Considering a Karoq 2.0L TSI Sportline

[thamestrader]

Having  run a 2.0L TDI DSG Touran since 2013, a 'pre-reg' 2024  2.0L TSI Karoq is being considered as the replacement. Having trawled through the topics in the Karoq forum theres a few things that some advice/real world experience on would be appreciated.

1. Tyres - The Touran has been on Cross Climates for the last 60K miles, and I really like them. I notice that everyone says the Bridgestones Turanza T005 gives hard ride. I've seen both 225/40 R19 and 225/45 R19  sizes mentioned - can anyone clarify does the 2.0L TSI definitely have the 225/45 R19 size? Is it the 225/40 that gives the harsher ride?

2. Lane Assist and Traffic Sign recognition - Has anyone got either or both of these features without having the Traffic Assist Package - of the Karoqs I've seen advertised none have the Traffic Assist package but some list Lane assist and some list both Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

3. Towbar. All the Karoqs on my short list have To bar Preparation listed, none of them have towbars fitted. I have a Westfahlia Detachable swanneck towbar on my  Touran. What towbars have people fitted - Skoda Electrically folding, Fixed swan neck , detachable swan neck?

4. Map updates and Traffic information. I've used Garmin Sat Navs for the last 16 years, downloading free updates 2 to 3 times a year. Real Time Traffic information is generally good. What is the situation like with the Amundsen Unit?

 

 

Edited 7 April by thamestrader

[BTandSid]

I’ve had a Sportline 1.5dsg for a year having been forced out of our beloved Freelander thanks to Khans ULEZ expansion.

It was fitted with Bridgestones on 19in rims, an absolute horror show. Changed them to CrossClimate 2s within six weeks, absolute revelation; I’d previously had them on the Freelander and a Subaru Forester.

I don’t have (at least I don’t think so) LA or TSR - if I do then I’ve never used either.

No towbar fitted.

I found the satnav system initially a pita, and that’s having come away from a Freelander 😄 I’ve always been in the habit of inputting the postcode as my destination but soon learnt this pinpointed me to the centre of the postcode, which worked if heading to say a National Trust site but not so clever if looking for a street somewhere in an unknown town. Now I input the street address (or sometimes the name of an attraction and town name) and have found this works well. I believe a few forum members living ‘in the sticks’ still have a few issues when they don’t have street names to work to.

Edited 7 April by BTandSid

[Jmagee]

I've got the 2.0 tsi 4wd

It's for the 225/45 tyres and I find them ok, came from an Octavia vrs though...

Don't have lane assist but from other cars I've had with it I don't mind it any I live in Cumbria. 

Don't have a tow bar or prep as far as I'm aware

Sat nav I use android auto and have done for the last 10 years. 

[Rgsmg53]

I have a 2022 2.0l 4x4 Sportline. Not a bad vehicle at all but, for me, won't set the world on fire.

 

Mine was bought as a low mileage used vehicle from a Skoda dealer and seems to include a hotch potch of features - according to the salesman there was a lot of spec variation due to post-Covid shortages and the vehicles were dumped on dealers pre-registered. Mine has a reversing camera for instance. I do not have LA or TSR.

 

I bought mine to tow a boat so I had a Skoda electrically-operated folding tow bar fitted by the selling dealer. I did a fair amount of looking at alternatives and the genuine Skoda version was very competitive on the supply and fitted price. I'm pretty sure my vehicle had the towbar prep as it is a very neat installation (completed in less than a day) with the switch in the load compartment and has all the functions including trailer angle on the reversing camera.

 

Towing a reasonably heavy traditional sailing dinghy is a delight with cruise control and the lovely 7-speed DSG.

[Carlston]

On 07/04/2024 at 19:11, thamestrader said:

I've seen both 225/40R19 and 225/45R19  sizes mentioned - can anyone clarify does the 2.0L TSI definitely have the 225/45R19 size? Is it the 225/40 that gives the harsher ride?

 

The standard 19" tyre sizes on the Karoq 2WD are either 225/40R19 or 235/40R19.

 

The standard 19" tyre sizes on the Karoq 4x4 are either 225/45R19 or 245/40R19.

