I recently part exchanged my manual 2023 1 5 TSi SE L (in the free blue) for a new 1.5 TSi DSG Sportline Edition (in Race blue).

I've now covered 750 miles and have a few observations.

The matrix headlights are truly exceptional and are probably the most impressive feature of the new car. The Auto-dip main beam works well and they are a revelation in darkness.

To my ears the Columbus system sounds a little better than the Amundsen in the SE L, although I'm unsure of technical differences (speakers etc) beyond the frustration of loosing the physical knobs from the older unit. The screen is marginally bigger on the Columbus, but in practice it is a little more cumbersome in operation.

I'm pleased to see I now have a full complement of auto-dimming mirrors (only the interior and drivers mirror are in a 2023 SE L).

The DSG box is certainly a better match with the 1.5 TSi engine than the manual. It's a pleasure to finally be free of thoughts of stalling the car in traffic. It revs slightly lower at 70 MPH than the manual, although early indications are it is around 10% less fuel efficient than the manual. I'll reserve final judgement until I have filled it a few times though.

The electric tailgate (and foot operation) is handy although not sure why it can only be opened, but not closed, from the drivers door?

Concerns regarding leaks and reliability aside (I'm a former Yeti Panoramic roof victim!!) it is great to be back in a car with a large opening glass roof (which is under manufacturers warranty for 3 years!).

Predictably the numerous driver 'aids' have proved a source of irritation. On occasion I turn them off, but more often than not tolerate the tugging at the wheel and numerous bings & bongs😬

I thought I would find the autonomous cruise control useful, but in practice find I actually prefer the simplicity of the 'dumb' cruise control in the older car.

The Sportline front seats are (for me) less comfortable than the SE L seats and appear less 'premium'. I do miss the alcantara of the SE L seats.

I lost Varioflex rear seats though am pleased to now have a proper parcel shelf, rather than a mesh roller blind.

Pleased to see all interior lights are now LED, as are the front fog lights, although suspect this makes them less functional than Halogen in actual fog 😁

I miss the central storage box from the SE L. This has been a feature since Yeti days and added a useful storage area, so I can't for the life of me think why Skoda would have binned it?

The roof-mounted storage box was lost as a consequence of sunroof controls.

I had a front and rear Road Angel Dashcam fitted (hard wired) which has largely killed Dab reception. I understand this happens as a consequence of the Dashcam's permanently enabled Wi-Fi.

Strangely the same brand Dashcam did not similarly impact either a previous Suzuki, or current FIAT🤔

The Internet Radio sounds considerably better than Dab (? higher bitrate), but in order to use it I have to manually connect to my phones hot-spot. The only alternative would be to purchase a data connection for the car, which I suspect I won't do.

Not sure if there is a method of automating the cars connection to my phones Wi-Fi hot-spot?

This car has 3 years of Infotainment online and connect services, whereas these expired after 1 year with the previous car.

There is a new feature known as 'Traffication', which expires after 1 year. I can't see how this provides much additional functionality over Waze / Google maps, so more than likely won't renew.

I had paid to extend remote access on the SE L (I thought it worthwhile as it provided the option to remotely lock and unlock the car - a previous KESSY equipped car locked my keys in which necessitated breaking a window!), although no refund was forthcoming from Skoda when I cancelled the remaining subscription.

Swopping insurance from the old to new car brought a significant (15%) reduction in premium! I enquired why and was told as a consequence of the extra 'safety' features of the newer car🤷.

The ice scraper is no longer translucent green and there is no longer a method of securing the rear seat belt buckles to stop them rattling when not in use.

The tyre pressure sticker is no longer behind the fuel flap.

Wireless AA and Apple Carplay work faultlessly, although my Galaxy S23 gets incredibly hot when running AA and wirelessly charging.

I am definitely not a fan on the 19" alloys and low profile tyres. The tyres offer barely any protection to the rim and we've already kerbed a diamond cut alloy😳

After reading another thread on here I may opt to purchase 17" Skoda alloys and switch to all-season tyres at some point.

This car comes with Dynamic Chassis Control. I tried all the options and find Comfort suits the car well, although frustratingly it defaults to Normal after each restart.

Suspect this isn't an option I would have separately paid for - possibly more relevant to a more sporting vehicle with greater performance potential?

17" wheels, a higher profile tyre and DCC on Comfort would be a pleasant combination though👌

The virtual dash has a few more options than the simpler offering in the SE L, although in practice offers little additional functionality.

I initially thought the full-screen Satnav display looked impressive, but in practice I'd rather see this on the central infotainment display and just have a simple direction arrow on the dash in front of me.

This DSG Sportline Edition was 5% more costly to buy new than the manual SE L it replaced, which I guess may reflect the Karoq is soon to be replaced?

