These are the first official pictures of Skoda’s all-new compact SUV called the Karoq, which will be launched later this year joining its larger sibling, the Kodiaq, in the Czech company’s line up.

Skoda claims the Karoq offers exceptional space in the interior and boot, along with new driver-assistance systems, full LED headlights and – for the first time in a Skoda – a digital instrument panel.

There will be five powertrains to choose from and the car will feature Skoda’s rear-seat VarioFlex system, a virtual pedal for the hands-free opening of the boot.

Storage options are good with a luggage compartment capacity of 521 litres with the back seats in place. Drop the rear seats down and the volume increases to 1,630 litres.

In combination with the optional VarioFlex rear seat, the boot space is variable and ranges between 479 and 588 litres. The seats can also be completely removed giving the Karoq van-like space with a maximum loading capacity of 1,810 litres.

The Karoq will be powered by two petrol and three diesel engines with displacement ranges of 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 litres and power ranging from 115bhp to 190bhp.

With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all drivetrains can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

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The 2.0 TDI 190bhp diesel model comes with 4×4 drive and the seven-speed DSG box as standard while the new 1.5 TSI petrol variant is fitted with cylinder deactivation to boost economy.

The Karoq will feature a number driver assistance systems too, including lane departure warning and a traffic-jam assist mode as well as automatic emergency braking.

Towing limit on the vehicle is two tonnes and the car can be fitted with Skoda’s trailer assist function to help when reversing.

Although heavily camouflaged in the pictures Skoda has released, the Karoq looks very much like a somewhat scaled-down version of the recently-launched Kodiaq. It will compete in the soaring crossover market against the likes of the SEAT Ateca and Renault Kadjar.

Prices have not yet been announced.