Automobiles Review

Tag: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Octavia

    Skoda has announced the new 2013 Octavia. The Octavia’s third generation more than ever confirms the car’s unique position in its vehicle segment, impressing with an unrivalled space offering, new design, high functionality, innovative safety and comfort systems, low fuel consumption, wide range of ‚Simply Clever‘ solutions and a SKODA-typical price-value ratio.

    The model is bigger than its predecessor – 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider. This means better comfort and best-in-class cargo capacity of 590 liters.

    Among the new features, you’ll find a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic trim, updated infotainment systems and an optional panorama glass roof.  Options include Adaptive Cruise Assistant (intelligent cruise control), Automatic Parking Assistant and Intelligent Light Assistant which automatically switches the high-beam headlights off when oncoming traffic is detected.

    The engine range includes 9 power units – four petrols, four diesels and a natural gas variant. No further information is released, but the 1.8-liter TSI will have 180HP (132 kW) and the GreenLine variant with a 1.6-liter TDI that develops 110 HP (81 kW), it boasts an exceptional fuel consumption of just 3.4 litre / 100 km – average. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available as well as FWD and AWD.

    Simply Clever‘ features in the new Octavia. Depending on trim level, the following items are available either as standard or as an option. They include foldable cargo elements for the boot, enabling safe anchoring of objects on the floor. A double-sided floor covering in the boot can be found for the first time in a SKODA Octavia. An ice scraper is placed inside the filler flap. A warning vest holder is located underneath the driver’s seat and a rubbish bin inside the door panel. A multimedia holder has space for an iPod, a mobile phone and the like. A large overhead sunglasses compartment is just one of many storage bays, holders und hooks that make for an intelligent and clean organisation of interior and baggage space of the new SKODA Octavia.

    Also on board are the fuel-error prevention function and a boot cover folding away behind the rear seats.

    2013 Skoda Octavia
    2013 Skoda Octavia
    2013 Skoda Octavia
    2013 Skoda Octavia

    Source: Skoda

  • Skoda Superb Outdoor Officially Launched

    2013-Skoda-Superb-Outdoor-THUMBThe new Skoda Superb Outdoor, which was announced in June as a new trim to the award-winning Superb Estate, is now officially being launched. The new variant is designed to bring about outstanding grip in the most demanding winter conditions.

    Furthermore, no matter the weather, which we all know is at times very unpredictable, the new Skoda is the ideal vehicle for the colder months. Some factors contribute for this statement. First of all it combines the assertive look of an off-road vehicle with the refinement and practicality.

    Secondly, its presence on the road is improved even more with the durable protective strips at the base of the doors, bumpers and round the wheel arches. In addition, the vehicle rides on 18-inch Luxon alloys, which come as standard.

    However, at the heart of the capability of Superb Outdoor is a permanent all-wheel drive transmission, ensuring exceptional levels of traction in ice, snow or rain.

    Other beneficial factors are the great fuel economy, which is as high as 44.8mpg while the CO2 emissions remain as low as 165g/km. The model is based over and above standard SE trim and adds additional equipment.

    This includes a four-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity, Sunset Glass behind the B-pillar, Hill-Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitor, heated windscreen washer nozzles and integrated front headlight washers.

    Superb Outdoor will be available in all standard Superb colors and with the option of three engines: the 1.8 TSI 160 hp (118 kW), the 2.0 TDI CR 140 hp (103 kW) and the 2.0 TDI CR 170 hp (125 kW). It has a starting price of just £26 465.

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Octavia Limited Edition – Pricing Announced

    2013 Skoda Octavia Limited Edition has just been launched by the Czech manufacturer. This model will be offered in two versions – the Octavia SE Connect and Octavia vRS Blackline.

    This in fact is one of the best family cars ever created and in addition it delivers great combination of style, reliability, comfort and class-leading interior space.

    The firs trim model – the Octavia SE Connect, is based on the already highly popular SE trim. The car is equipped with 1.6 TDI CR 105 hp (77 kW) DPF engine mated to a manual transmission. It has CO2 emissions of just 119g/km.

