ŠKODA starts its 2020 trophy hunt with a haul of What Car? awards
ŠKODA has started a new decade with a remarkable haul of What Car? awards. In what is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential annual award ceremonies in the industry, the brand took home two outright category titles along with six price point wins.
The new Scala was the first victor, taking the prestigious Best Family Car award. Launched last year, the Scala saw off fierce competition to be named as the best in the sector. Commenting on the Scala’s triumph, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said: “The Scala is the latest in a long line of hugely impressive cars from ŠKODA, with its main strengths lying in its comfort and interior space. It is a remarkably complete car for the money.”
While the Scala picked up its first What Car? award, the Superb recorded a remarkable fifth title in succession with a comfortable victory in the Estate Car category. The ultra-impressive Superb proved to be unbeatable once more. “The Superb estate beats every other rival, regardless of price, for cargo capacity, while its rear seats are spacious enough for even those well over 6ft tall to sit back in comfort.” commented Steve Huntingford, adding: “The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine effortlessly manages motorway miles and B-road overtakes alike, while the Superb's suspension allows it to waft along on all roads, isolating you from bumps as if they weren't there.”
Along with its two outright category wins, ŠKODA models also drove off with no fewer than six price point titles – the most the brand has ever won. Leading the charge was the Fabia hatch, which was named as the best buy in the £14,000 - £16,000 price range. The Fabia Estate was also named as the Best Estate car for less than £20,000, repeating its achievement of 2019. Explaining the Fabia’s appeal, Steve Huntingford said: “It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the Fabia wins its price point this year. That’s because it’s an absolute bargain, netting buyers a lot of car for very little money.”
The new Kamiq was another ŠKODA newcomer named as the best in its price sector, seeing off tough competition to be named best SUV for less than £20,000. Although it only joined the ŠKODA range last November, the Kamiq has already caused a stir in its sector. Recognising its remarkable abilities, Steve Huntingford commented: “The first thing you'll notice in the Kamiq is space – and lots of it. That's not the only string to this ŠKODA’s very talented bow, because it's interior quality also impresses, with more squishy plastics than most of its rivals and a solid feel.”
Not to be outdone by its newest SUV sibling, the Karoq was named best car in the next price category, winning the £20,000 - £30,000 SUV title. “The Karoq offers a more cosseting ride than most family SUVs, whether you’re eating up the motorway miles or cruising over give-and-take town roads.” Commented Steve Huntingford. “You get plenty of space both front and rear in its high-quality interior, and the boot is easily big enough for a family holiday.” He added.
Completing an exceptional night for ŠKODA, the recently updated Superb won a further two price point awards. The all-new Superb iV SE Technology – ŠKODA’s first ever electrified model – was named as the best plug-in hybrid car for less than £35,000, while the hatch won Best Executive Car for less than £30,000. Commenting on the Superb iV’s award, Steve Huntingford said: “There's so much to like about the new plug-in hybrid version of the Superb. Its smooth zero-emissions running will help you to relax behind the wheel, while its 215bhp output is enough for brisk acceleration when needed.”