Not wishing to "put the cat among the pidgeons" I recently had a test drive in a 1.5tsi edition and a 2.0 diesel 4x4. Although the interior is impressive I found the drive was dull and boring with little or no driver involvement or feedback. Having come from a Superb 2.0 tsi estate which I had for 5 years, which was pure pleasure every time I went out in it. My current daily runaround is a Mazda CX-3 which is light years away from the feel of the Karoq. 

 

As I the only person to be disappointed?

 

Feeling very disheartened now, I thought I had found the ideal replacement.

Maybe time to leave Skoda?

What did your dog think?

I 'sort of' know where you're coming from with your impressions of the Karoq. Having said that, it's not meant to be flying machine, but rather a damm good all rounder, which, given the amount of traffic on our poor-quality, potholed ridden roads nowadays does it's job really well. I've been in some really high end true sports cars, and all that happens is that you catch up with whatever's in front, really fast, then just sit there trundling along until the next opportunity comes along to have a blast. 

We have a MX5 which is an ideal, cheap(ish) way of having some motoring fun whenever we get it up on the North Yorkshire Moors, but I much prefer the Karoq when it comes to plodding around or doing long motorway trips. 

Edited 30 May, 20188 yr by westie38

That is why people should take road tests, see what a vehicle is like and strike off their list if not what they want or like.

 

?

What engine / drivetrain has the Mazda CX-3?   

 

If you are looking for excitement you're looking at the wrong type of car, yet to drive an suv that was a thrill a minute.

Get yourself a Golf R estate if you want feedback and excitement 

Its all about gadgets and Gizmos these days not driving 

  

I think there has to compromise somewhere along the way. I took out an Ateca this week as my daughter was considering it. It gave a more sporty drive handling the bends really well with a lot of control. Hit a bump and by heavens you knew about it. So the Karoq has been set up imho for comfort. For me doing a lot of miles it’s ideal, that’s the point, you choose a vehicle on what you want from it.

By contrast I also took out a Kia Sportage, oh dear, floaty is the best way I can describe it. Hit a depression ie sinking tarmac, and it couldn’t keep a straight line.

 

I never fail to be amazed by how many take a test drive, collect a hire car or just collect new or used cars and never ask the person handing over the car if they have a tyre pressure gauge to hand, or fail to have their own one with them to check tyre pressures before driving off.

Just now, Offski said:

I never fail to be amazed by how many take a test drive, collect a hire car or just collect new or used cars and never ask the person handing over the car if they have a tyre pressure gauge to hand, or fail to have their own one with them to check tyre pressures before driving off.

Your assumption being, of course, that most people know what a tyre gauge is, how to operate it, and that tyres operate at a vehicle specific pressure identified in the handbook!

(or am I just being too cynical?)

Those that are going to comment on vehicles and are in the motor trade hopefully know all about how others in the motor trade hand over vehicles and how unsafe some can be.

I always like if any commenting on handling comment on the tyres that were on the vehicle and how they had the pressures.

Helps other to know more about what was what sometimes.

 

Pity motoring journalists seldom do it, and do reviews driving just what they are handed the keys of.

1 hour ago, Dratuk said:

I think there has to compromise somewhere along the way. I took out an Ateca this week as my daughter was considering it. It gave a more sporty drive handling the bends really well with a lot of control. Hit a bump and by heavens you knew about it. So the Karoq has been set up imho for comfort. For me doing a lot of miles it’s ideal, that’s the point, you choose a vehicle on what you want from it.

By contrast I also took out a Kia Sportage, oh dear, floaty is the best way I can describe it. Hit a depression ie sinking tarmac, and it couldn’t keep a straight line.

 

My last car being a Sportage, I agree. I intended keeping it for many years, but managed just 2. Thought it may grow on me. Nope.

Great warranty. Thats it.

i find our Karoq being a well balanced car, Skoda did great job, its not too stiff and very little body roll.

 

we purchased this SUV for the practicality and comfort

 

looking at VAG SUVs for sportiness is going to be disappointing experience

 

Yes, Ateca looks sporty but i believe its just the looks combined with stiffer suspension otherwise its same car

3 hours ago, RickW said:

Maybe time to leave Skoda?

