Phildin

Hi I traded up from a Karoq 1.6 diesel DSG SEL to a 21 Sportline 2.0 Diesel 4x4 DSG in January 24, mainly to get 4x4 as we do a lot of winter driving in the Yorkshire dales and Scotland, and had a few hairy moments with the 1.6. I’m averaging 48mpg. The plus points have been the extra power (the 1.6 was a car that didn’t want to hurry!) and the ability to switch modes. Sport mode gives a much tauter feel to driving on twisty roads while on motorways the engine never feels stressed at the legal limit. When I’ve needed to overtake the car responds really well, turbo kicks in and unlike the 1.6 you’re able to complete the manoeuvre without any anxiety that it’ll run out of puff. Living with the car has been stress free, quiet and comfortable ride especially with the cross climate Michelins which do make a difference. Downsides are minor - the rear fog light failed and required the whole unit replacing by removing the rear bumper, so cost a fair bit rather than a couple of quid for a bulb but that’s modern motoring for you. I also fitted a new starter switch as it was taking a few seconds to fire up. A simple job and a known VAG issue. A niggle (more to do with my driving) is the black alloys on the low profile rims are so easy to kerb! Phil

As Richard Thompson sang in Red Molly - “red and black my favourite colour scheme”

I’ve travelled 2000 miles in my red 2021 Sportline since purchase in Feb and have yet to spot another Sportline here in Wales let alone a red one. Def the “lesser spotted” Karoq. My second Karoq the first was a 2019 SE and some odd deletions for the ‘21 Sportline - no removable boot light and boot hooks only on passenger side while full beam is not auto-dipping, the last point not a problem as I found auto dipping on the ‘19 SE a bit sluggish and random.

I have a 21 Sportline in red and still not sure if an All Black front badge would be “Vauxhallish” but while I can find plenty of options in 90mm and 100mm, my front badge is 110mm and I can’t find that size online. Suggestions?