The popularity of crossovers leads to the fact that the world’s leading brands are introducing new models. The Czech brand ŠKODA already has two crossovers in its Russian model line – the compact KAROQ and the large KODIAQ. We decided to compare these two cars with each other.
You can’t tell the difference right away
If you look at the KAROQ and KODIAQ, only an ardent fan of the ŠKODA brand will be able to immediately tell one crossover from the other. The average person is unlikely to name which model is which. The family resemblance of the cars is so close that they can be confused. When viewed from the front, both models are very similar to each other. They have absolutely the same radiator grille, similar headlights and general outlines of the hood.
From the front, the cars can be distinguished only by the different design of the front bumper. For example, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has a curved upper bumper line, and the ŠKODA KAROQ has a characteristic curve in the lower part of the bumper. In addition, the younger brother’s headlights are more square, while the older brother’s headlights are more elongated. From the side, it is much more difficult to tell the two ŠKODA crossovers apart, even though the KODIAQ is longer and more massive.
The only striking differences are the shorter rear end and the raised window line of the KAROQ. The new SUV also has slightly less taillights that extend out onto the side, but you are unlikely to notice this in dynamics. At the rear, the cars again have several differences. In general, the layout of the rear end is similar, but the main difference here is still in the taillights. Again, the shape of the KAROQ lights looks more compact, while the KODIAQ has larger rear lights in the style of Bohemian crystal.
If you park the car side by side, the differences in the sizes of the cars immediately become visible. The ŠKODA KAROQ is noticeably smaller than the previously presented model. Its length is almost 30 cm shorter and is 4,382 mm, but the width is almost identical – 1,841 mm. The Kodiaq is 70 mm higher and has a trunk volume that is one and a half times larger. The wheelbase of the Kodiaq and Karoq is 2791 and 2638 mm, respectively.
Inside the cabin
The interior of the KAROQ and KODIAQ is similar in its restraint and uniqueness. Paying attention to the built-in systems, it is clear that the gadgets in the control panel are well perceived and fit into the interior. The interiors of the cars have common features. However, there is much more space in the KODIAQ. In addition, the KODIAQ can be ordered in a seven-seater version. The main trump card of ŠKODA cars has always been considered impeccable ergonomics and functionality. The ŠKODA interior is not fancy, it is clear and strict.
Here, every element and every detail is subordinated to the logical thought of engineers. KODIAQ repeats many things here. The steering wheel and the climate control unit are absolutely identical to their older brother. As is the case with the larger ŠKODA crossover. The plastic in the interiors of both cars is of very decent quality, you feel no worse in the car than in the KODIAQ. The automatic transmission lever has an easy move, you can choose the desired selector position without straining. The KAROQ dashboard is indistinguishable from the KODIAQ right away. The only difference is in slightly different air deflectors, and a smaller multimedia system screen.
Otherwise, you are sitting in a miniature version of the KODIAQ. Multimedia in the KAROQ is simpler – the multimedia system screen is small, there is no rear view camera. In the KODIAQ, the huge multimedia system screen looks like a tablet computer, from which you can control not only the music, but also set the navigator route and customize the car for yourself. At the same time, the overall architecture of the interior resembles that of the flagship of the Czech brand, the SUPERB model. High quality materials and impeccable assembly give real pleasure from being in both cars. Another difference is that the KODIAQ crossover can be ordered with a panoramic roof. The younger KAROQ does not have this function. Naturally, both cars differ in trunk volume. The KAROQ has a trunk volume of 521 liters and 1604 liters with the rear seat folded. The KODIAQ has a significantly larger trunk of 720 liters. If you fold the rear seats, its volume increases to an impressive 2065 liters.
Engines
The ŠKODA KAROQ crossover is available on the Russian market only with gasoline power units. Currently, two trim levels of the ŠKODA Karoq are available in showrooms – Ambition and Style. The crossover in both versions is offered with front-wheel drive, a 1.4 TSI 150 hp engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. So far, the more popular of the trim levels is the Style version. The naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI engine with a manual and six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the 1.4 TSI engine with all-wheel drive and a DSG transmission will be available later.
The domestically assembled KODIAQ crossover is available in three trim levels: Active, Ambition and the top-end Style. Depending on the trim level and equipment, the car can be equipped with 1.4 TSI petrol turbo engines with 125 and 150 horsepower with front or all-wheel drive. There is also a car with a two-liter economical diesel engine with 150 horsepower, but if this power is not enough for you, you can order a version with a two-liter gasoline engine with 180 horsepower.
As the comparison of ŠKODA KAROQ and KODIAQ showed, despite the external similarity, there are quite a lot of fundamental differences between these cars. In the case of KAROQ, the Czech brand ŠKODA wanted to offer the market a more compact and economical model. A small car is more convenient in urban conditions, and economical operation is very important against the backdrop of constantly rising fuel prices. As for the KODIAQ, naturally the larger car looks more prestigious, and in terms of the number of options and trim levels offered, the large crossover surpasses its younger brother.
ŠKODA AAA MOTORS CENTER
Rostov-on-Don, Teatralny Avenue, 60B/341
tel.: +7 (863) 305-00-00
www.aaamotors-skoda.ru
