Skoda Karoq, AN Other small van or stick?

I had a karoq for lugging film gear. It has fantastic space and plenty of room. Large boot.

I upgraded to a Kodiaq but would have a Karoq again.

Cheers Rone. Comfy?

into my 4th and final year of Karoq ownership. Had a couple of Yeti's before. Comfortable, reliable, pretty cheap to run. Only issue is leaking rear shocks but roads here are terrible. Otherwise sailed through the MOT.  

It's not exciting in any way, but it'll take a bike or two wheel off with seats down (I mostly use a trailer) and we've used it seats out to hoik offpsprings' goods and chattels all over the country.

Mine's a DSG (3rd DSG I've had) and I'd never go back to a manual.

I might buy it end of lease unless an electric Octy estate or similar is available.

Just it a Karoq.  Had a Yeti before and the Karol has many of the good features carried over. Got the flexi seats in the back so you can take them out completely if required. Haven’t tried it yet but with the front wheel off I could stand a bike up in th Yeti  Karoq looks longer and higher in the back so hoping it will be the same

I’m 6’2” and there’s loads of headroom. Seat are comfy although the adjustable lumbar support isn’t the best.

I got the 1.5 petrol manual. Goes ok (once you get the turbo going).  Generally a pleasant place to be.

I'm in almost exactly the same buying scenario - not tall or suffering from a bad back - but torn between a van or something like the Karoq or an estate car like the octavia (paddler, so low long roof has its advantages). We have a yeti (not getting ride of it - this is in addition) and been generally impressed.

I'd actually prefer the van, but I also want a heated screen quite fancy some driver comfort and given a choice a DSG gearbox or equivalent. It seems perverse that van prices are what they are - All that cost saving in manufacture in terms of the upholstery and seating for the back half of the vehicle, pretty much all of them have a trim and feature level not seen in cars for a generation and mostly looking shabby inside from hours of being sat in by hairy arsed tradesman that showed them little care. But still the sticker prices are up there with a well care for car with far more bells and whistles.

That's my dilemma too. I'd much rather get a van, but the spec level vs price balance is woeful. I've been indoctrinated to adaptive cruise control plus automatic transmission, but that is tough to get in a van. Heated windscreen? You're having a laugh! I'd like that too though, which is why the Ford is on the list. Skoda looks immense value compared to Ford, Nissan, Honda, Renault, Citroën, etc.

Slight dissenting view, we had a Yeti and then upgraded to a Kodiaq for space. When we looked at a Karoq for  second car it felt small, silly tray tables on back of the front seats restrict leg room for anyone tall in the rear seats. If you want space find a Kodiaq, if you want cheaper practicality find a Yeti. We now have 2 Kodiaqs both DSG, a diesel FWD and a 1.4 petrol 4x4. The diesel is far better on fuel.

I've just bought a karoq sportline going from a 61 plate Octavia vrs estate. The karoq is way smaller than the Octavia inside and quite a bit thirstier than a diesel.      The 2.0 190 bhp petrol does like fuel .

I got one because I hate having bend myself in half to get in a low car, especially in car parks etc.

Mines been great, got proper buttons and is a sportline trim with racy seats that are very comfortable.

If you can, get one with the Dynamic Chassis Control dampers, especially if you have the 19” wheels as it gets a bit crashy otherwise. 1.5T DSG is excellent combo, really easy around town, great on the motorway. Like all smaller capacity petrol turbos, they have a narrow efficiency band so if you are peddling above 75 the fuel efficiency drops a good way. On fun roads it can really fly. On the motorway I just stick the cruise on and listen to the excellent stereo.

Kodiaq is a bit spendy. As long as it has headroom for a 6'4" fella with the seat jacked up, should be good.

Cheers Rone. Comfy?

I remember the seats being fantastic actually.

I had a yeti before Karoq and there's loads more boot space in the Karoq. I've got some photos on here somewhere with a bike in the back. I'm sure it has about 1620L seats down capacity.. That is knocking on the Octavia's door. Kodiaq is 2000L.

The Karoq really is just a midi Kodiaq in my eyes. I had the 1lite 3 cylinder and it had a nice rev to it.

The Kodiaq is fantastic though. Very satisfying drive.  Probably the best car I've ever owned. Got an amazing deal on a lease mid pandemic. £300 a month for a sportline with no deposit. I'd have no problem going to a Karoq though other than their generic looks.

I'm so tempted to buy the Kodiaq at the end of the lease.

hi. Im a 6'4" bad-backed Kodiaq owner.  I find the head height great. Very upright seating position - someone described it as like sitting on a toilet. I find it comfortable but firm - you dont slouch or sink in to the seats like a comfortable sofa, but get the impression that they are orthapedically correct.  The adjustable lumbar support doesnt add much however . Driven to Europe in it and didnt have a problem.

Its been a great car. 60k miles since 2018. Very practical space. No major problems (yet). Neighbour with a similar vintage Karoq has had more trouble however.

Be aware that there is one variant (4x4 SE L 7 seats i think) which is not rated for use with a tow bar by DVSA.

Cheers. Karoq looks like the baby. Now just have to get the head to convince the rest of me.

If you want decent spec on a van you need the people carrier versions.  VW Caddy Life/Ford Torneo Connect