This is a summary of my experiences after 3 months. The 2.0TSI DSG Karoq Sportline is the first car I have bought since I retired.  It was ex Skoda 6 months old having covered 1100 mile. I've driven just under 2000 miles, when I was working I would have covered around 6000 miles in the same time frame. I  feel this lower usage means it has taken me longer to 'gel' with the Karoq and learn to utilise its features.  Switching from a 2013 2.0 TDI DSG VW Touran, build quality and feel of the fittings is much the same, although a few corners have been cut;  gas struts for the bonnet replaced by a manual prop but how often is that really used, no  Park Assist  but I never used it.

 

The DQ381 7 speed DSG combined with autohold/hill hold and electric parking brake make it much easy to creep out of awkward junctions and perking spaces especially on slopes which was the real ly awkward with the DQ250 DSG in the Touran.

 

As you would expect the 2.0TSI engines torque delivery is different to the 2.0 TDI diesel. The petrol TSI  uses the lower gears for longer and drops down sooner than the TDI did, Fuel consumption is of course quite different. On a long  run dual carriageways and motorways I have achieved 50mpg (the diesel would have done 60+ mpg) which isn't too ba. However on running around town 20-25mpg doesn't compare so well with the TDI's 45 mpg. I think that the fuel consumption is improving the more I drive the Karoq possibly because I'm learning how to exploit its economy features.

 

Which leads nicely on to Stop/Start (S/S) and Coasting. S/S is a Marmite feature (I like Marmite so maybe that has influenced my comments). Now that I have some experience with it I quite like it; I do find it has at least two different ways of operating: Sometimes the S/S cuts the engine, reducing brake pedal pressure restarts the engine, othertimes S/S cuts the engine and the Parking Brake light illuminates green meaning autohold is on, reducing brake pedal pressure does not restart the engine, moving the steering wheel slightly restarts the engine. I have not figured out yet why it does this. Coasting another Marmite feature, again I quite like this especially on two lane A roads  where I think its better than cruise control, lifting off causes the Karoq to coast  sometimes for over a mile withoiut losing speed, cruise control would have kept power applied. I'vef found my driving style has changed to exploit coasting - possibly because the TSI is less economical than the TDI. I also drive an EV from time  to time and that sort of encourages you to ease off and use regenerative braking rather than actually braking. 

 

Why did I choose the 2.0l TSI Sportline? I didn't want another Diesel as my usage and mileage no longer suited a diesel, The 1.5 TSI petrol engine has had a somewhat mixed reception, I bought a 2015 1.2 TSI Fabia with dry clutch DQ200 DSG gearbox based on  my experience with the wet clutch DQ250 in the Touran and I just prefer the wet clutch driving experience. I towed a 2 axle car trailer with the Tour an so wanted an engine whose torque curve was similar to the 2.0 TDI, so 2.0l TSI petrol and this Sportline specification. 

 

Finally the inbuilt Tech.  I use Carplay for Itunes and Phone calls, the Voice Control I don't have the time or patience to persevere with. Its annoying that the inbuilt Phone via Bluetooth doesn't link into Carplay. Navigation entering destinations is frustrating, but resusing previous destinations is fine, I use the My Skoda App on my Iphone to set up destinations and download them to the Karoq, quicker and easier, so I'll probably renew my subscription when it expires. I have configured my own Driving Mode; Normal, with Sport Steering and no Sound Aktor. The combination of the Reversing Camera, the latest front and rear sensors and the 'emergency brake feature I find very useful., 

 

Finally I will never choose diamond cut wheels.........once scrapped...........

 

Thats it I think.

Edited 1 August, 20241 yr by thamestrader

15 minutes ago, thamestrader said:

Moving the steering wheel slightly restarts the engine. I have not figured out yet why it does this.

 

Many cars with stop/start do this. Sometning my 1.5 TSi manual does is that if it stops in a traffic queue, it restarts as soon as the car in front moves off.

