Coupe

Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Sports

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

3 SERIES

4 SERIES

5008

A CLASS

DEFENDER

DISCOVERY SPORT

E-PACE

ENYAQ

FABIA

FIESTA

GOLF

GV60

HATCHBACK

I-PACE

ID.3

JUKE

KAROQ

KUGA

POLO

QASHQAI

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

SUPERB

T-CROSS

T-ROC

TAIGO

TIGUAN

We’d recommend Life trim as it’s the cheapest way to get our preferred 58kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor. It comes with 18in steel wheels, automatic LED lights, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient LED lighting, a 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a DAB radio, heated front seats and even a heated steering wheel. Safety is taken care of by automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.


Life

how-to-spec-a-bmw-i7

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i7/saloon/review/n25141">BMW i7</a> electric luxury saloon was recognised no fewer than three times at the 2023 What Car? Awards, standing out for its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-best-large-electric-car-interior/n25409">sumptuous interior</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-technology-award/n25378">cutting-edge tech</a> and exceptional <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-best-luxury-car-electric-option/n25403">long-distance comfort</a>, aided by an impressive official range of 372 miles in our preferred Excellence Pro guise.

This range-topping trim comes lavishly equipped, with luxuries such as heated, ventilated and massaging seats and a 31.2in rear infotainment screen, which folds down from the ceiling to allow you to watch movies on the move. There are still plenty of options to choose from, though – and in this story we'll reveal which are the ones we’d choose, and which we'd steer clear of.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

How to spec a BMW i7 

1. Executive Pack

The £2365 Executive Pack bundles together a lot of useful kit for a tempting price. It adds additional electric seat adjustment and memory settings for rear seat occupants, and an upgraded centre console between the two rear seats, which means your passengers can get extra-comfy on longer trips.&nbsp;

BMW i7 options to choose

2. Crafted Clarity Controls&nbsp;

The interior of the i7 is already impeccably finished, but to raise the feeling of quality even further, we’d add the Crafted Clarity Controls (£825), which replace the standard seat adjustment, gear selector, iDrive infotainment controller and start/stop buttons with glass crystal alternatives. These create real visual wow factor.

3. Technology Plus Pack&nbsp;

To go with the impressive Theatre Screen, we’d select the Technology Plus Pack (£4200), because it upgrades the standard Bowers &amp; Wilkins sound system to the 1965-watt, 36-speaker Diamond system which adds speakers in the rear headrests and ‘shakers’ in the seats themselves for a more immersive cinema experience.

4. BMW UK Service Inclusive package&nbsp;

Even though this option won’t cost you a penny, it’s still something you have to select when speccing up your i7. And it’s worth having, because BMW’s UK Service Inclusive package covers all servicing needs for your i7 – including microfilters and brake fluid – until it’s four years old, giving you extra peace of mind.

1. Anthracite Alcantara Headlining

We would steer clear of the Anthracite Alcantara Headlining (£1265), because as nice as the suede-like material is, for the price, it doesn't really add to the plushness of the i7’s interior. As well as this, the standard headlining that comes with the i7 is already a dark colour and blends in with the panoramic roof that comes with our recommended trim choice. In this case, then, we’d pocket the saving instead.

BMW i7 option to avoid

Our pick xDrive60 Excellence Pro&nbsp;

List price £129,980

Target Price £126,753

Options we’d add Technology Plus Pack (£4200), Executive Pack (£2365), CraftedClarity Controls (£825), BMW UK Service Inclusive (£0)

Total cost of options £7390

*All prices correct at time of writing 

View our latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw/i7/saloon/deals">BMW i7 deals</a> &gt;&gt;

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/how-to-spec">Next: see how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

BMW i7 - best buy

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

how-to-spec-a-ford-kuga

Hyundai

Santa Fe

If you’re looking for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-large-suvs-2023/n17006">large SUV</a> that can carry you and your family in comfort but which also has the potential to slash your fuel bills, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">Ford Kuga</a> is well worth considering, specifically in our recommended <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2023/n22743?j=276565&amp;sfmc_sub=36034944&amp;l=361_HTML&amp;u=7747775&amp;mid=510002537&amp;jb=468&amp;utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_term=StoryImageOne&amp;utm_content=13902&amp;utm_id=15ac478b-0b9e-471e-a380-11bdf029ce92&amp;sfmc_id=36034944&amp;sfmc_activityid=41c73b96-59ca-4bd9-b26c-96e4952ef89f&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_26_1_2023">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) guise.

