Skoda

Skoda’s passenger cars are manufactured in three facilities in its home of the Czech Republic, as well as around the globe in countries like its five production lines in China, as well as India, Egypt, Ukraine, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and Russia.

Here in Australia, Skoda’s most popular models are predominantly made up of its compact SUV, the Skoda Kamiq, its mid-size SUV, the Skoda Karoq and its large SUV package, the Skoda Kodiaq. Other popular Skoda models include the Superb and Superb Wagon, Fabia hatch, Octavia and Octavia Wagon and the Scala.

Under increasing quality control measures from its parent-company, the Volkswagen Group, Skoda’s modern car lineup is believed to match its major car brand rivals, and is generally perceived as a reliable car brand. According to a recent dependability survey from The Telegraph, Skoda reported strong reliability scores of 66 problems per 100 vehicles, which was significantly less than the industry average of that same year which stood at 114 problems per 100 vehicles. As a result, Skoda is deserving of a strong reputation when it comes to reliability compared to other car brands.

Skoda’s most affordable model here in Australia, the Scala 85TSI Ambition returns impressive fuel economy figures of 5.3L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the Kamiq 85TSI compact SUV returns fuel economy figures of 5.0L per 100km. The Octavia 110TSI sedan is rated at 5.7L per 100km, while the Scala 110TSI is rated at 5.5L per 100km. The Skoda Kamiq 110TSI returns fuel economy figures of 5.6L per 100km, while the larger Kodiaq Style is rated at 8.2L/100km, and the Octavia RS returns fuel economy figures of 6.8L per 100km on a combined cycle.

Here in Australia, prices for Skoda’s car lineup start from $33,490 for the entry-level Scala 85TSI, while the Scala 110TSI Signature is priced at $41,490. The price range for Skoda’s Kamiq compact SUV starts from $37,990 for the entry-level 85TSI, while the Kamiq 110TSI Monte Carlo is priced at $42,490 and the Kamiq 110TSI Signature is priced at $43,490. The Octavia is priced between $42,490 for the entry-level Octavia 110TSI Style, while the sporty Octavia RS is priced at $55,990 for the sedan and $57,490 for the wagon. The Skoda Superb is priced from $56,990 for the 162TSI Sedan and $58,990 for the Superb 162TSI Wagon and up to $70,990 for the Superb 206TSI SportLine. The Skoda Kodiaq large SUV is priced at $59,990 for the Kodiaq Sportline while the most expensive Skoda, the Kodiaq RS is priced at $74,990.

Skoda’s cars receive a generous amount of active safety features as standard, including features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control systems, forward and rear-mounted parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure alerts with lane-keep assistance, predictive cruise control, front and side assist, and traffic jam assist. Higher-spec Skoda cars receive safety features like surround-view monitors that keep an eye on blind spots.

Skoda offers a range of predominantly turbocharged four-cylinder engines for models like the Superb, Karoq, and the Octavia, while it also offers a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine in the Scala, the Kamiq and the Fabia. The Octavia receives a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylidner as standard, while the Kamiq is available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, and the Karoq is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder egine.

Skoda offers one of the most generous warranty programs here in Australia for a European vehicle, with a warranty covering seven-years and an unlimited number of kilometres. With each vehicle, Skoda includes its seven-year, unlimited KM warranty, as well as a seven year warranty for its engine starting batteries, 12-months of Skoda roadside assistance, a three-year paint warranty, 12-year corrosion warranty and a 24-month warranty for its parts and accessories.

As a standalone brand, Skoda’s technology packages and innovation within the automotive world largely trickle down for its parent company, Volkswagen, who has a very impressive reputation for technology and innovation. Standard infotainment systems, for example, start typically from 8.0-inch displays and grow to 12.3-inch units in its more premium variants, while its safety technology equipment lists are very impressive for the money.