I miss the option to use a USB memory stick for media files, yes there’s 2 USB sockets but not positioned for stick use……

2 hours ago, Berisford said:

I miss the option to use a USB memory stick for media files, yes there’s 2 USB sockets but not positioned for stick use……

 

I use a USB stick for media files, connected via a USB-C to USB-3 short cable. For example, this is the one I use: USB C to USB 3.1 Adapter 2 Pack

 

You can also buy smaller USB sticks that will fit and still allow the cover to slide closed.

Edited 2 August, 20241 yr by P-J

22 hours ago, thamestrader said:

This is a summary of my experiences after 3 months. The 2.0TSI DSG Karoq Sportline is the first car I have bought since I retired.  It was ex Skoda 6 months old having covered 1100 mile. I've driven just under 2000 miles, when I was working I would have covered around 6000 miles in the same time frame. I  feel this lower usage means it has taken me longer to 'gel' with the Karoq and learn to utilise its features.  Switching from a 2013 2.0 TDI DSG VW Touran, build quality and feel of the fittings is much the same, although a few corners have been cut;  gas struts for the bonnet replaced by a manual prop but how often is that really used, no  Park Assist  but I never used it.

 

The DQ381 7 speed DSG combined with autohold/hill hold and electric parking brake make it much easy to creep out of awkward junctions and perking spaces especially on slopes which was the real ly awkward with the DQ250 DSG in the Touran.

 

As you would expect the 2.0TSI engines torque delivery is different to the 2.0 TDI diesel. The petrol TSI  uses the lower gears for longer and drops down sooner than the TDI did, Fuel consumption is of course quite different. On a long  run dual carriageways and motorways I have achieved 50mpg (the diesel would have done 60+ mpg) which isn't too ba. However on running around town 20-25mpg doesn't compare so well with the TDI's 45 mpg. I think that the fuel consumption is improving the more I drive the Karoq possibly because I'm learning how to exploit its economy features.

 

Which leads nicely on to Stop/Start (S/S) and Coasting. S/S is a Marmite feature (I like Marmite so maybe that has influenced my comments). Now that I have some experience with it I quite like it; I do find it has at least two different ways of operating: Sometimes the S/S cuts the engine, reducing brake pedal pressure restarts the engine, othertimes S/S cuts the engine and the Parking Brake light illuminates green meaning autohold is on, reducing brake pedal pressure does not restart the engine, moving the steering wheel slightly restarts the engine. I have not figured out yet why it does this. Coasting another Marmite feature, again I quite like this especially on two lane A roads  where I think its better than cruise control, lifting off causes the Karoq to coast  sometimes for over a mile withoiut losing speed, cruise control would have kept power applied. I'vef found my driving style has changed to exploit coasting - possibly because the TSI is less economical than the TDI. I also drive an EV from time  to time and that sort of encourages you to ease off and use regenerative braking rather than actually braking. 

 

Why did I choose the 2.0l TSI Sportline? I didn't want another Diesel as my usage and mileage no longer suited a diesel, The 1.5 TSI petrol engine has had a somewhat mixed reception, I bought a 2015 1.2 TSI Fabia with dry clutch DQ200 DSG gearbox based on  my experience with the wet clutch DQ250 in the Touran and I just prefer the wet clutch driving experience. I towed a 2 axle car trailer with the Tour an so wanted an engine whose torque curve was similar to the 2.0 TDI, so 2.0l TSI petrol and this Sportline specification. 

 

Finally the inbuilt Tech.  I use Carplay for Itunes and Phone calls, the Voice Control I don't have the time or patience to persevere with. Its annoying that the inbuilt Phone via Bluetooth doesn't link into Carplay. Navigation entering destinations is frustrating, but resusing previous destinations is fine, I use the My Skoda App on my Iphone to set up destinations and download them to the Karoq, quicker and easier, so I'll probably renew my subscription when it expires. I have configured my own Driving Mode; Normal, with Sport Steering and no Sound Aktor. The combination of the Reversing Camera, the latest front and rear sensors and the 'emergency brake feature I find very useful., 

 

Finally I will never choose diamond cut wheels.........once scrapped...........

