Skoda Australia has unveiled the Karoq 130 Years Edition 110TSI, a special-edition mid-size SUV commemorating the Czech automaker’s 130th anniversary. Set to hit Australian showrooms in September 2025, this limited-edition model brings a blend of premium features, stylish design, and historical significance to the popular Karoq lineup. Priced at $48,990 before on-road costs, the Karoq 130 Years Edition slots between the Select and Sportline trims, offering a compelling mix of luxury and value. This article explores the vehicle’s background, specifications, features, and its place in Skoda’s evolving Australian lineup, supported by detailed tables for clarity.
A Legacy of Innovation: Skoda’s 130-Year Journey
Skoda’s history began in 1895 as Laurin & Klement, a bicycle manufacturer founded in what is now the Czech Republic. The company, established by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, quickly expanded into motorcycles and, by 1905, produced its first car, the Voiturette A. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda Works, an industrial conglomerate, forming Skoda Auto as we know it today. This rich heritage is celebrated in the Karoq 130 Years Edition, which pays homage to the brand’s evolution from bicycles to modern SUVs.
Skoda’s presence in Australia has been notable since its return in 2007, after a hiatus in the 1980s. Initially re-entering with models like the Octavia and Roomster, Skoda has steadily expanded its lineup, with the Karoq becoming a cornerstone of its SUV offerings. The Karoq 130 Years Edition follows a similarly named variant launched alongside the all-electric Elroq earlier in 2025, reinforcing Skoda’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
Design and Exterior Features
The Karoq 130 Years Edition is based on the Select 110TSI trim but incorporates premium elements typically found in the higher-spec Sportline variant. It stands out with distinctive styling cues that enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Available in four no-cost exterior colors—Moon White Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Race Blue Metallic, and Black Magic Pearlescent—the SUV offers buyers flexibility in personalizing their vehicle.
Exterior enhancements include:
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19-inch Sagitarius alloy wheels with a silver finish, upgrading from the 18-inch wheels on the base Select trim.
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Tinted windows for a sleek, modern look and improved privacy.
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Chrome accents on roof rails and window surrounds, adding a touch of elegance.
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Matrix LED headlights with dynamic cornering and range control, improving visibility and safety.
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Animated LED taillights, enhancing the vehicle’s premium appearance.
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“130 Years” badge on the tailgate, signifying its commemorative status.
Additional conveniences include a power tailgate with a Virtual Pedal for hands-free operation and powered side mirrors with a memory function and auto-folding capability. These features elevate the Karoq’s practicality, making it ideal for families and urban drivers alike.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Karoq 130 Years Edition borrows luxury elements from the Sportline trim, offering a refined cabin experience. The interior upgrades include:
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Leather seat trim, replacing the fabric seats of the Select trim.
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9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, an upgrade from the 8.0-inch display on the base model.
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10-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a customizable and modern driver interface.
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Keyless entry for seamless access.
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Optional Signature Pack, which adds further premium touches like heated and ventilated front seats.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The cabin’s spacious design, a hallmark of the Karoq, offers ample legroom and a 521-liter boot, expandable to 1,630 liters with the rear seats folded. These dimensions make the Karoq 130 Years Edition a practical choice for those needing versatility without sacrificing style.
Performance and Efficiency
The Karoq 130 Years Edition is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 110 kW of power at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. While it lacks the Dynamic Chassis Control and progressive steering found in the Sportline trim, the Karoq 130 Years Edition offers a balanced driving experience with responsive handling and respectable fuel efficiency.
Skoda claims a combined fuel consumption of 6.6 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 149 g/km. The 50-liter fuel tank provides a theoretical range of approximately 758 km, making it suitable for both city commutes and longer road trips. The vehicle’s dimensions—4,390 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, 1,603 mm in height, and a 2,638 mm wheelbase—contribute to its stable and agile performance. With a ground clearance of 161 mm and a towing capacity of 1,500 kg (braked), the Karoq is well-equipped for diverse driving needs.
