ŠKODA takes seven titles at the 2021 What Car? Awards

ŠKODA has continued its remarkable run of success in the annual What Car? Awards by winning two categories outright and being named Best Buy in five key new car sectors. The haul of seven awards makes 2021 one of ŠKODA’s most successful years at what is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the automotive world.

Leading ŠKODA’s silverware charge was the brand’s latest arrival, the new Octavia iV, which was named Plug-in Hybrid of the Year 2021. The exceptionally talented newcomer wowed the What Car? judging panel with its value and unrivalled practicality. Commenting on the win, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said: “The iV's official 282.5mpg shows what’s possible if you do lots of short journeys, while CO2 emissions of 31g/km drop it into the exceptionally low 6% company car tax bracket. Crucially, though, you still get all the usual Octavia Estate strengths, including a comfortable ride, loads of standard equipment and a boot that's big enough to build a barn in.”

While the Octavia took the plug-in award for the first time, the Superb Estate recorded an incredible sixth successive win in the Estate Car category. The Superb has now won the title every year since 2016 and shows no sign of losing its appeal with both the What Car? judges and British buyers. “The Superb Estate is the most complete wagon you’ll find, offering a smooth and reassuring drive, an enormous boot and the sort of rear space usually reserved for cars that are chauffeur driven.” commented Steve Huntingford. “The fact that it's incredibly well priced is merely the icing on the cake.”

In addition to claiming two outright category wins, ŠKODA was also named as Best Buy winners in no fewer than five categories. The Fabia was named Best Estate Car for value, while the Scala also impressed the judges with its high equipment levels and space - taking the Best Family Car for value accolade. Explaining why the Scala topped the field, Steve Huntingford said: “The Scala will set you back thousands less than similarly equipped rivals. What's more, it handles tidily, rides bumps smoothly and comfortably, and had an exceptionally roomy interior. It really is a car that gives you more for less.”

ŠKODA’s popular SUVs were also recognised by the What Car? judging panel with both the Kamiq and Karoq winning awards for their practicality. The Kamiq was named Best Small SUV for practicality, while its larger stablemate, the Karoq, secured the title of Best Family SUV for practicality. Commenting on the double win for ŠKODA’s SUVs, Steve Huntingford said: “The Kamiq is exactly what many buyers of small SUVs will be looking for, while the Karoq is good to drive with a comfortable ride and surefooted handling.”

Completing ŠKODA’s remarkable haul of titles was the Superb, which was named Best Executive Car for value. The judging panel were impressed with the Superb’s comfort levels and practicality and singled-out the 1.5 TSI 150PS engine as its powertrain of choice. “The Superb is well equipped, comfy and oh so roomy in the front, back and boot.” commented Steve Huntingford. “The Superb sets the standard among cars at its price point and challenges many that cost an awful lot more.”