The Skoda Karoq feels and looks a step above the rest. The car is extremely comfortable which was tested the 2nd day of ownership when the family took an 8 hour drive up to the Lake District. Huge entertainment system which puts my 2013 Seat Leon screen to shame! Biggest boot in it's class and with the optional variable boot, offers flexibility. Looks very sharp and the DSG gearbox is smooth.

The SE Technology offers all the tech anyone needs, although if I wasn't leasing, I would have gone for the SEL trim which offers the flexible rear seats and a few more toys. I would have also waited for the digital dials to become available on this model.

The only negatives is the 1.0TSi engine feels great round town but a little under powered on the motorway, although I did expect this since it's a large car and small engine and mainly used round town. MPG is roughly 39-42 round town and 44-46 motorway. My 1.4TSI in my Leon reaches 52 average, so a little disappointed. Electrical gremlins already appeared when reversing, the engine management light occasionally pops up to warn something wrong with the bulb, however both rear lights are working. Glovebox is surprisingly small for such a car and the chrome around the wind mirrors reflect onto the drivers and passengers side windows which can be distracting. The power to the cigarette lighter socket remains on even when the engine is off which is annoying when you have a dash cam and having to remember to disconnect and reconnect each time. Interestingly, my Seat Leon cigarette lighter socket turns off when the key is removed. Finally, the start-stop function kicks in before the car even comes to a stop which is annoying especially when coming up to junctions. It has a habit of cutting the engine just at the point of wanting to accelerate. This can be turned off, however unable to disable permanently. Therefore having to remember to turn it off manually.

All in all, great car, just with a few niggles. I went with a leasing option with Skoda direct which i negotiated on price with and agreed before the demo cars reached showrooms and demand increased and therefore lease price increased. Therefore I got a great deal with maintenance included and they delivered to my door. However I was unable to test drive and had to sign the contract prior to physically seeing the car. After the lease expires, I would consider purchasing a higher spec Karoq, although may wait until the digital cockpit becomes available and go for a face-lift model in 3 years time when hopefully some of the niggles (start-stop, power to cigarette lighter socket) are resolved. I would also go for the 1.5TSi engine which would match this car perfectly. Skoda really do make very good cars and I can understand why they continue to win awards.

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