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THE COMPACT SUV market is set to heat up with the arrival of an all-new model from Skoda, called the Karoq. Set to take on established players like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Karoq also replaces the Yeti model.
Whereas that was a slightly quirky-looking crossover, the Karoq very much sticks to the more conventional high-riding compact SUV look. It continues much of the look that the larger Skoda Kodiaq possesses with a familiar broad grille and split headlights that are now becoming a signature feature of Skoda’s cars.
Buyers in Ireland will have a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, with both automatic and manual transmissions on offer. The range will start with a 1.0-litre petrol that produces 115hp and will be topped off by an all-wheel drive 190hp 2.0-litre TDI engine.
On the inside, Skoda has once again upped its game, with what looks to be one of its best designs to date. There are lots of practical storage solutions in addition to a spacious rear cabin that will offer some of the best head and legroom in the segment, thanks in part to the ability to specify its VarioFlex rear seats that move into various configurations.
Add to that a 521-litre boot, with the capacity to be expanded to 1,630 litres, and the Skoda will be one of the most practical models in the segment.
The Karoq will feature some of the latest connectivity and infotainment choices including an impressive looking 12.3-inch digital instrument display and up to a 9.2-inch colour touchscreen in the centre console.
Skoda Ireland is still in the process of confirming the exact pricing for the Karoq, but it is expected to have a starting price of around €25,000 when it goes on sale towards the end of this year, with first deliveries beginning in the 181 registration period.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Karoq, Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing at Skoda Ireland, said:
As part of Skoda’s 2025 Strategy, the brand will be continually expanding its model range over the coming years. The primary focus will be on broadening the SUV range. Irish customers can expect to see the Karoq in dealer showrooms later this winter in time to order for January 2018.
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Only About 50 years overdue.
Various types of ingredients for sale
I only wish they had banned it altogether and the Ballinasloe fair as well. It’s just cruel look where most of them poor horses end up. Starving on land that is not suited or them with people who really not give a s**t about them.
tesco??
Yes and you can get a bite to eat when you are there
I’m sure it would be a lovely day out with the family now!
it surly will boss
That’s it steam roll decades of tradition, it’ll b a joke and the market in any shape will cease to exist in any form within 6 months… The councils intent I’m sure….
Here’s hoping
Maybe what you say is somewhat true Paul, but the council had all the ammunition they needed to extinguish the fair after the two shootings and attack with a slash hook.
*effectively extinguish
Wasn’t only the Council who had the ammunition
The widespread maltreatment of the animals didn’t help the traders’ cause either.
200 years of tradition wiped out by DCC at the stroke of a pen. And all because some yuppies bought fancy apartments in Smithfield and didn’t want to share the square with the market once a month. Shame on the Councillors who voted to effectively end what was a fantastic day out for Irish people and tourists.
Fantastic day out for tourists ?? People attacking each other with slash hooks and shooting each other ??? Hardly normal behavior!!
Hope so
May be so Con. They could have ensured the law was rigorously enforced there first of all, rather than limiting a monthly fair to once every six months
I wonder how ferocious DCC would have been in bringing in these bye-laws if these were council flats in Tallaght or Clondalkin overlooking a square.
Con, this horse fair is a relatively new fad its not been around long enough to be regarded as a tradition. 200 years ago that part of Dublin was rural and what took place was a farmers market with all animals bought and sold. Are any of these people proper farmers, I wont bother with a question mark because I can make a very positive guess.
Dave, you don’t have to be a farmer to own a horse.
Graham, you can’t lose – there will be a book (anyway) written about the loss of a 200 year old tradition … or how Smithfield was modernized, in spite of culchies/farmers/travellers, kids from Finglas
Dario, the pen in the wrong hand is mightier than a kalishhnikov
@Con. You dont have to be a farmer but it helps. Helps the horse get raised in the right conditions. If there is a book about the loss of a ’200 year old tradition’ then that book will be B.S. People come to Dublin to live in a city and Smithfield is now central Dublin, do you not want Ireland to modernize?
Awaytafuk wi dem horses boss
Where’s the beef !
The Cobblestone hopes it’s a great success! For the past few years most pubs in Smithfield/Stoneybatter area would close during Horse Fair Day till about 5pm, hopefully this will mark a new era for all involved but mostly the Horses. Smithfield Horse Fair/DCC have put on a program of events including photography, talks & trad music from 9.30am http://dccartsoffice.newsweaver.ie/flyer/1h9ir8kot0d
Larry good. M a. N No. I TO Tacke. The. Lottttttttt. RAw Hide. Mn. Mn. Mr Bundey
Jack you do work
In the Knackerd
Smell box
In. The BogggggS
Clara
Glad for colm kiernan grand man and always looks after his horses
have your say