Skoda Enyaq Is Brand's First Electric SUV
ŠKODA has confirmed that the name of the brand's first electric SUV will be ENYAQ. The new ŠKODA ENYAQ will be built based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) platform.
According to ŠKODA, the ‘E’ references electromobility, while the ‘Q’ is the final letter of ŠKODA’s SUV family - KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ.
There is also an Irish connection. The name of the new ŠKODA ENYAQ is derived from the Irish name ‘enya’, meaning ‘source of life’. Enya itself comes from the Irish Gaelic word ‘Eithne’, meaning ‘essence’, ‘spirit’ or ‘principle’. The brand says the significance for this new model is that the ‘source of life’ symbolises the car manufacturer’s entry into the new era of electromobility!
The ŠKODA ENYAQ will be the first of more than ten electric models that will be launched under the ŠKODA iV sub-brand by the end of 2022.
By 2025, ŠKODA expects all-electric vehicles and models with plug-in hybrid powertrains to account for 25% of sales.
By 2021, the car manufacturer will have invested two billion euros in the development of electric models and a holistic, interconnected ecosystem for modern and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
Previous concept vehicles unveiled by ŠKODA, have provided accurate indications of subsequent designs of production models. The Vision iV concept vehicle shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019 is a clue to the appearance of the new ŠKODA ENYAQ.
Speaking at an undercover drive of the new ŠKODA ENYAQ at Castle Durrow, Co. Laois, Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing & Product, ŠKODA Ireland said:
“We are delighted that ŠKODA’s new electric SUV will carry an Irish name. The ŠKODA brand has really resonated with Irish people, offering exceptional value, quality and functionality. Our “Made for Ireland” television campaign has been hugely successful and has helped propel the ŠKODA brand to fourth position in the Irish sales charts in January. We are very excited about the new ENYAQ and look forward to sharing details of this incredible car with our customers over the next few months”
Skoda Kamiq Review
Read Caroline's Skoda Kamiq review for everything you need to know about buying Skoda's compact SUV in Ireland.
The new Skoda Kamiq completes an epic SUV trilogy for Skoda. Starting with the popular Kodiaq in 2017, joined by the mid size Karoq in 2018, and now the baby of the bunch – the petite but capable Kamiq! Small SUVs and crossovers are hot property these days and the Kamiq range kicks off at a very attractive €21,300.
The Kamiq is smart to look at, with compact, boxy dimensions. Skoda is quick to lift the car’s aesthetic features – split headlights featuring the daytime running lights above the main headlights, wide radiator grille, rear diffuser, elevated bonnet, front spoiler. Yet my favourite feature was the small dome in the bonnet that can be seen from the driver’s seat. In my eyes this is an unusually charismatic Skoda.
Built on the Volkswagen Group modular transverse matrix (MQB), Skoda has taken the platform and done some wonders with interior space. Compact crossovers can be very, eh, compact, but somehow the Kamiq feels like one of the most generous in the segment for rear head- and leg-room. The boot is also a good size for the segment with a capacity of 363 litres.
Inside the Kamiq
The Kamiq is also the second new model in the Skoda range after the Scala to debut Skoda’s new interior design. It’s quite chic and minimalist with great infotainment, technology and smartphone integration. The 10.25 inch Virtual Cockpit is an option. Material quality is good for the segment with some nice trim elements.
In Ireland at launch the Kamiq is available in three trim levels kicking off at €21,300 for the 1.0-litre TSI 95 hp Active, from €23,300 for the Ambition and from €25,300 for the Style. Other engine options include a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 115 hp, a 1.5 TSI turbo petrol with 150 hp and a 1.6 TDI diesel with 115 hp. 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes feature as does an excellent 7-speed DSG.
Standard equipment on Active and Ambition models includes the 6.5-inch ‘Swing’ touch screen infotainment system, LED headlights and tail lights, Lane Assist, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian Protection, and Multi-Collision Braking.
My Style model has a high specification with equipment including 17” alloys, rear view camera, dual zone climate control, rear privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, leather steering wheel, the 8.0-inch ‘Bolero’ infotainment unit and full LED headlights with AFS and dynamic front and rear indicators.
