We have just purchased a new Karoq SE L (2024 spec) from a main dealer. This is the third SE L we have had since 2019 and think they are great.

My enquiry is this. After having the car for a couple of weeks I have started to notice that quite a few things that were included on my last two are ‘missing’ on this new one. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really check much as we were under the impression that an SE L is an SE L if you know what I mean?

Car marque’s don’t usually get ‘downgraded’ etc.

The following items are no longer available, yet most of which were in my two previous Karoq’s (2019 models, first one didn’t include virtual dashboard)

Retracting boot cover, removable rear seats, two less hooks in the boot plus less storage, ‘interactive’ spotlights that illuminate when turning, the ability to automatically adjust the headlights when travelling on the continent, self levelling headlamps, inability to customise the virtual cockpit (you get what is offered as the selection arrows are ‘greyed out’)

The ‘My ŠKodak’ app shows the car as an SE but is registered as an SE L on the V5 etc.

Before I make representation to the dealership I wanted to pick the brains of other Karoq owners to check if the ‘missing stuff’ should in fact be present on a 2024 Karoq.

Any advice will be most welcome.

Has it got the chrome brightwork around the windows (SEL) or black (SE)….?

It does have the chrome bright work. That’s something I never knew!

Definitely an SE L then. Wonder why the stuff I have mentioned is not active?

2 hours ago, SalfordSkoda said:

Car marque’s don’t usually get ‘downgraded’ etc.

Unfortunately this is not true. Several cars that I have had have started with standard items which have then either been discontinued or been relegated to an option. I guess it is to reduce the effect of general price increases.

26 minutes ago, Routemaster1461 said:

Unfortunately this is not true. Several cars that I have had have started with standard items which have then either been discontinued or been relegated to an option. I guess it is to reduce the effect of general price increases.

Thanks.

Fortunately, It’s something that I’ve never ‘suffered’.

I wouldn’t mind so much if I didn’t use the majority of stuff :-)

I also noticed that the front spots are not LED either as the last two were!

The facelift SEL lost the full LED AFS headlights and just got the LED reflector headlights and halogen fogs. The Sportline got Full Matrix LED.

Varioflex rear seating was dropped from the 2024 SEL, the 2023 SEL had them.

1 hour ago, logiclee said:

The facelift SEL lost the full LED AFS headlights and just got the LED reflector headlights and halogen fogs. The Sportline got Full Matrix LED.

Varioflex rear seating was dropped from the 2024 SEL, the 2023 SEL had them.

Many thanks. The replies that I have had appear to explain most of the ‘missing’ items.

It’s a bit frustrating that the so called ‘custom’ selections for the virtual cockpit display can’t be altered. It’s not particularly ’custom’ if you have to have what is dictated. Needless to say, the three ‘custom’ selections are not what I want displayed! :-)

There was a time when buying a newly released model from the lower end of the range was not the best policy as equipment levels were minimal - as the model got further into its life ‘toys’ and desirable trim was added to keep things fresh.

Unfortunately this former trend has almost disappeared, as this thread discusses, with current policy to remove stuff from the spec list.

I’ve a 2024 SEL built during the changeover weeks and it came with the ‘flex’ rear seat, an expensive option on the current model and I did gain the bigger electronic dash display - however, I lost the previously standard ‘light package’ that I hadn’t noticed until I checked today……no cornering fogs, self levelling or automatic left/right hand driving for me.

Swings and roundabouts, as they say……..

Edited 6 June, 20256 Jun by Berisford

2 hours ago, logiclee said:

The facelift SEL lost the full LED AFS headlights and just got the LED reflector headlights and halogen fogs. The Sportline got Full Matrix LED.

Varioflex rear seating was dropped from the 2024 SEL, the 2023 SEL had them.

Same for my March 2023 SE L👍

Whilst I'm less than satisfied with aspects of my car, over the last 2 years / 38k miles I have come think I may have 'doged a bullet' as I thankfully don't have lane assist to contend with and find Varioflex uniquely useful ((previous owner of multiple Yeti's😉).

Given a previous experience with a leaking yeti panoramic sunroof I certainly would not have taken a chance on a Sportline.

I do miss the radar guided cruise from my old Suzuki S-Cross though (similarly had no lane keeping assistance).

My Karoq appears as 'SE L' in the My Skoda app, although this is perhaps not to be relied upon as it lists my car as having 18" Alloys and 17" tyres 😆

I actually took my factory ordered car back to the supplying main dealer when I realised the passenger side wing mirror was not auto dimming. I had assumed it was broken, but was told only the driver's side and interior mirror are actually auto dimming. Seemed rather mean of Skoda I thought 🤷‍♂️

I do have a roller blind type load cover.

I retained the hooks from my old Yeti and now have two in the Karoq boot.

Mine has chrome trim around the front grill and windows.

Halogen fogs on my car and it is only possible to activate one fog light for cornering using Carista.

