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The Reliability and Performance of the Skoda EXO S: A Crew Car's Testimony

For the last 8.5 months, our trusty crew car has been tirelessly transporting cameras and crews across the country, encountering an array of glamorous and unusual new cars along the way. As we bid farewell to this stalwart companion after accumulating a whopping 177,000 miles, it's time to reflect on everything we've learned about it.

Firstly, there are only two criticisms that have stuck with us since day one. The armrest in the rear seats can be quite annoying when it's down, and the back seats themselves are cramped. However, if you don't need room for kids or buggies, this shouldn't pose a significant issue. On the flip side, the boot isn't particularly spacious as a family car. While space might be an issue for some, we've found that this won't be a problem for most users.

However, the list of good things about the Skoda EXO S has been steadily growing over the past few months. One standout feature is its exceptional performance on the motorway. Even when sitting in the fast lane, it's easy to achieve an impressive 50 mpg without even trying. This is particularly remarkable when compared to many other Volkswagen Group cars, including our own Scoda Superb, which often struggle with tire roar on the motorway. The EXO S, however, is remarkably quiet despite its large wheels and low-profile rubber.

The top-end model of the Skoda EXO S comes with a hefty price tag of £4,000, but there's also an entry-level option available for under £20. What's notable about this car is that it's based on a previous-shaped Audi A4, which saves the manufacturer a significant amount of money in terms of production costs. As a result, the EXO S is priced at least 4 grand less than the cheapest current Audi A4.

One of the most striking features of the Skoda EXO S is its exceptional build quality and stiffness. After 17,000 miles, you start to appreciate the little intricacies that make it feel so well-crafted on the road. The chassis feels incredibly stiff and rigid, with no kind of flex to speak of – a reassuring trait indeed.

However, even with its impressive build quality, the Skoda EXO S is not immune to wear and tear. Last week, we picked up a stone chip that will need repairing. Additionally, the front tires are running low on tread depth, with an indicator that they need to be replaced within 800 miles. Nonetheless, overall, this car has proven itself to be incredibly reliable despite its hard use.

In fact, if you were to buy a new Skoda EXO S eight and a half months ago, with the same amount of mileage under its belt, it's likely that you wouldn't have had to take it to the dealer for repairs yet. That's a testament to the car's exceptional reliability and build quality.

While it may not be the most spacious estate on sale, the Skoda EXO S is refined, economical, and boasts an impressive chassis. It's a reliable choice that shouldn't be overlooked – in fact, it should be given serious consideration by anyone in the market for a new car.