The refreshed 2022 Skoda Karoq range has been delayed for the Australian market, with the local launch pushed out from March until the third quarter of 2022.
Skoda Australia hasn’t explicitly stated a reason for the delay, but we’re seeing industry-wide component shortages and supply chain interruptions continue to cause havoc for manufacturers.
Pricing and specifications for the Australian market will be announced closer to the new Karoq’s arrival, but the brand has indicated both 110kW and 140kW engine variants will arrive at the same time, rather than the staggered launch of the original.
Karoq Style (EU model) 
Both powertrains will be carried over from the pre-update line-up. We can expect an entry-level 110kW/250Nm 1.4 TSI with FWD and a 140kW/320Nm 2.0 TSI with AWD. As is the case currently, the 1.4 TSI will be paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic and the 2.0 TSI will team with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.
European customers have the choice of a range of petrol and diesel engines, including 81kW, 110kW and 140kW petrols, as well as 85kW and 110kW turbo-diesels. The 1.5-litre petrol, available locally in the smaller Kamiq and Scala, features fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology.
Revealed in December, headline upgrades in Europe include revised front and rear facias with slimmer LED light units, including the option of Matrix LED headlights, and new alloy wheel designs with some offering aero covers (like the Kodiaq RS) to improve aerodynamics – and in turn emissions and fuel consumption.
Karoq Style (EU model) 
All models in Europe now come as standard with a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch Virtual Cockpit mini in entry-level models with a larger 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit with enhanced functions available as an option.
Additionally, infotainment screens ranging from 8.0 to 9.2 inches are available running the Volkswagen Group’s latest infotainment interface, and the available Travel Assist package adds the brand’s latest assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane assist functions.
In Europe the new Karoq will also offer eco-friendly trim options as pictured here, dubbed ECO fabric. This material is made from vegan, partially-recycled and recyclable materials such as PET bottles, to further reduce the vehicle’s environmental impact.
There’s a new electrically-operated passenger seat with memory available globally too, joining the similar function available for the driver’s seat.
Karoq Sportline (EU model) 
Finally, the Karoq Sportline gets new alloy wheel designs up to 20 inches and features black-painted details on the grille, window surrounds, roof rails and mirror caps. Inside, there’s “breathable” ThermoFlux seat trim adorning the sports seats with integrated head restraints (front seats), and there’s a three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Sportline versions come as standard with the flagship 140kW 2.0 TSI 4×4 drivetrain in Europe, and it’ll almost certainly remain the case in Australia when the updated range arrives.
The Skoda Karoq has sold “more than 500,000 units” internationally since its global launch in 2017, making the crossover “one of the pillars of Skoda’s success”, according to the Czech brand.
Karoq 110TSI (Current model) 
In Australia the Karoq returned 1709 sales throughout the course of 2021, a yearly increase of 36.5 per cent. It’s the brand’s second-best seller locally behind the smaller Kamiq, and just ahead of the larger Kodiaq.
So far in 2022, the pre-facelift model has seen 184 registrations year-to-date while the Australian division dries up stock ahead of the new version’s arrival, trailing the Octavia (374 units), Kamiq (307 units) and Kodiaq (242 units).
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
Karoq 110TSI (Current model)
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