I hope you enjoy your new car 👍

Edited 6 June, 20256 Jun by pinkpanther

9 minutes ago, Berisford said:

There was a time when buying a newly released model from the lower end of the range was not the best policy as equipment levels were minimal - as the model got further into its life ‘toys’ and desirable trim was added to keep things fresh.

Unfortunately this former trend has almost disappeared, as this thread discusses, with current policy to remove stuff from the spec list.

I’ve a 2024 SEL built during the changeover weeks and it came with the ‘flex’ rear seat, an expensive option on the current model but I did gain the bigger electronic dash display - however, I lost the previously standard ‘light package’ that I hadn’t noticed until I checked today……

Swings and roundabouts, as they say……..

Indeed, although I guess the Karoq might be due for replacement soon as the latest "Editions" have pretty much everything as standard?

I'd opted for free paint, but added a few factory extras to my 2023 manual 1.5 SE L Karoq (space saver spare wheel, third key, 5 year warranty and winter pack+).

This came in at <£29k (on 0%), but I now see fully specced pre-reg Sportline Editions can be had for £29995 (albeit with finance): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505062097999?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

The latest cars appear to come with three years infotainment online whereas mine expired after the first year.

I suspect given the poor state of my local roads I wouldn't have enjoyed the 19" diamond cut alloys and would always worry the sunroof would leak 🥴

7 minutes ago, pinkpanther said:

Indeed, although I guess the Karoq might be due for replacement soon as the latest "Editions" have pretty much everything as standard?

I'd opted for free paint, but added a few factory extras to my 2023 manual 1.5 SE L Karoq (space saver spare wheel, third key, 5 year warranty and winter pack+).

This came in at <£29k (on 0%), but I now see fully specced pre-reg Sportline Editions can be had for £29995 (albeit with finance): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505062097999?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

The latest cars appear to come with three years infotainment online whereas mine expired after the first year.

I suspect given the poor state of my local roads I wouldn't have enjoyed the 19" diamond cut alloys and would always worry the sunroof would leak 🥴

Although a Sportline would bring with it the option to soften the damping with DCC 🤔

1 hour ago, pinkpanther said:

Indeed, although I guess the Karoq might be due for replacement soon as the latest "Editions" have pretty much everything as standard?

I'd opted for free paint, but added a few factory extras to my 2023 manual 1.5 SE L Karoq (space saver spare wheel, third key, 5 year warranty and winter pack+).

This came in at <£29k (on 0%), but I now see fully specced pre-reg Sportline Editions can be had for £29995 (albeit with finance): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505062097999?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

The latest cars appear to come with three years infotainment online whereas mine expired after the first year.

I suspect given the poor state of my local roads I wouldn't have enjoyed the 19" diamond cut alloys and would always worry the sunroof would leak 🥴

Ours comes with three years ‘infotainment’.

Salesman did mention that certain stuff from my car would be missing from the new one but he didn’t mention how much.

We did receive another amazing deal from the dealership that enabled us to by a brand new Karoq but I’m slightly miffed to have lost some stuff. The heated steering wheel doesn’t make up for everything though!! 😄

1 hour ago, pinkpanther said:

Although a Sportline would bring with it the option to soften the damping with DCC 🤔

Worth noting that's the Sportline Edition.

I don't think the earlier Sportline had DCC.

Use the My ŠKODA App to download the digital certificate for your car it will have the full spec.

1 hour ago, thamestrader said:

Use the My ŠKODA App to download the digital certificate for your car it will have the full spec.

Thank you. Something else I wasn’t aware of.

2 hours ago, thamestrader said:

Use the My ŠKODA App to download the digital certificate for your car it will have the full spec.

Although it may not be entirely accurate - the digital certificate for my car tells me I have 18" Alloys and 17" 'tires'!

Bought a new SEL Edition model and didnt realise that some items were missing from the older models, the VW group seem very quick to announce upgrades on new models but not so quick to tell you whats been left off. More homework needed next time methinks!

22 hours ago, pinkpanther said:

Indeed, although I guess the Karoq might be due for replacement soon as the latest "Editions" have pretty much everything as standard?

I'd opted for free paint, but added a few factory extras to my 2023 manual 1.5 SE L Karoq (space saver spare wheel, third key, 5 year warranty and winter pack+).

This came in at <£29k (on 0%), but I now see fully specced pre-reg Sportline Editions can be had for £29995 (albeit with finance): http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505062097999?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

The latest cars appear to come with three years infotainment online whereas mine expired after the first year.

I suspect given the poor state of my local roads I wouldn't have enjoyed the 19" diamond cut alloys and would always worry the sunroof would leak 🥴

Despite all my reservations regarding DSG, leaking panoramic sunroofs, a lack of independent rear suspension, lack of Varioflex and, largely prompted by commenting on this thread, I have just Part ex'd my 2023 manual SE L for a new 1.5 DSG Sportline Edition in Race Blue.

I will miss the useful centrally mounted and lidded storage bin which for some reason has dissappeared on the later cars.

