2019 Skoda Karoq

The 2019 Skoda Karoq Ambition 1.6 TDI with 115 horsepower is a compact SUV that appeals to drivers who want a diesel engine for economy, with enough power for daily driving but without luxury extras pushing up cost. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel produces about 115 hp ( 86 kW) and roughly 250 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, its sprint from 0-100 km/h is around 10.7 seconds, and its top speed is approximately 188 km/h.

Fuel economy is one of its strengths. Combined (urban rural) consumption tends to be about 4.6 L/100 km, with slightly higher usage in urban driving and lower in steady rural/motorway work.

In terms of space and practicality, the Karoq Ambition offers a very usable cabin and boot. It seats five and has a boot volume of about 521 litres with the rear seats up (expanding to over 1,600 litres with them down) which makes it well suited for family use, groceries, luggage etc. Its external dimensions are roughly 4.38 m in length and 1.84 m wide, with a wheelbase of about 2.62-2.63 m.

Feature-wise, the Ambition trim gives a decent baseline specification. Owners will typically get alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, climate control (or at least air conditioning), multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, on-board computer / trip info, parking sensors (at least rear), ISOFIX child seat points, stability and traction controls, and a good set of safety equipment (airbags, ABS, etc.). It lacks some of the higher-end niceties of the more premium trims (Style, Sportline) but delivers solid value.

Ride and handling tends toward comfortable rather than sporty. The torque makes overtaking reasonable, but being a modest diesel, it works best when kept in appropriate gears rather than pushed hard. Fuel cost savings are good, especially for higher-mileage drivers. As with all diesels, regular maintenance (oil, filters, timing etc.) matters. Some users report that condition, service history and how the car has been driven make a big difference in ongoing running costs.