What is the best Skoda SUV?

What makes the Kamiq Skoda SUV good to drive?

The Kamiq, which is Skoda’s smallest SUV, has a modern SUV style, so despite it having a footprint no larger than a typical family hatchback, it has a lot of presence and looks very much like a mini version of the brand’s other SUVs.

Its compact dimensions make it an excellent pick for urban environments, where it’s easy to manoeuvre and its high driving position gives an excellent outward view.

Inside, the Kamiq is equipped with everything you’ll need, including a touchscreen infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – just like the system on any other modern Skoda.

The engines you can pick from represent this car’s town-based nature, and we think the 116hp 1.0-litre petrol engine is a good match for this car. Other popular picks include a less powerful 95hp variant, plus a 150hp 1.5-litre petrol. Older cars had a 115hp 1.6-litre diesel option, but unless you’re doing high miles, the petrols are better.

Is the Karoq a good Skoda SUV model?

A red Skoda Karoq

Something of a large crossover or small SUV, the Skoda Karoq is an excellent family SUV for anyone graduating from a hatchback – it’s not an awful lot larger in terms of size, but it has a lot more space inside.

The well-appointed cabin offers all the essentials, with newer cars getting features like rear parking sensors, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control as standard. Some optional extras, when you climb the trim levels, include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera, front parking sensors and keyless entry.

Compared with other small SUVs in this class, the Karoq has a great-sized boot. Models fitted with the VarioFlex system have three separate rear seats that can slide independently – if you don’t need loads of legroom, you can unlock even more boot space.

You get the standard pick of engines, which includes a 150hp 1.5-litre petrol and a 116hp 1.0-litre petrol, but over the years, more powerful models have been available, including two 2.0-litre diesels with 150hp or 190hp.

Is the Kodiaq the best in the Skoda SUV range?

Grey Skoda Kodiaq parked on sand

The Skoda Kodiaq might just be the ultimate seven-seater SUV (some entry-level models only have five seats), because all the seats are very usable and it can be a lot cheaper than more premium alternatives, despite its high-quality interior.

The seven-seater model has a huge 765-litre boot, and even with the rearmost seats in place there’s a very practical 270-litre space – this is around as much as you’d get in the entire Ford Fiesta.

The Kodiaq has been available since 2017 when it became the brand’s first in a series of new SUVs. As a guide, facelifted models sold after 2021 come with all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera, while mid-spec models add real luxuries like a powered boot lid, keyless entry and leather upholstery.

The core offering consists of that popular 150hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, plus a 2.0-litre diesel with 200hp and a 2.0-litre petrol with 190hp. You can even get a performance Kodiaq vRS with a 245hp 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Used Skoda SUVs: is the Enyaq worth a look?

If you’re after a stylish electric SUV, then the Skoda Enyaq is a great model to consider because it’s ultra modern-looking but it still looks conventional – for example, it still has a familiar grille area, even though electric cars don’t need one. It’s distinctly Skoda, but it has a different look from the brand’s other SUVs to separate it as an electric model.

Energy is stored in either a 58kWh or a 77kWh battery, which means you will be able to travel up to 250 or 350 miles between charges.

A 2024 facelift saw power upgraded to 179hp or 286hp, depending on the variant, plus there was a 204hp variant when the car was first introduced. A performance 340hp model, the Enyaq vRS, can do 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds (or 6.5 seconds for pre-facelift models), and there’s also a regular 4×4 model.

Boot space is great, and all models have a 585-litre area regardless of powertrain, which is more space than you get in the Volkswagen ID.4, with which this car shares its platform.

Why is the Enyaq Coupé the best Skoda SUV for me?

Skoda Enyaq Coupé

As the name suggests, an Enyaq Coupé is a coupé-SUV that’s based on the Enyaq but has a sloping rear roofline reminiscent of the BMW X6. It’s mechanically very similar to the Volkswagen ID.5.

Apart from the sportier styling, it’s the same car as the regular Enyaq, so you’ll have the same pick of electric motors and batteries, except the coupé-like styling helps to improve aerodynamics, so you might notice a slight increase in range.

