Skoda Karoq SUV SE L 1.6 TDI 115PS DSG auto 5d Owner Review

This is our 2nd leased Karoq. The first was a 1.0 TSI SE Technology when they first came out in 2018. Our current Karoq is a 1.6 TDi SEL and I went for a diesel as I felt the small TSi engine previously was gutless on the motorways. It was fine around town daily but the monthly 200 mile motorway journey or the heavily loaded holidays, it was evident that this engine had no poke. Moving to the 1.6 TDi, I have found whilst it has bottom end grunt, it still lacks any real punch when overtaking. My advice is go for one of the bigger engines if you do motorway journeys, otherwise the 1.0 TSi would be fine for local commutes. Space and equipment is very good. I've owned a driven a number of VAG and non-VAG vehicles. So I can compare like for like with competitors. I'm aware of Skoda's history but the badge never bothered me. These vehicles have great reviews by motor journalists, on forums and by owners. Parts are shared with other VAG group vehicles and this vehicle has been able to handle a family of 4 life. This includes 2 energetic under 9 yr olds. Plenty of space, and depending on the version or options, you can gain more. For example our SE Technology had a movable boot floor which gave us space underneath to hide wellies, umbrellas and kids toys. The rear seats in our SEL move back and forth independently although it's worth noting when folding, the middle seat doesn't appear to fold comfortably like the others. The transmission tunnel gets in the way even with the headrest removed. Removing the seats has been great when going to the recycling centre or IKEA. We have had a few minor issues. Our SE Technology had an intermittent warning come up as soon as we took delivery advising us a reversing bulb had blown even though both bulbs either side were working. The dealer had the vehicle 3 times but couldn't replicate the problem. They even changed the bulb on one occasion and still the warning appeared. The dash storage compartment struggled to open but then struggled to stay shut. The latch was replaced twice but still didn't fix the issue. The SEL version had to have new wiper blades in it's first year and a new rear door lock. Something the garage picked up on it's first service but I didn't notice any issues. The dealer themselves have been okay. They set one of the vehicles on a 24 month service plan even though I was paying for a 12 month plan, arranged through that dealership. They have tried to charge me for services and parts which again was under either warranty or under the maintenance plan. Courtesy cars have been an issue. Told I would get a similar sized vehicle due to the size of the car seats but ended up getting a 3 door Citigo. MPG has been okay. I would have expect more from the diesel which interestingly the 1.0 petrol matched when on long motorway journeys (around 52mpg). My old Mondeo 2.0TDi gave better MPG on both long and short run journeys. My mk3 Seat Leon 1.4TSi far exceeded the 1.0TSi on both local and distant journeys. I've read negative things about the 1.5TSi engine which replaced the excellent 1.4TSi. I would recommend a Skoda Karoq. The issues have been minor with no mechanical reliability faults. The DSG gearboxes have been fine. It's no BMW gearbox but we haven't had any problems. Minor criticism is it can be hesitant to pull away and want to jump into 2nd gear far too quickly when accelerating. The vehicle does everything well and whilst a Kia Sportage may offer better value (I've driven my parents 2019 model - look out for the size and weight of the doors on these) the Karoq feels better built and gets on with the job discreetly but competently. Both versions of Karoq's we have had have been comfortable, easy to live with and have fantastic driving visibility. They are ideal for families or the elderly. I've been able to fit my grandfathers fold down wheelchair in the boot without having to move the seats and he has been able to get in and out with minimal issues. Although our next car wont be a Karoq, circumstances means we have purchased a 2.0TSi Kodiaq Sportline. Had we not, a Karoq would have been very close to the top of our list once again.