Škoda Steals the Show with Elroq Crowned 2025 Car of the Year
Škoda has swept the board at the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards, with a show-stopping four category victories and the prestigious Car of the Year crown for its latest electric SUV, the Elroq.
This emphatic win cements Škoda’s reputation as a leader in both innovation and real-world usability across the automotive landscape.
With standout performances from the Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq, the Czech marque has once again proven that it knows how to build vehicles that resonate with modern families, fleets and enthusiasts alike.
Elroq Electrifies: Best Mid-size SUV and Car of the Year
Leading Škoda’s charge into the limelight, the all-electric Elroq has taken centre stage. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MEB platform, the Elroq emerged as the judges’ favourite in a tightly contested field. Described by Auto Express as “an SUV-sized car for hatchback money,” the Elroq impressed with its blend of performance, practicality, and clever packaging.
The judges continued: “It offers impressive performance and all of the practical touches that Škoda is now famous for to make it a front-runner in the family electric car class.” In a segment awash with competition, the Elroq carved a niche by offering generous space, intuitive tech, and a price tag that undercuts many rivals.
Škoda’s latest triumph in the Auto Express Car of the Year category marks the fifth time one of its models has scooped the top honour. With the Elroq, the brand is doubling down on electrification without abandoning its roots in affordability and utility.
The Family Car Favourite
Škoda’s winning streak didn’t end with the Elroq. The venerable Octavia continues to earn plaudits, this time as the Best Family Car of 2025. While the model has evolved in style and tech, its core strengths remain intact: space, comfort, and sheer value for money.
“In some ways, the Škoda Octavia has transformed significantly over the years, but in the key areas where it excels – comfort, practicality and value for money – it hasn’t,” noted the Auto Express road test team.
In a category known for intense competition, the Octavia shines by simply doing what it’s always done, only better. This year’s award adds another feather to its already stuffed cap, having been named Auto Express Car of the Year and Family Car of the Year in 2021, and Estate Car of the Year in both 2021 and 2022.
Practicality Refined
Estate cars may not dominate headlines like their SUV counterparts, but Škoda’s Superb Estate proves they’ve still got plenty to offer. For the second year running, it has claimed the Best Estate Car title, with judges praising its space, refinement, and low running costs.
“The Superb Estate delivers on space, quality and cleverness just as strongly as the previous model,” Auto Express explained. “There have been thoughtful improvements to the interior design and to the hybrid powertrains to boost efficiency and lower running costs.”
With a focus on hybrid technology, user-friendly interiors and cavernous boot space, the Superb Estate stands out as the go-to choice for buyers seeking versatility without switching to an SUV. As more drivers weigh up plug-in options, the Superb’s updated range helps it stay ahead of the curve.
Large SUV, Larger Legacy
Rounding out Škoda’s award-winning quartet is the second-generation Kodiaq, which reclaimed its title as Best Large SUV – a repeat of its 2024 performance. Big, bold and brimming with clever features, the Kodiaq continues to be a favourite among growing families and business fleets alike.
“We’re fans of the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq because it builds on the proven formula of the original model,” said the judging panel. “It’s spacious, efficient and features plenty of clever touches, while the cabin has taken a step upmarket when compared with the original.”
With up to 2,035 litres of cargo space, the Kodiaq outpaces most rivals in practicality. And thanks to improvements in fuel efficiency and refinement, it remains a compelling all-rounder in the large SUV segment.
A Winning Formula Across the Board
Summing up the brand’s dominance, Auto Express Editor Paul Barker remarked: “It was another fabulous year for Škoda at the Auto Express New Car Awards, picking up four class wins as well as the big prize of Auto Express Car of the Year for the brilliant new Elroq. Škoda is building great cars no matter what segment you’re shopping in, and the new models continue to go straight to the top of the class.”
It’s worth noting that Škoda’s strategy isn’t just about ticking boxes. The brand focuses on what matters most to drivers: honest pricing, practical features, and designs that don’t scream for attention but hold up over time. From clever umbrella holders to oversized boots and smart infotainment, it’s the kind of understated brilliance that pays off in ownership.
A Glimpse into the Future
With five overall Car of the Year wins under its belt, Škoda is no stranger to success. However, the 2025 awards showcase a deeper story — one of evolution. Electrification isn’t just a trend; for Škoda, it’s a practical pathway to staying relevant and responsible. The Elroq’s arrival signals more than a shift to electric. It underscores a shift in priorities: design that serves the driver, sustainability that doesn’t come at a premium, and performance without pretension.
As European cities tighten emissions standards and consumers demand more from their vehicles, Škoda appears ready. Whether it’s the no-fuss Octavia, the stately Superb, the family-friendly Kodiaq or the future-forward Elroq, each model in this award-winning range offers a different answer to the same question: what do drivers truly want from their cars in 2025?
Driving Ahead with Purpose
Škoda’s clean sweep at the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards reflects more than a good year — it’s a masterclass in understanding customer needs across multiple segments. The brand’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and value-for-money has clearly struck a chord with both judges and drivers alike.
And as the automotive world hurtles towards an electric future, Škoda is making it clear: they’re not just keeping up. They’re out in front.