Like the regular Enyaq, the Enyaq Coupé doesn’t do trim levels in the usual sense (though there are some Edition models to pick from, which add more kit than basic models). Instead, you’ll have the choice of interior styles and plenty of optional extras.

Even the most basic model is well-equipped, so you can expect things like front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, cruise control and a very big touchscreen infotainment system – always remember to check any individual listing, because standard equipment varies by model year.

Should I buy a Skoda Yeti SUV?

Skoda has been on an SUV mission lately, and several stylish models have followed on since the Kodiaq, however, the brand still made rugged-looking models before all of this.

One of its earliest SUV-like models, the Yeti, is a cross between an SUV and a people carrier, as evidenced by its boxy shape. It was first introduced in 2009, but Skoda made considerable upgrades to things like car tech and efficiency over the years.

You could have the Yeti with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and it had a well-tuned suspension setup that was soft enough to absorb the lumps and bumps of our roads.

Some models were sold with an optional four-wheel-drive system, which added even more ability to this fairly small crossover. The inside might feel less up-to-date than Skoda’s latest SUVs, but it’s still a high-quality space with plenty of hard-wearing materials.

Photos of SUV overturned in multi-vehicle crash in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Fire-Rescue units responded to a multi-vehicle accident involving an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Sewells Point and Avenue F on Friday afternoon, the Battalion Chief said.

A black SUV was overturned on the side with a male trapped inside. Norfolk Fire-Rescue provided the below photos depicting at least a two-vehicle crash. The white SUV is shown with the airbag deployed.

The patient was removed around 2:40 p.m. and was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in stable condition. A second patient was also transported from the scene for evaluation.

The cause is under investigation.

Pedestrian Critically Injured in SUV Accident at Laurel Convenience Store

Serious Incident at First Stop Gas Station in Laurel

Overview of the Accident

A major accident at the First Stop Gas Station in Laurel, Delaware, resulted in severe injuries to a pedestrian. The event occurred on April 25 at approximately 7:57 p.m., drawing a swift response from local emergency services, including the Laurel Police Department, Laurel Fire Department, and Sussex County Paramedics. Reports indicate that a Jeep SUV, driven by a 78-year-old Laurel resident, rolled forward and crashed into the store after the driver exited without putting it in park.

Details of the Collision and Immediate Response

In an urgent attempt to stop the moving vehicle, the driver accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the SUV to leap over the concrete barriers and onto the sidewalk. The vehicle struck a 17-year-old boy who was leaning against the building, resulting in serious injuries. The injured teenager was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The driver stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with the authorities. He was issued citations for Inattentive Driving and Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession. The Laurel Police Department is investigating to uncover all the details leading to the incident.

Community Safety and Preventive Measures

This incident emphasizes the critical importance of vehicle safety and the necessity for drivers to ensure their cars are properly secured before leaving them. It also showcases the swift response of the local emergency services and the importance of community cooperation during investigations. The event has profoundly impacted the local community, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated with vehicle mishandling and the need for enhanced driver awareness.

‘Pray hard!’: Family updates condition of Tifton boy hit by SUV

A Tifton 5-year-old who was hospitalized after being hit by an SUV in a school zone on Tuesday is still healing.

According to a family member’s post on Friday, Isaiah Silva is expected to stay in a medically induced coma at a Jacksonville hospital for at least a few days. X-rays, brain monitors and cooling blankets are also being used to aid his recovery.

In a post, a family member said, “Pray hard! The doctors took him down to CT due to his left pupil not reacting earlier yesterday they said it was sluggish and now it’s not reacting please lord we need a miracle!”

Kia EV9 GT performance three-row SUV to be revealed next year

A high-performance version of the Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV, to be badged the GT, has been confirmed for a January debut, and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. This is according to Kia’s Investor Day presentation.

Kia said the new version of the SUV will have “enormous power output”—as yet unspecified—generated by a dual electric motor setup. It’s expected that the SUV will inherit a powertrain similar to that found in the smaller EV6 GT. As such, output would likely be around 576 horsepower at least, if not a little more to account for the EV9’s additional weight.

The upcoming EV9 GT will be 1.3 seconds faster to 60 mph than the EV9 GT-Line, and only 0.5 second slower compared to the EV6 GT, although it will likely be heavier than that model.