 

The owner of the below Karoq 2WD changed his 225/40R19 tyres to 215/55R17 for better ride comfort.

 

Karoq 2WD fitted with 225/40R19 tyres

 

Karoq 2WD fitted with 215/55R17 tyres

 

Karoq 2WD standard tyre sizes

215/60R16 6Jx16 ET43

215/55R17 7Jx17 ET45

215/50R18 7Jx18 ET45

225/40R19 8Jx19 ET45

235/40R19 8Jx19 ET45

 

Karoq 4x4 standard tyre sizes

225/60R16 6Jx16 ET43

225/55R17 7Jx17 ET45

225/50R18 7Jx18 ET45

225/45R19 8Jx19 ET45

245/40R19 8Jx19 ET45

 

28 different rims are shown for the Karoq in the Skoda accessory catalogue, and include all sizes from 16" to 19". The Karoq 2WD and Karoq 4x4 share the same rims, with the outside diameters of the Karoq 4x4 tyres being slightly bigger than the Karoq 2WD tyres.

 

Karoq alloy rims shown in the Skoda accessory catalogue (28 different rims currently shown for the Karoq)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kola/c/alloyWheels?sort=priceAsc&q=%3AscoreDesc%3AcarType%3AKaroq%2B%282017%2B%29&show=Page#

https://www.skoda-auto.com/_doc/6d5c59b3-5d97-451a-ab78-2ef185e6e373

 

Edited 9 April by Carlston

[PedalBin]

I have a 2.0 DSG TSI 4x4 and it is utterly brilliant. Best car I have ever driven. To answer your questions: 

 

1. I have Cross Climate 2 fitted (I'll have to check the exact size) but they give a very comfortable ride. I know others on hear complaint about the 19" alloys "completely ruining the ride" but all my passenger comment how quiet and comfortable the car is. 

2. I do not have either Lane Assist or Traffic Recognition so cannot help. 

3. No Tow Bar either. 

4. My Internal Sat Nav no longer receives  traffic updates since the change in signal last year which has affected many cars, the entire VW / Audi Group, Toyota, Fiats and others I believe. Skoda seem uninterested in fixing the problem and suggest you subscribe to their Skoda Connect Service. I now use Waze connected via the USB socket hidden in the sliding storage box in front of the gear lever which is better than the internal Sat Nav anyway. Although Waze will try and take you through an active war zone it if thinks it can save you 90 seconds. 

[Carlston]

1 hour ago, PedalBin said:

I have a 2.0 DSG TSI 4x4...I know others on here complaint about the 19" alloys "completely ruining the ride" but all my passengers comment how quiet and comfortable the car is. 

 

The 19" tyres on the Karoq 4x4 have bigger sidewalls than the 19" tyres on the Karoq 2WD, so not a fair comparison.

 

Many owners have commented that the Michelin CrossClimates improve the ride compared to the Original Equipment tyres. All-season tyres in general tend to have soft and flexible sidewalls, so they don't necessarily have to be CrossClimates to improve the ride compared to OE tyres.

 

The Karoq 4x4 also has independent rear suspension (unlike the Karoq 2WD), which might also help ride comfort...especially for rear seat passengers because they are sitting over the rear axle.

 

Tyre sidewall height

225/40 90mm

225/45 101.25mm

 

So to sum up the comparison between your Karoq 4x4 and a Karoq 2WD on OE tyres...you've got bigger sidewalls, all-season tyres, and independent rear suspension...no wonder your passengers are not complaining about the ride. Bear in mind though, that a lot will depend on the type of roads you drive on. Smooth sections of road won't cause a problem for even the Karoq 2WD on 19" OE tyres.

 

Edited 9 April by Carlston

[PedalBin]

Er....Ok. Thanks for telling me about my car.

 

Thamestrader asked about a 2.0 TSI as a "2.0L TSI Karoq is being considered as the replacement" so I told him about my 2.0 TSI Sportline. Not sure why you made comparasons with a 2WD as they are not considering that.