This version pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery for an official electric-only range of up to 39 miles – farther than its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>&nbsp;rival can manage.

The Kuga PHEV is available only in ST-Line Edition trim, which brings a sportier look than other models as well as coming with firmer sports suspension. There are still plenty of upgrades you can add from the options list, though, and this is what we’d choose.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

How to spec a Ford Kuga 

1. Winter Pack

The Winter Pack (£550) helps to keep the cold at bay by adding a heated steering wheel as well as heated front and rear seats. You might think it&nbsp;an expensive addition initially, but we think you’ll reconsider once the weather turns icy and your extremities remain toasty.

Ford Kuga options to choose

2. Driver’s Assistance Pack&nbsp;

It isn't cheap, but&nbsp;the Driver’s Assistance Pack (£1100) bundles together a lot of useful kit. That kit includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, a blindspot monitoring system and active park assist, as well as a forward-facing wide-angle camera to help when pulling out of parking spaces. All of which can help make the business of driving easier.

3. Technology Pack&nbsp;

Ford’s Technology Pack (£550) brings a head-up display that projects information, such as the prevailing speed limit, directly into the driver’s line of vision. It also upgrades the headlights to adaptive LED units that can&nbsp;automatically shape their beam to give you maximum visibility without dazzling oncoming drivers.

1. Power-opening panoramic roof&nbsp;

Although the power-opening panoramic roof (£1045) lets more light into the Kuga and gives your passengers more to look at, we’d avoid it, because it’s too costly and eats into the Kuga’s interior space. The latter might not be a concern if you’ll only be carrying young children in the rear seats, but taller passengers will miss the lost head room.

Ford Kuga options to avoid

2. Mini spare wheel

We’d normally recommend opting for a spare wheel (£150) because having one gives you a better chance of continuing your journey&nbsp;than the tyre goo repair kits that many new cars come with. However, it’s worth noting that the spare wheel that comes with the Kuga impedes on its boot space quite severely, so if you’re regularly going to be filling your car to the rafters, it’s an option worth avoiding.&nbsp;

Model Ford Kuga 2.5 Duratec PHEV ST-Line Edition

List price £37,755

Target price £35,589

Options we’d add Driver’s Assistance Pack (£1100), Technology Pack (£550), Winter Pack (£550)

Total cost of options £2200

*All prices correct at time of writing&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">View our latest Ford Kuga deals &gt;&gt;</a>

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/how-to-spec">Next: see how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Ford Kuga - best buy

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement.

A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

Large SUV

how-to-spec-a-genesis-gv60

IONIQ 5

Having to prove yourself as the youngest sibling can be a pain, but our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2023-electric-suv-of-the-year/n25368">Electric SUV of the Year</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv60/estate/review/n24373">Genesis GV60</a>, takes the best features of its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/hatchback/review/n22944">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> sister models and adds even more class inside. Our preferred entry-level Premium trim is very well equipped, with the likes of wireless phone charging and massaging front seats, but you’ll probably still want to add a few options. Here’s what we’d choose.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

How to spec a Genesis GV60

1. Auto-dimming door mirrors&nbsp;

If you regularly drive at night, electrochromatic auto-dimming door mirrors (£80) are well worth considering. These can darken themselves to diminish the blinding effect caused by the headlights of cars behind you shining in the mirrors, improving not only driver comfort but also visibility in low-light conditions.

Genesis GV60 options to choose 

2. Nappa Leather Pack

The Nappa Leather Pack (£2310) upgrades the GV60’s interior from standard leather to softer quilted Nappa leather, with a suede-like material on the windscreen and side pillars as well as on the sun visors. All of this lifts the interior to help it feel more luxurious than anything else in its class.

