The ŠKODA KAROQ: New compact SUV with lots of space and state-of-the-art technology

• ​› Design: modern dynamic SUV design language
• › Powertrains: four new engines, powerful and efficient TSI and TDI 
• › Chassis: state-of-the-art technology, up to five driving modes and special Off-Road mode 
• › Driver assistance systems: extended range for increased safety and comfort 
• › ŠKODA Connect: infotainment with capacitive touch screen in glass design and Care Connect for assistance 
• › Equipment: Full-LED headlights, digital instrument panel 
• › ŠKODA drives SUV campaign forward with the ŠKODA KAROQ 

The ŠKODA KAROQ is a completely new compact SUV from the long-standing Czech brand. The emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements characterises ŠKODA’s new SUV design language. 

As a true ŠKODA, the ŠKODA KAROQ offers exceptional space, new driver-assistance systems, full LED headlights and – for the first time in a ŠKODA – a digital instrument panel. Five engine variants are available from 85 kW (115 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS), of which four are new. 

Typical of ŠKODA are smart ideas for the brand’s new compact SUV which include features such as the rear-seat VarioFlex system and the virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot. 

Particularly long items can be comfortably transported in the interior of the compact SUV – this is made possible by the folding front passenger seat.

​It is clear from the exterior shape, modified lines and larger dimensions that this is a completely new vehicle. The ŠKODA KAROQ is a sports utility vehicle with character: The emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements characterises ŠKODA’s new SUV design language.

The compact SUV measures 4,382 mm in length, is 1,841 mm wide, and 1,605 mm high. The increase in size benefits the passengers. The kneeroom is 69 mm. The long wheelbase of 2,638 mm (all-wheel version: 2,630 mm) gives the ŠKODA KAROQ a comfortable stance on the road and provides an indication of the generously proportioned interior.

The ŠKODA brand stands for an exceptional package. This also applies to the new KAROQ. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 521 l with the rear seats in place. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1,630 l. The VarioFlex system consists of three separate seats, which can be individually adjusted and the seats can also be completely removed – and the SUV is then converted into a van with a maximum load capacity of 1,810 liters.

Segment leader: connectivity solutions

The ŠKODA KAROQ is at the top of its segment with innovative connectivity solutions. The infotainment building blocks come from the second generation of the Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix, offering state-of-the-art functions, interfaces and equipped with capacitive touch displays. 

The top systems Columbus and Amundsen have a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional LTE module is available for the Columbus system. The Internet connection is based on today’s fastest mobile radio standard, with which passengers can surf and access email freely with their phones and tablets.

The new mobile online services ŠKODA Connect are divided into two categories: Infotainment online services are used for information and navigation; the CareConnect services for assistance in case of breakdowns and emergencies. 

The Emergency Call button, which will be part of the standard equipment in Europe from 2018, is now available as an optional CareConnect service. Additional online services can be accessed via the ŠKODA Connect app. These can be used to remotely check, configure and find the parking place of your car using a smartphone.

The intelligent capability of pairing a car with a smartphone has reached a new level in the ŠKODA KAROQ. The SmartLink+ platform, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLinkTM, is available as an option for the basic infotainment system Swing. SmartLink+ comes as standard with higher infotainment systems. The Phonebox with inductive charging couples the smartphone to the roof antenna and simultaneously charges it wirelessly.

Reliable helpers: driver assistance systems

The ŠKODA KAROQ offers a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. New comfort systems include Park Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assist serve to increase safety.

Additional driver assistance systems are available for the ŠKODA KAROQ to keep the car at a safe distance from the car ahead, to make it easier for the driver to change and keep in lane, to point out important traffic signs, and to assist when parking.

The freely programmable digital instrument panel is available for the first time in a ŠKODA. In the ŠKODA KAROQ, the cockpit displays can be set to the driver’s individual preferences.

Full-LED headlights with clear-lens optics are available as an option for the ŠKODA KAROQ from the Ambition trim level upwards. In the interior, new LED ambient lighting in the decorative door trims and the dashboard creates a pleasant atmosphere, which can be set to one of ten colours.

Powerful and agile: engines and chassis

The ŠKODA KAROQ offers state-of-the-art technologies for engines. Five engine variants – two petrol and three diesel engines – are on offer. The two petrol engines and two diesels are new in the line-up. 

The displacement ranges are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 l; the power range is from 85 kW (115 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). All powertrains feature turbo-charged direct injection units as well as start -stop- technology and brake energy recovery. 