Driving the Kamiq
On the road drivers can enjoy an elevated seating position and light controls for a smooth and agile driving experience. The 1.0-litre 115 hp petrol engine suits this car very well and I was driving it in combination with the DSG automatic gearbox. It’s another stellar performance from this small engine/auto gearbox combination making it ideal for those seeking a small automatic for the city. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.5 l/100km and motor tax is currently €200 per year for this model.
Skoda has landed in the popular compact B-SUV segment with a really strong new model. The Kamiq has the charisma of a small off-roader and it’s a great addition to the Skoda range. It’s spacious inside for its size and the small petrol engine makes it good fun to drive. There’s good value to be had in the Kamiq range with some well-proven engines and gearbox options.
The new Kamiq has everything covered to storm the compact crossover segment!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Škoda Kamiq Style 1.0 DSG
Price: €28,100
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h: 10 seconds
Top speed: 193 km/h
Fuel consumption (WLTP): 5.5-6.8l/100km
CO2 emissions: 113g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Skoda Superb iV Plug-In Hybrid
ŠKODA Ireland introduced the updated Superb flagship saloon and Combi estate back in October and in 2020 they will introduce the exciting new ŠKODA Superb iV plug-in hybrid.
The new Superb iV is a petrol electric hybrid and combines a 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine with an electric motor with a combined system power output of 218 hp. A lithium-ion battery is built into the chassis floor in front of the rear axle of the Superb iV. It is capable of travelling up to 62 km on pure electric power alone. The electric motor acts as an additional boost, providing dynamic driving performance and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.7 seconds.
CO2 emissions for this vehicle are rated from 33 to 35 g/km. Annual road tax is €170.
There are some subtle exterior changes including a new flap in the front grille that conceals the charge point for the car. It can be charged via the domestic mains supply or using a public charging point.
Driving Mode Select is another innovation fitted to the Superb iV as standard and allows the driver to alter the vehicles driving characteristics and comfort settings by varying the steering, transmission and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).
In addition to Sport mode, drivers can also select E-mode and Hybrid mode. In E-mode, the Superb iV is powered entirely by the electric motor. It can travel almost silently and accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 5.0 seconds. For safety, an E-noise sound generator creates a unique sound to alert pedestrians and cyclists.
In Hybrid mode, both power units work together, and their interplay is automatically controlled electronically.
The Superb iV can be charged in four different ways. It can be fully charged in about three and a half hours using the Mode 3 charging cable and a wall box with a charging output of 3.6 kW. Using the Mode 2 cable together with a standard household three pin plug socket, it is possible to charge the battery in approximately five hours. While in motion, the Superb iV can charge its battery or maintain the battery level using regenerative braking and also power from the petrol engine.
In Ireland, the new ŠKODA SUPERB iV is offered in as a saloon and Combi (estate) across four specification levels: Ambition, Style, SportLine and L&K. Pricing starts from €41,850 (excluding delivery charges and inclusive of government grants).
Commenting, John Donegan, Brand Director, ŠKODA Ireland, said:
“ŠKODA’s electric journey starts today with the Superb iV. The Superb iV offers the best of both worlds. The ability to plug-in and charge at home or work, means commuters in Naas, Drogheda, Navan or Greystones travelling to Dublin daily have the potential to commute, powered entirely by electricity. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer significant advantages over so-called “self-charging hybrids” including significantly lower CO2 emissions and superior fuel economy.”
ŠKODA Ireland has advised customers to place their orders early to avoid disappointment as availability will be limited to 250 units next year.
Skoda Scala Review
Caroline drives the 2019 Skoda Scala!
The Skoda Scala is Skoda’s new five door hatchback that slots in below the popular Octavia and replaces the Skoda Rapid. This time round, Skoda has been keen for their compact offering to attract a younger and more style conscious buyer. Cue the new, more romantic name (Scala!) and a smart new design inside and out.
Priced from €23,650, the 2019 Skoda Scala is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines and two trim levels at launch. Skoda has made a name for itself as a brand that offers more for less. And the Scala range is keenly priced. For example, the car I had on test was the high spec Style model and with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, this car retails from €25,650.
It’s also one of the most spacious cars in its class, measuring 4.4 metres in length, but the wide and low stance hides the length. The front is classic Skoda with LED headlights available on the Style model. But even mid-range cars get LED taillights with dynamic indicators, which is quite a salubrious touch. The Scala was also the first Skoda to have S K O D A spelt out in individual letters across the rear! Ambition models get 16” alloys, while Style gets 17” inch alloys.