As a performance flagship, the EV9 GT will be fitted with all-wheel drive, and a “reinforced suspension and electronic braking system” set to provide “stable driving performance at high speeds.” Going by the EV6 GT, that suspension will probably have electronically adjustable damping. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see other upgrades such as a limited-slip differential, either electronic or mechanical, included, too.

At its meeting in South Korea, Kia, which is planning to introduce other GT versions of its EV line, confirmed that an updated version of the EV6 GT will debut later this year. The company has also confirmed Kia will launch six new mass market EV models in major locations by the end of the decade: the EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5.

The EV3 subcompact SUV is expected by the end of this year, to start at about $30,000. By 2030, said Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, Kia aims to sell 1.6 million EVs, helped in that quest by concentrating on smaller, more affordable models and discontinuing some larger, less affordable models. The EV9 GT on the other hand, will surely be the most expensive version of the SUV, just as the EV6 GT is the most expensive version of that model.

Only One Small SUV Earns Top Rating in New Crash Prevention Test

Evaluating Small SUVs for Crash Prevention

AEB Systems Face New Challenges

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems aim to prevent accidents by applying brakes automatically. Yet, a recent comprehensive test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found many small SUVs struggling with specific road obstacles. Out of ten small SUVs tested, only the Subaru Forester earned a “good” rating.

Test Findings and Insights

David Aylor, IIHS Vice President of Active Safety, emphasized the need for these systems to give timely warnings to prevent crashes. The new test included more complex scenarios such as avoiding collisions with another vehicle, a motorcycle, and a large truck at higher speeds, ranging from 31 to 43 mph, compared to previous tests at 12 and 25 mph.

The Subaru Forester excelled by avoiding almost all collisions with passenger cars and motorcycles, with only minor impacts at higher speeds. In contrast, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were rated acceptable, while the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass received marginal ratings. The Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos were rated poorly.

Subaru Forester

A worker polishes a 2019 Subaru Forester at the New York International Auto Show, on March 28, 2018, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Industry Reactions and Future Improvements

Aylor expects manufacturers to enhance their systems quickly. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing many brands with lower ratings, highlighted the importance of AEB technology in minimizing crashes and injuries. Despite the test results, Aylor noted that AEB systems remain effective in real-world scenarios, reducing front-to-rear crashes by 50%.

The IIHS plans to extend its testing to include AEB performance with other obstacles such as cyclists and pedestrians, particularly under nighttime conditions. Automakers with lower ratings, including Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors North America, General Motors, and Volkswagen of America, have committed to improving their AEB systems based on the new IIHS standards.

A 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite.

A 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite. (Ford Motor Co. / Fox News)

Commitment to Safety and Continuous Improvement

This test underscores the need for ongoing advancements in AEB systems to improve vehicle safety. Although some SUVs faced challenges, the ongoing development and refinement of these technologies are essential for better protecting drivers and pedestrians. The IIHS’s dedication to stringent testing protocols and the manufacturers’ commitment to safety improvements are vital steps toward achieving safer roads for all.

SUV Crashes into Laurel Convenience Store, Seriously Injures Teen

Police are investigating a crash into a Laurel convenience store Thursday night that left one 17-year-old seriously injured.

The Laurel Police Department says they were dispatched to the First Stop Gas Station on West Street on reports of a vehicle colliding with a building. There, police say they found an SUV had driven over the concrete parking barricades in the parking lot and into the convenience store. A 17-year-old pedestrian who had been leaning against the wall at the time was also struck.

An investigation reportedly revealed the 78-year-old driver of the SUV pulled into a parking spot outside the convenience store then exited the vehicle without placing it in park, according to police. As the SUV began rolling forward, the driver attempted to jump back into the vehicle and press the brake. Instead of the brake, however, police say the driver pressed down on the accelerator, driving the SUV onto the sidewalk.

The 17-year-old pedestrian, from Laurel, was taken to a local hospital for serious injuries.

The driver of the SUV was given two citations for Inattentive Driving and Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession.

Lucid Gravity’s Derek Jenkins On What Inspired This Luxe Electric SUV

The inspiration for the newest luxury electric SUV started with the lowly minivan.

