Currently on a 9yr old Audi A4, I am looking to move to an SUV style car - without the annoying eTSI VAG engines. I was impressed by a test drive in a 23 reg Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG yesterday.

I currently have a rather expensive Thule 2-bike towball mounted bike carrier - so would obviously want to fit a towbar to any Karoq I may purchase. None of the Karoqs which I have on my shortlist appears to have towbar preparation. Having done some online research, I cannot believe an issue that I (think) I have found...

It appears that Skoda UK will not approve fitting of a towbar (I like the Westfalia Detachable type) to the Karoq without also changing the radiator grille and fan. Is this actually the case - anyone actually done this, any advice or comments?

My main concern is invalidating any Approved Used warranty that I get...

It would appear that Skoda are concerned that any towing by a Karoq can cause overheating - unless modifications are made to the vehicle. Of course, I won't be towing anything...

Who would market a utility vehicle that can't tow without expensive modifications!

Are my thoughts unreasonable..? 🤔

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by NorfolkJogger

There's several threads in here about the many pitfalls in aftermarket fitting of towbars to Karoq's, so probably worth a search session using the box top right.

Of course while you may not tow, the next owner might, so the vehicle has to be fully compliant. Although I believe some models escaped the factory with no towing rating & so can't be fitted regardless.

If it were me I'd want a certified towbar already in place, or make it a condition of sale that the dealership fits one before completion. IIRC, there's been more than one instance of buyers finding out the hard way that what the dealer told them doesn't match with reality...