• Driver’s seat offers plenty of adjustment and a nice, high driving position
• Controls and dials are exceptionally clear and easy-to-use
• Cabin materials feel well-judged and impressively durable

How is the quality and layout?

Sat in the elevated SUV driving position, the Skoda Karoq is a nice – if not particularly imaginative – place to be. The dials and displays are all exceptionally clear, while the placement of both major and minor controls is an example of effective simplicity.

Digital dials are standard equipment, but we’re glad to say the firm never decided to reduce the number of physical controls elsewhere in the cabin, so although there is a modern touchscreen infotainment system it doesn’t make the car less easy to use.

There’s plenty of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel (the latter offering moveable rake and reach) meaning that drivers of just about any size should be able to make themselves comfortable. All the switches and buttons feel solid, plus there’s a pleasant feel to how the majority of them work. Skoda has also been clever with its use of cheaper materials. Harder, shinier plastics are generally kept well out of the way meaning you’ll only really notice them if you’re actively looking.

Infotainment and tech

The Karoq gets a standard-fit 8.0-inch infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to a 9.2-inch alternative (that’s standard on higher-spec cars). Both are impressive to look at and offer clear, high-resolution menus and graphics.

The use of touch-sensitive buttons, rather than physical switches, can make controlling the infotainment system while driving a little tricky, but this is still an easier system to use than the ones fitted in modern Volkswagens.

It’s online, too. Percy Lawman, our reviewer, said in his six-month long-term test, ‘the 4G connectivity, offered as part of the SmartLink service, with one-year’s infotainment online works well. In fact, the whole digital experience with the Skoda Karoq has been excellent from the get-go.’

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Comfort

• Overall comfort levels are very good
• Big, comfortable seats are a highlight
• Acceptable but not exceptional passenger room

Whether you stick with the standard fabric, plump for the optional leather or go for the Eco pack that’s optional on the SE L that uses upholstery made from recycled plastic bottles you’re unlikely to be wanting for comfort. The seats in the front of the Karoq are big, squashy and supportive, and available with optional electric-adjustment and memory function.

In the back, the standard seating arrangement is a conventional 60/40 split-folding rear bench with two larger outer seats and a smaller central one where the passenger has to straddle the transmission tunnel. Great for four adults, not so good for five.

On the SE L, you can upgrade to something called Varioflex, which comes with three individual rear seats that slide to increase boot space and flexibility for loading. These are probably a good choice if you regularly want to carry five adults or have bigger teenagers, though you may find legroom is better with the standard seats.

Percy added, ‘Up front, the seats are fairly comfortable, but the driver’s seat could do with more lumbar support. The armrest design is practical, doubling up as another cubby for more detritus.’