Test drive Skoda Karoq: arrow

First impressions of the new crossover, which the Czech manufacturer is replacing the Yeti

Yeti was a great name... And the first Czech SUV was a beautiful and successful model with a characteristic wide-open face, compact dimensions and undeniable practicality. But they go down in history together - simply because the Yeti's successor has far more serious intentions than Skoda's debutant in this promising car class.

This can be seen from afar with the crisp lines and focused gaze of the Karoq LED lights, whose name still respects tradition and has something to do with snow – in Alaskan language, “Karoq” is something of a collective term for “car” and "Arrow" ... Strange and original - just like the mysterious image of the Skoda logo.

As for the essence of the model, there are no mysteries in it. The Karoq takes its rightful place in VW's offensive on the SUV front, taking its place below the 11cm and 32cm longer VW Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq respectively, joining its cousin Seat Ateca as they roll off the assembly lines at the Kvasini plant.

Despite a massive increase of 16 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width over the Yeti, the feel of the new model remains compact. Karoq does not feel like an elephant in a glass shop in city parking lots, maneuvers easily in crowded central streets and does not worry about its size on narrow mountain roads.

The extra inches are best enjoyed by second-row passengers, where head and legroom is truly impressive for its class. The flexible transformation possibilities of the optional Varioflex system are impressive, where you can adjust the longitudinal position, tilt the backrests, individual partial or full folding, as well as easy disassembly of the rear seats - all this must be seen to appreciate the merits, because for the dry number 1810 the maximum boot volume is definitely not enough.

But for all the versatility, the rear seats are nicely sized and upholstered enough to provide very good levels of comfort when traveling long distances, as well as two front seats with excellent lateral support.