The 2017 Auto Trader New Car Awards was held with the Jaguar XF taking the Car of the year.

• 10,000 car buyers have their say on the UK’s best new cars
• Jaguar XF takes New Car of the year Award
• Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Skoda scoop two awards each

Auto Trader, the UK’s largest marketplace for new and used cars, launched the inaugural Auto Trader New Car Awards in London yesterday, unveiling 10 new cars which can truly be described as consumer car champions.

Ditching the traditional ‘expert panel of judges’ and replacing them with 10,000 genuine car owners, the Auto Trader New Car Awards relies on the honest opinions of consumers who have bought, driven and lived with their new vehicles, giving them an ultimate authority in shortlisting the UK’s most highly-recommended new cars.

The car owners that powered the Awards were asked about the criteria that governs each of Auto Trader’s editorial reviews, which covers car ownership and driving aspects such as: running costs, handling, reliability, practicality, performance, equipment, interior and safety.

And it’s not just the judging process that has had a refreshing revamp. The Auto Trader New Car Awards celebrates the cars that champion the specific and current drivers for car purchasing, covering areas such as family life, city driving, buying your very first car or just opting for something a little greener.

Auto Trader research reveals that almost half (45%) of car buyers claim they don’t know what the traditional car type categories mean (e.g. SUV). And a third are open to buying new or used car, so providing guidance for consumers is key to helping in their decision making.

Auto Trader Cars Editor, Andy Pringle, said: “the aim of Auto Trader’s New Car Awards was to make car awards simpler and easier to understand for car buyers, but also to put the power in the hands of the consumer, providing an accurate reflection of the cars that are true consumer champions.”

The winners of the Auto Trader New Car Awards are:

1. Best car for families - Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2. Best car for city drivers - Mini Hatch
3. Best value new car - Skoda Yeti
4. Best car for long distances - Mercedes-Benz C-Class
5. Most fun car to drive - Audi TT
6. Best car for new drivers - Ford Fiesta
7. Car brand with best features - Volvo
8. Green Car of the Year - Volvo XC90 Hybrid
9. Best car launched in the last year - Skoda Kodiaq
10. New Car of the Year - Jaguar XF

Pringle, adds: “our New Car of the Year award winner, the Jaguar XF, deserves special recognition, as it came out on top scoring highly in categories such as comfort, safety, power, and good features and accessories.”

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: "We're extremely proud of any award for our products, but this latest Auto Trader Car of the Year title for the Jaguar XF is a real highlight. Voted for by 10,000 members of the UK car-buying public, it's a clear indication that we're producing cars that speak to everything modern drivers are looking for. That was always our target with the XF – we wanted it to be capable of everything without compromise; stylish, dynamic, luxurious, comfortable and affordable to run. I'm extremely pleased to see that car-buyers agree we've succeeded."

The Auto Trader New Car Awards follows the addition of over 6,000 brand new ‘virtual’ cars now available on Auto Trader. As well as the new car reviews and rich media content the marketplace, consumers can now choose a brand new car and order it from a local franchise dealer.

The latest Skoda Kodiaq SE Technology comes with more it, better tech and more efficient.

• Kodiaq SE Technology from £26,860 to £28,345 for 5 seat versions and £27,860 to £29,345 for 7 seat versions.
• Competitive Whole Life Costs for fleets and low running costs for drivers
• Innovative technology as standard to keep business connected on the move
• Available with a 2.0-litre diesel 150PS engine and choice of front and four-wheel drive and manual or DSG gearboxes.

ŠKODA launches specially configured Kodiaq SE Technology for business customers. Combining sleek design, ample interior space and simply clever innovations ensures the latest addition to the Kodiaq range is an ideal companion for business users.

A highly competitive vehicle, the Kodiaq SE Technology 2.0-litre TDI 150PS DSG offers the perfect rational and emotive balance for corporate fleets, small businesses and company car drivers. Emitting 131 g/km of CO2, the Kodiaq has a P11d value of just £26,860 and BIK of 28%. In addition, the Kodiaq boasts low VED rates, SMR costs and greater fuel efficiency than its leading competitors keeping Whole Life Costs low for the duration of ownership.

