Hi does anyone know if the USB port on the rear view mirror housing comes as standard on a new 23 model Karoq Sportline or can you specify it with it on. I couldn't seem to find it in the configuration. Thanks

According to the brochure, it looks like it is now part of the Travel assist package at £950.

Thanks for the info, think I'll leave that alone.

You'd think that it would come as an option rather than a package

57 minutes ago, Keithjock said:

Thanks for the info, think I'll leave that alone.

You'd think that it would come as an option rather than a package

 

It was a cheap option on my Karoq. I should have ordered it but I didn't.

1 hour ago, Keithjock said:

You'd think that it would come as an option rather than a package

 

I agree with you. There are signs of Skoda loosing it's mojo. I've decided to change our Karoq ( Edition ) and the new sales strategy is one of the reasons I've gone away from Skoda ( and VW group ).

 

When I purchased the Kodiaq I dismissed the USB because it had to be bought in conjucntion with a camera that detected speed signs which took the then £95 cost to around £225. I bought a Nextbase installation kit for £15 and it takes 15mins to install the camera. Not up to speed on current models but I think it only costs £55 now to option USB on Kodiaq. Or £950 on the Karoq. 🤣

 

The way I see it, the problem with packs etc isn't the purchase price but the selling price, because adds little financial value. They may add an 'attaction' value to a used car but in the case of that £950 Travel Assist pack, it adds £0. The GFV is exactly the same with or without it. 

Edited 2 March, 20233 yr by kodiaqsportline

I agree. It was a USP for Skoda. When other manufacturers had only "packs" on offer, I was attracted to Skoda - having exactly what I wanted, nothing more.

 

There is a little less to making the Skoda brand different and stand out now IMO.

I fear this current pack method of speccing a car is linked to production and chip shortages (*headliine grabbing thing). Limiting options must be a way of getting cars built in a more streamlined way. I have noticed many manufacturers do the same that would have normally had individual selectable items.

 

Other thoughts are it makes the buying process more simple and for the majority (read non-car people) of buyers it is less intimidating.

 

I fear there will be no incentive to return to the ‘old ways’ and this is the new norm.

 

This is purely conjecture from me.

The "pack spec" is a disincentive or me. Taking away something that was available, or just adding a load of expensive extras that are not wanted - makes me, a loyal Skoda customer, start to look elsewhere.

6 hours ago, OldKaroq said:

The "pack spec" is a disincentive or me. Taking away something that was available, or just adding a load of expensive extras that are not wanted - makes me, a loyal Skoda customer, start to look elsewhere.

 

Same here, starting to look at the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson at the moment. I think they have also dropped the ball with not introducing a hybrid version for the Karoq.

 

28 minutes ago, don_kiddik said:

 

Same here, starting to look at the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson at the moment. I think they have also dropped the ball with not introducing a hybrid version for the Karoq.

 

I bought the top of the range Sportage in 2015 a First Edition model and sold it a year later. A diesel "tractor" engine, terrible steering, creaking sunroof and a serious judder on braking that the dealer always reported "no fault found". No more Kia for me, put me off that brand. I much prefer German car parts! 

I do hope you have more luck.

KIA and Hyundai are a million miles away from their earlier cars. I too was a critic of their engines and in certain respects their 'normal' ICE's remain old school. Thing is, not many people buy those engines anymore, it's their newer hybrid tech and EV that sell.

 

If I'd been in the market for a car the same size as the Karoq I'd defo have given Hyundai / Kia strong consideration but as we want something smaller I've gone elsewhere as exactly same accusations can be said of Kamiq.