All in all I probably should have bought a DSG equipped Karoq first time around!

Edited 26 June, 202526 Jun by pinkpanther
Typo!

Hi , really interested to read your appraisal of your new car. My previous cra had an intelligence lighting system and the faster you drove the greater the range of the head lights

I totally agree with the comment regarding the car headlights , Bi Xenon and they are awful , not far of dangerous IMO.

The headlights are really bright to look at but don't illimate the road.

I don't really use the car on the winter so not a major issue.

21 hours ago, pinkpanther said:

The matrix headlights are truly exceptional and are probably the most impressive feature of the new car. The Auto-dip main beam works well and they are a revelation in darkness.

I initially thought the full-screen Satnav display looked impressive, but in practice I'd rather see this on the central infotainment display and just have a simple direction arrow on the dash in front of me.

Totally agree re the matrix headlights, brilliant (no pun) I've noticed when following trucks at a sensible distance with auto-dim on that periodically the reflectors on the back of the truck are illuminated by the matrix lights - presumably to decide whether to go to full beam or not. Ive also noticed the matrix lights are on full beam, based on the blue dash symbol, for longer than I would have had manually controlled full beam on when following or there is oncoming traffic - and I've not been flashed by oncoming traffic. I also like the way the illuminate the verges and road signs at the side of the road so much better than any car i've ever owned.

I like the virtual cockpit, I have the full map displayed on the infotainment screen and next direction change the arrow is displayed in the centre of the dash between Taco and speedo, but there are other choices.

pinkpanther Thanks for the review!! Very interesting. The headlights sound great! Like super717 I do not do much night-time driving.

The SE L sounds like it is still favourite for me, having exactly what I want + added heated windscreen. Most of the driver aids would irritate, and I can do without the "swipey" Columbus. Im most likely keeping this SE L as I cannot really better it for what I want.

The tyre pressure sticker is no longer behind the fuel flap. - This would be a disaster for me. I can barely remember my name let alone tyre pressures, even then I have to check which size wheels I have EVERY time! 😂

9 hours ago, thamestrader said:

Totally agree re the matrix headlights, brilliant (no pun) I've noticed when following trucks at a sensible distance with auto-dim on that periodically the reflectors on the back of the truck are illuminated by the matrix lights - presumably to decide whether to go to full beam or not. Ive also noticed the matrix lights are on full beam, based on the blue dash symbol, for longer than I would have had manually controlled full beam on when following or there is oncoming traffic - and I've not been flashed by oncoming traffic. I also like the way the illuminate the verges and road signs at the side of the road so much better than any car i've ever owned.

I like the virtual cockpit, I have the full map displayed on the infotainment screen and next direction change the arrow is displayed in the centre of the dash between Taco and speedo, but there are other choices.

In the Superb the blue full beam light is on all the time when not in a 30 zone and the gizmo just gets on with it, even illuminating up the hedgerows/sides of the vehicle I’m following!

9 hours ago, OldKaroq said:

pinkpanther Thanks for the review!! Very interesting. The headlights sound great! Like super717 I do not do much night-time driving.

The SE L sounds like it is still favourite for me, having exactly what I want + added heated windscreen. Most of the driver aids would irritate, and I can do without the "swipey" Columbus. Im most likely keeping this SE L as I cannot really better it for what I want.

The tyre pressure sticker is no longer behind the fuel flap. - This would be a disaster for me. I can barely remember my name let alone tyre pressures, even then I have to check which size wheels I have EVERY time! 😂

I eventually located the sticker for the tyres pressures inside the driver's side rear door

On 26/06/2025 at 11:48, pinkpanther said:

The electric tailgate (and foot operation) is handy although not sure why it can only be opened, but not closed, from the drivers door?

I've just bought an SEL Edition & can both open & close from the door switch. Try pulling it holding until it starts to move.

On 26/06/2025 at 11:48, pinkpanther said:

I recently part exchanged my manual 2023 1 5 TSi SE L (in the free blue) for a new 1.5 TSi DSG Sportline Edition (in Race blue).

I've now covered 750 miles and have a few observations.

The matrix headlights are truly exceptional and are probably the most impressive feature of the new car. The Auto-dip main beam works well and they are a revelation in darkness.

To my ears the Columbus system sounds a little better than the Amundsen in the SE L, although I'm unsure of technical differences (speakers etc) beyond the frustration of loosing the physical knobs from the older unit. The screen is marginally bigger on the Columbus, but in practice it is a little more cumbersome in operation.

I'm pleased to see I now have a full complement of auto-dimming mirrors (only the interior and drivers mirror are in a 2023 SE L).