SE Technology includes a host of innovative tech as standard to support business on the move. ŠKODA Connect turns the Kodiaq into a fully connected vehicle with Infotainment Online providing satellite navigation, traffic reports and calendar updates. Drivers can instantly sync contacts from their phone to the car, which can be accessed via steering wheel controls or voice activation for a safer way to make calls on the road.

As an option for fleets regularly undergoing long distances, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can be added to assist the driver in maintaining the selected speed and desired gap between the ŠKODA Kodiaq and the car in front.

The versatile Kodiaq is available in both five and seven seat variants, and boasts one of the largest load spaces in its class - perfect whether transporting goods or passengers. Kodiaq features 720/630/270 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 2,065/2,005 litres with the seats down in the five and seven seat models, respectively. The SE Technology model also comes with front and rear parking sensors as standard. Further equipment, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, can detect dangerous situations involving pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car, and can automatically apply the brakes

Henry Williams, ŠKODA Head of Fleet, comments: “We’re already seeing excellent growth in fleet channels, and the Kodiaq is an important addition to our fleet model range for 2017. The overwhelming interest we have had in Kodiaq proves the car’s mix of smart tech, safety kit and sleek design is appealing and combined with competitive Whole Life Costs, makes it the perfect fit for business.”

The latest round of Euro NCAP results cover four cars which gain four or five stars.

Today, Euro NCAP releases the results of four new cars.  The MINI Countryman and Škoda Kodiaq are both awarded a five-star rating.  

Nissan’s new Micra gets four stars with standard equipment and five stars with the optional safety pack (1).  The Suzuki Swift is rated as three stars as standard and four stars with the optional safety equipment.

All cars reach the five star levels for adult occupant protection, child protection and pedestrian protection.  The differences come in the fitment of advanced driver assistance systems.  

The Škoda Kodiaq is equipped as standard with an AEB system that detects pedestrians as well as other cars.  The Kodiaq’s five-star rating continues Škoda’s recent good form: all recently tested Škodas have been rated as five stars. 

The MINI has AEB car-to-car as standard and pedestrian detection as an option.  Nissan put AEB pedestrian and lane assistance in the option pack (‘Euro NCAP 5* Pack’) of the Micra, nudging the four-star rating with standard equipment into five-star territory with the option pack fitted.  

Only the Suzuki Swift does not offer AEB pedestrian, with AEB car-to-car in its ‘Radar Brake Support’ option pack.

Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, “Euro NCAP started rewarding AEB pedestrian systems last year and we have seen a rapid uptake of the technology.   

We hope to see as fast an adoption of AEB systems that detect cyclists when tests of those systems form part of the rating next year.  

For twenty years, Euro NCAP has been pushing manufacturers to fit new and better safety technologies: originally, such things as airbags and pre-tensioners and, nowadays, advanced driver assistance systems that will form the building blocks for the automated vehicles of tomorrow.”

Skoda celebrates with four awards at the recently announced DieselCar Top 50 cars

• ŠKODA models scoop four category titles in the 2017 DieselCar Top 50
• Kodiaq named Best Large SUV, while Superb named Best Large Car and Best Large Estate 
• Recently facelifted Octavia also awarded Best Medium Estate title
• Judges praise ŠKODA’s value, practicality and high quality

ŠKODA has emerged with one of its biggest haul of industry accolades in DieselCar Magazine’s annual Top 50 awards. The respected automotive title named the Kodiaq, Superb and Octavia as the best in their respective categories in its 2017 list of the best diesel cars currently on sale.

The highest placed model in the DieselCar Top 50 was the Kodiaq, which finished fifth overall and took the Best Large SUV title. Commenting on the Kodiaq’s award, DieselCar editor and publisher Ian Robertson said: “The Kodiaq is mighty close to being the perfect car. 

This five- and seven-seater is practical, comfortable and tough enough to revel in family life. That’s the basics covered, but get behind the wheel and you’ll also find the best interior in any ŠKODA so far, and a surprisingly rewarding driving experience. 

To top it all off, the Kodiaq offers great value for money, and ŠKODA owners rate the brand highly for customer satisfaction.”

