Skoda has earned a reputation as a top-performing automobile manufacturer with a track record of success that speaks for itself, with its affordable yet feature-packed cars that are popular all around the world.
This renowned Czech car brand has been around longer than your great-grandma’s antique vase—since 1895, to be exact. Skoda’s “Simply Clever” design philosophy ensures that their cars are loaded with nifty and pragmatic features that make them among the most reliable in the market.
How it Started
Back in 1895, two intelligent Czech dudes named Václav Laurin and Václav Klement decided to start a company. From two wheels to four, this company surely knew how to keep moving forward. In 1905, the company rolled out its very first car, the exceptional Voiturette A.
Basically, bicycles were the burning passion of Laurin and Klement. One day in 1894, Klement was in a bit of a pickle with his bicycle and decided to pen a letter to the German manufacturer, Seidel & Naumann, to request some spare parts. The company’s response was as pleasant as embracing a porcupine, leaving Klement feeling a tad vexed.
He figured he’d put the pedal to the metal and start his own bicycle company, so he asked Laurin, the grease monkey, to join the ride. So, when the company first started, it was called Laurin & Klement—not a very creative name, but still reasonable.
In 1895, the company introduced its first-ever bicycle model, the Slavia, marking the beginning of a long and successful journey in the world of cycling. The Slavia was a hit, putting Laurin & Klement on the map as the top dog of Czech bicycle makers.
Stepping Into the World of Car Making
In the early 20th century, specifically in 1905, Laurin & Klement released their four-wheeled wonder, the Voiturette A. The Voiturette A was a charming little car with a 796 cc single-cylinder engine that provided just enough power to make for a romantic drive with your sweetheart. Laurin & Klement hit the gas with the Voiturette A, zooming to the front of the pack as a top car manufacturer in the Czech Republic.
In the first decade of the twentieth century, Laurin & Klement maintained its rapid expansion. Emil Skoda, a Czech industrialist, made a bold move in 1925 by purchasing the company. Skoda’s transformation into a leading car manufacturer in Europe was boosted by the company’s decision to rebrand as Skoda Auto.
In 1991, the Volkswagen Group made a strategic move by acquiring a 31% stake in Skoda. The Volkswagen Group gradually acquired more shares in Skoda over the course of a few years. By 2000, they secured complete ownership of the company, solidifying their position in the European automotive industry.
Which Skoda Should I Purchase?
Vehicle shopping might be a maze of options, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you know what each model offers and what your own needs and priorities are, the decision becomes much clearer. So, here are the most popular Skoda car models:
Fabia
For years, the Skoda Fabia has been the go-to choice for many drivers all across Europe. This small hatchback has captured the hearts of many with its sleek design and reliable performance. The new Fabia generation came in 2021 with a number of upgrades over its predecessor. These include a more attractive exterior, a roomier cabin, and additional engine options.
The Fabia is basically a genius with its innovative and practical features that make it the ultimate user-friendly car. It’s full of surprises; for example, it has a built-in ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a folding picnic table in the back seat, and a cargo area cover that doubles as a shopping bag. To top that, it also comes with a range of safety features, including airbags, ABS, and ESP.
When it comes to “value for money”, the Fabia has an affordable price and provides excellent value. The Fabia is also a great option if you want a car that is easy on your wallet at the petrol station. Its impressive fuel efficiency will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Scala
The Skoda Scala is a modern and practical hatchback that delivers excellent bang for your buck. A variety of engines are available for the Scala, ranging from a 1.0-litre to a 1.5-litre petrol turbocharged engine. You can choose to shift gears yourself with manual transmission or let the car do the work for you with the automatic transmission option.
The Scala is like a magician’s hat, packed with surprises like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a rearview camera. Furthermore, this car includes modern safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. This car is the best choice for families, commuters, and anyone who seeks a thrilling driving experience without compromising on convenience.
