IT was boxy, dumpy and undeniably a bit frumpy - but the Skoda Yeti was loved by many for its practicality, left-field looks and cheeky character.

However, it had to be admitted that the bread van styling was looking distinctly out of place within the increasingly stylish Skoda range.

With a certain inevitability it was replaced by a clone of the VW Tiguan, SEAT Ateca and Audi Q2, all blood brothers from the wider VW Group.

But Skoda engineers were charged with building the Czech firm's own unique personality into the new car which became the Karoq.

Not only does it possess an array of ‘simply clever' features - Skoda's slick slogan and mission statement - but the Karoq has a different driving feel to its relatives from SEAT and VW.

In typical methodology, there is a range of petrol and diesel models from which to choose including 1.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel, front and four-wheel-drive. Here we drive the 148bhp, 2.0 TDI which is one of the more popular options.

It is a tried and trusted engine that delivers plenty of mid-range grunt and a lively performance, better than average refinement along with 50mpg economy. Coupled to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, it is an easy and relaxing car suited both to short hops and long motorway journeys.

While the Karoq makes little attempt towards sportiness it has crisp steering and corners well albeit with more body roll than the Ateca.

With optional four wheel drive, you get extra grip over poor surfaces and snowy roads with only marginally impaired fuel consumption. Don't, however, expect Defender like mud-lugging powers - this is basically a fair-weather crossover that can cope with a bit of unexpected snow or a soggy gymkhana field.

Despite the sleeker shape, there are bags of space in the well-finished cabin. Those in the front are cacooned by big leather seats in the Edition version.

Headroom front and back is generous and the rear seat passengers can individually adjust the rake and legroom of their seats. The centre rear seat can even be removed if you want more luggage space.

In its normal position, there's space for 521 litres of luggage and this can be expanded to 588 litres if the three separate seats are slid forward.

Another ‘simply clever' touch is the reversible boot mat - one side is rubberised and spongeable to cope better with muddy boots etc. The other side is conventionally carpeted.

The facia is well finished if a little sombre looking. The central touch screen works well and incorporates sat nav. One quibble is the numbering of the speedo in shadow writing, which makes it sometimes difficult to pick out key speeds.

Standard on the £30,000 Edition model are sliding glass sunroof - a boon in bright weather - rear LED lights, metallic paint, rear view camera and even an umbrella under the passenger seat. Heated front seats are also in with the package.