skoda RChoiceecommended Editor’s


Skoda Fabia


With the advent of the Kamiq and Karoq crossover/SUVs, and the upmarket Scala hatchback, things might look a little bleak for the Skoda Fabia Mk3 – which launched in 2014 and which was treated to the most modest of facelifts and tech updates in 2018. But the Fabia’s most endearing quality is its simple, no-nonsense approach to supermini-dom. There are two body styles, the regular hatch or the Combi estate (this latter vehicle being a rare B-segment wagon these days), and just one 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Have it without a turbo bolted onto it and it’s badged MPI, churning out either 60- or 75hp. Treat yourself, though, and have a turbocharged TSI, which means outputs leap to 95- or 115hp. All cars get a fi ve-speed manual, bar the 115hp TSI, which has a six-speed unit or a seven-speed DSG auto as an option. And all cars are profi cient, likeable and downright excellent.


OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Scala 1.0 TSI Ambition


OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Kamiq 1.0 TSI 115 Style


OUR PICK OF THE RANGE Fabia Combi 1.0 TSI 95 Monte Carlo


RChoiceecommended Editor’s


Skoda Scala


The Scala name is a new addition to the Skoda range, and this model fi nds itself in an unusual position of being sandwiched between the Fabia hatchback and the best-selling Octavia. It is an alternative to the more price-oriented C-segment models like the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed, though it could equally give a headache to the cheaper versions of the Ford Focus. At 467 litres, it can claim to have one of the largest boots in the segment, although it only comes as a fi ve-door hatchback. A relatively low overall weight benefi ts its range of 1.0- to 1.5-litre engines, with all versions feeling adequately brisk. Skoda provides its usual accompaniment of ‘simply clever’ features, like an ice scraper in the fuel cap cover, but it is more serious about its in-car tech. USB-C charge ports, the option of a 10.25-inch digital dash and infotainment systems that range in size from 6.5- to 9.2-inches with built-in data connections rank among the highlights.


Skoda Kamiq


The smallest of Skoda’s triumvirate of SUVs, the Kamiq, is a recent arrival in Ireland and it packs a decent bang for your buck when you consider its size, space, equipment and price. It does skirt curiously close to the Scala in Skoda’s line-up, though the Kamiq has crossover-based styling. Don’t expect too much in the area of off -roading though as it only comes with front-wheel drive transmissions and the ground clearance isn’t especially high. Then again, most people buying compact crossovers probably do little more than mount the occasional footpath. The Kamiq drives well, with light steering and a smooth manual gearbox. The dual-clutch automatic transmission is available with all engines bar the entry-grade 95hp version. Whichever engine you choose they all fall under the same annual motor tax band due to their respectably low emissions, and Skoda off ers three equipment grades. Our advice would be to stick with the smaller engine and spend more on a higher specifi cation.


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