 

Thats it I think.

Thank you for an excellent summary of your experience with a 2.0 TSi Karoq. 

 

On reflection this is probably the car I ought to have bought. 

 

The 1.5 TSi isn't terrible, but is a bit gutless on the open road and I miss the traction, dependability and ride comfort of 4WD and independent rear suspension. 

 

The worse MPG with 2.0 TSi and 4WD is a price worth paying I suspect. 

 

I seem to recall opting for a 2.0 TSi meant foregoing Varioflex seating, which I admittedly find useful. 

 

My ideal Karoq would be - 16" wheels, a decent tyre sidewall, 4WD, a torque convertor Auto (I'm not a fan of DSG), independent rear suspension, no sunroof (I'm a previous owner of a Yeti with a sunroof 💦), 2.0 TSi and Varioflex seating. 

Edited 2 August, 20241 yr by pinkpanther

2 hours ago, pinkpanther said:

Thank you for an excellent summary of your experience with a 2.0 TSi Karoq. 

 

On reflection this is probably the car I ought to have bought. 

 

The 1.5 TSi isn't terrible, but is a bit gutless on the open road and I miss the traction, dependability and ride comfort of 4WD and independent rear suspension. 

 

The worse MPG with 2.0 TSi and 4WD is a price worth paying I suspect. 

 

I seem to recall opting for a 2.0 TSi meant foregoing Varioflex seating, which I admittedly find useful. 

 

I suspect the Varioflex seating might not be compatible with 4 WD system, as it probably increases the size of the transmission tunnel. Without the extra weight of the 4WD system the 2.0 l TSI might well be more economical.

 

My ideal Karoq would be - 16" wheels, a decent tyre sidewall, 4WD, a torque convertor Auto (I'm not a fan of DSG), independent rear suspension, no sunroof (I'm a previous owner of a Yeti with a sunroof 💦), 2.0 TSi and Varioflex seating. 

 

If the 2.0 TSI engine had been available in an SEL that would have been the spec I'd have chosen;  don't need 4x4 - 2WD would be fine, VarioFlex seating I would prefer as its equivalent to what was in the Touran and provides more flexibility, Panoramic roof nice to have but wouldn't choose it, The only optional item I would have chosen was the heated front windscreen.

 

My TDI Touran when pulling out of a junction rapidly would trigger the traction control even in the dry, I've not triggered the traction control in the Karoq yet, given it has an extra 50 bhp on tap I assume its because the 4WD is cutting in, it certainly feels very planted powering into and out of roundabouts - I have 130 to choose from locally!

 

I forgot to mention the virtual cockpit - I quite like it - it just needs a few minor tweaks with regard to on-the fly changes - the old VW MFD allowed you to select the items you wanted to see in rotation. It would be more user friendly if something similar was possible to select which items to show in the centre of the twin dials and rotate thru. 

1 minute ago, thamestrader said:

I suspect the Varioflex seating might not be compatible with 4 WD system, as it probably increases the size of the transmission tunnel. Without the extra weight of the 4WD system the 2.0 l TSI might well be more economical.

 

My ideal Karoq would be - 16" wheels, a decent tyre sidewall, 4WD, a torque convertor Auto (I'm not a fan of DSG), independent rear suspension, no sunroof (I'm a previous owner of a Yeti with a sunroof 💦), 2.0 TSi and Varioflex seating. 

 

If the 2.0 TSI engine had been available in an SEL that would have been the spec I'd have chosen;  don't need 4x4 - 2WD would be fine, VarioFlex seating I would prefer as its equivalent to what was in the Touran and provides more flexibility, Panoramic roof nice to have but wouldn't choose it, The only optional item I would have chosen was the heated front windscreen.