[CJJE]

On 07/04/2024 at 19:11, thamestrader said:

Having  run a 2.0L TDI DSG Touran since 2013, a 'pre-reg' 2024  2.0L TSI Karoq is being considered as the replacement. Having trawled through the topics in the Karoq forum theres a few things that some advice/real world experience on would be appreciated.

1. Tyres - The Touran has been on Cross Climates for the last 60K miles, and I really like them. I notice that everyone says the Bridgestones Turanza T005 gives hard ride. I've seen both 225/40 R19 and 225/45 R19  sizes mentioned - can anyone clarify does the 2.0L TSI definitely have the 225/45 R19 size? Is it the 225/40 that gives the harsher ride?

2. Lane Assist and Traffic Sign recognition - Has anyone got either or both of these features without having the Traffic Assist Package - of the Karoqs I've seen advertised none have the Traffic Assist package but some list Lane assist and some list both Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

3. Towbar. All the Karoqs on my short list have To bar Preparation listed, none of them have towbars fitted. I have a Westfahlia Detachable swanneck towbar on my  Touran. What towbars have people fitted - Skoda Electrically folding, Fixed swan neck , detachable swan neck?

4. Map updates and Traffic information. I've used Garmin Sat Navs for the last 16 years, downloading free updates 2 to 3 times a year. Real Time Traffic information is generally good. What is the situation like with the Amundsen Unit?

 

 

 

1) My MY21 2.0TSI 4x4 Sportline came with 225/45 R19 Bridgestone Dueler tyres. I haven't had any problem with these tyres but I did add the Dynamic Suspension option to cover off any harshness. I'll be switching to All-Seasons probably within a year, and ideally will be looking to buy either the new Bridgestone Turanza AS 6 or Continental AllSeason Contact 2s. Neither of these are yet offered as 225/45 R19s, but another forum member has fitted 245/40 R19s successfully and to my mind these are a better option than buying the previous generation Bridgestones, Continentals or Goodyears. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV is also available as 225/45 R19, but majors on snow performance rather than cold wet performance - and so is not my preferred option in the West Midlands.

The tyres sizes varied a bit over the years, but for MY21, the 225/45 R19s were fitted to 4x4 cars fitted with the 2.0TSI and 2.0TDI engines. The 225/40 R19s that attract so much abuse were fitted to FWD cars with the 1.0TSI, 1.5TSI, 1.6TDI and 2.0TDI engines.

2) I added the Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Lane Assist options to my factory order, but both have their moments. On my MY21 car I can at least switch the lane assist off and it stays off - having tried it for many months I've now decided I don't like it interfering with the steering unless I'm driving in a strong side wind. And the Traffic Sign indicator in my digital instrument panel is a useful reminder of the last speed limit I passed - but it can be confused by missing/hidden signs, signs that relate to roads leaving at a junction... and weirdly once in a while it will display the metric equivalent of the speed limit (80 instead of 50 say).

3) I don't have a towbar on my car.

4) The MIB3 Amundsen fitted from MY21 on updates its maps whenever necessary and without any indication (as long as you pay the annual Skoda Connect charge!) Mine is now showing the map was updated last month.  

 

Over 3.5 years and 17,000 miles I've averaged 35 mpg brim to brim. But cruising at 70 on long motorway journeys can deliver 40 or so mpg. I don't notice the Haldex kicking in to power the rear wheels, but interestingly my tyre wear is far more even than I'm used to from FWD cars. I've just rotated the wheels front to back for the first time, and measured the remaining tread as 4.0mm at the front and 4.5mm at the rear. 

 

Chris

Edited 10 April by CJJE

[Carlston]

5 hours ago, CJJE said:

...I don't notice the Haldex kicking in to power the rear wheels, but interestingly my tyre wear is far more even than I'm used to from FWD cars. I've just rotated the wheels front to back for the first time, and measured the remaining tread as 4.0mm at the front and 4.5mm at the rear...

 

...another forum member has fitted 245/40R19s successfully and to my mind these are a better option...

 

Those are interesting figures, and shows how the Haldex system evens out the tyre wear.

 

As the 19" rims are a rather wide 8J, 245/40R19 rather than 225/45R19 does make sense.

