Renault Austral vs Skoda Karoq

Renault Austral
Renault’s modern compact SUV.

Skoda Karoq
Skoda’s compact family SUV.
Renault Austral
Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.
Skoda Karoq
Pick the Karoq for a practical, roomy family SUV with a variable rear bench and a strong 2.0 TDI or sweet 1.5 TSI.
Performance
1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
200 hp
Winner
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
—
|
250 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,4 s
Winner
|
8,9 s
|
| Top speed |
175 km/h
|
205 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
128,2 hp/t
Winner
|
111,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
Winner
|
130 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
430 L
|
479 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
|
1.605 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,51 m
|
4,38 m
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,84 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,60 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Austral | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD3 | MQB-A1 (shared with the VW Tiguan) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 | 1.0 TSI · 1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 1.6 TDI · 2.0 TDI diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol · Hybrid | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · EDC7 · E-Tech automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6d allowed in the LEZ | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Infotainment software needs updates
- Electrical gremlins on early cars
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
- 1.5 TSI can feel jerky when cold
- DSG takes getting used to at low speed
- 2.0 TDI: interval servicing (DPF/AdBlue, belt)
Pros
- Modern interior with a big screen
- Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
- Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)
- Roomy, flexible cabin layout (VarioFlex)
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Strong, economical 2.0 TDI
Cons
- No diesel offered
- Infotainment takes getting used to
- Not a sporty driver’s car
- Sparse base equipment
- Interior with hard plastics
Driving experience
Renault Austral
—
Skoda Karoq
As a model line, the Karoq is a comfortable, practical family SUV. The steering is light and the chassis controls imperfections well, making long trips relaxed. It feels stable and predictable, with a composed road manner. The 1.5 TSI is smooth and the 2.0 TDI delivers strong pull for laden runs and towing. Expect no sporty edge, but safe, comfortable and easy-going driving for the family.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