“The ‘What Car?’ awards are a testament to the entire ŠKODA team. For us, these honours are both an affirmation and motivation. They show that we have taken the right path in expanding, modernizing and emotionalizing our model range,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: “At the same time, our vehicles’ success underscores the increasing appeal of our brand in the international markets. ŠKODA has performed particularly well in the UK over the last few years. In 2016 alone, we grew by 7.3% to over 80,000 car deliveries, making this our fourth largest market in the world.”
2017 could not have got off to a better start for ŠKODA. With three class victories and three value-for-money awards, the Czech car manufacturer was the big winner at the 2017 Best Cars award ceremony held by British automobile magazine ‘What Car?’ at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
“Great Sports Utility Vehicle”
By winning the award for Best Large SUV, the new ŠKODA KODIAQ received one of the most important European automotive awards shortly before its market launch.
“We were looking forward to ŠKODA’s first large SUV with great anticipation. Today, one thing is certain: the ŠKODA KODIAQ did not disappoint the judges. It is a fantastic sport utility vehicle with seven seats, all-wheel drive, a powerful diesel engine, a generous array of features – and all of that at an amazing price,” said Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?.
With a length of 4.70m, up to seven seats and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is the Czech carmaker’s first large SUV. ŠKODA’s latest model will be launched successively on the international markets from February. The SUV features stylish designs, exceptional space, practical intelligence and innovative technologies that would usually only be found in higher vehicle classes. The ŠKODA KODIAQ marks the beginning of ŠKODA’s broad-based SUV campaign. Five drivetrains – two TDI engines and three TSI engines – form the engine range at the launch of the ŠKODA KODIAQ. Their displacement values range from 1.4 to 2.0 l, with outputs ranging from 92 kW (125 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp).
“The car to beat”
For the third time in a row, the ŠKODA FABIA has been named ‘Best Small Car’ at the What Car? awards. “In the last twelve months, a number of new small cars have been released – but the ŠKODA FABIA is still the car to beat,” said What Car? editor Huntingford. “The ŠKODA FABIA can be manoeuvred easily and safely in the city, but even on country roads and motorways it is more comfortable and refined than many considerably larger vehicles. The car doesn’t just stand out from the competition thanks to its impressive workmanship and the high level of safety but also owing to a number of features in the interior and its distinct practicality,” added Huntingford.
The current ŠKODA FABIA is now the third generation of the model on the market. It is hallmarked by its dynamic and emotive design language and sporty proportions. The small car is equipped with numerous safety, comfort and infotainment systems that are otherwise reserved for higher classes. There are four petrol engines and two diesel drivetrains available for the ŠKODA FABIA, ranging from 44 kW (60 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp). The ŠKODA FABIA is the Czech automobile manufacturer’s third bestselling model after the ŠKODA OCTAVIA and ŠKODA RAPID.
“Leading its segment”
The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI also defended its title from last year at this year’s Best Cars selection. Chief Editor Huntingford reiterates the good reasons stated by the expert panel: “The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI is still leading the way in its segment. Its performance, amount of space and comfort are crucial factors in that. Then there is its practicality and – as with all ŠKODA models – the excellent value for money. No other vehicle offers a similarly phenomenal combination.”
The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI embodies the company’s core values in its current version and is more spacious, practical and clever than ever before. With the largest interior and largest boot in its class, the five-door model sports a dynamic, elegant and emotional design. The third generation of ŠKODA’s flagship is characterized by a high level of comfort, comprehensive safety features, high functionality and good price/performance ratio. Five petrol engines and three diesel engines with an output between 92 kW (125 hp) and 206 kW (280 hp) are available.
Best value for money
In addition to the three class victories, ŠKODA also won three categories for best value for money in the ‘What Car?’ awards. The ŠKODA CITIGO in the ‘City Car’ category, the ŠKODA FABIA COMBI in the ‘Estates up to £18,000’ and the ŠKODA SUPERB in the ‘Executive Cars up to £25,000’.