 

My TDI Touran when pulling out of a junction rapidly would trigger the traction control even in the dry, I've not triggered the traction control in the Karoq yet, given it has an extra 50 bhp on tap I assume its because the 4WD is cutting in, it certainly feels very planted powering into and out of roundabouts - I have 130 to choose from locally!

 

I forgot to mention the virtual cockpit - I quite like it - it just needs a few minor tweaks with regard to on-the fly changes - the old VW MFD allowed you to select the items you wanted to see in rotation. It would be more user friendly if something similar was possible to select which items to show in the centre of the twin dials and rotate thru. 

As mine was a factory order I went with winter pack+, which included the excellent heated windscreen, along with heated (outer) rear seats 👍

How do you find the ride in the Karoq ,compared with the Touran.  When I got my previous Yeti nearly 10 yrs ago, I was looking around at various cars and noted that 'Which' highly rated the Touran ride   I rejected a 1.2 Touran in the end, never drove it, but found the front legroom inadequate for me, as I find often is so in cars that can have 3 rows of seats, even if the 3rd row isn't fitted.  A pity, as at the time, I thought it had quite a pleasant interior.  I suspect the boxy shape also means it is overall roomier than the Karoq.  Actually I don't actually trust 'Which' on car reviews as I find they are frequently inconsistent.

 

Also interested in why you prefer the DQ381 to the dry clutch.  I like my dry clutch DSG but can see that it's not perfect.

 

On economy, that long distance figure is impressive for a 2.0, though on short trips my 1.0 DSG does noticeably better.  Yesterday on a shopping trip there and back of 5miles total we did 34mpg, a hilly route if no traffic lights, but a lengthy stop at the shops including a lazy coffee, meaning the engine had time to cool down there.

22 hours ago, Berisford said:

I miss the option to use a USB memory stick for media files, yes there’s 2 USB sockets but not positioned for stick use……

Agreed - this is my solution. 

 

USB stick (music) in left hand USB C port and 90 degree USB C - C (for phone charging) in right hand port. 

 

Completely blocks the cigarette lighter, so often end up using the rear one for charging. 

 

I found the lack of SD card slots frustrating 

 

My tray has the wireless charger so the short lead is a non starter for me, I’ll give the little memory stick a go……

…….Such as shame VW / Skoda didn’t provide a more suitable option or indeed, a SD card slot in the glove box, where it used to be!

9 hours ago, croquemonsieur said:

How do you find the ride in the Karoq ,compared with the Touran.  When I got my previous Yeti nearly 10 yrs ago, I was looking around at various cars and noted that 'Which' highly rated the Touran ride   I rejected a 1.2 Touran in the end, never drove it, but found the front legroom inadequate for me, as I find often is so in cars that can have 3 rows of seats, even if the 3rd row isn't fitted.  A pity, as at the time, I thought it had quite a pleasant interior.  I suspect the boxy shape also means it is overall roomier than the Karoq.  Actually I don't actually trust 'Which' on car reviews as I find they are frequently inconsistent.

 

Also interested in why you prefer the DQ381 to the dry clutch.  I like my dry clutch DSG but can see that it's not perfect.

 

On economy, that long distance figure is impressive for a 2.0, though on short trips my 1.0 DSG does noticeably better.  Yesterday on a shopping trip there and back of 5miles total we did 34mpg, a hilly route if no traffic lights, but a lengthy stop at the shops including a lazy coffee, meaning the engine had time to cool down there.

@croquemonsieurTouran ride is softer than Karoq, mine had standard 16” alloys with 205/50 tyres ( Cross Climates). Tourans boxy shape is much roomier, front seats I would rate as some of the best with a long seat back which supports the shoulders as I’m 6’ 4” and had plenty of legroom too. My brother who is also over 6’ could sit upright in the 2nd row.  I could drive the Touran all day without aches or tiredness. If the 2.0l TSI engine had been available in the Touran I might not have bought the Karoq. 