The DSG box is certainly a better match with the 1.5 TSi engine than the manual. It's a pleasure to finally be free of thoughts of stalling the car in traffic. It revs slightly lower at 70 MPH than the manual, although early indications are it is around 10% less fuel efficient than the manual. I'll reserve final judgement until I have filled it a few times though.

The electric tailgate (and foot operation) is handy although not sure why it can only be opened, but not closed, from the drivers door?

Concerns regarding leaks and reliability aside (I'm a former Yeti Panoramic roof victim!!) it is great to be back in a car with a large opening glass roof (which is under manufacturers warranty for 3 years!).

Predictably the numerous driver 'aids' have proved a source of irritation. On occasion I turn them off, but more often than not tolerate the tugging at the wheel and numerous bings & bongs😬

I thought I would find the autonomous cruise control useful, but in practice find I actually prefer the simplicity of the 'dumb' cruise control in the older car.

The Sportline front seats are (for me) less comfortable than the SE L seats and appear less 'premium'. I do miss the alcantara of the SE L seats.

I lost Varioflex rear seats though am pleased to now have a proper parcel shelf, rather than a mesh roller blind.

Pleased to see all interior lights are now LED, as are the front fog lights, although suspect this makes them less functional than Halogen in actual fog 😁

I miss the central storage box from the SE L. This has been a feature since Yeti days and added a useful storage area, so I can't for the life of me think why Skoda would have binned it?

The roof-mounted storage box was lost as a consequence of sunroof controls.

I had a front and rear Road Angel Dashcam fitted (hard wired) which has largely killed Dab reception. I understand this happens as a consequence of the Dashcam's permanently enabled Wi-Fi.

Strangely the same brand Dashcam did not similarly impact either a previous Suzuki, or current FIAT🤔

The Internet Radio sounds considerably better than Dab (? higher bitrate), but in order to use it I have to manually connect to my phones hot-spot. The only alternative would be to purchase a data connection for the car, which I suspect I won't do.

Not sure if there is a method of automating the cars connection to my phones Wi-Fi hot-spot?

This car has 3 years of Infotainment online and connect services, whereas these expired after 1 year with the previous car.

There is a new feature known as 'Traffication', which expires after 1 year. I can't see how this provides much additional functionality over Waze / Google maps, so more than likely won't renew.

I had paid to extend remote access on the SE L (I thought it worthwhile as it provided the option to remotely lock and unlock the car - a previous KESSY equipped car locked my keys in which necessitated breaking a window!), although no refund was forthcoming from Skoda when I cancelled the remaining subscription.

Swopping insurance from the old to new car brought a significant (15%) reduction in premium! I enquired why and was told as a consequence of the extra 'safety' features of the newer car🤷.

The ice scraper is no longer translucent green and there is no longer a method of securing the rear seat belt buckles to stop them rattling when not in use.

The tyre pressure sticker is no longer behind the fuel flap.

Wireless AA and Apple Carplay work faultlessly, although my Galaxy S23 gets incredibly hot when running AA and wirelessly charging.

I am definitely not a fan on the 19" alloys and low profile tyres. The tyres offer barely any protection to the rim and we've already kerbed a diamond cut alloy😳

After reading another thread on here I may opt to purchase 17" Skoda alloys and switch to all-season tyres at some point.

This car comes with Dynamic Chassis Control. I tried all the options and find Comfort suits the car well, although frustratingly it defaults to Normal after each restart.

Suspect this isn't an option I would have separately paid for - possibly more relevant to a more sporting vehicle with greater performance potential?

17" wheels, a higher profile tyre and DCC on Comfort would be a pleasant combination though👌

The virtual dash has a few more options than the simpler offering in the SE L, although in practice offers little additional functionality.

I initially thought the full-screen Satnav display looked impressive, but in practice I'd rather see this on the central infotainment display and just have a simple direction arrow on the dash in front of me.

This DSG Sportline Edition was 5% more costly to buy new than the manual SE L it replaced, which I guess may reflect the Karoq is soon to be replaced?

All in all I probably should have bought a DSG equipped Karoq first time around!

Noticed on the motorway earlier when the car was running with ACC engaged at 70 MPH Google Maps (on Android Auto) was reading 66 MPH.

Same with Waze on a separate phone.

I hadn't noticed such a large discrepancy with the 2023 SE L🤔

12 hours ago, Rbz5416 said:

I've just bought an SEL Edition & can both open & close from the door switch. Try pulling it holding until it starts to move.

Many thanks - as the switch is one-way I'd assumed it only operated in single direction.

Just tried and see it closes too👍

Currently have a Sportline 4x4 2.0 DSG on order, just wondering how long you waited?

I've had my order in over a month, and no expected build date as yet.