Inside the new Skoda Scala!
Slip inside the new Scala and you are met pleasantly with a new generation interior. The design is simple and elegant with an excellent infotainment system. The graphics on the 6.5”, 8.0” or 9.2” colour touchscreens are modern and the system easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging available. These sort of features are exactly what the younger market is looking for in a new car. Perceived quality is good too and the Style model has a stylish pearl-effect dash panel insert.
Standard equipment includes air-con, cruise control, electric windows, rear parking sensors and a 6.5” colour touch screen unit. The Image Package, which consists of the glass tailgate, will be provided as standard from Ambition. The Style model adds dual zone climate control, rear view camera, keyless entry, auto lights, rain sensor and 8” infotainment unit.
Inside the new Scala feels roomy, particularly for rear seat passengers, with large rear footwells. Boot capacity is 467 litres so it’s one of the best in class.
Engine options for the new Skoda Scala include 1.0 TSI 115bhp and 1.5 TSI 150bhp petrols, and a 1.6 TDI 115bhp diesel. Both manual and DSG automatic transmissions are available. The diesel is available from €26,475. A lower powered 1.0 TSI 95bhp petrol unit will be offered at a later date with pricing to be confirmed.
On the road in the 2019 Skoda Scala
The 1.0-litre petrol engine has a small capacity on paper but it works well in the Skoda Scala. It’s smooth and reasonably refined on the move and doesn’t feel underpowered even with a few passengers on board! Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.0 l/100km.
The new Scala is the first Skoda based on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB A0 platform. Skoda has made comprehensive adjustments to the platform for the new Scala, which include using the longest possible wheelbase and rear overhang. The controls are light but the Scala is agile and fun to drive without trying too hard to be sporty.
The Skoda Scala moves Skoda’s compact offering up a gear. It is a nicely designed car, smart and understated. It feels modern inside and delivers for the target market with the latest generation infotainment allowing quick and seamless integration with smartphones. The Scala also carries the Skoda value proposition of being generously sized for carrying passengers and their things. The Scala is a great addition to the Skoda range and is a simple and stylish hatchback in the great tradition of Skodas!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI Style
Price: €25,650 (Range from €23,650)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 201 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.7 – 6.5 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 113 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Skoda Kodiaq RS Review
Caroline drives the new Skoda Kodiaq RS!
Skoda has recently expanded their ‘Rally Sport’ family of performance models with the launch of the new Skoda Kodiaq RS. While Skoda’s Octavia RS already has a loyal following in Ireland, the trend for SUVs means that the Skoda Kodiaq RS is an obvious and potentially lucrative opportunity for the brand.
What's new?
Skoda has taken their already popular, flagship Kodiaq SUV and given it a high-performance makeover. The Kodiaq RS sits at the very top of the Kodiaq range with a list price of €62,295. Under the bonnet there’s a 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel putting out 240 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All Kodiaq RS models come with 4x4 and a DSG automatic gearbox.
The Kodiaq RS has been given the ‘speedy’ makeover in more ways than just one! On the outside there are 20” alloy wheels with red brake calipers, front and rear RS bumpers, and the new RS logo with red detailing. The Kodiaq RS is an attractive SUV with ‘street cred’!
The interior of the Skoda Kodiaq RS
Inside there are special sports seats with Alcantara upholstery, carbon inserts on the instrument panel, black roof lining and stainless steel pedals. Equipment includes dual zone air con, Skoda’s virtual cockpit display with five different display settings including a new Sports View, interior ambient lighting, parking sensors, rear parking camera and the 9.2” Colombus colour touch screen infotainment and navigation system.
The Kodiaq has a really spacious, comfortable and well-appointed cabin. With five seats or seven for an extra €1000, the Kodiaq RS offers families a lot of space. The rear bench will seat three with large footwells and plenty of head room. Things are tighter in row 3 but for children or occasional use, these extra seats are a bonus. In five seat mode, the Kodiaq RS has a huge 715 litre boot. It’s just a brilliant family car!
On the road in the Skoda Kodiaq RS
But is it the performance SUV of your dreams? Certainly, Skoda has given the Kodiaq RS a flagship engine for the occasion. It’s the first time a biturbo diesel has appeared in a Skoda and it’s the fastest diesel production Skoda ever! 0-100kmh is just 7 seconds with a top speed of 220kmh.
