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 11 hours ago11 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...

With regard to the cooling mods they vary from nothing required on the 2.0 TSI through a grill without blanking between the fins on some models to an additional cooling fan and the grill. The towing prep is the cable for the electrical socket for the trailer lights and totally unrelated to the cooling mods. The most important thing with any towbar fitted to a Karoq is the coding for thd CANBUS system. Much of the CANBUS system is now behind a security wall and many dealers are not willing to do changes. Karoqs built before 2024 can be coded successfully, as can 2024 Karoqs, for 2025 & 2026 Karoqs it is less clear. There are towbar fitters who will suggest a bypass relay. This might be acceptable for a towbar for use as a bike carrier mounting although parking sensors will still be active and may well detract the bike, but for actual towing will cause issues.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by thamestrader

Thanks very much guys - much appreciated 👍

Yes, I'm familiar with the CANBUS system requirements - the fitting of my current A4 included coding of the Audi system to disable the reversing sensors when my bike rack (or a trailer etc) was fitted, and it worked fine.

I'm sure my towbar fitter can do that job just fine. However, I'd be concerned about the effect on my Approved Used warranty - if Skoda UK are insistant on the radiator grille/fan changes...

As Rbz has usefully suggested, I will make fitting of a detachable towbar compliant with Skoda UK requirements, a condition of sale.

I still can't believe that Skoda market an SUV that cannot, without expensive mods, tow anything!! 🤔 🤨