The 2022 Skoda Karoq has been revealed with visual upgrades, and a new eco-focused range of tweaks and interior trim options.
Skoda Australia has previously indicated the new Karoq will arrive Down Under in March 2022 with carryover engines.
Visually, the small crossover sports a wider grille, and slimmer headlight units with a new slightly stepped shape and the option of active matrix LED lights on top-spec models. There are also slightly reshaped bumpers.
The only change we can see along the sides are the fitment of redesigned alloy wheels on some models. Depending on the model grade, the Karoq rides on 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels, some with plastic aero trims to reduce turbulence.
At the rear there’s a smaller set of tail-lights which now match the upward cut line of the restyled bumpers. As on all of the company’s new models, the brand’s winged-arrow logo has been replaced by the Skoda word mark.
There’s a more aerodynamic spoiler at the top of the tailgate, along with a matching pair of winglets. According to Skoda, the Karoq’s coefficient of drag has been reduced by over nine percent to 0.30.
For the European market the updated Karoq will be fitted with a selection of the Volkswagen Group’s latest turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
The petrol range kicks off with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill making 81kW and 200Nm, with the step up being a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 110kW and 250Nm, which fitted with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG).
Topping out the lineup is a 2.0-litre engine rated at 140kW and 320Nm. This engine comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is available in four states of trim: 85kW/300Nm (six-speed manual), 85kW/250Nm (seven-speed DSG), 110kW/340Nm (six-speed manual), and 110kW/360Nm (seven-speed DSG with all-wheel drive).
The Australian engine range will be as before, and include a 110kW 1.4-litre petrol model with an eight-speed automatic, and the 140kW 2.0-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Inside the cabin the rear doors have been upgraded with available LED ambient lighting, and ahead of the driver is a (new for Europe) standard digital display, with lower-spec models having an 8.0-inch screen and fancier models sporting a 10.25-inch unit.
A new look two-spoke steering wheel is now standard, with a three-spoke tiller available on Sportline models. In the centre of the dashboard the Karoq comes with revised 8.0- or 9.2-inch touchscreen systems with capacitive buttons and the latest infotainment software.
As expected there also changes to the Karoq’s trim and seat covers. These upgrades are bolstered by a new Eco package that includes Suedia (fake suede) arm rest trim, and seat covers made from a mix of recycled PET bottles and leather-like vegan material.
The Varioflex seating system, which includes removable rear seats, remains available in the Karoq range.
The Karoq’s safety package has an upgraded cameras and better detection capabilities, which the company claims directly benefits the traffic sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking systems.
Among the available features are predictive cruise control, which uses camera and map data to adjust car speed in advance of limit changes or corners, and adaptive lane keeping assist that can now recognise all road markings and road works.
In terms of raw sales, the Skoda Karoq is the brand’s second most popular vehicle behind the much-larger Octavia.
MORE: Everything Skoda Karoq