Octavia
Octavia has been a top pick for families and businesses alike as a reliable and versatile mid-size car for so many years. With its roomy interior, smooth ride, and an awesome array of standard features, this vehicle is sure to impress.
The Octavia offers a range of options to suit your needs, with both hatchback and waggon body styles and a choice of engines including petrol, diesel and hybrid. You can choose to have power delivered only to the front wheels or all four wheels.
This car has almost all the modern features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen infotainment system, in addition to some “Simply Clever” features, like a built-in ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and a folding picnic table in the rear seat. Talk about being prepared for any situation!
Superb
The Skoda Superb is a large, luxurious sedan/waggon that offers a combination of space, comfort, and performance. Since its debut in 2001, the Superb has been a top contender in the mid-size/large family car market. In 2015, the third generation of the Superb was introduced to the world.
The Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform is the foundation for this outstanding vehicle, which boasts a variety of fuel options, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines. This Skoda model has garnered heaps of praise for its remarkable driving experience, smooth handling, and spacious interiors. This car has quite an impressive safety record, having earned numerous safety ratings, including a coveted five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Kodiaq
If you’re looking for a spacious ride that can accommodate your entire crew, the Skoda Kodiaq is the perfect SUV for you! With room for up to 7 passengers, you’ll never have to leave anyone behind on your next adventure. From petrol to diesel and even hybrid options, there’s a wide range of engines to choose from.
The Kodiaq is a remarkable vehicle that boasts a cosy interior, a smooth ride, and an interesting variety of standard, essential features. It is also competitively priced among seven-seater SUVs. Despite its size, the Kodiaq manages to be impressively fuel-efficient.
The Kodiaq’s design is a perfect blend of toughness and elegance. With a wide stance and a sleek sloping roofline, this car exudes a sporty appearance. Step inside and be amazed! The interior of this vehicle is just as astonishing as the exterior. You’ll find abundant room for both passengers and cargo, making it the perfect choice for any adventure.
Aside from all of that, the Kodiaq is packed with impressive features that come standard, including a sleek touchscreen infotainment system, a handy rearview camera, and an exquisite panoramic sunroof. Overall, the Kodiaq makes for a smooth, serene driving experience on the open road with stable handling.
Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is like a superhero SUV, always prepared to tackle any challenge that comes its way. It was first introduced in 2017. From the regular, daily rides to weekend adventures, the Karoq has got your back with plenty of space, cutting-edge tech, and all the bells and whistles you could ask for.
The Karoq’s exterior is like a fashion model who also happens to be a venturer. It’s got a bold grille, angular wheel arches, and protective sill covers that say, “I’m ready for anything, but make it fashion.” The interior is like a TARDIS, spacious enough to fit all your companions and their luggage.
The most recent technology is also included in this magnificent SUV, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. The Karoq is not only stylish but it’s also loaded with safety features that will give you peace of mind on the road. This includes automatic emergency braking to lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Families seeking a secure and dependable SUV will find this car to be an excellent option.
Kamiq
In 2019, the Skoda Kamiq made its debut as a compact crossover SUV, boasting a chic, modern design that’s sure to turn heads. It’s easy to recognise this car thanks to its distinctive design that combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the sleekness of a hatchback. It has a wide stance, short overhangs, and a sloping roofline. The interior is also quite nicely designed, and there is plenty of room for both the passengers and their stuff.
The Kamiq is a treasure trove of features, boasting a cutting-edge touchscreen infotainment system, a handy reversing camera, and an array of driver assistance systems to make your driving experience smoother and safer. You can rest easy knowing that this vehicle has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest options out there.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the name Kamiq has a fascinating origin? It actually comes from the Inuit language and translates to “something that fits perfectly in every situation.” How inspiring is that?
While Mercedes and Audi may be the popular kids in the luxury car clique, Skoda is not to be underestimated, even though it doesn’t belong to the luxury category. From the small Fabia to the colossal Kodiaq SUV, the company’s car collection caters to all tastes and preferences.
