Our new long-term Škoda Karoq arrives with great first impressions.

Model: Karoq SE Drive 1.0 TSI 110PS

List price (BiK): £27,090 (31%) CO2: 133g/km MPG: 48.7mpg Test efficiency: N/A

Report 1:

Early impressions are that it’s smart-looking, functional, comfortable and with the same quiet finesse as the Fabia

We’ve stayed within the Škoda family for our replacement to the Fabia, but switched to the Karoq midsize SUV.

First launched in 2017 as the replacement to the popular Yeti, it’s built on the MQB platform used for a diverse range of Volkswagen Group models, including the SEAT Ateca and VW Tiguan sister models and the larger Škoda Kodiaq five-/seven-seater SUV. Rivals include the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Peugeot 3008.

It’s not the first time we’ve tested the Karoq but it’s the first time I’ve beaten colleagues to get behind the wheel and we’re now driving the facelifted version. Launched this year, it introduces design changes, including frontal styling that ties it in more with the Kodiaq, along with new technologies such as full-LED Matrix headlights and an expanded range of assistance systems.

The engine range is broad and includes, dependent on trim, two petrols: an entry-level 110hp 1.0-litre petrol or a 150hp 1.5 TSI with an optional DSG automatic gearbox. Diesels include a 116hp, 150 or 190hp 2.0-litre TDI. The lowest-powered diesel has the option of the DSG and the other two can be specified with both DSG and all-wheel drive. But there’s currently no mild hybrid or hybrid options, unlike rivals.

Ours is the small but by no means diminutive 110hp 1.0-litre, a step up from the 95hp unit in our former Fabia and with official figures of 133g/km CO2 combined – putting it in the 31% BiK bracket for 2022/23 and with combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg.

Trim levels span the brand’s familiar SE Drive, SE L and SportLine designations. We’re in the SE Drive, which despite being the entry-level comes with an incredibly long catalogue of goodies to rival my youngest son’s wish list to Father Christmas. Highlights include 17-inch alloys, a leather multifunction steering wheel, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, cruise control and speed limiter, driver fatigue sensor and dual-zone climate control. To name but a few.

Such is the list of standard kit that there are just two optional extras on ours: Meteor Grey metallic paintwork (£660) and the temporary steel space saver spare wheel (£170 – and worth every penny to my mind). Only thing it’s missing from my perspective is front parking sensors, available on the next trim up and which would be on my wish list to Santa.

It’s a car I’ve been eager to test and early impressions are that it’s smart-looking, functional, comfortable and with the same quiet finesse as the Fabia. All the better for handling six months of work and family life.