It seems to be a Sportline trim.
Skoda may not be the most exciting brand in Volkswagen Group’s portfolio but it is one that is very successful. The Karoq is a compact crossover that was meant to be an indirect replacement for the quirky Yeti. It is very popular. It was the Czech brand’s second-best-selling model in 2020, as well as the first half of the year after the Octavia.
The Mlada Boleslav brand released some teaser images ahead of the mid-cycle facelift of the C-segment crossover on November 30th. The front fender is missing a badge. Based on the two-tone alloy wheels design and the chrome-plated fake exhaust tips, it could be a Sportline trim. Let’s begin with the front fascia, where Karoq has reshaped the headlights.
The 2022 Skoda Karoq takes a leaf out of the Audi A6’s guide and has a slimmer lower section as it approaches the slightly updated grille. The split design of the LED daytime running lamps reminds us of the older-generation Octavia, which had separate headlights.
Instead of pointing at the grille, the lower lights now point towards the sides of the car as with the Karoq. The cluster looks a little larger than it did before. It is housed in a bumper with an air intake that’s likely reserved for the Sportline model. New trim in dark chrome matches the grille’s contour.
Skoda also modified the taillights. They now extend further onto the tailgate and have an entirely different shape on the left side. This mirrors the headlight design, with a narrower lower portion. Since it replaced the logo in the original model year, the large “SKODA” lettering on the tailgate isn’t a new feature.
We have not yet received any details about the technical specifications, but we do not expect significant changes. Since the boss of the company previously stated that only the Octavia or Superb would offer a PHEV option, the 2022 Karoq will not get a plug in hybrid version. We expect the VW Group to continue developing its latest gasoline and diesel engines, but it is unlikely that the KaroqRS rumor will come true.
After its official debut at month’s end, European sales could begin in the first quarter 2022 if Skoda has sufficient microchips to withstand the current semiconductor crisis that is ravaging the automotive industry.