Tópico Skoda

Superfast · Jun 28, 2017

[h=1]http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/superb/99851/family-car-of-the-year-2017-skoda-superb

Family Car of the Year 2017: Skoda Superb[/h]
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[h=2]The Skoda Superb is the 2017 Auto Express Family Car of the Year, with the Toyota Prius and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport commended[/h]Three is the magic number for the Skoda Superb, which has notched up a hat-trick of victories in our Family Car category.
Despite the challenge from talented new arrivals such as Vauxhall’s Insignia Grand Sport, the spacious Czech machine never looked like loosening its grip on the title it had already secured twice.
At the heart of the Superb’s success story is its vast interior, which swallows everything a growing family can throw at it. Occupants in the back of the Skoda get the sort of legroom that is normally reserved for long-wheelbase limousines, while you could get lost in the hatchback’s cavernous 625-litre boot, such is its capacity.
Yet there’s more to this car than sheer volume; it’s clever, too. The interior is packed with handy storage spaces, while neat touches such as umbrellas hidden in the front doors, a removable torch in the boot and an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap reveal the thought that’s been put into the car’s design.

A model like this has to be a jack-of-all-trades, serving as a mobile office, a motorway express and even able to turn on the fun on your favourite back road. Happily, the Superb has all these bases covered.
Underpinning it is the same versatile MQB architecture that’s used on many models from the VW Group. As a result, the Skoda feels remarkably agile and alert for a car of this size. Refinement is top notch, too, while the Superb’s ride is composed and comfortable.
Adding to the car’s appeal is a wide range of petrol and diesel engines that effortlessly balances performance and economy. Buyers also have the option of a DSG automatic transmission, plus a choice of front and four-wheel-drive set-ups depending on their needs.

There’s loads of standard kit, with all models getting DAB radio, Bluetooth and the CareConnect emergency call function. But we think fleet-focused SE Tech trim delivers the best value, with its adaptive cruise control, sat-nav and full smartphone connectivity all fitted as standard.
On the basis of this year’s showing, it’s going to take something very special indeed to stop the Skoda Superb making it four victories in a row this time next year.
[h=2]Our choice[/h][h=3]Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE Technology (£23,520)[/h]Given the Skoda Superb’s mile-munching brief, the punchy and frugal 2.0-litre TDI diesel is a perfect match, while SE Technology trim comes with all the kit you’ll ever need. Highlights include the latest infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav and adaptive cruise control.
[h=2]Commended[/h][h=3]Toyota Prius[/h]

The hi-tech hybrid Prius came of age when the current fourth-generation model made its debut last year. Like its predecessors, it boasted impressive eco-friendly credentials, but for the first time it bundled a respectable level of driving fun into the mix. It’s also more comfortable and refined than before, while the futuristic interior has space for all the family.
[h=3]Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport[/h]

All-new underpinnings and a name change have helped transform the big Vauxhall’s fortunes. Closer in size to executive saloons, the newcomer offers plenty of space, while the improvement in quality and kit gives the Insignia a real premium feel. The car is comfortable and good to drive, too, plus buyers will find the prices attractively low.

Superfast · Jun 28, 2017

[h=1]Estate Car of the Year 2017: Skoda Octavia Estate[/h]

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[h=2]The Skoda Octavia Estate is the 2017 Auto Express Estate Car of the Year, with the BMW 5 Series Touring and Skoda Superb Estate commended[/h]The regular Skoda Octavia is already the most practical car in its class, so it’s little surprise to see that the Octavia Estate is our pick if you’re in the market for a proper load-lugger.
Revised only this year, with refreshed front-end styling and improved infotainment, the Octavia Estate continues to offer enormous load capacity. In fact, it has 610 litres of space with the rear seats in place, and a massive 1,740 litres if you fold them down. That’s more than enough for this car’s load bay to embarrass those of plenty of models from the class above.
The Skoda is so much more than a big box on wheels, though, as the rest of the package is equally strong. Nearly all models in the range get a decent line-up of standard kit, and you can choose from punchy four-cylinder petrol engines or, for those who do big-mileage drives with heavy loads, efficient and torquey diesels. If an auto gearbox would better suit your needs, the DSG dual-clutch auto is one of the best in the business, swapping ratios smoothly and swiftly, while the cheaper manual is easy to use and surprisingly involving.

