CompleteCar

Skoda testers' notes

The latest Skoda cars being tested by the CompleteCar.ie team.

Neil has the plug-in-hybrid Skoda Superb on test this week - and it's not an estate View gallery (7)

Neil has the plug-in-hybrid Skoda Superb on test this week - and it's not an estate

Is this the last chance to buy a Skoda Superb? It might be, if rumours about Skoda’s future model plans are true. In the meantime, Neil is trying out one you couldn’t buy before — the Superb Sportline saloon (OK, big hatch) with the 204hp plug-in-hybrid system. It’s smooth, relaxing, beautifully made and “impersonating a BMW” according to one person who commented on it this week. Pricey, mind, so maybe like a BMW in the wrong way.

Our 16-min video and 4,240-word review of the Skoda Peaq EV will be of interest to Irish owners of the Skoda Kodiaq

Our 16-min video and 4,240-word review of the Skoda Peaq EV will be of interest to Irish owners of the Skoda Kodiaq

In the first week of September, Matt attended the international media launch of the Skoda Peaq SUV, the firm’s first electric seven-seater. He drove it on a variety of roads – mostly mountainous – on the Austria-Germany border and came back mightily impressed. His detailed 4,240-word written review and 16-minute video went live on Sunday night once the embargo lifted and they’re well worth a read and a watch if you’re in the market for a big, practical and comfortable family EV. We suspect there will be thousands of existing Irish owners of the Skoda Kodiaq checking it out.

We’re also driving the Skoda Epiq…

We’re also driving the Skoda Epiq…

Matt's trip to picturesque Austria also included a drive in the new Skoda Epiq EV, the smallest of the company's four electric SUVs and a vehicle related to the Cupra Raval. There's a short embargo on driving impressions, so tune in on September 13 to find out what he thinks of this important new car for Skoda.

We’re driving the Skoda Peaq

We’re driving the Skoda Peaq

Matt's out in Austria driving the new Skoda Peaq, the Czech manufacturer's new seven-seat EV. Driving impressions are embargoed until later in September, but he thinks the angular looks of the car are smart, especially in eye-catching Race Blue paint.

Has everyone forgotten the Skoda Kamiq exists?

Has everyone forgotten the Skoda Kamiq exists?

It has been a long while since we've driven an example of the Skoda Kamiq, so the addition of a new trim level gave Shane an excuse to revisit the smallest SUV the company makes. It's not actually that small, and it's well capable of being used on the motorway, even if it is a little loud. Somewhat surprisingly, it drives better than the Skoda Scala hatchback, and it has a big boot and decent quality throughout. Some buyers still want such simplicity - this is petrol-powered and has a manual gearbox. It's the car the new Epiq EV is set to compete with for buyer attention.

Skoda Enyaq as good as ever but we're not sure about the RS model... View gallery (6)

Skoda Enyaq as good as ever but we're not sure about the RS model...

Shane has the Skoda Enyaq EV on test in RS specification. It's of high quality, has great seats and isn't slow, but it really is not an engaging RS in the way Skoda RS models used to be. Call us old-fashioned, but this is hardly any more appealing than a Sportline and less efficient than every other variant in the range. We'd rather see a luxurious Laurin & Klement model topping the lineup instead and leave the RS badge for properly sporty cars. Lovely green paint colour though...

Plug-in-hybrid version of the Skoda Superb hatch on test

Plug-in-hybrid version of the Skoda Superb hatch on test

Dave is spending some time putting the Skoda Superb iV through its paces this week. The hatchback is now available as a plug-in hybrid with a useful range, and Dave has done the vast majority of his driving in the car using only electric power. Should more people be considering PHEVs as an alternative to conventional hybrids or EVs?