Superb Fourth Win For Skoda At Professional Driver Awards

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM - Nov 22, 2013: The SKODA Superb hatch has been named ‘Private Hire Car of the Year’ at the 2013 Professional Driver Awards. The model was bestowed the accolade for the fourth time at the annual ceremony, which took place yesterday at the Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick. The prestigious event on the automotive industry calendar is judged by experienced vehicle testers and a cross-section of Professional Driver readers.

Every car shortlisted for an award was subject to a full day’s evaluation by the panel of judges, who vary from self-employed chauffeurs to senior executives from leading private hire operators. Following this rigorous judging process, the Superb hatch SE 2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF emerged victorious thanks to its attractive new design, vast interior space, as well as the model’s impressive combined fuel economy of 61.4 mpg and low emissions of just 121 g/km CO2.

There was cause for double celebration during the evening as the ŠKODA Rapid S 1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF was also commended in the ‘Private Hire Car of the Year’ category.

Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver, said: “The ŠKODA Superb was the clear winner in the ‘Private Hire Car of the Year’ category. The Superb could be purpose-designed for Private Hire operators. Rear legroom and luggage space is way ahead of any direct competitors, while revised styling and cleaner powertrains have added to its appeal.

“Rapid was externally the smallest car in the contest, but it has excellent rear legroom and a cavernous luggage space, making it extremely well-suited to minicab work. It also has the lowest whole-life costs and the lowest price giving private hire operators excellent value for money. ŠKODA really seems to have the private hire market covered.”

Chris Horrell, Product Marketing Manager for ŠKODA UK, comments: “We are delighted that two of our vehicles have been recognised at the Professional Driver Awards. It is excellent that the Superb has taken the top prize for the fourth time since the prestigious annual event began six years ago.

“The ŠKODA Superb is the pinnacle of our model line-up and offers our customers extra beyond the upper-medium segment. The car has an enormous amount of room, excellent functionality, high comfort, top safety, great value for money and timeless elegance, which is why it continues to be a popular choice for both our fleet and private customers.”

The ŠKODA Superb SE 2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF hatch is available to purchase for £22,000.00 OTR.