First world dilemma I would concede.... I had an SE-L which I sold with a view to going electric. Decided now that this move may be premature, and I will go back to a karoq (lesson learned). I am very tempted by a sportline edition. Mainly because I like the panoramic sunroof - my old kadjar had one which made the cabin light and airy - but especially because of the heated front windscreen. That said, I'm troubled by the bigger wheel offering and lack of the SE-L seat material. I also read a few posts here which suggested more issues with the sportline. I appreciate that these decisions are always a personal thing, and it depends on the weight given to the different options. But interesting to hear views - especially from anyone who has experienced the heated windscreen. many thanks

Edited 27 March27 Mar by fenlli

I have a 2025 Karoq SE-L and considered a sportline but wasnt keen on the ride quality due to the larger wheel size. My wife has a 2024 Fabia which we specced with a heated screen but personally, I dont feel it works as well as I had in my old Escort estate I used to own.

Sportline ride is not entirely due to wheel size. Yes the 40 profile tyres are a factor, that can be remedied by fitting 45 profile tyres, All Season tyres also soften the ride. But the 4x4s multilink rear suspension makes a big difference. Regarding the pan roof - I would never choose to have one, but its the only model with the 2.0 TSI engine, yes it does make the overall black interior of the Sportline lighter, but the need to keep the drains clear and the nenoprene seals moisturised to prevent water leaks is a pain.

I concede I may have got my facts wrong but I think the Sportline might be subject to the higher rates of VED due to the original purchase value. i.e. the book price, not necessarily what a buyer would have actually paid for it.

I like the spec compared to my SEL but not enough to have a significant additional cost just to be able to drive it on a public road. Happy to be corrected if I've misunderstood the VED rules.

Only flagging this up in case it might be a deal breaker for anyone considering one.

My 73 plate 2.0 TSI 4x4 Sportline with factory fitted optional Space Saver spare was approx £39800, so just under the £40k threshold. 2024 plate 2L Sportlines, were over the threshold hence I went for 2023 reg car, and saved £2000 in extra VED. I suspect the 1.5 TSI Sportline Edition with extras could now be over as well.

Act quickly, Skoda are trying to sell cars before end March. Just bought a new 1.5 DSG SEL for £29K on the road.

2 hours ago, sussamb said:

Act quickly, Skoda are trying to sell cars before end March. Just bought a new 1.5 DSG SEL for £29K on the road.

Don't think there's any rush as there's huge numbers of new cars in dealerships. Just need to be prepared to travel to find the right car at the best price. I paid a little less than you in June for one with a spacesaver & variable boot floor.

All useful stuff thanks folks. Tempted by sport line edition 2wd which I think is under the 40k threshhold without extras. I fondly remember my Mondeo with heated windscreen and living up in the north Wales hills it would be a nice feature. I wonder if Trump's war might have at least a short term influence on petrol car prices. I don't need to buy until mid to late April so will closely monitor autotrader etc. but wouldn't rule out another se-l......

On 27/03/2026 at 11:33, fenlli said:

First world dilemma I would concede.... I had an SE-L which I sold with a view to going electric. Decided now that this move may be premature, and I will go back to a karoq (lesson learned). I am very tempted by a sportline edition. Mainly because I like the panoramic sunroof - my old kadjar had one which made the cabin light and airy - but especially because of the heated front windscreen. That said, I'm troubled by the bigger wheel offering and lack of the SE-L seat material. I also read a few posts here which suggested more issues with the sportline. I appreciate that these decisions are always a personal thing, and it depends on the weight given to the different options. But interesting to hear views - especially from anyone who has experienced the heated windscreen. many thanks

We factory specced a 2023 manual 1.5 TSi SE-L but traded it in after 27 months / 38k miles owing to 'driveability' issues and constant problems with 'creeking' suspension.

A considerable discount was available for a new 1.5 TSi DSG Sportline Edition so we made the switch and part ex'd.

Unfortunately after a few months we found the general ride and comfort extremely poor on the newer car (just about acceptable with the variable dampers set to comfort) and very quickly realised the DSG gearbox was not suited to our needs, as whilst it was very slick on the move it was hesitant at low speed.

I considered switching the 19" wheels for 18" (from an SE-L) but as that would not have resolved our relationship with the DSG gearbox again opted to sell the car.

I was quite fortunate in this regard as I was able to sell the car for only a relatively small proportion less than it had cost six months and 10,000 Miles earlier - it was clearly a good deal when purchased new!

Both our Karoq's had the heated windscreen which was excellent.

In the 2023 car this was specced as an extra (Winter pack+) whereas this was standard on the newer car.

The 2023 car had the film type heated windscreen whereas I was surprised when the newer car was delivered with the wire type heated windscreen.

Both worked equally as well although the wires are quite pronounced and I would have preferred the film type from the older car in the newer car.

Edited 28 March28 Mar by pinkpanther

Very helpful thanks

We have a 25 plate Sportsline 1.5. On comfort setting the ride is OK on the 40 profiles, on normal definately too harsh. Not tried the sports mode. The low profile tyres are very easy to kerb the wheels. I will fit AllSeason tyres next but that may be 2 years away. Allseason tyres transformed the ride for the better on our Fiesta and previous Outlander, grip and turn-in were also noticably better. Just had to have replaced a cracked windscreen, stone chip, 5 weeks to get the heated screen imported. I do not find the wire distracting my wife's fiesta is much worse. My wife likes the sunroof for interor brightness and viewing (keen bird watcher!) but now I know the complications of having one I would prefer not to have it, I have never opened it, though I should to check for debris.

Edited 30 March30 Mar by Chris49