The Superb also wowed the judging panel with its value, practicality and quality – finishing in eighth overall and easily winning both the Best Large Car and Best Large Estate titles. 

“The Superb has long been known for the incredible interior space it offers, but you can now add true desirability to its list of attributes,” said Ian Robertson. “With a sharp design both inside and out, the Superb is winning fans both in hatchback and estate guises. 

Buyers are bowled over by its value for money, impressive engines and lengthy specification list, along with the accomplished way the Superb drives. New SportLine editions add an extra dose of visual drama and desirability.”

The recently facelifted Octavia completed ŠKODA’s haul of titles, finishing in 14th overall and taking the Best Medium Estate honour. 

The judging panel praised the new model’s high equipment levels and the broad range of models available. 

Ian Robertson added: “The Octavia Estate has a boot bigger than most models from the next class up. It’s good to drive and the hot vRS model offers all the performance most of us will ever need.”

Rounding off an exceptional performance by the brand, the Yeti also made the Top 50 list - finishing in 33rd overall. The judging panel highlighted the SUV’s agile driving experience, practicality and robust residual values.

This latest round of honours adds to an impressive list of industry titles already won by ŠKODA models in 2017. These include three 2017 WhatCar? Awards, a Fleet World Award for the Superb and DieselCar Used Car title, also for the Superb.

Skoda has sold the 2 Millionth car in China, less that 3.5 years since the first million.

• Milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB Ambition with 1.4 TSI engine
• ŠKODA OCTAVIA bestseller in China with more than a million delivered units
• In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market
• China is the largest single market for the Czech car manufacturer
• Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO agree an investment plan worth €2 billion for vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs

ŠKODA has delivered its two-millionth vehicle in China. The milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB with a 1.4 TSI engine in Polar White. 

Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing, handed over the brand’s flagship to customer Li Hongan in Shanghai. China is the largest single market for the long-established Czech brand. 

In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market.

“As our largest single market, China is an important pillar of the ŠKODA growth strategy,” said Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. 

“We are delighted that our ŠKODA model range is being so well received by Chinese consumers and that we have already been able to convince two million customers of the merits of our vehicles. 

We intend to continue to press ahead with this successful development in the years to come. Our SUV campaign, which ŠKODA is now also launching in China, is expected to contribute to this,” added Eichhorn.

The development of ŠKODA in China is an unprecedented success story. The Czech manufacturer entered the Chinese market in 2007. Back then, ŠKODA began production of the OCTAVIA locally under the umbrella of SAIC Volkswagen. 

In close collaboration with the Chinese joint venture partner, China became ŠKODA’s most important single market as early as 2010. After six years and three months, it had reached the milestone of the first million vehicles sold; it took a mere three and a half years to sell the second million.

As the bestseller, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is at the top of the popularity scale. The two million vehicles sold in China included almost 1,107,000 of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, more than 305,000 ŠKODA RAPIDs, nearly 268,000 of the ŠKODA SUPERB, over 251,000 ŠKODA FABIAs and around 69,000 of the ŠKODA YETI. Today, the brand is one of the established volume manufacturers in China. A total of six ŠKODA model ranges roll off the production line in China, i.e. the FABIA, RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK, OCTAVIA, YETI and SUPERB. The KODIAQ, ŠKODA’s first large SUV, will be launched in the second quarter of 2017.

“KODIAQ represents an important step for ŠKODA in China. It is an entry of the brand into a completely new segment but it is also a start of a comprehensive SUV campaign. During this campaign ŠKODA will bring four SUVs for the Chinese market. We are very confident about this step and the first reactions show us that it is the right direction for the brand,” said Michael Arndt, Executive Director for Sales and Marketing at SAIC ŠKODA.

In 2016, ŠKODA delivered more than 300,000 vehicles in China for the first time – a record for the brand. With this, ŠKODA grew by 12.6 per cent in its largest single market compared to the previous year, clocking up sales of 317,100 vehicles (2015: 281,700 vehicles).

