2023 Skoda Karoq gets a digital speedometer as standard

• Eight-inch digital dials now standard
• New optional safety pack
• On sale now from £26,255

Just months after a mid-life facelift, the Skoda Karoq range has been updated for 2023. The top-selling family SUV now comes as standard with digital speedometer, while an expanded options list provides new safety features for those who want extra peace of mind behind the wheel.

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The refreshed Skoda Karoq is available to order now and sees no price increase over the outgoing model. Entry-level examples start from £26,255, with the Karoq being one of the strongest contenders in the family SUV segment alongside the Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson.

Perhaps the most significant addition in the latest update is the eight-inch digital instrument cluster that now comes as standard on all models – including the entry-level SE Drive. This is configurable to display traditional analogue readings as well as fuel economy and sat-nav information. The surrounding frame of the screen itself is lined with ambient lighting fixtures which match those dotted around the cabin.

This further extends the appeal of the base SE Drive trim which, on top of the digital dials, benefits from 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-inch central touchscreen, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

We expect the mid-range SE L trim to continue to be the most popular in the Karoq lineup. This model starts from £28,090 and gets larger 18-inch alloys, chrome exterior trim, heated front seats, a heated windscreen, sliding and reclining rear seats, keyless entry, and a reversing camera.

Topping the lineup is the Sportline trim which is priced from £32,570. For 2023, this model gets a new set of 19-inch alloys wheels as well as Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, an electric hatchback and metallic paintwork.

On top of the three trim levels, the Karoq can be specified with several option packs at an additional cost. A new Safety Pack includes front and rear curtain airbags as well as Crew Protection Assist, which tightens the seatbelts and closes the side windows in the event of an accident. The Travel Assist Plus package can only be specified on Sportline cars and includes features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist and traffic jam assist.

As before the Karoq is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines; unfortunately, this update has not introduced a new hybrid model to go up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 or Kia Sportage. This means that despite starting from a reasonable price and offering reasonable MPG figures, the Karoq is less likely to appeal to company car drivers after low Benefit-in-Kind tax ratings.

Want to beat the high prices at the pumps? Check out our list of the top 10 best hybrid SUVs