Safety and Warranty
Safety is a priority for Skoda, and the Karoq 130 Years Edition inherits the model’s five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety features include:
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Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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Lane Keep Assist
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Blind Spot Monitoring
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Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
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Seven airbags
The vehicle comes with an 84-month, unlimited-kilometer warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers. Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first, ensuring the SUV remains in top condition.
Pricing and Positioning
Priced at $48,990 before on-road costs, the Karoq 130 Years Edition sits between the Select ($45,990) and Sportline ($52,990) trims in the Karoq lineup. Skoda Australia highlights that the special edition includes over $10,900 worth of additional equipment compared to the Select trim, despite the $3,000 price premium. This value proposition makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking premium features without stepping up to the Sportline’s higher price point.
The Karoq 130 Years Edition competes in Australia’s crowded small-to-mid-size SUV market, facing rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, and Volkswagen T-Roc. Its combination of European design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing positions it as a strong contender in this segment.
Skoda’s Broader 2025 Lineup
The Karoq 130 Years Edition is part of Skoda’s busy 2025 model rollout in Australia. The brand is also launching the all-electric Elroq, priced from $54,990, and the refreshed Kodiaq SUV, starting at $54,990. Additionally, the fourth-generation Superb sedan and wagon, priced from $67,990, aim to revive interest in the large-car segment. These launches reflect Skoda’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, offering petrol, electric, and plug-in hybrid options to cater to varied consumer preferences.
The Elroq, in particular, complements the Karoq as its electric counterpart, sharing similar dimensions but offering a 529 km WLTP range and a 210 kW electric motor. The Karoq 130 Years Edition, however, appeals to buyers who prefer the familiarity of a petrol-powered SUV with premium touches.
Market Context and Availability
Skoda’s timing for the Karoq 130 Years Edition aligns with a growing demand for SUVs in Australia, though the market saw a dip in overall new-car sales in May 2025. Electric vehicle sales, however, recorded their first year-on-year increase in 2025, signaling a shift toward electrification that Skoda is capitalizing on with the Elroq. The Karoq 130 Years Edition, as a petrol model, caters to buyers not yet ready for EVs but seeking a modern, feature-rich SUV.
Orders for the Karoq 130 Years Edition are open through Skoda dealers, with deliveries expected to begin in September 2025. Given its limited-edition status, interested buyers are encouraged to act quickly to secure a unit.
In Summary
The Skoda Karoq 130 Years Edition 110TSI is a fitting tribute to the brand’s 130-year legacy, blending heritage-inspired design with modern technology and practicality. With its premium features, competitive pricing, and strong safety credentials, it’s poised to attract Australian buyers looking for a versatile and stylish SUV. As Skoda continues to expand its presence in Australia with new models like the Elroq and Superb, the Karoq 130 Years Edition stands out as a celebration of the brand’s past and a confident step into its future.
Skoda Karoq 130 Years Edition Specifications
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Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
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Engine |
1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol |
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Power |
110 kW @ 5,000 rpm |
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Torque |
250 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm |
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Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
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Drive Type |
Front-wheel drive |
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Fuel Consumption |
6.6 L/100 km (combined) |
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CO2 Emissions |
149 g/km |
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Fuel Tank Capacity |
50 L |
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Range |
Approx. 758 km |
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Dimensions (L/W/H) |
4,390 mm / 1,841 mm / 1,603 mm |
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Wheelbase |
2,638 mm |
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Ground Clearance |
161 mm |
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Towing Capacity |
1,500 kg (braked), 690 kg (unbraked) |
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Warranty |
84 months, unlimited kilometers |
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Service Interval |
12 months or 15,000 km |
Karoq 130 Years Edition vs. Other Trims (Pricing and Key Features)
|
Trim |
Price (Before On-Road Costs) |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
Select 110TSI |
$45,990 |
18-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch infotainment, fabric seats, standard LED headlights |
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130 Years Edition 110TSI |
$48,990 |
19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, 9.2-inch infotainment, matrix LED headlights |
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Sportline 110TSI |
$52,990 |
Dynamic Chassis Control, progressive steering, sportier styling |