However the Kodiaq is a big lump and while acceleration feels brisk it will never take your breath away. Still, the RS handles with considerable finesse in the corners and something called ‘Dynamic Sound Boost’ heightens the excitement on board. Some artificial enhanced engine noise is produced in the cabin and outside of the vehicle and it’s no exaggeration to say that is has a distinct V8 vibe! A little incongruous from a diesel Kodiaq RS but it is fun!
Motor tax for this vehicle is €570 while over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 7.9 litre per 100km.
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is a natural progression for the Skoda RS brand merging the trend for large SUVs with the sporty image of the RS badge. On the road the Kodiaq RS is far from the rip-roaring performance of a hot hatchback but it is fun with a great image bestowed upon it by the RS branding. The Kodiaq RS retains everything we love about the Kodiaq in that it's spacious, practical and comfortable. It is pricey but the range topping diesel engine, high spec and novelties like Dynamic Sound Boost make it great fun for day to day driving!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 DSG
Price: €62,295
Engine: 2.0-litre bi turbo diesel
Power: 240 hp
Torque: 500 Nm
0-100km/h: 7 seconds
Top speed: 220 km/h
Fuel economy: 6.4 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 167g/km
Motor tax: €570 per year
Skoda Karoq Sportline Review
Caroline drives the 2019 Skoda Karoq Sportline!
Skoda has been competing in the compact SUV segment in Ireland with the new Karoq for over a year now. In 2019 the Karoq range has expanded again with the launch of the Skoda Karoq Sportline, which brings a little extra ‘oomph’ to the Karoq’s SUV offering!
Available from €34,100, the Karoq Sportline is positioned at the top end of the Karoq range and is available with a 1.5-litre TSI (150hp) turbo petrol engine, and 1.6-litre (115hp) and 2.0-litre (150hp) diesels. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard but a 7 speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive are also available.
Sporty features inside and out
For a sporty appearance, the Karoq Sportline gets special sports bumpers including rear diffuser, black radiator grille, tinted windows, black door mirrors, black roof rails, LED headlamps and 18-inch ‘Mytikas’ black alloys wheels.
Inside,
there are front sports seats with contrasting silver stitch, a multifunction
sports steering wheel in perforated black leather, black headliner, carbon
effect inserts in the dash, LED interior lighting pack, aluminium door sills with
Sportline logo and aluminium sports pedals.
The interior of the Skoda Karoq has a simple layout built around an 8” touchscreen that pairs seamlessly with smartphones. The perceived quality is good for the segment and the Sportline treatment adds a pleasant injection of atmosphere to the cabin of the Karoq.
What do you get?
Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, parking camera and a driving mode selector. The test car had the Skoda Virtual Cockpit added as an option for €594. It adds a cool and modern finish to the cabin with five different views to choose from.
The Karoq
Sportline has been dolled up but thankfully retains all the practical features
of the standard compact SUV. It will seat five with plenty of head and legroom
in the rear. The boot is also very generous at 521 litres.
My test car was fitted with a 2.0TDI diesel with 150hp and in Sportline guise has a list price of €35,160. This engine has loads of power and flexibility, and offers decent refinement. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.0l/100km and motor tax is €270 per year.
Driving the 2019 Skoda Karoq Sportline
On the road, the Skoda Karoq Sportline delivers an agile and composed drive, as we have come to expect from Skoda. Comfort and refinement are also on par with rivals so it falls neatly into the segment, and should fit the requirements of most compact SUV buyers.
The Skoda Karoq Sportline adds a lot to the Karoq offering. Visually it’s a very appealing car, especially in red. It has loads of standard equipment and a suitably atmospheric interior also.
Underneath the Karoq has the basics covered in that it’s a spacious and comfortable family SUV. Sportline just gives it that extra bit of visual appeal to give it a hand to stand out in the segment.
Caroline Kidd
Model
tested: Skoda
Karoq Sportline
Price: €35,160 (Range from €28,350)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 150 hp
Torque: 340 Nm
0-100km/h: 9 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.6 - 6.0l/100km
CO2 emissions: 123g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Review
Caroline drives the 2019 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo!
What's new for the Skoda Fabia in 2019?
The Fabia range is available in Ireland from €15,600 and features a new line-up of all petrol engines, including a 1.0 MPI unit offering 75hp and a 1.0 TSI unit with 95hp or 110hp. The 110hp engine is also available with the option of DSG automatic transmission.
