Five Star Performance: ŠKODA tops the trophy haul in the 2019 DieselCar and EcoCar awards

ŠKODA has recorded a remarkable sweep of titles at the annual Diesel Car and Eco Car Awards. The brand was named as the best in class in no fewer than five categories and drove off with more silverware than any other brand. Four ŠKODA models also appeared in Diesel and Eco Car’s annual Top 50, with the Kodiaq and Superb both in the top 10.

Leading the charge for ŠKODA was the Superb, which won both the Best Large Car and Best Large Estate Car categories. The judging panel praised the Superb’s exceptional practicality and engine refinement, with Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of DieselCar & EcoCar Magazine adding: “The Skoda Superb continues to offer customers more car for their money. Passengers simply won’t believe the space on offer, with limousine-like rear legroom ensuring every journey is a comfortable one. The Superb hatchback wins the prize for best large car, while the estate grabs the accolade for best estate car thanks to its huge 660-litre boot that opens up to a massive 1,950 litres.”

The Octavia also recorded a brace of category wins, taking home the Best Medium Estate Car and the Best Hot Hatch award for the vRS. “Showing off its all-round ability, the Octavia is our top medium estate car for 2019, as well as being out favourite hot hatch in vRS guise.” commented Ian Roberston. “Front and back seat passengers have masses of space and its 590-litre boot is bigger than most models from the next class up. The Estate offers class-leading space and the vRS is fast and agile without attracting any unwanted attention. There’s even a 4x4 version for extra reassurance.”

Completing ŠKODA’s collection of awards was the Kodiaq, which saw off tough competition to be named Best Large SUV. Despite costing much less than many of its class competitors, the Kodiaq wowed the judging panel with its attention to detail and broad range of drivetrain options. Explaining why the Kodiaq was unbeatable in 2019, Ian Robertson said: “ŠKODA’s first full-size SUV offers masses of passenger and cargo space in a neat package that’s good to drive and full of ‘surprise and delight’ features like pop-out door protectors. There’s even a potent vRS model with a 237bhp diesel engine, but most will find better value lower down the model range, with the SE L trim offering all the kit most families will ever need.”

In addition to driving off with five category titles, ŠKODA models also featured strongly in the annual Diesel Car and Eco Car Top 50 - a key list of the very best models on the market. The Kodiaq finished in fifth position, while the Superb was ninth. The Karoq and Octavia were also named in the Top 50, highlighting ŠKODA’s strength in depth in the new car market.