EVERY now and then I get to drive a car I’d really like to keep.

One might expect it would always be a luxurious or sporty number far outwith my financial reach – but that’s not the case.

An example of a car I handed back with some reluctance is the Skoda Karoq which does not cost a small fortune.

The Karoq slots between the Kamiq and Kodiaq in Skoda’s range of internal combustion SUVs. It is available with TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, and all-wheel drive versions can be had.

Three specifications are offered – SE Drive, SE L and SportLine. Prices start at £27,470 for the SE Drive 1.0 TSI 108bhp with manual transmission.

The model pictured is an SE L with the 1.5 TSI 148hp engine and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. It costs from £32,165 (the manual version is £30,660).

Stylish in appearance, the Karoq combines more than ample passenger space with a generous boot capacity.

Greenock Telegraph:

The SE L has Varioflex rear seats which slide and recline. Maximum boot capacity with the rear seats in place is 588 litres, 1,605 litres with seats folded and 1,810 litres with them removed.

The Karoq handles and rides in an agreeable fashion and I was fine with the seven-speed DSG transmission which comes with steering wheel paddles for manual changes. Skoda claim 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

My overall economy was an indicated 44.1mpg.

The SE L is well appointed. Its standard features include heated front seats and steering wheel, microsuede upholstery, navigation, reversing camera, automatic braking and 18inch alloy wheels.

There was much to like about the Skoda Karoq test car, including the fact it came with a space saver spare wheel and not just a tyre repair kit. The space saver is a £240 option but one I’d recommend for peace of mind.