Styling has been tweaked also and the facelifted Fabia includes a redesigned radiator grille, alterations to the front and rear bumpers, new headlights and tail lights with optional LED technology. But Fabia’s quite quirky squared off profile remains. The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo as tested (from €19,425) gives the Fabia a more individual look, with a black roof (optional) and door mirrors, 16” black alloys, tinted glass, black rear spoiler and black front grille surround.
The interior of the 2019 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
Inside, Skoda has refreshed the cabin of the Fabia with a newly designed instrument cluster and seat upholstery. The Skoda Fabia has a straightforward cabin that’s easy to find your way around. The cabin quality is good though there are some cheaper plastics used. The thing I did notice is that it’s starting to look a little dated in comparison to newer competition, but there is a 6.5” colour touchscreen infotainment unit standard from the middle of the range with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
I do like the sporty ambience of the Monte Carlo models with their special seat upholstery, a flat bottom sports leather steering wheel, chrome pedals and red stitching.
Does it come well-equipped?
There are four trim levels for the Fabia in Ireland: Active, Ambition, Monte Carlo and Style. Standard equipment includes 14” steel wheels, a Blues radio unit with Aux-In, USB port and SD slot, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.
The
mid-level Ambition (from €16,725) adds 15” alloy wheels, a Swing 6.5” colour
touchscreen infotainment unit, Smartlink including Apple Car Play and Android
Auto, leather multi-function steering wheel and front fog lights.
The Style trim (from €18,815) adds air conditioning, rear electric windows, front arm rest, keyless entry and keyless start, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and a height adjustable passenger seat.
The sporty Monte Carlo version is available from €19,425 with the equipment highlights listed above.
Is it practical?
The Fabia will seat four reasonably comfortably, five at a push. The two footwells in the rear do seem quite large for a supermini and headroom is good too because of that squared off roofline. The boot is also excellent for this class of vehicle at 330 litres.
The Fabia Combi is available for an extra €745 across the range and comes with even more boot volume.
Driving the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
I was test driving the 2019 Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine with 110hp. The Fabia is fun to drive with light steering and an agile driving character. The engine provides peppy performance in the low gears, only running out of puff in the top gears. The Fabia is comfortable on the move and stable on the motorway, with just a hint of road noise at high speeds. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.3l/100km, while motor tax is just €190 per year.
While this updated Skoda Fabia is not a new, new model – it’s merely a facelift with some cosmetic changes - the Fabia is still a very enjoyable small car. It’s practical for its size and nice to drive. Though it’s starting to feel a little old inside, this is not a huge frustration really since it’s still a nice cabin to spend time in. For me the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo is the pick of the range, because it really makes a statement!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI
Price: €21,435 (Range from €15,600)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 110 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 195 km/h
Fuel economy: 4.6l/100km
Motor tax: €190 per year
Skoda Karoq Review (2018)
Caroline drives the new Skoda Karoq.
Following the successful launch of the new Skoda Kodiaq in 2017, you would think Skoda had been making SUVs for years. Now they’re back with the new Skoda Karoq, slotting in below the Kodiaq, but bringing a reassuring blend of ‘Skodaness’ to the ever popular compact SUV segment.
The new, five seat, Skoda Karoq is entering a competitive segment where the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tuscon currently occupy a lot of ground. Still Skoda is now a well-established car brand in Ireland, sitting just outside the country's top five bestselling brands. Cars like the Octavia and Superb record strong sales here, but the Karoq is where it’s at for buyers currently going gaga for a lofty driving position and SUV stance.
The new Skoda Karoq range kicks off at €27,715 in Ireland. There is a great choice of engines across the range and two well-stocked trim levels – Ambition and Style.
How big is the new Skoda Karoq?
In styling terms, the Karoq looks like a scaled down version of the Kodiaq. It's plain but inoffensive at the same time, and 17″ alloys and roof rails come as standard. Being a Skoda, the brand has done well to make good use of the space inside with large footwells, decent headroom and an excellent 521 litre boot. There are also plenty of Skoda’s famed ‘Simply Clever’ features on board including an umbrella under the passenger seat, ice scraper in the fuel cap door and cupholders that facilitate the easy opening of bottles due to a grippy surface.
