodiaq Style with tech pack will cost around $52,990 drive-away; mid-spec Sportline costs more. That extra grand buys 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, roof rails, climate control, keyless entry with push start capability, keyless entry with push start feature, digital instrument cluster with eight-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity connectivity as well as privacy glass and heated front seats – plus privacy glass!
If you’re in the market for a higher-performing used Kodiaq SUV, take a look at the recently facelifted RS model – equipped with a 237bhp turbo-petrol engine, it offers more sporty appeal to an already good-looking SUV. Additionally, Skoda has added some “simply clever” features like umbrellas in its doors and seat pockets that pop out when loaded to reduce door edge damage when transporting loads.
Skoda claims that when it comes to covering ground, the Kodiaq RS uses up to 8.2L/100km combined driving. We haven’t had an opportunity to put this figure through its paces ourselves yet but that figure seems reasonable for a powerful petrol-powered seven-seat SUV carrying all those extra passengers in back.
All Kodiaq models come with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty; when coupled with premium prepaid servicing package this increases to seven years. Service intervals should occur every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) using premium 95RON fuel; all models also feature nine airbags including rear curtain and knee bags for occupant protection, intelligent park assist to manoeuvre the Kodiaq into parking spots automatically for you and traffic jam assist which uses cruise control and lane assist systems to begin turning and braking to match up with movement of other cars involved in slow moving queues of vehicles in slow moving queues; intelligent park assist will assist with manoeuvre into parking spots automatically while traffic jam assist uses cruise control and lane assist systems to turn and brake as you follow vehicles behind, mimicking their movements for smooth travels ahead.
3. Enyaq IV
Skoda’s inaugural all-electric SUV is an accommodating family vehicle with decent real-world range and swift charging speeds – plus it is relatively cost effective to operate! A real bonus.
Based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform – also used by ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron SUVs – the Enyaq IV can be had both as an SUV or coupe body style. The latter boasts more sporty looks with its more sloping roofline, rear glass space increasers, tinted sunroof, tinted front windshield wipers, tinted sunroof visor and tinted tinted sunroof that blocks direct sunlight reaching rear passengers compared with its counterpart. It comes equipped with an optional vRS option (which we don’t advise) along with upgraded infotainment software which only adds costs.
Interior customization options abound for this EV, from entry-level EcoSuite trim all the way up to top-spec Laurin & Klement trim – including fabrics and leather seating surfaces with plenty of equipment on board. A 13.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates its dashboard but is easy to operate while on the move and intuitive in its operation.
The Enyaq is an enjoyable vehicle to drive, offering instantaneous torque from its electric motor for swift overtaking and an impressive 0-60mph time. The back seats can slide, tumble or fold forward for optimal space utilization while there are ISOFIX mounts for child seats. Furthermore, its huge boot can accommodate multiple suitcases easily thanks to a flat load floor providing easy access to rear storage area.
Euro NCAP awarded it five out of five stars for safety features including front, side and curtain airbags; automatic emergency braking; lane assist; traffic jam assist and driver assistance functions that detect road markings and alert the driver about nearby pedestrians.
Skoda is one of the few manufacturers offering an all-inclusive ‘package’ at a discounted price, including an electrically opening tailgate and keyless entry; an assistance pack including adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, traffic jam assist and reversing camera; as well as heated steering wheels with heat pump-based heating systems which save up to 4kWh per 62 miles, helping extend range in winter.
4. Kamiq
Skoda’s Kamiq SUV makes for an attractive alternative to hatchback cars. Inspired by the Karoq and Kodiaq models, yet much smaller in terms of footprint, city driving should find it perfect. Furthermore, its hugely practical boot space and SUV-inspired driving dynamics add further appeal.
The Kamiq is built upon Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform, like that used in both Golf and T-Roc models. Powered by its 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 95 or 115bhp, the Kamiq can accelerate from zero to sixtymph in 8.3 seconds – quite impressive considering its small dimensions! That speed also affords it with respectable agility.
However, it’s the Kamiq’s boot space that truly distinguishes it from other small SUVs. When configured as a 40:60 split seating arrangement there’s room for 1395L of luggage; with rear seats folded flat this expands further to become one of the most versatile small SUVs on the market.
No matter which model of Kamiq you choose – from entry-level S models to the luxurious Monte Carlo – the Kamiq comes equipped with many standard features such as lane assist and an infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility on all models, while SE Drive adds automatic air conditioning and a 9.2-inch screen featuring satellite navigation capabilities.
Skoda’s Kamiq SUVs provide all models equipped with its Simply Clever tech, making them an excellent choice for families in search of an intelligent SUV. Many British buyers seek something larger than a family hatchback but less intimidating than some of the larger SUVs currently on sale – and its spacious cabin can fit the bill nicely.
Parkers offers an exceptional selection of approved used Kamiq models at unbeatably competitive prices, which have all been thoroughly checked by an approved dealer and come complete with warranties, making shopping with confidence possible. Plus, buying nearly-new models could save significant sums of money over purchasing brand new. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
