MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

Skoda offers three touchscreen infotainment systems across the Karoq range. The Scout gets the mid-range 8.0in ‘Amundsen’ system as standard – this comes without gesture control (which we don’t much like anyway) but retains knobs for volume and map zoom (which we do like – and which is missing from the top-of-the-line ‘Columbus’ system). It looks good and is easy to use.

The Amundsen system includes navigation as standard. The squarishaspect screen is easily big enough to relay mapping at useful scale and in detail, and the system is easy to program and to follow. Generally, it accepts a voice-commanded destination at the first time of asking.

Upgrading to the 9.2in Columbus system costs £1510, and it comes with 64GB of on-board flash memory and DVD playback. A 10-speaker, 575watt Canton premium audio system is another £550, while Virtual Cockpit instruments are a £450 extra. While Skoda could offer better value by corralling these into a ‘technology pack’, you wonder how many customers would want all three.

all from other Karoq models, and operates using an electronic multiplate clutch that diverts torque to the rear axle only when the front tyres lose traction.

Suspension is by Macpherson strut at the front and, this model having two driven axles, via a more sophisticated multi-link set-up at the back rather than a torsion beam. The conventional arrangement limits off-road ability compared with some – and there is also the fact that, with a little less than 180mm, the Scout touts no additional ground clearance than any other Karoq. However, by limiting mechanical drag in normal driving, the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI in our test car is able to return a combined WLTP fuel economy of 44.1mpg. The same engine can be had in 187bhp tune, and Skoda also offers its 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. Both six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are available, but only this lower-powered diesel gives buyers the choice.

Our test car forgoes the option of adaptive dampers in favour of the standard passive set-up. What choice there is pertains to the drive mode menu, which offers an off-road setting that loosens the leash on the traction control and anti-lock braking systems.

Door-mounted rubbish bin (part of the £120 Family Pack option) is a great idea – although a banana skin and some sweet wrappers pretty much fill it up.

A few novelty lighting features include ‘Skoda’branded puddle lights and these multi-coloured trim strips. They’re a welcome lift for a fairly plain cockpit.

Centre console cubby has a removable plastic insert. One side has cupholders, coin-holders and a slot for your car key, the other a bigger, flatter storage tray.