The cabin has a pleasing, simple layout built around a touchscreen and the perceived quality in the places you touch and see regularly - like the steering wheel and door panels - is good. Entry level Ambition models come with an 8″ touchscreen, while Style models have a really cool 9.2″ screen with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, Skoda Connect with driver assistance features like emergency call and remote access through an app, rear parking sensors, and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.
The Style trim adds 18” ‘Mytikas’ alloy wheels, 9.2” ‘Columbus’ infotainment system with navigation, rear view camera, DAB radio and keyless entry with a start/stop button. Skoda Connect on Style models is enhanced with more features like real time traffic information and RSS news feeds, fuel prices and weather alerts. Google Earth overlays for navigation are also featured.
What engines are available for the new Skoda Karoq?
About those engines. The Karoq range kicks off with the Volkswagen Group's now infamous new 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 115hp. There’s also a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol with 150bhp. Diesels come in the shape of 1.6 and 2.0 diesels. 4x4 is available on some models, as is the DSG automatic gearbox.
My test car was a Skoda Karoq 1.5-litre TSI in Style trim with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and is available from €32,315. It’s a powerful petrol option for the Karoq with smoothness, flexibility and excellent refinement. On the road, the Karoq is a smooth and effortless drive with light controls. It’s by no means sporty but it’s agile and comfortable.
It’s fair to say Skoda may be new to the game of SUVs, but the brand already has momentum and notoriety in this segment. The new Karoq enhances Skoda’s range considerably offering a five seat, mid-size SUV option that takes all we love about the Kodiaq, but packaged in a smaller size. The Skoda Karoq is an unassuming blend of practicality, competitive pricing, and the sort of affable driving character that makes it a great accessory to daily life. The competition is stiff but the Karoq has a range of great engines borrowed from the Volkswagen Group. That should make it a strong fixture on Irish driveways.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Karoq 1.5-litre TSI Style
Price: €32,315 (Available from €27,715)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 204km/h
Claimed Economy: 5.4/100km
CO2 emissions: 123g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Skoda Kodiaq 4x4 Review
Caroline reviews the Skoda Kodiaq Scout.
Following on from the successful 2017 launch of the new Skoda Kodiaq SUV, Skoda has enhanced the Kodiaq range further with the addition of an upscale Kodiaq Scout model, packed with features, style upgrades and 4x4 for when the going gets rough. All ‘Scouts’ will need 4x4 at some point, right?
If Skoda were a fashion label, the Scout line of models would be their Outdoors range. The Skoda Kodiaq Scout wears extra body jewellery in the form of special Scout off-road front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, Scout plaques on the front wings, silver roof rails and door mirrors, and unique 19" 'Crater' alloy wheels. The silver details heighten the Kodiaq's visual chutzpah considerably, going a long way to justify the €50,395 price tag bestowed upon my test model.
The Scout also features a 'rough road package' as standard that includes an engine guard and underbody protection.
Does the Skoda Kodiaq Scout make a good family SUV?
Inside the Skoda Kodiaq is naturally cavernous with 5 or 7 seat models available. It offers tonnes of space in row 2, while row 3 is more than good too. There's an optional electric tailgate (€508) that opens to reveal 720 litres in 5 seat mode, and 270 litres in 7 seat mode.
The cabin of the Kodiaq Scout is well-finished with controls and an infotainment system that are pleasingly logical to use. The Columbus navigation system, has a 9.2-inch monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module. An automatic Emergency Call function comes as standard.
The Scout features Alcantara-trimmed seats, wood-finish dashboard and door inserts, and a Scout plaque on the dashboard. There's also aluminium-trimmed pedals, LED ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking camera and parking sensors.
Driving Mode Select comes as standard with Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow settings, which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning.
In Ireland the Skoda Kodiaq Scout is available with a 1.4TSI petrol (150bhp) or the 2.0TDI diesel (150 or 190bhp). 4x4 is standard. The Kodiaq Scout range starts from €44,650 for a 5 seat 1.4-litre model. Depending on model, there's manual and automatic gearboxes available.
My test car was a 7 seat 2.0TDI 190bhp with DSG automatic gearbox for €50,395.
What's the Skoda Kodiaq Scout like to drive?
On the road the Skoda Kodiaq Scout is easy to drive and relatively agile for its size. It's smooth on the road and the DSG gearbox never misses a beat. The steering is light making it an effortless daily drive, and while it can’t be described as sporty, grip is good in the corners and body roll neatly contained. It's refined and comfortable on the move, and the 2.0TDI provides plenty of strength and flexibility.