ŠKODA incorporates specific requirements and preferences of Chinese customers into the concept, design and features of newly developed models. With the SUV campaign, which is gathering pace with the launch of the KODIAQ, ŠKODA is transferring its expressive design into the SUV segment and emphasising the brand’s emotive power. The SUV campaign is an important pillar of the current ŠKODA strategy.

ŠKODA will further develop its position and increase its presence in the Chinese market in the future. During the state visit of the Chinese president Xi Jinping to the Czech Republic on 30th March 2016, Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO signed a memorandum of understanding concerning a five-year investment plan worth €2 billion. The objective is to expand the current model range, for example by adding vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs.

Skoda to give the global debut to the new Kodiaq Scout at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

• Premiere in March 2017 at the Geneva International Motor Show
• Model-specific front and rear sections as well as 19-inch wheels
• Specific equipment features accentuate robust character
• Four engines available ranging from 150 PS to 190 PS
• Infotainment and assistance systems set benchmarks within the SUV segment
• Travels safely off-road with all-wheel drive as standard

ŠKODA continues its campaign in the SUV segment. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT, the Czech car manufacturer will present a model variant at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 19 March 2017) that exerts its off-road capabilities both visually and in terms of technology. 

The rugged and robust appearance is accentuated by silver-coloured design details including distinctive underbody protection at the front and rear. 

The 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also contribute to its powerful appearance. A choice of two petrol and two diesel engines is available for the new model variant, which comes with all-wheel drive in all versions.

With a length of 4.70 m, up to seven seats as well as the largest interior and boot within its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has celebrated a debut that has attracted a lot of attention. 

The design reflects the brand’s design identity and represents a good combination of emotiveness and rationality. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT model variant clearly underlines robustness and strength with its distinct design features.

Design – silver as a reflection of its powerful character

Besides the underbody protection, the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is recognisable from the outside by the tinted rear window and rear side windows and silver-coloured details, creating a robust impression and highlighting the powerful character of the Czech manufacturer’s new large SUV.

The radiator grille is framed by a silver-coloured trim. The roof rails, housing of the wing mirror, the side window trims as well as the front and rear underbody protection, which is positioned beneath the bumpers and visually split into three parts, are also silver in colour.

The side view of each of the ŠKODA KODIAQ models is characterised by short overhangs, their sloping roofline that is visually extended by a line in the D-pillar, and the tapered rear. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is also fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for this model variant. Furthermore, it bears a small badge with the model designation on the front wing and the glove compartment.

Equipment

The equipment and interior design are also tailored to the robust character. They are based on the SE trim level. 

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT comes with Off-Road Assist, a Rough-Road package with underbody and engine protection as well as a front and rear Park Assist. The generous array of standard equipment includes Driving Mode Select (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow), which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Snow mode adjusts the ABS, ASR, ACC (where present) systems and the engine management to the specific conditions of the snow-covered or slippery road.

Standard equipment in the interior includes a multifunction steering wheel, LED ambient lighting in ten colours, a Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with eight speakers, Alcantara-covered seats with the KODIAQ logo, door trims in the Alcantara design, steel pedals, textile floor mats and the KODIAQ logo in the front door sills.

Range of engines

There is a choice of two petrol and diesel engines:

• 1.4 TSI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds, combined consumption 41.5 mpg, 153 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TSI 180-PS 4×4, top speed 128 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds, combined consumption 38.7 mpg, 168 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds, combined consumption 53.3 mpg, 139 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 190-PS 4×4, top speed 130 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds, combined consumption 49.6 mpg, 150 g CO₂/km

All-wheel drive

The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is located directly in front of the rear differential, i.e. at the end of the drive shaft, for optimal distribution of the load on the axles. The all-wheel-drive system works quickly and intelligently, its control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. 

Loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. In normal driving conditions, especially with a light load and when coasting, the multi-plate clutch transfers the engine power in an efficient way mainly to the front wheels.

Off-road capabilities

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also feels at home on off-road terrain. With a ground clearance of 194 mm, it can even negotiate larger bumps with ease. 

It has a ramp angle of 19.7 degrees; the approach and departure angles are an impressive 22.0 and 23.1 degrees due to the short overhangs. In addition, the Rough-Road package, which comes as standard, protects against damage to the underbody, engine, brake and fuel lines as well as cables. 

