Skoda
Skoda has gone from being the butt of many a joke aimed at Eastern Bloc cars to a shining star in the Volkswagen Group stable of brands. Its latest tagline,
‘Simply Clever’ could as easily be applied to its marketing, pricing and positioning as it could its range of well-judged cars. Models like the Fabia, Octavia and Superb are already very much part of the Irish scene and it’s about to get very serious about SUVs, starting with the seven-seat Kodiaq.
RChoiceecommended Editor’s Skoda Kodiaq
Without question one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars of 2017, the Kodiaq is Skoda’s fi rst large SUV and will be available in both fi ve- and seven-seat confi gurations. Add to that some sharp lines and a choice of specifi cations to suit many needs, not to mention competitive pricing, and the Kodiaq is right up there as one of the most interesting SUVs on the market. Inside is perhaps the best cabin that Skoda has ever put into one of its cars with regards to both aesthetics and build quality. Another highlight is the huge 720-litre boot
capacity on fi ve-seat models, though this will be smaller in the seven-seat version if the third-row seating is in use, obviously. Numerous engine and transmission options will be available though most Irish buyers will be drawn to the diesel models with their low fuel consumption and tax-friendly emissions. If, like most, you are unlikely to venture off -road then the front-wheel drive Kodiaq will be the ideal choice, and this also helps reduce running costs. Don’t discount the 1.4-litre TSI petrol model, however, especially if you fi nd that you only make shorter journeys.
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Citigo Ambition 75hp fi ve-door
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Kodiaq Style 2.0 TDI DSG
RChoiceecommended Editor’s Skoda Citigo
The smallest Skoda you can currently but, the Citigo is part of a trio of cars sharing the same chassis, engines and, for the most part, design. Buyers can choose between three- and fi ve-door body styles, but the latter is much more practical and proportionally looks a little smarter. Either model features the same 251 litres of boot space. For its size, the Citigo behaves like a bigger car with respect to its compliant ride and a general feeling of solidity on the road. Often cars in this segment can feel little more than a metal box on wheels; the Citigo doesn’t. Two versions of a three- cylinder petrol engine are available, but we’d recommend the more powerful 75hp unit. It gives the little Skoda a brisker pace and thus makes it that bit more fun to drive.
92 Auto Ireland Guide to New Cars 2017 AUTO IRELAND AND HARMONIA ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY VARIATIONS.
Skoda Rapid
At fi rst glance, you would be forgiven for mistaking the Rapid for the more popular and larger Octavia. Both share a similar silhouette, though the Rapid is a little bit smaller. And should the saloon body shape (it’s actually a hatchback shaped like a saloon boot) not appeal, there is the Rapid Spaceback, a more conventional hatchback version that still provides the same degree of passenger space with a reasonably sized boot. In addition to being smaller, the Rapid is lighter too, and this is noticeable when driving. The 1.2-litre TSI in its more powerful 110hp guise is the best engine choice in either body type. While it might not be as frugal as the diesel engines available, the Rapid doesn’t have much sound insulation to drown out that noisier diesel. Likewise, it’s not the most refi ned car on the road.
Looking for car fi nance? Visit
www.firstcitizen.ie for details
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Rapid Spaceback Style 1.2 TSI
Skoda
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