Facelifted Skoda Karoq due in 2021

• Karoq is Skoda’s mid-size SUV
• Mild-hybrid assistance expected
• On sale in 2021

The Skoda Karoq SUV is set to be updated soon, judging by spy shots of a mildly camouflaged test car. We’d expect a small styling update, some improvements inside and mild-hybrid assistance for some engines. The facelifted Karoq is likely to be launched in early 2021 and will go on sale later in the year.

Skoda’s SUVs all have pretty similar names but the Karoq is its middle offering, sitting between the smaller Skoda Kamiq and the larger Skoda Kodiaq, which has seven seats in most trim levels. The five-seat Karoq is Skoda’s answer to family SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Renault Kadjar and Mazda CX-5.

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As is common with midlife updates, the Skoda Karoq is set to receive a few interior upgrades to keep it fresh. A new steering wheel could feature, alongside an updated selection of touchscreens and extra technology. We don’t expect a ‘floating’ touchscreen (as fitted in the Skoda Scala) to be deployed in the Karoq, as that would involve a thorough interior redesign, but the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster could be fitted as standard on some trim levels.

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Outside, changes are likely to amount to tweaked light clusters, air intakes and bumpers. A couple of new alloy wheel and paint colour choices will be added to the range.

Under the bonnet, we expect Skoda to make use of the VW Group’s mild-hybrid engines, which would see a small battery added to the 148bhp petrol and diesel engines. This battery stores energy lost in braking and uses it to help acceleration or to shut the engine down when coasting. The Volkswagen Golf currently gets the 'eTSI' petrol version but the mild-hybrid diesel is expected to join the range soon, while these engines could also be introduced on the recently facelifted SEAT Ateca.

Skoda also has access to plug-in hybrid technology that combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. In the Volkswagen Passat GTE and Skoda Superb iV, this equates to a 35-mile electric range and low CO2 emissions, which gives a pleasingly low Benefit-in-Kind tax liability for company-car drivers.

Read about the facelifted Skoda Kodiaq, or see where the Karoq places on our guide to the best used SUVs.