3. Vehicle-to-Load Pack&nbsp;

The Vehicle-to-Load Pack (£880) gives you two three-pin domestic sockets. One is under the rear seats; the other is an adapter that plugs into the charging port, offering a power output of 3.5kW. That’s enough to power any gadgets your family might wish to bring along, or even (very slowly) top up another electric car.

4. Bang &amp; Olufsen Audio System

If you’re an audiophile, the upgraded Bang &amp; Olufsen audio system (£990) will help you to enjoy your music library to the full. This system includes 17 speakers – more than twice as many as the standard system gets. It also adds active noise cancellation to reduce road noise, making the GV60 even more refined.

1. Digital side mirrors (£1240)

The £1240 digital side mirrors – rear-facing cameras that project live feeds onto screens inside the car – are slipperier than regular door mirrors (and therefore help to eke out range), but in practice they don’t work as well. Although the views are clear, it can be hard to tell how close other road users are.

Genesis GV60 options to avoid 

Model Genesis GV60 RWD Premium

List price £53,905

Target price £53,905

Options we’d add Nappa Leather Pack (£2310), Bang &amp; Olufsen Audio System (£990), Vehicle-to-Load Pack (£880), auto-dimming door mirrors (£80)

Total cost of options £4260

*All prices correct at time of writing 

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/genesis/gv60/estate/deals">View our latest Genesis GV60 deals &gt;&gt;</a>

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/how-to-spec">Next: see how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Genesis GV60 - best buy

This class is all about SUVs that run purely on electricity. No petrol, no diesel and not even any hybrid technology.

Relatively low-cost options include the MG ZS EV, but you can easily spend three times as much on more luxurious alternatives, such as the BMW iX.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Electric SUV

how-to-spec-a-jaguar-e-pace

Audi

Lexus

Volvo

XC40

Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

In the premium family SUV market, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/e-pace/estate/review/n17378">Jaguar E-Pace</a> stands out for its sharp handling and punchy engines.

Indeed, the D200 diesel engine which we recommend can haul the E-Pace to 60mph in just 8.0sec, and while R-Dynamic S models are the entry level choice, they still&nbsp;come loaded with standard kit.

That means you might have a bit left in your budget for some choice extras from the options list then – and here's what we'd go for.

How to spec a Jaguar E-Pace

<h3 dir="ltr">1. Heated steering wheel</h3>

Luxury is something of an abstract concept, but little breaks that feeling more quickly than being cold. That’s where the Jaguar E-Pace’s heated steering wheel (£205) comes in: it&nbsp;helps to keep you warm without costing too much. Considering how fickle British weather can be, we think it’s well worth the spend.

Jaguar E-Pace options to choose

<h3 dir="ltr">2. Driver Assist Pack</h3>

The Driver Assist Pack (£460) adds a blind-spot assistance system that automatically steers you away from danger if you begin to turn into the path of a car you can’t see. That’s an especially handy safety feature in the E-Pace, because&nbsp;visibility is hampered by the narrow rear window and chunky pillars.

<h3>3. Meridian Sound System</h3>

You hear the wind more loudly in the Jaguar E-Pace than you would in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>, especially at motorway speeds. The Meridian Sound System (£600) has noise-cancelling technology to mitigate&nbsp;this issue, with the extra benefit of sounding better than the standard speakers. If you’re really into your music, you could also consider the surround-sound system (£950).

<h3 dir="ltr">4. Clearsight rear-view mirror</h3>

The Jaguar E-Pace’s narrow rear window and chunky pillars make it tough to see out of, even without passengers or a boot full of luggage. The Clearsight rear-view mirror (£625) solves this at the touch of a button, by turning the mirror into a screen displaying a video feed from behind the car.

<h3 dir="ltr">5. Metallic paint</h3>

The Jaguar E-Pace is a premium car, so why not treat it to some premium paint? Not only will choosing one of the eight metallic finishes available for £670 set your car apart from the crowd, it will also lift the resale value when the time comes to move on.

<h3 dir="ltr">1. 21in alloy wheels</h3>

We’d avoid the 21in alloy wheels (£1860) because they make the firm-riding Jaguar E-Pace even less settled over bumps. Choosing them requires that you also choose the adaptive suspension (£835), making your total outlay £2695. That’s enough to cover all our recommendations, with some change left over.

