Another week, another SUV to test-drive. Can the practical yet laidback Škoda prove its accomplishments? By Al Suttie

Škoda Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI 150

List price (BiK): £31,885 (33%) CO2: 144g/km Economy: 44.3mpg Test efficiency: 43.0mpg

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Monday

It would be easy to become a bit jaded by another SUV arriving for the third week in a row. However, the Škoda Karoq is a car I’ve always liked for its simplicity and, in spirit, being the successor to the Yeti. My wife had a Yeti Greenline and we liked it a great deal, so it will be informative to see if the slightly more sober-looking Karoq generates the same affection over the coming week.

Tuesday

Straight off the bat, the Karoq has shown its easy-going nature is a winner in some horrendous traffic while heading home from Glasgow. No idea what caused the hold-up, but a 45-minute journey turned into a three-hour epic. However, comfortable seats, a good stereo, raised driving position, supple ride and the seven-speed DSG auto all made it easy to deal with. The larger infotainment screen of this SE L is also a doddle to operate.

Wednesday

A very different kind of day’s driving with some local runs to the shop and taking my son to football training. The Karoq ticks these tasks off with confident ease. The only minor point I pick up on is the stop-start function. It just takes a fraction longer than I’d like to restart and begin to pull the car forward when you want to pull out of a busy junction, which can lead to a momentary delay and worry about oncoming traffic bearing down on me.

Thursday

There’s nothing wrong with the Karoq’s big boot and rear seat space. All four of the Suttie clan were very comfortable on this afternoon’s outing and the supermarket shop was shoved in without any need to jiggle it to fit. The kids also instantly praised the phone holders so they could stare at screens rather than have the trauma of talking to their parents…

Friday

A rare day off for both Mrs S and myself with a day out at the Scottish Game Fair. The Karoq whisked us there in fine style and looked perfectly at home parked among the Land Rovers and pick-ups that proliferated in the car park. It also had no issues when leaving the wet grassy car park. While there, I had the chance to drive the Ineos Grenadier off-road. It’s supremely able, as you’d expect, so a proper road drive will be interesting.

Saturday

This week’s Škoda Karoq could not have arrived at more opportune moment. The reason is my mother-in-law is looking to change cars from her current Škoda Yeti, which she loves. However, Edinburgh’s looming LEZ zone encircles her house and her Yeti is about four months too old to qualify for free use. A quick drive and look round the Karoq and it’s job done – a Karoq will be replacing her (perfectly good) Yeti.

Sunday

As is traditional, a coffee and quick tot-up of the week’s figures shows the Karoq has turned in 43.0mpg, which compares to an official figure of 44.3mpg. I’ll take that, given that I made no effort to drive the Karoq efficiently. The 1.5 TSI petrol engine is smooth at normal revs, a bit rowdy at the top end, but ideal for my mix of driving. This or a Nissan Qashqai? No contest, I’d take the Škoda.