The new car has Columbus, but I must say the physical 'knobs' on the Amundsen unit in my 2023 car make it much easier to use.

Collecting the new one in a few days and in the meantime looking at GAP, which appears to be much more costly than just a few years back.

50 minutes ago, pinkpanther said:

Despite all my reservations regarding DSG, leaking panoramic sunroofs, a lack of independent rear suspension, lack of Varioflex and, largely prompted by commenting on this thread, I have just Part ex'd my 2023 manual SE L for a new 1.5 DSG Sportline Edition in Race Blue.

I will miss the useful centrally mounted and lidded storage bin which for some reason has dissappeared on the later cars.

The new car has Columbus, but I must say the physical 'knobs' on the Amundsen unit in my 2023 car make it much easier to use.

Collecting the new one in a few days and in the meantime looking at GAP, which appears to be much more costly than just a few years back.

Looking forward to trying out the matrix led headlamps and the ambient interior lighting👍

On 06/06/2025 at 15:50, Berisford said:

I’ve a 2024 SEL built during the changeover weeks and it came with the ‘flex’ rear seat, an expensive option on the current model and I did gain the bigger electronic dash display - however, I lost the previously standard ‘light package’ that I hadn’t noticed until I checked today……no cornering fogs, self levelling or automatic left/right hand driving for me.

I have the flex rear seats and the roller bot cover but not the left/right driving for the lights. Which I didn't realist until I checked a couple of days ago.

Also front fogs are not LED

I also found two less hooks in the boot so asked for 2 more which they threw in.

The cargo nets were there (unopened)

I had an April 2024 Registered car but a 2023 Mfr according to the Vin.

On 07/06/2025 at 01:14, pinkpanther said:

Although it may not be entirely accurate - the digital certificate for my car tells me I have 18" Alloys and 17" 'tires'!

Mine tells me I have 17-inch tyres too. Though, I have the 18 inch Miran alloys and 18 inch tyres fitted.

As mine was a Škoda Dealer Demo with 3K4 miles on the clock (and other toys) I had a good deal but.... sometimes you do think some of the other toys might be nice.

Edited 8 June, 20258 Jun by chills

2 hours ago, chills said:

I have the flex rear seats and the roller bot cover but not the left/right driving for the lights. Which I didn't realist until I checked a couple of days ago.

Also front fogs are not LED

I also found two less hooks in the boot so asked for 2 more which they threw in.

The cargo nets were there (unopened)

I had an April 2024 Registered car but a 2023 Mfr according to the Vin.

Mine tells me I have 17-inch tyres too. Though, I have the 18 inch Miran alloys and 18 inch tyres fitted.

As mine was a Škoda Dealer Demo with 3K4 miles on the clock (and other toys) I had a good deal but.... sometimes you do think some of the other toys might be nice.

Thanks again.

I can see that there is no ‘exact science’ in respect of ‘marques’. I suppose most are lucky or unlucky when it comes to ‘changeover of spec’ etc.

The design of my ‘boot’ no longer allows for any hooks on the right hand side, which is a shame as I find them useful.

I must admit that my purchase was a speedy completion, as the salesman we are familiar with at RRG, rang me to say there was an unregistered SE L that had just shy of £10K off the list price.

I jumped at the chance and whilst the salesman did mention the odd thing it no longer had, that was a massive saving for a brand new Karoq SE L.

5 hours ago, chills said:

I have the flex rear seats and the roller bot cover but not the left/right driving for the lights. Which I didn't realist until I checked a couple of days ago.

Also front fogs are not LED

I also found two less hooks in the boot so asked for 2 more which they threw in.

The cargo nets were there (unopened)

I had an April 2024 Registered car but a 2023 Mfr according to the Vin.

Mine tells me I have 17-inch tyres too. Though, I have the 18 inch Miran alloys and 18 inch tyres fitted.

As mine was a Škoda Dealer Demo with 3K4 miles on the clock (and other toys) I had a good deal but.... sometimes you do think some of the other toys might be nice.

1 hour ago, SalfordSkoda said:

The design of my ‘boot’ no longer allows for any hooks on the right hand side, which is a shame as I find them useful.

You only get a rail down the right hand side if you have vario flex seats.

3 minutes ago, logiclee said:

You only get a rail down the right hand side if you have vario flex seats.

NOT true VarioFex seats, rail on BOTH sides and (now) 2 hooks on each side. (23Mfr, early 24 Reg SE L)

Edited 8 June, 20258 Jun by chills

33 minutes ago, chills said:

NOT true VarioFex seats, rail on BOTH sides and (now) 2 hooks on each side. (23Mfr, early 24 Reg SE L)

I think you mis-took what I posted.

Salford Skoda said he didn't have a rail down the right hand side.

My post was you only get a rail down the right with varioflex.

ie. Standard seats, rail on left only. Vatio Seats, rail on left AND right.

Got a rail down both sides on my 2025 SEL, standard seats with 2 hooks on the left rail.