New Skoda Karoq Design Edition trim adds fresh styling and new kit

On sale Late July Price from £31,610

They say variety is the spice of life, and the Skoda Karoq seems to have taken that philosophy very seriously with the introduction of its new Design Edition trim, which will be the fourth trim option available on the brand's small SUV.

Sitting in between entry-level SE Edition and mid-spec SE L Edition models, Design Edition is one of the more affordable options on the Karoq, but it adds a host of kit on top of what’s already available on base-spec models. It’s available with the Karoq’s 114bhp and 148bhp petrol engines, matched either to a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic (on 148bhp versions).

As standard, Design Edition models get 18in black alloy wheels (compared with the 17in ones on SE Edition variants), as well as some other black exterior styling elements on the wing mirrors, grille, roof rails, rear spoiler and badging.

The black features continue inside, with black cloth upholstery on the seats. As standard, Design Edition includes Skoda's 'Lodge' interior, which would usually be a £230 extra on base-spec Karoq models.

Like the entry-level SE Edition trim, Design Edition comes with an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, alongside the 10.25in digital driver’s display and eight-speaker sound system. The system comes equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

Standard kit includes heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, a rear-view parking camera and keyless entry and start.

The Skoda Karoq Design Edition will arrive in UK dealerships at the end of July. Prices start at £31,610 – £650 more than what you’d pay for an entry-level model. Compared with rivals like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, that’s pretty competitive.

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