 

As I mentioned our Fabia has the dry clutch, it’s my partners car she’s quite happy with the DSG operation. I drove it short distances in frequently and when pulling away the dry clutch did not behave the same as my wet clutch Touran did. The Fabia did not creep when the foot brake was released requiring accelerator pressure for the clutches to engage and move away. The diesel Touran with wet clutch would creep and move away after releasing brake pedal on tick over without using the accelerator even on a slight incline. This made driving into the garage much easier with the Touran than the Fabia.

Since I bought the Katoq I’ve learnt that the dry clutch would overheat if it engaged while the brake was still applied, the wet clutch is cooled by the oil so does not over heat.

 

I would expect that the dry clutch software and operation have been improved in the 9 years since our Fabia was built. 

The operation of the DQ381, as mentioned, is big step forward from the DQ250, I just hope it’s as reliable!

 

This has morphed into a Touran comparison😃. Just remembered the Touran had a really effective Ebspacer diesel fuelled heater which could get the inside nice and warm in 5 minutes handy on a frosty morning as if would clear the windscreen in that time. I may miss this when winter comes…😕

 

Edited 3 August, 20241 yr by thamestrader

That Touran sounds like a nice car.  The one I sat in had 3 rows of seats and from memory I did find it a little short on legroom in the driver's seat.  The salesman did tell me the one with 2 rows of seats wasn't any roomier in the front, but maybe he was wrong.  There is just about enough legroom for me in the Karoq but the pedal layout could be better.  The T-Rock does this well with room for a foot rest to the right of the throttle -handy if you have ACC.  I find the seats in the basic SE Karoq comfortable, except as in many cars, the headrest is too far back and so I've tied a small cushion to it.

 

My dry clutch Karoq does have creep, as did my previous Yeti.  While my car was being repaired 2 yrs ago I was given a DSG Juke that didn't have that creep and sorely missed the facility when parking.

 

I don't think the dry clutch in my Karoq overheats with the Electronic brake or Autohold facility - these are released as soon as the throttle is lightly touched, no old fashioned handbrake.  I do wonder though if the DQ381is better at pulling away from standstill than the dry clutch version, which does need a sensitive foot on the throttle for a smooth take off.  My auto Saab 9-5 of 10 years ago was really well set up for easy fast yet smooth pulling away from 0mph - say when turning right into a busy main road.

Touran has headrests that slide back and forth as well as up and down. I had a neck injury which means I always have the drivers seat back very upright. Mine was 7 seater with height adjustable front seats. A 7 seater for just the two of us may seem overkill, but the key criteria was headroom, legroom and comfy seats.
 

The Wet clutch DSGs seem to engage without touching the accelerator so creep without any throttle. 
 

DQ381 is very smooth at pulling away, because I feel, it doesn’t require throttle it starts moving when the drivers foot comes off the brake pedal.

 

Having said that there are times when auto hold cuts in, s/s stops the engine, then throttle is required to release the brake and move off.

 

The dry clutch DSG in our Fabia, sometimes doesnt pull away or is a bit tardy -  pressing the throttle further causes it to leap forward far quicker than intended😧. My partner had no trouble driving the Touran although she did comment that the throttle required a very firm push, so maybe I was just too heavy footed😂

You mentioned the T-Roc, I tried one before the Karoq, with the upright seating position I need the interior mirror mounting created a large blind spot. Karoq has a significantly smaller mirror mounting, the screen is more upright so consequently the top is higher and further away. 

My dry clutch DSGs creeps just like yours, no throttle needed, unless Autohold is switched on and active of course.  When allowed to creep with Autohold turned off, take off from rest is indeed smoother, but careful control of the fierce throttle is still desirable.  The Saab 9-5 auto just made a smooth fast take off from rest easier.  I don't know if it's just that the Karoq throttle is too fierce at start off, or it is due to some inherent unfortunate characteristic of DSGs, as some people say.  I've thought of having the throttle remapped to see if that would improve things.  On the other hand, I must say that the DSG does allow impressive economy with at the same time very impressive quiet performance, in cars with small engines.  I recall the buzzy, sluggish small auto cars I'd tried years ago.