Actually, the minivan is a natural inspiration. “Who doesn’t want that flexibility with space, but in an SUV, not a minivan?” said Derek Jenkins, senior vice-president of design and brand at Lucid Motors. And that space is part of the luxury that SUV buyers look for.

“Oftentimes when people buy large SUVs they have to take a lot of people and cargo, and it’s important that we create that flexibility for comfort and space,” Jenkins said. That idea, he said, comes from experience driving his two teen sons and often their friends. “It’s usually me, my wife, the oldest, the youngest and probably two other kids, skis, snowboards. We have that flexibility in depth for the cargo to get all of it in the Gravity,” the new three row, seven passenger luxury electric SUV from Lucid due out later this year.

That’s because, taking a page from minivan design, the Gravity’s third row seats flip and stow in the floor, and second row seats fold flat and low, creating a deeper cargo space.

It’s Not Luxury If Passengers Are Uncomfortable

The design challenge isn’t just about cargo space, though; Jenkins and his team also thought about how that space would translate to passenger comfort. “We find with sportier SUVs the 3rd row is an afterthought. A full grown adult generally doesn’t want to spend any meaningful time back there,” Jenkins said. “We worked really hard with this car to make legroom a priority, and headroom,” he told us. The goal was to create comfortable seating that is wide enough so adults can spend two or three hours in the third row and not be uncomfortable or fatigued.

Adding to the SUV functionality, Jenkins and team thought carefully about cargo space, too: Not just the space behind the third row, but a useful roof rack and frunk space that would add utility. The result is a sizable space behind the third row that Lucid boasts will hold a large suitcase and 4 roll-aboard bags. The frunk, which has 8 cubic feet of space, is designed in shape and depth to hold another 3 carry-on bags. And, roof rails offer additional room for a cargo box or sports gear.

Architecture-Inspired Details Enhance The Experience

Inspiration in the Lucid Gravity came from other places, too, Jenkins said. Ambient lighting, a relatively new car designer obsession, is how you control the atmosphere of a car, he told us. “Much like you use lighting in architecture, how you light the walls or landscaping,” you can light the door panels, foot wells, cup holders, as well as backlighting controls and features.

Color adds to the mood or sets the tone in the car. Lucid’s ambient lighting will be fully animated, Jenkins said, changing and pulsing with the music. And when using launch control for a burst of instant acceleration, the lighting will move with you, he said. Ambient lighting “adds an emotional dimension to the interior that didn’t exist a few years ago.”

The Clear View Cockpit Means A Better View Of The Road

Maybe the most distinct design detail in the Lucid Gravity, though, is the “suqircle” steering wheel and wide panel multimedia system. This is the Clear View Cockpit, Jenkins told us.

In “95% of cars you view the screen or gauges through the steering wheel; because we are in a higher SUV seating position, we were able to bring the display up higher, reshape the steering wheel to a squircle,” Jenkins said. The Gravity’s steering wheel is flat on the top and bottom adding to visibility. “This allows the driver to view 100% of the display unblocked by the steering wheel and have an excellent view of the road.”

Below the main screen is a second screen, one that Lucid calls the Pilot Panel; this is where many functions can be set, and users can customize this screen and the top screen. Just below the Pilot Panel is a new feature: a ‘touch blade’ of buttons for climate control. Jenkins acknowledged that buyers want quick access buttons for key controls like temperature and fan speed, so they added them.

Glass Is a Central Design Theme

The steering wheel itself has more transparency too; Lucid has designed it with floating glass panels that hold the driver assist and entertainment controls. The look is novel and modern and blends well with other elements in the Gravity.

Glass works as a foundational design element: the roof is glass—Jenkins calls this a canopy—and spans from the windshield to the car’s center cross-beam, and then continues over the center and rear seats. The canopy creates an open feel in the cabin.

There is also a glass panel on the center console covering a flexible storage space, a detail that Jenkins is especially proud of.”It’s our own little space study,” he said. A frosted glass retractable top hides the cup holders, wireless phone charge pad and a tray that slides forward back; underneath are bento boxes to organize your things. Jenkins showed particular delight at the boxes because they can be moved around as needed and even removed to be cleaned.

