Skoda may have a petrol option for its new version of the Kodiaq but the majority of buyers - 96 per cent, in fact, - still want diesels. The seven seat SUV has an entry level 1.5 petrol TSi version but this is likely to be eclipsed by 2.0 litre TDi diesels.
These have 150 and 190 horse power outputs respectively. The latter comes on the four wheel drive version.
The new Kodiaq is longer and now stands at 4.75 metres and gains an additional 75 litres of boot space to its spacious current offering. The latest iteration also has LED Matrix front lights and LED rear indicators.
The interior gets a 13" infotainment screen and space has been added by moving the gearshift from the centre console to beside the steering wheel.
A PHEV version is on the way later this year. In the meantime, prices start at €53,670.
Ford has also revamped its popular Puma with a bigger emphasis on in-car tech.
The car gets a sportier cockpit with a new 12.8" digital cluster and a 12" centre touchscreen. With upgraded connectivity, the car can even use "Alexa". Engines used are Ecoboost, starting with the 1.0 litre with an entry output of 124 horse power.
A first full EV version of the Puma will arrive later this year. The Fiesta may be gone but something of its legacy lives on with this crossover.
If you can stretch to almost €93,000 for an estate car then the electric version of the new i5 Touring may be on your summer arrivals list.
The car majors on technology that is bewilderingly advanced and on BMW's huge curved digital display. There’s also a 340 horse power output and all the gadgetry you could wish for.
BMW is claiming a range of between 482 and 560 kilometres for the Touring, but we’ll see what real world driving conditions yield. A PHEV version is also coming.
In the meantime, Mini also has some news with the arrival of two new versions of the Mini Cooper. These have a choice of a three cylinder and four cylinder petrol engines, with outputs of 156 and 208 horse power respectively.
There are three trim levels, starting at €32,280, which is competitive. Mini is maintaining its retro circular display but this has been upgraded to a 24 cm OLED display, with all functions accessible either by voice command or touch. You will also get auto LED headlights, cruise control and ambient lighting.