What did your dog think?

Don't think the dealership would approve.

2 hours ago, skoda1982 said:

Its all about gadgets and Gizmos these days not driving 

  

 

...and design by committee, with execution by conglomerates, using common platforms.

3 hours ago, The Zee said:

Not wishing to "put the cat among the pidgeons" I recently had a test drive in a 1.5tsi edition and a 2.0 diesel 4x4. Although the interior is impressive I found the drive was dull and boring with little or no driver involvement or feedback. Having come from a Superb 2.0 tsi estate which I had for 5 years, which was pure pleasure every time I went out in it. My current daily runaround is a Mazda CX-3 which is light years away from the feel of the Karoq. 

 

As I the only person to be disappointed?

 

Feeling very disheartened now, I thought I had found the ideal replacement.

 

Did you drive the manual, or the DGS karoq??

3 hours ago, westie38 said:

I 'sort of' know where you're coming from with your impressions of the Karoq. Having said that, it's not meant to be flying machine, but rather a damm good all rounder, which, given the amount of traffic on our poor-quality, potholed ridden roads nowadays does it's job really well. I've been in some really high end true sports cars, and all that happens is that you catch up with whatever's in front, really fast, then just sit there trundling along until the next opportunity comes along to have a blast. 

We have a MX5 which is an ideal, cheap(ish) way of having some motoring fun whenever we get it up on the North Yorkshire Moors, but I much prefer the Karoq when it comes to plodding around or doing long motorway trips. 

I agree it is a good all rounder. I have recently sold a 300 plus bhp sports car and have come to terms with the change in driving style. Yes the Karoq is a good all rounder it's just that compared to the CX-3 and the Superb, for me, I didn't feel part of it which is something the Mazda and Superb always did.

3 hours ago, Offski said:

That is why people should take road tests, see what a vehicle is like and strike off their list if not what they want or like.

 

?

What engine / drivetrain has the Mazda CX-3?   

 

2 litre non turbo petrol with auto box and 120 ps

2 hours ago, Nicky_P said:

If you are looking for excitement you're looking at the wrong type of car, yet to drive an suv that was a thrill a minute.

Get yourself a Golf R estate if you want feedback and excitement 

No I am not looking for excitement just a feeling of connection to the vehicle.

Are you sticking with something similar to the Mazda then to get the driving involvement you enjoy?

How is it for fuel usage?

Edited 30 May, 20188 yr by Offski

2 minutes ago, Macdemon said:

 

Did you drive the manual, or the DGS karoq??

DSG.

Just now, Offski said:

Are you sticking with something similar to the Mazda then to get the driving involvement you enjoy?

How is it for fuel usage?

Hi, I intend to keep the Mazda anyway, was looking for something with a bigger boot due to change in life requirements. I have been with Skoda since the days of the Favorit, so about thirty years in all. The Mazda is returning the middle forties from a two litre petrol auto.

There is always a compromise, the Mazda is a very engaging car to drive, you feel part of it. it's not fast but that is not what I am interested in. In fact the Karoq is quicker off of the line.

So what is the answer? 

If I had to have just one car it would be tricky.

With the Karoq I would gain the boot space but lose the dynamics

With the Mazda I have the dynamics but not the boot space.

I suppose I should look at the Kodiaq and hope that has the feeling that the Superb did.

I can't get rid of the Mazda it's such a bloody good car.

Strange, the DSG is a smooth engine and the karoq feels not like a sports car, but more of a luxury limo  if that makes sense.

5 minutes ago, Macdemon said:

Strange, the DSG is a smooth engine and the karoq feels not like a sports car, but more of a luxury limo  if that makes sense.

 

Both our two Yetis were DSG, and the equivalent of the SE Karoq we have now.

 

But the new car feels so much more refined.

Sounds like worth taking a test drive of the Suzuki Vitara with the simple petrol engine and auto box might be in order.

Or even the more expensive petrol with the more advanced auto .

Central European built vehicles that might just give that feeling of being connected.

If you like the dynamics of the Mazda, but need the space, have you tried the CX5? It was on my (very) short list when replacing my Kuga.