Skoda models power to the top of driver survey

Skoda customers are the happiest car owners, according to Driver Power – the largest car satisfaction study in the UK.

The Czech brand secured first and second place in the overall Car of the Year ranking with the Superb and Yeti.

Another top scoring “value” model was the C’eed from Kia, which made fifth place. In fact, Lexus was the only ‘prestige’ brand in the top five of the survey, which is published in Auto Express.

The overall rating percentage is an average of scores across nine judging categories including comfort, handling, running costs and reliability.

British drivers are generally quite happy with their new cars with an average score of 89.5%.

Although satisfaction scores are high, owners across the board said they would vote for better fuel economy, improvements to the built-in satellite navigation, and more space for luggage.

“Some people still have a negative opinion of brands like Skoda and Kia, but the results of Driver Power prove that this is really outdated,” said Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express.

He continued: “Skoda drivers are almost evangelical about their cars, the dealers and the whole ownership experience. It may seem odd that models from Skoda’s parent company VW and Audi scored so much lower in the survey but when customers pay for a quality experience and don’t get it, they’re bound to feel let down.”

Top 10 best cars to own

1. Skoda Superb (2015-present)
2. Skoda Yeti (2009-2017)
3. Lexus RX (2015-present)
4. Toyota RAV4 (2013-present)
5. Kia Cee’d (2012-present)
6. Suzuki Vitara (2015-present)
7. SEAT Leon (2013-present)
8. Lexus CT (2011-present)
9. Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)
10. Subaru Forester (2013-present)

Best new cars by class

Best city car: Toyota Aygo
Best small car: Skoda Fabia
Best premium small car: MINI
Best compact family car: Kia Cee’d
Best family car: Skoda Superb
Best compact executive: BMW 4 Series
Best executive car: Audi A6
Best green car: Nissan Leaf
Best small SUV: Peugeot 2008
Best mid-sized SUV: Skoda Yeti
Best premium mid-sized SUV: Volvo XC60
Best premium large SUV: Lexus RX
Best MPV: Ford C-Max