​Škoda Celebrates a Strong Start to 2026​

​Škoda began 2026 with major recognition across two of the UK’s most respected automotive awards programmes. Success at the What Car? Awards and the UK Car of the Year Awards highlighted the brand’s continued focus on practicality, value for money and customer choice across both conventional and electric models.​

Superb Estate Reclaims Estate Car of the Year

At the 2026 What Car? Awards, Škoda secured a strong haul of category wins and Best Buy awards, led by the Superb Estate reclaiming the Estate Car of the Year title after a two-year hiatus. Having previously held the award for eight consecutive years from 2016 to 2023, the Superb Estate once again impressed judges with its interior space, versatility and driving comfort.

What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said: “There can be few families whose needs the Škoda Superb Estate wouldn’t satisfy. It’s absolutely immense inside, both for passengers and luggage.” He added that it “combines tidy handling with a comfortable ride – particularly if you specify the optional adaptive suspension,” underlining its appeal as a practical yet refined family car.

Kodiaq Named What Car? Tow Car of the Year

Škoda’s success continued with the Kodiaq, which was crowned What Car? Tow Car of the Year after competing across seven towing weight categories. The Kodiaq not only won its class but secured the overall title, impressing judges with its stability and all-round capability.

Commenting on its performance, Steve Huntingford said: “Make a list of the qualities you look for in a tow car. The chances are the Škoda Kodiaq possesses most or all of them.” He concluded that “no other winner can claim a more complete range of talents than the brilliant Kodiaq.”

Best Value Awards Highlight Everyday Strengths

In addition to category wins, Škoda collected three What Car? Best Buy awards, which focus on real-world ownership priorities. The Scala was named Best Value Family Car, the Elroq received Best Value Electric SUV, and the Kodiaq added Best Value Seven-Seat SUV to its growing list of accolades. Judges praised the models for combining strong standard equipment, clever design features and competitive pricing.

Elroq Triumphs at UK Car of the Year Awards

The Škoda Elroq also enjoyed major success at the 2026 UK Car of the Year Awards, where it was named Best Medium Crossover. The all-electric compact SUV impressed a panel of experienced UK motoring journalists, who praised its refined driving dynamics, interior packaging and overall value.

John Challen described the Elroq as “a fantastic all-rounder, without any unnecessary fuss – classic Škoda,” adding that it “impresses in every department and is the perfect automotive companion for almost every occasion.”

Judges Praise Practicality, Value and Design

Further praise came from across the judging panel. James Batchelor commented: “Škoda has played a blinder here and successfully downsized everything that makes the larger Enyaq so great but put it into a smaller package.” Paul Barker called it a “brilliant all-round package, good value and plenty of typically clever Škoda touches.”

Guy Bird noted that the Elroq “quietly does so much right, without fuss and complication,” while Keith Jones described it as “a really sound, pragmatic choice for seasoned electric car owners and first-time EVers alike.” Summing up the consensus, Matt Robinson said: “Does everything its big brother Enyaq does, only in a more compact package and at a more affordable price.”

Awards Confirm Škoda’s Broad Appeal

Together, these accolades underline Škoda’s strength across a wide range of vehicle segments, from spacious estates and capable SUVs to award-winning electric models, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for practicality, refinement and outstanding value.