When the road ends, the driver can select off-road mode simply by pressing a button. The optional DCC shock absorbers change their mode of operation accordingly; the throttle response is somewhat slower. The ABS anti-lock braking system permits a certain amount of slip in order to create a wedge effect in front of the wheels. 

In order to improve traction in off-road mode, ASR allows a greater amount of slip, and electronic differential lock (EDL) reacts more quickly. When required, the Hill-Hold Control and Hill-Descent Control functions are activated – the latter maintains the car’s speed at the level at which the driver enters the slope.

Driver assistance systems

With their wide range of driver assistance systems, all variants of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set benchmarks within their segment. New functions include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot, and Rear Traffic Alert, which monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring etc. 

The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts of the front seats, works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected. 

The Area-View system is also a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle to be displayed on the monitor. 

These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree images from the areas to the front and rear. This makes it easier to drive in confusing situations or on rough terrain.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new large SUV. The capacitive touch displays feature a glass design (except for the standard Swing sound system). 

The top-of-the-range version, the Columbus navigation system, has a 9.2-inch monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module. The automatic Emergency Call function comes as standard. The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the perfect addition for the state-of-the-art infotainment system. 

They set new benchmarks in terms of navigation, information, entertainment and assistance, and can even be configured using your home computer or via the app.

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT will make its debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. 

The world-renowned motor show is open to the public from 9th to 19th March 2017. ŠKODA will present the new model variant of the large SUV and numerous other novelties in hall 2 on the first floor of the Palexpo Exhibition Centre.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Skoda takes three and another three price point wins, not bad going !

• Kodiaq, Fabia Hatchback and Superb Estate all take category titles
• All-new Kodiaq wins Best Large SUV for 2017
• Fabia takes Small Car title for the third consecutive year
• Superb wins back-to-back Estate car honours
• Price Point wins for Citigo, Fabia Estate and Superb
• Judges praise value for money, design and practicality

ŠKODA has kicked off 2017 with another remarkable haul of titles at the annual What Car? Awards. The all-new Kodiaq, Fabia Hatchback and Superb Estate all won their categories at the ceremony widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the automotive world.

As in previous years, the event was attended by some of the biggest names in the industry. And, once again, it was ŠKODA that provided the biggest cheers of the night. The all-new Kodiaq headlined ŠKODA’s triple crown of awards, driving off with the coveted Best Large SUV 2017.

Commenting on the award, Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, said: “We had high expectations for the Czech brand’s first large SUV, and the Kodiaq doesn’t disappoint. 

Our favourite model costs a little more than £28,000, and for that you get seven seats, four-wheel drive, a punchy 148bhp diesel engine and generous equipment levels. It’s simply a brilliant large SUV.”

Not to be outdone by the newest member of the ŠKODA family, the Fabia Hatchback continued its remarkable run of awards by clinching Best Small Car 2017. Crowned overall Car of the Year in 2015, the Fabia has retained its Best Small Car title for three years in a row – confirming it as one of the most complete superminis on the market.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen plenty of new small cars come and go, but the Fabia still sits at the top of the pile.” said Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor. “The Fabia not only feels agile and easy to drive in town, but is also more comfortable and refined at motorway speeds than many larger cars.Its solidly built interior and impressive array of safety kit just set it further apart from rivals. Throw in its interior features and outstanding practicality, and it’s a clear winner.”

Completing ŠKODA’s collection of 2017 titles was the Superb Estate, which took top honours in the Estate Car category. Like the Fabia, the Superb retained its crown – comfortably seeing off stiff competition.

Explaining the judge’s decision, Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor said: “ŠKODA really has taken a lead in this class; the Superb retains the crown it won last year, and the Fabia isn’t far behind it. Practicality, performance, space, comfort and affordability are king here, and no car mixes all these things as phenomenally well as the Superb.”

ŠKODA was also awarded three price point wins on the night, with the Citigo winning best City Car for £8,000-£10,000, Fabia Estate named best Estate Car for less than £18,000 and the Superb gaining an award for best Executive Car for under £25,000.