They are extremely efficient and comply with EU 6 regulations. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 PS) comes as standard with 4×4 drive and 7-speed DSG. The new 1.5 TSI has the special feature of cylinder deactivation.

The ŠKODA KAROQ chassis also sets benchmarks in its segment and demonstrates its quality, even off the beaten track. From the Ambition trim level upwards, Driving Mode Select with the Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4x4) modes is available on request. The Off-Road mode with all-wheel drive improves the driving characteristics on rough terrain.

The Cactus from Citroen now sports a special all black edition (just like the one we own)

Citroën is further enhancing the C4 Cactus range with the introduction a C4 Cactus OneTone version. The eye-catching OneTone model features Obsidian Black metallic paint, black Airbump®, 17-inch black alloy wheels and special OneTone graphics. The new C4 Cactus OneTone will go ‘on sale’ in the UK from 1 April 2017, priced from £19,020 OTR.

EDITOR - This is not new - in fact I own an all black Cactus and have done for two years now - so they are late to the party, maybe i should charge them for nicking my idea. LOL

For those seeking a new take on the standout charms of the multi-award winning C4 Cactus, yet more choice is on the way. The new Citroën C4 Cactus OneTone will go ‘on sale’ in the UK from 1 April.

Offering an elegantly styled exterior that plays on the harmony between the tone-on-tone black body paint, black Airbumps® and black alloy wheels, the C4 Cactus OneTone retains all the original personality of the iconic Citroën model, while adding a fresh new look and dynamic presence.

The new version features Obsidian Black metallic paint, 17-inch black ‘Cross’ alloy wheels and OneTone graphics on the rear quarter panels. The C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual OneTone is based on the range-topping Flair trim level. The new model offers distinctive style with all the latest technologies designed for well-being. 

Additional equipment includes the City Park Pack with front parking sensors, gap measurement and Park Assist self-parking. Other features include a two-tone leather steering wheel and dark tinted rear windows, plus a Navigation and Hi-Fi Pack with 6 speakers and an ARKAMYS digital amplifier. There is also Bluetooth® hands free functionality and media streaming.

As part of the launch promotion, C4 Cactus OneTone features in a new attention-grabbing video advertisement. In what has become a well-known TV scene, a jury is auditioning contestants in a talent show. The next contestant is Annabel, an adorable little girl with the face of an angel, who instantly wins the hearts of the audience. Backstage, her nervous parents are comforted by the host. The jury asks the contestant to begin. To everyone’s astonishment, the little girl bursts into a rousing rendition of a hard rock song. Dressed in her little pink cardigan, but possessed by a heavy-metal spirit, Annabel belts out the song.

The mother and daughter are then seen leaving in the C4 Cactus OneTone with the sound of hard rock contrasting with the stylish elegance of the car.

The film perfectly sums up the Citroën C4 Cactus OneTone. Under its pure and elegant

all-black body, this car loses none of its edge. That same spirit is summed up in the advertising slogan, “GO BE DIFFERENT”.

The C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual OneTone is priced from just £19,020 MRRP OTR.

TMW - The C4 Picasso, one of the best cars that money can buy, and one we will return too.

Citroen, since it launched the C4 Picasso many years ago has had a huge success story on its hands, and today, with the new version, it is a true, awesome product, the model that we had on test was the Flair, 130 PT, it came with a column gear change, something that any Merc auto owners would be aware of, but for us, this was a first, but you soon get used to the extra stalk on the column, and flicking it from drive to reverse and back etc came very easily after a couple of days.

The car itself was rather large, and this was not the Grand Picasso, there was so much space, and glass, that you never felt enclosed or like you were in a cocoon, the new look of the car which has minor facelifts to the front and rear, as well as being richly endowed with kit and toys, meant you were always feeling like the car could drive its self, and it does, Believe me, all will become clearer.

But lets start with the outside, the car in its basic shape was revamped to make this mark three version the best it has ever been, now, whether you consider the Xsara Picasso as MK1 or not, is irrelevant, because that car was so successful, and sold is huge numbers that it soon expanded into a C3 Picasso, C4 Picasso, and if rumour is right there may well, be yet another new one, but the car here was launched in 2006, reskinned in 2013 and given a facelift late in 2016, which is the model we have here.

The car is very much like a Tardis, especially in the blue colour of our test car, there is just so much space and room inside the car that any normal family will find this car perfect for their needs, the new lights on the outside with a few other tweaks and nips and tucks should be enough to take it to an all new model in the next few years, but it does not stop there.

