What Kiwis can expect from Skoda's refreshed line-up

What we like:

·         The station wagon's practicality and sporty engine make it a fierce rival to the GTI.

·         Subtle yet sporty exhaust note that you can listen to all day long.

·         Fuel efficient for its size and sporty nature.  

What we dislike:

·         Still includes haptic volume controls without any illumination.

·         Climate control settings can only be done through the infotainment screen.

·         The 10” Digital Display instrument cluster not available at launch.

The Skoda Octavia RS is a top contender if you're after a sporty family car that isn’t boring. With over 65 years of history and over seven million units sold, Skoda’s best-seller remains popular due to its unmatched style, performance, and practicality. The facelifted version we tested has even sharper looks, more tech, and better performance than its predecessor.

The RS feels like a sleeper car; it comes with the Golf GTI derived 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, kicking out 195kW, and launches the car to 100 km/h from standstill in a brisk 6.5 seconds. It’s also surprisingly fuel-efficient; we managed an impressive 5.7L/100km on our run on the Waikato expressway while cruising at 110km/h.

Skoda has worked extra hard on the driving experience. The adaptive suspension, progressive steering, and various drive modes produce a taut and responsive front-wheel drive car in the corners while ensuring a refined and comfortable experience around town. While the exhaust note is artificially piped in through the speakers, which purists might not agree with, it’s still a heavenly soundtrack to listen to on repeat.  

On the outside, the main updates include redesigned sportier bumpers, new LED Matrix headlights, renewed grille, and handsome 19” alloys as standard. Inside, the car boasts a roomy cabin with a 640L boot space that extends to 1700L with the rear seats down. You get a bright 13” infotainment system, fast charging USB-C ports, and even a ventilated wireless charging box for your phone.

The interior aesthetics have a genuine quality feel, and the sports seats are ergonomic, comfortable, and hold you in place while cornering. Skoda has used a haptic slider for volume control while climate controls are managed through the touchscreen. However, true to Skoda's design philosophy of keeping things simple, the layout is practical and easy to learn.

The Octavia range starts at $58,990 for the base model. It goes up to $67,990 for the RS and $73,990 for the RS+, which comes with alternative interior trim and a Canton sound system.

What we like:

·         It is one of the last full-sized station wagons still available.

·         Loads of space and packed with technology.

·         Skoda practicality with sporty power.

What we dislike:

·         Heavy doors make public carparks a hassle.

·         Overly sensitive parking sensors.

·         Quite a lot of torsional warp noise at a low speed.

With the decline in full-sized wagon options due to the increasing demand for SUVs, the Skoda Superb presents a refreshing choice, particularly after the Volkswagen Passat exited our market.

Now in its fourth generation, Skoda has gone for simplicity with the facelift version – only offering a 2.0-litre TSI engine paired to an all-wheel drive platform. Producing 195kW, it effortlessly hits 100km/h in 5.7 seconds while achieving a stated fuel efficiency of 8.2L/100km, which we managed to get down to 7.8L/100km during our road test on motorway and country roads.

The seven-speed DSG gearbox and progressive steering provide a smooth and refined driving experience in the city. Meanwhile, the manual mode and paddle shifters enhance enjoyment on twisting country roads. On the outside, the Superb hasn’t changed much – just a bit longer and more aerodynamic – but Skoda has wisely stuck to its winning design formula.

Inside, the focus has been on practicality and space. Moving the gear lever to the steering column frees up space in the centre console, and the cavernous boot now holds 690L (or 1920L with the rear seats folded down). Technology includes a 13" infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus functional physical buttons – no frustrating haptic nonsense here. Skoda’s clever Smart Dials add a practical touch, letting you easily toggle between functions while keeping the dashboard uncluttered.

Though some interior materials don’t quite match the premium price tag, and there’s some torsional noise at low speed, the Superb offers first-class comfort and practicality. Priced at $74,990 for the base model and a Sportline version with adaptive chassis control, black trim, LED Matrix headlights, and 19” alloys for $83,990, the Superb remains a standout option for families wanting a capable, well-rounded wagon in a declining segment.

What we like:

·         Generous amounts of interior space make it an ideal family car.

·         Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features carried over from the previous model.

·         The diesel engine adds a low-torque option for towing.

What we dislike:

·         The inflated price tag makes it barely competitive with the Volkswagen Tiguan.

·         Safety features are overly sensitive to outside obstructions.

·         Firm front seats are uncomfortable on extended drives or at the end of a long day.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Kodiaq is a refined and practical SUV specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of Kiwi families. 

Based on Volkswagen’s familiar MQB platform, the second-generation Kodiaq adds more developments and technology while keeping its practical Skoda appeal. You currently have the choice of a front-wheel drive 1.4-litre TSI with 110kW or a torquey 2.0-litre TDI with all-wheel drive and a 2500kg towing capacity – ideal for weekend adventures. We road tested the diesel and found it to be impressively quiet, only exposing the distinctive diesel clatter in confined spaces.

Pricing starts at $54,990 and climbs to $74,990 for the diesel AWD variant, which is close to the top-spec Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and may raise eyebrows for buyers expecting more value from Skoda. Due mid-year, the Kodiaq RS promises to shake things up further with a 195kW petrol engine and a rapid 0–100km/h time of 6.3 seconds.

It’s an evolution rather than a revolution with the body. Skoda has updated the bumpers and grille, narrowed the LED headlights, and extended the body by 6cm, giving you 340L of boot space in seven-seat mode and expanding to 910L with the rear seats down. The update includes thoughtful touches like dual wireless chargers, five USB-C ports, tablet holders for rear passengers, and Skoda’s signature “Simply Clever” extras like the ice scraper, roll-away sunshades, and in-door umbrellas.

Skoda’s extensive suite safety features are standard. However, some systems may feel overly sensitive; the Manoeuvre braking abruptly stopped us multiple times, even when we were fully aware of our surroundings.

Both versions come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but while the TSI comes with a 10" infotainment screen, the more premium TDI scores a 13” unit and includes navigation. Multifunction Smart Dials help keep the dashboard uncluttered, adding to the refined aesthetics. Skoda has included LED strips to brighten/spice up the sometimes dull interior aesthetics.

The Kodiaq remains a spacious, well-equipped, family-oriented SUV in a tightly contested segment.