Skoda Karoq 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

Skoda has announced pricing for its upcoming Karoq medium SUV range, with the mini-Kodiaq to be offered in a single specification level with a number of optionally available packages, starting with the 110TSI six-speed manual from $29,990 plus on-roads.

The sole powertrain offering is a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which when paired to the seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic commands an asking price of $32,290, a $2300 premium over the manual.

Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels, while the Czech carmaker has said it will introduce a more powerful, all-wheel-drive variant in 2019.

The new-generation 1.5-litre mill sips 5.7-5.8 litres per 100km (depending on transmission choice), and enables a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds in the manual, up to 8.6s for the DSG.

An additional feature is individually removable rear seats, which, when all three are removed, increases boot space from 479 litres to 1810L.

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Standard safety gear includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and low-speed autonomous emergency braking.

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Skoda has detailed the standard equipment for the Karoq, which includes 17-inch alloys, advanced keyless entry, 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, eight-speaker sound system, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, LED daytime running lights, privacy glass, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front foglights, silver roof rails and two tablet holders.

An additional feature is individually removable rear seats, which, when all three are removed, increases boot space from 479 litres to 1810L.

Standard safety gear includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, low-speed autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sensors with braking assistant, driver fatigue warning, tyre pressure indicator and seven airbags.

Four primary option packs will be offered on the Karoq, starting with the $3600 'Premium pack', which adds full LED headlights with cornering function, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, height-programmable automatic tailgate and stainless steel pedal covers.

The 'Tech pack' gains a 9.2-inch sat-nav touchscreen with gesture control and DAB+ digital radio.

The 'Tech pack' gains foot-operated gesture tailgate opening, 9.2-inch sat-nav touchscreen with gesture control, ‘Park Assist’ with parallel entry and exit, reverse and forward perpendicular assistance, 10-speaker sound system, drive mode select, personalisation via key, wireless phone charging and DAB+ digital radio. Skoda is asking $3200 for the Tech pack.

At $1700, the 'Travel pack' is the most affordable and includes lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, electric driver’s seat with memory function, foldable auto-dimming door mirrors with memory function and front heated seats.

The last, and most comprehensive option pack is the 'Launch pack', which will be offered in limited volume and includes three years/45,000km of servicing, and every feature from the previous three packs with the exception of the 10-speaker sound system from the Tech pack. The Launch pack is obviously the dearest option pack at $8900.

Three individual options will also be offered – panoramic sunroof ($1900), metallic/pearl effect paint ($700) and 19-inch alloys ($700).

The Karoq will officially go on sale on July 2.

Can the Skoda Karoq become a high volume-selling model in the competitive medium SUV segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.