Flexible Space Leads to Frunk-Gating

The dedication to flexible space is something that Jenkins and his team really had fun with when designing the frunk. It isn’t simply large, it’s capable for people, too. Jenkins calls it frunk-gating and even equipped the display model with a fold-out stadium seat. To make sure the frunk is game-ready, it has a low front lip so it’s easy to slide into the seat, there are cup holders on either side, a household outlet and the underside of the hood is finished in an elegant geometric design and body-color paint.

When the Lucid Gravity begins deliveries it’ll be the fastest, longest range SUV on the road, with up to 440 miles of range and up to 800 HP. And, it’ll be just one of a few six or seven passenger electric SUVs on the road.

Buyers who opt for the entry level model should qualify for federal tax incentives; the Gravity will be priced just under $80,000 which is the tax incentive threshold for SUVs built in North America. However, a lot of the premium features, including maximum range and power, will come in higher priced models. The minivan-inspired details, though, are standard; space, itself, is a luxury.

Mercedes Unveils All-Electric G-Class SUV: A New Era of Luxury Off-Roading

Exploring the Revolutionary Electric G-Class

Introduction

Mercedes-Benz has once again captured attention, this time with a remarkable blend of luxury and sustainability. Introducing the all-new Electric G-Class, the G 580 with EQ technology, a vehicle that redefines the electric SUV landscape. This innovative design merges the iconic G-Class elegance with cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology, promising high performance and environmental consciousness.

Unmatched Performance and Off-Road Capabilities

The G 580’s core features four independently controlled electric motors combined with a two-speed transmission. This setup is not just for smooth urban driving but also for dominating rough terrains with advanced off-road capabilities like an intelligent crawl function, G-Turn for on-the-spot rotation, and G-Steering for agile movements in tight spaces. These innovations ensure the electric G-Class excels both on and off the road.

Further enhancing its off-road prowess, the G 580 offers a fording depth of 33.5 inches and a LOW RANGE gear to maximize torque for difficult terrains. Virtual differential locks through torque vectoring enhance its rugged capabilities, positioning the electric G-Class as a superior alternative to its combustion-engine predecessors.

Power and Performance

The electric G-Class boasts an impressive 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque, propelling the SUV from 0-60 mph in under five seconds. The integration of the battery within the ladder frame lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. An independent front suspension and a newly developed solid rear axle ensure the G 580 offers an exceptional driving experience.

Design and Aerodynamics

The SUV’s exterior features flared rear wheel arches, air curtains, a redesigned hood, and A-pillar trim, all enhancing its aerodynamic profile. A roof spoiler lip further reduces noise, ensuring a quieter ride. These design improvements not only enhance performance but also maintain the classic G-Class silhouette.

Inside, the G-Class combines luxury with modern technology. The latest MBUX system, climate-controlled cup holders, and inductive charging offer convenience and comfort. For audiophiles, the Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos® provides an unparalleled auditory experience. High-tech features like the Transparent Hood function increase safety, while an expanded MANUFAKTUR range offers customization options.

Exclusive Features and Aesthetic Appeal

Prospective buyers will appreciate exclusive touches such as the black panel grille with an LED light strip and aerodynamic black wheels. These design elements ensure the G 580 stands out not just for its performance but also for its striking appearance.

Mercedes-Benz’s electric G-Class is not just an evolution; it’s a revolution in the luxury SUV market, seamlessly blending tradition with futuristic technology. With this debut, Mercedes sets a high standard for future electric models, offering a perfect fusion of luxury, capability, and sustainability.

For those eager to embrace a greener future without compromising on luxury or performance, the new electric G-Class is the perfect choice. Mercedes-Benz has not only electrified a vehicle; they have electrified the very essence of adventure.

SUV crashes into Garland County massage building, causing damage

A massage building in Garland County was destroyed on Thursday after a black Mercedes drove through its front wall, causing it to cave in.

In a release, the Garland County Sheriff’s Office says that they responded to a call reporting a private property accident at 2:52 p.m. on Thursday.

They arrived at 1539 Airport Road to find a black Mercedes that had driven through the front wall of a local business, Angel Massage.

The Sheriff’s Office says that LifeNet units responded for the involved parties.

KATV reached out to the Garland County Chief Deputy, who confirmed that there were no lasting injuries from the incident by saying “Everyone involved is ok.”