Skoda had a good 2018 both increasing its market share and recording a sharp increase in demand for its award-winning SUV models.

Key to their SUV expansion has been the introduction of the new Karoq and the ongoing expansion of the seven-seater Kodiaq range. Both model ranges are set to grow again this year with the arrival of the Kodiaq vRS and Karoq SportLine and Scout models.

While the new UK car market fell by almost seven per cent, Skoda increased their registration for the Kodiaq and Karoq SUVs which enjoyed strong demand throughout last year.

With a combined registrations figure of 22,555, the Kodiaq and Karoq accounted for 30 per cent of Skoda’s UK registrations – an increase over 2017 when the figure stood at 8.5 per cent.

2019 will see Skoda continue its product drive with the introduction of the new Scala model in the summer followed soon after by the brand’s first electrified models.

Now I’ve just been behind the wheel of the Kodiaq vRS and it is probably one of the best cars Skoda ever made. Amazingly when you’ve got all the kit on board you are looking at a price which is not far short of £50,000. And that for a Skoda.

If you had told that someone 20 years ago, they would have laughed you probably all the way to the bank.

But this vRS is quite brilliant with a twin-turbo 2.0 TDI engine giving 237bhp and 369lb torque. You can even have seven seats if you want but I can’t see that being on the top of the priorities for many customers.

The TDI is connected to a seven-speed DSG transmission which serves to all four wheels and an electronic clutch.

The power will give you just short of 140mph and 0-62mph in just under seven seconds. Quite magnificent.

Fuel economy is more than 40 miles to the gallon and the emissions are CO2 167g/km.

This Kodiaq has a satisfying grumble as you zoom along. There are quite magnificent 20 inch alloy wheels, nicely sculpted bumpers, great exhaust pipes and LED lights come as standard.

The centerpiece of the dash is the excellent instruments powered by VW which work well and includes the sat nav.

There are seven driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow. Sadly I was unable to try out the snow mode!

But the car is extremely comfortable for either long or short journeys. At the price of this car this Skoda oozes quality and class. No problems on the room front.

As you would expect you can use the paddles for messing about but I prefer to stay and let the DSG do the work. It’s a better driver than me!

At the moment Skoda is delivering a range of deals and offers that are guaranteed to see off the winter blues. Spring is certainly on the way.

Thanks to finance deposit contributions of up to £3,000 (5.5 per cent APR representative),service packages on selected models and test drive reductions across the range,buyers drive an exceptional deal on a new Skoda.

Generous finance deposit contributions, test drive voucher to the value of £500 and a service package that covers the first two services are also available on their popular SUV models.

Further product information, media assets including high-resolution images and video can be accessed via www.SKODAmedia.com (no password required).

Additional information relating to ŠKODA offers and finance can be found at www.skoda.co.uk/car-finance/new-car-offers Alain Favey, who looks after Skoda’s sales and marketing, said: “Our sales record shows that we were able to inspire new customer groups for our vehicles in 2018 with our attractive, modern model range. “ And so the Skoda success story continues upwards and onwards.