The car is so well laid out, with all the buttons and switchgear all within easy reach, easy to understand and simple to understand what each one does, this car benefits from a central display, so that the steering wheel can be placed either side, with ease, well, for Citroen anyway, and with the central display always in the middle you soon get used to it, and forget that the vast majority of cars will have these displays right in front of you.

The vast amount of glass in the car gives it a very airy and light demeanour, from the extra big windscreen, the full length glass roof, and the big windows all around the car, the roof window comes with a dial for the "curtain" which will move it to certain specified positions, all cars should have the glass roof, it is a perfect option, well, until some person decides to try and break in.

The car comes seriously well equipped, with so many gadgets and toys, one being the road line monitoring sensors, now before i go any further i will say "DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME", but for your benefit i tried it, at a steady speed, i removed my hands from the steering wheel, only just though, and as the car moved towards the lines in the road, either at the side or in the middle, the car took over and "nudged" back into the lane you were in, after a short while, it will bong at you and a message on the screen states that you should put your hands on the steering wheel.

But the system really does work well, even with the hands on the wheel, you can feel the force on the car moving you back into the middle of you part of the road, added in with one of the most simple and easy to use cruise control options, it keeps the car on the straight and narrow, but do be warned, any damage to the road markings, or being covered by detritus, and the system will get confused quickly.

Driving the car and you always feel like it is under control, at all times, it grips very well, and you never feel any under or oversteer, which you can get with other big cars, the auto box copes well at all speeds, and considering this car is ONLY a 1.2 litre, albeit turbocharged, you would be easily forgiven for thinking that this car has a far bigger engine, the computer stated at one point we managed to get nearly 43mpg, which was not bad considering that most of the journeys were short and of less than 5 miles, the brakes were also well upto the job, with it being able to stop on a penny if and when required.

Our car came well specified as already mentioned, but it did come with 

• Massage front seats
• electronic Multiple direction moving of front seats
• manual moving of the rear seats
• Cruise Control
• Lane Assist
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)*
• Front and rear electric windows with anti-pinch and one-touch operation*
• Fan speed adjustment for rear seat passenger air vents*
• Park Assist
• Motorised rear tailgate
• Blind spot monitoring system (with LED indicator in door mirrors)
• Integrated retractable rear side window sun blinds
• Aluminium front sill scuff protectors*
• Three separate full size seats in row 2*
• Adjustable recline angle on row 2 seats*
• Individual fold flat rear seats in row 2*
• Illuminated (and switchable) central storage compartment (housing aux-in, USB and 12v connections)*
• Panoramic sunroof (with dark tinted glass and electric sliding blind)
• Auto-dimming electrochrome interior rear view mirror
• Panoramic windscreen
• Front fog lights
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic lights and windscreen wipers
• Removable centre storage box with sliding lid*
• Fixed centre storage box with sliding lid*
• 12 inch Panoramic HD central display (full colour)
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors

And this is just a small amount of the items that are fitted to our car, so, as you can see, this is a well specified car, at a reasonable price, yes £27,315 is a lot of money, but when you get this much car for the money, it becomes quite a bargain.

The 111g/km CO2 is not a bad figure for the size of the car, and its economy in fuel consumption is also not that bad either, again, considering it is only a 1.2 litre Turbo.

• Urban Cycle 44.1mpg
• Extra Urban 64.2mpg
• Combined 55.4mpg

And i believe that these are achievable, and not just pie in the sky numbers that other brands release..

OVERALL

The Picasso is a brilliant car, in fact it is passed brilliant and onto a separate level where exceptional cars live, it does everything that you ask of it, and then far more besides, you can live with this car regardless of what you ask of it, its well priced, very well equipped, economical and cheap to insure and own.

Now, unless you have huge loads, this car will take everything you throw at it, it is like a massive cave, that just keeps on going, and the comfort, talk about armchair, even the passenger front seat has an extension so you can put your feet up, then you have the tech, from keeping the car in the right lane, to self parking, auto lights and wipers and so much more, this car has it all, and believe me when i say that we were so impressed by this car, that when we are due to change one of our own cars, which also happens to be a Citroen, a Cactus, the C4 Picasso will be one of the cars we return to.

So, if you are in the market for a car like this, then this is the one to go for, dont bother looking at any other brand, just stay here and get the Picasso, after all, in our opinion, it is far and away the best car out there.