On the road, the Octavia impresses with its composure, staying surefooted over Britain’s pock-marked tarmac and offering strong levels of comfort on long journeys or a motorway cruise. The new infotainment is right up there in the class, too, with strong smartphone connectivity and a crisp screen that makes living with the car even easier.
The final piece in the jigsaw is pricing – and decent residual values mean the Octavia is frequently available on appealing monthly finance deals. Get one of these at the right price and you’ll be bagging not only the best family estate car on the market, but also a bit of a bargain.

[h=2]Our choice[/h][h=3]Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE L (£24,565)[/h]Assuming that you’re buying an estate car because you actually want to make use of the load bay, you’re going to need some low-down shove in order to cope with proper loads. That’s why our pick of the Octavia line-up is the 2.0 TDI 150. It has enough torque to cope with a boot full of luggage, while SE L spec brings all the equipment you should need on an everyday basis, too.
[h=2]Commended[/h][h=3]BMW 5 Series Touring[/h]

The way BMW’s 5 Series Touring combines cutting-edge tech, near-limousine levels of comfort, quality and practicality is deeply impressive. All cars get an eight-speed auto, and the engine line-up ranges from the efficient, more affordable 520d diesel to the pacey 540i petrol, with xDrive 4WD available on some models, so there’s plenty of choice.
[h=3]Skoda Superb Estate[/h]

It’s a sign of how competitive the Octavia is that its bigger brother is ‘merely’ a runner-up in a class where size really matters. However, Skoda’s Superb Estate is another incredibly impressive load-lugger; indeed, if you really do need to maximise absolute load space, the Czech brand’s flagship wagon should be all the car you’ll ever need.

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Superfast · Jun 28, 2017

[h=1]Large SUV of the Year 2017: Skoda Kodiaq[/h][h=1]
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[h=2]The Skoda Kodiaq is the 2017 Auto Express Large SUV of the Year, with the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento commended[/h]As sales of traditional MPVs are on the wane, large SUVs offering space for seven have picked up the mantle as practical, affordable and efficient methods of transport for large families.
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of the newest on the scene, and thanks to its impressive mix of ride and handling, refinement, usability and affordable prices, the Kodiaq takes the title of Best Large SUV.
Although the design is derivative and not unlike the Superb, inside, the quality and ergonomics are on par with pricier models from prestige brands. The technology on offer is bang up-to-date as well, with a wide variety of connected services and smartphone connectivity features.

The Kodiaq is also impressively spacious and comes with a choice of two layouts. S, SE and SE Technology models get five seats and a massive 720-litre boot, while the latter two trim levels can be upgraded to seven seats for an affordable £1,000.
Go for this extra and the third row of seats gives a good level of space, even for adults sitting back there. Boot capacity in five-seat form drops to a still usable 630 litres, but it’s the way the Kodiaq mixes this practical edge (including the brand’s trademark ‘Simply Clever’ features) with comfort in an affordable large SUV body that really appeals.
Thanks to the car’s VW Group MQB underpinnings, it offers a level of agility that’s more commonly found on much smaller SUVs. Crisp, well weighted controls inspire confidence, while body roll is minimal for the car’s size. Models with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control allow you to flick between a smooth ride and sharp cornering at the touch of a button, but even the standard suspension offers a decent level of comfort.

To top it all, the range of smooth, punchy and efficient petrol and diesel engines delivers a winning package. The icing on the cake is that the Kodiaq is very keenly priced, starting from under £22,000.
[h=2]Our choice[/h][h=3]Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 DSG SE 7 Seat (£28,115)[/h]A large family SUV like the Kodiaq is at its best with a torquey diesel under the bonnet, and the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI offers the strongest compromise of performance and price, while the DSG is cheaper than the manual, which only comes with four-wheel drive. The engine is refined and claims 50mpg-plus, too. SE trim provides lots of kit and is top value.
[h=2]Commended[/h][h=3]Hyundai Santa Fe[/h]

The Santa Fe is a big SUV with plenty to like. It’s not as modern as the Kodiaq or as comfortable as its Kia Sorento sister car, but it has lots of kit and four-wheel drive as standard, giving decent off-road potential. Stylish looks, a large, versatile load space and a comfortable ride boost its appeal.
[h=3]Kia Sorento[/h]

Kia’s Sorento has a much higher starting price than the Skoda – it costs from £28,850 – but it counters with a long kit list and a more powerful, torquier 2.2-litre diesel to improve ease of use. It’s still a spacious and solid all-rounder, too, while interior quality isn’t too far behind the Kodiaq’s.