 

The 8J rim has an outside width of about 227mm, so when fitted with a 225/45R19 tyre the sidewalls bulge out by only about 2mm each side. This will provide very little rim protection from kerbing damage. But with a 245/40R19 fitted to an 8J rim there's a much better 7.5mm of tyre sidewall bulge each side resulting in much better protection from kerbing damage.

 

Actual inflated width of tyres when fitted to 8J rim

225/45R19 231mm

245/40R19 242mm

 

With the 225/45R19 it might be better to use a 7J rim, perhaps the 7Jx19 ET43 rim from the Kodiaq as shown in the example below. However, this is not a Skoda approved tyre and rim combination when fitted to the Karoq.

 

7Jx19 ET43 5/112 57.1 alloy rim (from Kodiaq)

https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/alu-kolo-crater-19-kodiaq/p/565071499++ZG6

 

When a 225/45R19 tyre is fitted to a 7J rim the tyre's sidewalls will bulge out from the rim by about 8.5mm each side, so much better protection from kerbing damage compared to fitting this tyre size to a wider 8J rim.

 

Actual inflated width of tyre when fitted to 7J rim

225/45R19 219mm

 

Edited 10 April by Carlston

[CJJE]

The previous post I was thinking about is here: 

 

Chris

[thamestrader]

Thank you folks for the comprehensive replies.  The tyre size information and discussion is very interesting. I feel that I have identified the right model. I have  to say that after a 30 minute test drive earlier this week I was very impressed with the way the combination of 2.0l petrol, 7 spd DSG, Hill Hold and Stop/Start all worked. In addition to the Touran we have a  2015 1.2 110 bhp 7 spd DSG Fabia which doesn't move away from rest anything like as smoothly as the TDI Touran, so I was very pleased to find the petrol Karoq was even smoother pulling away than the Touran and a vast improvement over the Fabia. Now comes the harder part of actually finding one and agreeing a deal.

[PedalBin]

20 hours ago, thamestrader said:

Thank you folks for the comprehensive replies.  The tyre size information and discussion is very interesting. I feel that I have identified the right model. I have  to say that after a 30 minute test drive earlier this week I was very impressed with the way the combination of 2.0l petrol, 7 spd DSG, Hill Hold and Stop/Start all worked. In addition to the Touran we have a  2015 1.2 110 bhp 7 spd DSG Fabia which doesn't move away from rest anything like as smoothly as the TDI Touran, so I was very pleased to find the petrol Karoq was even smoother pulling away than the Touran and a vast improvement over the Fabia. Now comes the harder part of actually finding one and agreeing a deal.

 

Are they any options you would like the car to have? Heated windscreen, virtual dashboard, spare wheel, etc, any particular colour you do / do not wish to have? 

[thamestrader]

8 hours ago, PedalBin said:

 

Are they any options you would like the car to have? Heated windscreen, virtual dashboard, spare wheel, etc, any particular colour you do / do not wish to have? 

If I was doing a new order then my colour choices would have been Energy Blue, Moon White, Velvet Red - would have avoided Black, Greys and Silver, Jurys out with regard to the Orange! Options  LED Matric lights, Heat Front Screen (without the rest of the package), Traffic Sign Recognition provided that it worked in conjunction with Cruise/Speed limiter to automatically adjust with driver confirmation, Adaptive Cruise Control, virtual cockpit,2.0 TSI DSG, because I need 1900kg towing capacity, space saver spare wheel, Vario Flex rear seats, reversing camera.

 

However the 2.0 TSI only comes in the Sportline, which includes most of my requirements apart from TSR, Adaptive Cruise and Heated Windscreen, with numerous extra options which are nice to have but would not be on my must have list eg Pan Roof, 4x4, 19 inch alloy wheels, Sports seats, Virtual Pedal rear hatch.

 

A new  2.0TSI DSG Sportline basic OTR is £39,245,there are very few options that can be added and remain under £40,000 OTR. Why is £40,000 OTR important to me, Additional VED charge of £410 for 2nd to 6th year inclusive on top of the £190 standard VED. That effectively makes the car £2050 more expensive over the first 6 years than one under £40K.

