So, big changes!

I have traded the Karoq SE-L 1.5Tsi DSG for a 7 month old Kia Sportage 1.6T GDI HEV GT-Line auto (6 speed torque convertor).

A few others may remember tales of my new 2016 Sportage Edition which I hated and couldn't get rid fast enough, saying I will never buy another Kia... 🙄 fast forward 10 years...But we have now got a Kamiq also, as usual 1.5tsi SE L specced up with a few bits.

My daughter had just bought exactly the same model Kia - I liked it- and in a moment of madness the Karoq has gone. I still prefer the understated look and equipment of the Skoda brand. I will miss storage and the clever useful bits. The Kia is full Hybrid and has most of the extras that I would normally specify. Pretty quick, strong mid range pull, about 1 inch wider (2 inch wider accounting for mirrors) and about 5inch longer. 19inch rims but 50 aspect ratio tyres and it does ride well, feels planted. Steering a little wooly compared to the Skodas but still OK. Seats are fine, I would prefer a lighter coloured headlining but thats just being picky. The Kia is 25% heavier than the Karoq but its supposed to be a little more frugal. Comparing the SE-L and mid spec Gt - Line when new there seems little difference in cost between the two cars.

I may be wrong but it seems to me that Skoda may be loading the price of the Petrols to offset the cost of EV's. Insurance is more, no figures until my renewal in November.

After 2 Karoqs spanning over 8 years I was recently thinking it is time for a change as the manufacturers warranty was coming to an end. Time will tell, for me the Karoq DSG is a hard act to follow. That said I have always had a slight preference for the smoothness and "creep" of the torque convertor autos. As the 1.5tsi and DSG mated well, it's the same with the Kia petrol/hybrid IMO. All very smooth. The 1.6T is slightly gruff when it kicks in, especially noticeable at low speeds but thats fine with me after 50 years of ICE.

So it's not a complete goodbye as I will be a newbie on the Kamiq forum. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. This was always a vibrant forum and I have learnt much and hopefully I have passed a bit back too!

Best of luck keep us updated with the Kia