 

Also thought of having the pedals altered by a disabled driver car adaptation company, to allow for a decent foot rest on the extreme RHS.  If I did all the alterations to the car I talk about, would it still be a Skoda?

A DSG box can never cover all scenarios to have the smooth take off as found in a fluid coupled box, or indeed a CVT box.

If the DSG engages when the engine is above tick over then there’s going to be sudden surge and that happens when you go too quickly from the ‘brake on’ to ‘power on’, in effect you can ‘beat the box’. Also, do some rapid brake-accelerator-brake-accelerator when setting off and the box becomes confused for a moment or two, seemingly refusing to move in that moment you want to go which, invariably, leads to even more power applied and when it does engage it’s followed by much grappling for grip.

Puts me in mind of the late 60’s, my early motorcycling days, the Honda Super Cubs had to be on nothing more than tick over before you engaged the box else the machine would leap forward and if you were daft enough to engage with more than a fast idle the machine would be out from between your legs at a startling pace!

1 hour ago, croquemonsieur said:

My dry clutch DSGs creeps just like yours, no throttle needed, unless Autohold is switched on and active of course.  When allowed to creep with Autohold turned off, take off from rest is indeed smoother, but careful control of the fierce throttle is still desirable.  

 

On another thread there was mention of using VCDS to alter the throttle operation - from memory it was something to do with linear and non-linear. Sounds like the newer dry clutch DSGs are an improvement over the one in our 2015 Fabia (or perhaps its faulty) and my reservations are no longer valid.

 

 

Just DQ200,s are used in over 50 different applications from 69 ps to 192 ps and 3 or 4 cylinder petrols and diesel's. 1.0, 1.2, 1 4, 1.5 , 1 8 tsi and mild hybrids and 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 TDI and noe 2.0 TDI so any generalisation is a bit silly.    Then you had 6 or 7 speed wet clutch.   Plenty cc and power and age of engine and DQ200 are great partners.  Some not so great. 

18 hours ago, thamestrader said:

 

 

I would expect that the dry clutch software and operation have been improved in the 9 years since our Fabia was built. 
 

 

 

It has, significantly.

 

I've had 7 DQ200's since 2009 out of 12 or so DSG's.

 

Smoothness and reliability have improved over the years but application still has a big effect on how they feel. The mapping on some models is much better suited to the drive train than others. 

 

The latest gen 1.0TSi's and 1.5TSi's with DQ200's feel a world apart from the early 1.2's and 1.6TDi's

 

 

 

I'm anticipating that modifying the throttle setting to be more gradual will just ease the jerky start syndrome rather than fully eliminating it.  My worry is that the remapping to make it more gradual may upset how the engine / DSG work together - it probably involved much development work by Skods.  I suppose if problems do occur, the factory settings can be restored via OBD or whatever system is used.

 

One thing I do like about my current DSG in the Karoq (but seemingly only in the 1.0 DSG and maybe not larger engines according to earlier threads) is that on the overrun going downhill, it wants to stay in top as long as possible, even after applying the brakes - it suits my driving style.  All my previous conventional Autos and the Yeti DSG wanted to change down into a lower gear ASAP and I always found that irritating.  However, presumably these older Autos could have been designed to behave like my current Karoq if the designers had so wished, the behaviour likely nothing to do with it being a DSG.

On 03/08/2024 at 10:12, pinkpanther said:

Agreed - this is my solution. 

 

USB stick (music) in left hand USB C port and 90 degree USB C - C (for phone charging) in right hand port. 

 

Completely blocks the cigarette lighter, so often end up using the rear one for charging. 

 

I found the lack of SD card slots frustrating 

 

This is mine. The short cable is “handed”, so had to go to the left, but short enough not to impede anything. 

Thank you for sharing.

An interesting read thank you. I wonder if it’d be of interest for us other Karoq users to share our thoughts on our car also?