The Skoda Kodiaq makes a great family car because it's spacious, comfortable and nice to drive. The Kodiaq Scout errs more on the expensive side, but the Scout makes a compelling case for itself. The test model with range topping 2.0-litre diesel, 4x4 and automatic gearbox leaves drivers wanting for nothing, while the car has a lot of visual clout and smart touches. Skoda just keeps raising the bar and it would be foolish to bypass an SUV as good as the Kodiaq Scout.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Kodiaq Scout 2.0TDI 4X4 DSG 7 seats
Price: €50,395 (Scout available from €44,650)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 190hp
Torque: 340Nm
0-100km/h: 10.1 seconds
Top speed: 192km/h
Claimed Economy: 5.7/100km
CO2 emissions: 149g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year
Skoda Octavia RS Review
Just a few weeks ago I was enjoying the company of a flashy blue Skoda Octavia 2.0-litre TDI model with 150hp, which I thought was ‘mighty’ fast. Then I turned the heat up a few notches and took the Skoda Octavia RS TDI model on test. This model belongs to Skoda’s Octavia RS family. These are the more performance orientated models in the popular, but relatively conservative Skoda Octavia range.
The Skoda Octavia RS comes in two flavours in Ireland: a 184hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, and a 245hp 2.0-litre TSI petrol model. The Octavia RS has been updated in line with the rest of the Octavia range for 2017 - cue the split headlamps. But somehow the extra little bit of aggression these impart looks better on the RS model. Twin exhausts, full LED headlights, a spoiler, sportier bumpers, some big wheels (18” standard), RS badging and a red strip at the rear complete the sporty stance. It looks brilliant in Race Blue Metallic.
Inside, there are gorgeous alcantara trimmed sports seats, sport pedals, ambient lighting, more badging and sporty interior trim inserts. The Octavia RS comes well-equipped with dual zone air con, front fog lights, cruise control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, 9.2” touchscreen with sat nav and in-car WiFi with additional SIM card slot.
What's hot under the bonnet of the Skoda Octavia RS?
Then we come to the engines. The Octavia RS 2.0-litre TSI packs serious power at 245hp with pricing from €39,865. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel model I tested has a more modest 184hp. But it’s of huge interest to the Irish market with a more attractive entry price (from €34,450) and is more efficient for day to day driving returning up to a quoted 58mpg.
On the road, the Skoda Octavia RS TDI is no mistaking a diesel, with a familiar diesel rumble, albeit a sportier one. There is also enhanced noise fed into the cabin. It’s easy to get a bit of roar when just cruising around town so the Octavia never feels just ordinary.
380Nm of torque means acceleration is always brisk, and the Skoda Octavia RS will hit 100kmh from a stop in 7.9 seconds. The Octavia RS TDI is available with a manual or DSG automatic gearbox, and 4x4 is also available. The DSG gearbox gives it a ‘grip and go’ feel, but is a tad hesitant.
On the road in the hot Skoda
The Octavia RS has a lowered sports suspension and the steering allows you to take a tight line through corners. It doesn’t feel as light on its feet as hot hatchbacks like the Peugeot 308GTi and Volkswagen Golf GTI. There’s a bit more lean of body weight in the corners. But the enhanced feeling of grip and feedback reaching the rim means that the driver is never any way in doubt about who is in control. There’s a firm edge to the suspension damping but it never slips into uncomfortable territory.
While there are many desirable hot hatchbacks in this segment, with both Ford and Volkswagen offering diesel variants of popular hot hatches like the Golf GTI and Focus ST, neither could compete with the Skoda Octavia RS on space. The boot is infinitely practical at 590 litres and three will fit comfortably in the rear with large footwells.
The Octavia RS TDI is well priced, comes with lots of equipment and follows the Skoda tradition of being more spacious than any rival. This car has presence and you can’t argue with the additional economy that the diesel offers in day to day driving. The Octavia RS TDI will never feel as racy as a purebred petrol hot hatchback. But it’s a great option if you need a diesel car, but want to be thrilled behind the wheel too!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Skoda Octavia RS 2.0TDI DSG
Price: €36,795 (RS range from €34,450)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 184hp
Torque: 380Nm
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 232km/h
Economy: 58mpg
CO2 emissions: 129g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year