 

I've been looking at 2.0 TSI DSG Sportlines which are either Dealer pre-reg's or ex Skoda management/loan cars with typically up to 1,000 miles, with an OTR of under £40k. Having said that my ability to 'customise' is somewhat limited, effectively just colour as most seem to have Space Save spare wheels added. 

[Sanqhar]

1 hour ago, thamestrader said:

If I was doing a new order then my colour choices would have been Energy Blue, Moon White, Velvet Red - would have avoided Black, Greys and Silver, Jurys out with regard to the Orange! Options  LED Matric lights, Heat Front Screen (without the rest of the package), Traffic Sign Recognition provided that it worked in conjunction with Cruise/Speed limiter to automatically adjust with driver confirmation, Adaptive Cruise Control, virtual cockpit,2.0 TSI DSG, because I need 1900kg towing capacity, space saver spare wheel, Vario Flex rear seats, reversing camera.

 

However the 2.0 TSI only comes in the Sportline, which includes most of my requirements apart from TSR, Adaptive Cruise and Heated Windscreen, with numerous extra options which are nice to have but would not be on my must have list eg Pan Roof, 4x4, 19 inch alloy wheels, Sports seats, Virtual Pedal rear hatch.

 

A new  2.0TSI DSG Sportline basic OTR is £39,245,there are very few options that can be added and remain under £40,000 OTR. Why is £40,000 OTR important to me, Additional VED charge of £410 for 2nd to 6th year inclusive on top of the £190 standard VED. That effectively makes the car £2050 more expensive over the first 6 years than one under £40K.

 

I've been looking at 2.0 TSI DSG Sportlines which are either Dealer pre-reg's or ex Skoda management/loan cars with typically up to 1,000 miles, with an OTR of under £40k. Having said that my ability to 'customise' is somewhat limited, effectively just colour as most seem to have Space Save spare wheels added. 

 

Isn't it the list price when new that counts for the extra VED, not the price paid?

 

tom

[Stonekeeper]

1 hour ago, Sanqhar said:

 

Isn't it the list price when new that counts for the extra VED, not the price paid?

 

tom

Cars that cost £40,000 or more (after options) are subject to a further £410 annual supplement (up from £380 in 2023/2024) that runs for five years. This kicks in after the first-year’s CO2-based charge, so you’ll pay the supplement from years two to six of the car’s life.

 

If you haggle a plus-£40,000 car down to below £40,000, you’ll still have to pay the supplement as it's based on the cost of the car for tax purposes.

Edited 12 April by Stonekeeper

[thamestrader]

1 hour ago, Sanqhar said:

 

Isn't it the list price when new that counts for the extra VED, not the price paid?

 

tom

Yes its the list price when new. So I'm  am ignoring any pre-reg cars that had a list price over £40k because that continues to affect the VED until the car is over 6 years old. I keep my cars for at least 10 years, so the extra VED is significant. 

 

Electric cars will attract the Additional VED rates now, which is going to be a shock for some.

[tfspark]

I'm a caravaner and when looking for a used Karoq I couldn't find one with a towbar fitted.

I bought a 2019 2.0tdi SEL and it didn't have towbar prep.

 

I had a Tow Trust detachable swan neck towbar fitted by a mobile fitter who came to my home to do it. As the car didn't have the prep it seemed to take him hours to complete. All is good and it works as it should. I would certainly recommend Tow Trust.

[SurreyJohn]

On 12/04/2024 at 21:16, Sanqhar said:

 

Isn't it the list price when new that counts for the extra VED, not the price paid?

 

tom

List price including factory fit options and delivery fee and PDI (but excluding initial VED and registration fee), regardless of actual price paid

 

List price used is day before registration and taxing, not order date

[thamestrader]

I've settled on a 2.0l TSI DSG Sportline, Sept 23 reg, 1090 mile, ex Skoda car, standard spec at a Skoda dealership, intending to pick it up before the end of this month. Touran will be traded in. I plan to get a towbar (Westfalia detable swanneck) fitted locally by the company that fitted one to the Touran.  Thanks for all the replies.