Jaguar E-Pace option to avoid

Model 2.0 D200 R-Dynamic S

List price £41,565

Target Price £40,364

Target PCP £433pm

Options we’d add Metallic paint (£670), Clearsight rear-view mirror (£625), Meridian Sound System (£600), Driver Assist Pack (£460), Heated steering wheel (£205)

Total cost of options £2560

*all prices correct at time of writing

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-family-suvs-2022/n17116">Next: See how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Jaguar E-Pace – best buy

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

&nbsp;

Family SUV

how-to-spec-a-skoda-karoq

Niro

Nissan

Qashqai

Seat

Ateca

The Skoda Karoq has the measure of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-family-suvs-2022/n17116">family SUV</a> rivals, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n17190">Kia Niro</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>, combining a big boot, a family-friendly interior and a well-judged balance between ride and handling. We recommend pairing the gutsy TSI 150 petrol engine with mid-rung SE L trim for the best blend kit and value,&nbsp;but there are&nbsp;still plenty of upgrades you can add from the options list.

How to spec a Skoda Karoq

<h3 dir="ltr">1. Winter Package Plus (£425)</h3>

There’s nothing worse than waiting for a frosty windscreen to clear when you’re in a rush, and that’s where this option comes in. It brings&nbsp;a heated windscreen that helps to melt the cold away more quickly than the regular heating system, and&nbsp;you&nbsp;also get heated front and rear seats to keep everyone warm. Heated headlight and windscreen washers complete the package.

Skoda Karoq options to add

<h3>2. Amundsen Package Plus (£600)</h3>

The main reason to opt for the Amundsen Package Plus (£600) is that it gives the Karoq a digital instrument display that shows a wealth of information, including your sat-nav map. It also brings sat-nav functionality for the standard 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, together with&nbsp;a wireless charging cubby for your phone.

<h3>3. Safety Package (£400)</h3>

They say you can’t put a price on peace of mind, but in this case it’s £400. The Safety Package adds curtain airbags and a system that tightens the seatbelts and partially closes the windows if it detects an impending crash. The upshot? You’re better protected if you're involved in an accident.

<h3 dir="ltr">4. Space-saving spare wheel (125/70 R18) (£170)</h3>

Every Karoq comes with a kit that allows you to temporarily patch over a puncture to make it to a nearby garage, but such kits won't help if your tyre is very badly damaged. Therefore, we’d recommend this space-saving spare wheel (£170) to get you on your way&nbsp;to a mechanic for a replacement tyre.

<h3 dir="ltr">1. Light Package (£1955)</h3>

The Matrix LED headlights added by this package can&nbsp;automatically shape their&nbsp;beam to avoid dazzling&nbsp;drivers when oncoming cars are detected. However, they don’t offer much greater night-time visibility than the standard-fit LED units, though, so we’d rather pocket the cash and manually dip our headlights instead.

Skoda Karoq options to avoid

<h3 dir="ltr">2. Performance Package (£1080)</h3>

The main draw of the Performance Package (£1080) is Dynamic Chassis Control, which enables you to&nbsp;choose between softer or firm suspension settings on a whim. We wouldn’t bother adding it, though, because it doesn’t make the Karoq much more fun to drive, nor significantly more comfortable. Take a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a> instead if you want driving enjoyment.

Model 1.5 TSI SE L

List price £29,445

Target Price £28,517

Target PCP £308pm

Options we’d add Amundsen Package Plus (£600), Winter Package Plus (£425), Safety Package (£400), Space saving spare wheel (125/70 R18) (£170)

Total cost of options £1595

*all prices correct at time of writing

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/how-to-spec">Next: See how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Skoda Karoq – best buy

How to spec a...

The engine, trim and options that you choose can make a huge difference to just how good your car is and how well it holds its value. Here are our recommendations for some of the most popular cars on sale today

How to spec a...

Search our reviews

Latest how to spec news & advice

How to spec a BMW i7

How to spec a Ford Kuga

How to spec a Genesis GV60

How to spec a Jaguar E-Pace

How to spec a Skoda Karoq

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information