@Frizzbee30

When I asked recently about a factory order for an SEL Edition, I was quoted 16 weeks.

@Frizzbee30

If you haven't got a long list of options, there's some very good deals around at the moment on unregistered cars. That could save you around £10k off the OTR price of a factory order but I think the current promo ends tomorrow.

Re ACC, if my maths is right, that's a 6% overread. My 2019 Karoq overreads by 4% - Acc, speedo & economy which I think was the norm for Karoqs of that age, so I set to 73mph for an actual 70mph. My Yeti used to overread by 10% on the speedo, as did my previous SAAB 9-5 (basically a Vauxhall with a posh body), but my BMW 523 reading was much closer to the truth.

On 26/06/2025 at 11:48, pinkpanther said:

early indications are it is around 10% less fuel efficient than the manual. I'll reserve final judgement until I have filled it a few times though.

This seems to be the case over the first two fill-ups.

I'm seeing an average of 40 MPG, as opposed to 44 MPG for the old manual car.

You can close the electric boot using the switch on the drivers door by pulling and holding the switch until it’s closed.

Note that if you release the switch, the movement of the tailgate will stop.

Have to say I'm not enjoying the ride on the 19" alloys / low profile tyres.

I'm tending to switch the DCC to Comfort mode most journeys, which certainly improves matters.

Will definitely explore a switch to 17" wheels

On 04/07/2025 at 21:58, pinkpanther said:

Have to say I'm not enjoying the ride on the 19" alloys / low profile tyres.

I'm tending to switch the DCC to Comfort mode most journeys, which certainly improves matters.

Will definitely explore a switch to 17" wheels

What's the profile on the tyres? My Sportline has the 19" wheels with a 45 profile and the ride is absolutely fine - whereas I've read many people saying that 40 profiles have a much less forgiving ride.
Mine's a 23 model, and I can choose to have map display only shown on the central screen with just the arrows on the dash, so might be worth looking in settings (from memory, you need to untick "Show map on dashboard" while in Nav). Actually that may not apply to the Columbus!

Agree with you regarding the LED Matrix lights - they are amazing. I've never been flashed either, which is one thing I was worried about.

And finally... congratulations, enjoy your new car :)

^^^ Knowing the profile is fine, but what is the width that the profile is 45% of?

Or the width of those with 40 profile, so the sidewall is 40% of the tyres width. Both being 19" wheels / tyres.

My 2019 Superb 1.5 Tsi auto runs on 18" wheels and on a good run returns 51 mpg.

Driving style is not aggressive but not a slow coach.

1 hour ago, JXR said:

What's the profile on the tyres? My Sportline has the 19" wheels with a 45 profile and the ride is absolutely fine - whereas I've read many people saying that 40 profiles have a much less forgiving ride.
Mine's a 23 model, and I can choose to have map display only shown on the central screen with just the arrows on the dash, so might be worth looking in settings (from memory, you need to untick "Show map on dashboard" while in Nav). Actually that may not apply to the Columbus!

Agree with you regarding the LED Matrix lights - they are amazing. I've never been flashed either, which is one thing I was worried about.

And finally... congratulations, enjoy your new car :)

225/40/19 Bridgestone Turanza T005.

They offer very little protection to the wheel rim - already kerbed a rear one 😬

1 hour ago, JXR said:

And finally... congratulations, enjoy your new car :)

Many thanks 👍

Think I'm just suffering with a (hopefully short-lived) case of buyer remorse, as in reality the car cost a relatively modest (+5%) amount more than the SE L it replaced and has a number of benefits, not least the excellent headlights, panoramic roof, electric tailgate, DSG and the option to switch DCC to comfort.

If the ride continues to be an issue I'll look to switch to a more forgiving tyre /wheel combination.

These are mine and the ride is excellent. It's all subjective I suppose, but might be worth trying - cheaper than new wheels! Tbh, 40s on an SUV is bonkers.

Edited 6 July, 20256 Jul by JXR

One more thing I forgot to add... I struggled with the Sportline seats for a while too and couldn't get comfortable. Was havingy own regrets tbh. Eventually though, I managed to get the position just right and now it's very comfortable. Have been on quite a few long (4/5 hour) journeys without a problem.

14 hours ago, JXR said:

These are mine and the ride is excellent. It's all subjective I suppose, but might be worth trying - cheaper than new wheels! Tbh, 40s on an SUV is bonkers.

@JXR is yours a 4x4? I have the same size wheel and tyre on mine and also find the ride to be ok. Mine is a 4x4 which has the multi link rear suspension- 2wd Karoqs have the beam axle with 40 profile tyres and I wonder if the suspension setup is a factor. Is DCC an option on both suspension setups?

That's a good point - mine is 4x4 with the multilink suspension