    A generous standard equipment is featured in the SE Connect: 16-inch ‘Crateris’ alloy wheels, rear acoustic parking sensors and GSM II telephone preparation and metallic paint, plus Skoda’s mobile device interface (MDI) connectivity package and Maxidot functionality.

    The starting price of SE Connect will begin at £13 990.

    On the other hand the Octavia vRS Blackline is going to offer its customers great performance and a host of additional equipment. The new model will be on sale in both hatch and estate body styles.

    It includes 18-inch black alloy wheels, acoustic rear parking sensors, Amundsen satellite navigation system, DAB radio and vRS leather upholstery. The exterior trim colors available are: Candy White, Black Magic pearl effect or Race Blue metallic.

    The Octavia vRS Blackline draws its power thanks to the vigorous 2.0-litre TDI CR 170 hp (125 kW) DPF engine. The latter can be mated either to a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

    The starting price of the vRS Blackline is £21 260.

    2013 Skoda Octavia Limited Edition
    2013 Skoda Octavia Limited Edition

     

  • 2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition for Russia

    A strong showing at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (August 29th to September 09th, 2012) underscores Czech carmaker SKODA’s growth ambitions in Russia. On display for the first time in Moscow is the SKODA Yeti Sochi. This special model provides a preview of SKODA sponsorship of the 2014 Winter Olympics and will see its sales debut in Russia in 2013. SKODA confirms the market launch of Rapid compact saloon in Russia. The Rapid for Russia will run off the line at Volkswagen’s Kaluga plant from the early 2014. In addition, SKODA presents its current model palette as well as the SKODA Yeti 1.4 TSI in combination with DSG, a seven-speed double clutch transmission.

    “Russia is a pillar of our international growth plans and has a central importance for our 2018 growth strategy,” commented SKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland.

    “This country is one of the world’s strongest-growing market and offers tremendous potential for SKODA. We intend to resolutely continue our dynamic development of recent years. We will have more capacity in the future so as to further raise our sales in Russia,” he added Vahland.
    Yeti Sochi features a candy-white exterior with special badging and unique alloy wheels. The interior boasts two-tone seats (with Sochi 2014 tags), blue contract stitching and exclusive door sill plates.

    Skoda Yeti Sochi is powered by a 1.8 liter TSI petrol engine with 150HP (112 kW). It is mated to a dual-clutch transmission sending the power to an AWD system.

    The special edition Yeti will hit the Russian market next year.

    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition
    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition
    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition
    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition
    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition
    2013 Skoda Yeti Sochi Special Edition

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Rapid: the new class of Skoda

    2013-Skoda-Rapid-THUMB2013 Skoda Rapid is the new compact saloon offered by Skoda which is going to be seen at dealerships in the beginning of the autumn this year.

    At first sight, one gets a great impression by the new vehicle: it delivers a lot of spaciousness, has an expressive design, an excellent price, a comprehensive safety offering and efficient engines. Again this model is expected to grab the attention of many.

    First of all, thanks to the exterior dimensions that the Rapid has: 4.48 m in length, 1.71 m in length, 1.46 m in height, the vehicle can comfortably accommodate up to five persons. In addition, in this amount of space inside of the car, are also included practical holder for the warning vest underneath the driver’s seat, storage for the ice scraper, refuse bin in the side door.

    Furthermore, the Rapid is the first Skoda to entirely include the brand’s new design philosophy. It has perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modeled surfaces and sharply drawn lines. The front end shows a new take on Skoda’s typical design elements.

    For instance, the new brand logo confidently stands out front edge of the bonnet. In addition, the grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is formed by vertical slats. The headlight ensemble is grouped at the front of the Skoda Rapid to form a cloverleaf shape. Not only the front of the car looks so inviting, but also its body side conveys pure emotion. Thanks to it, being a long wheelbase, the car has a coupé-like silhouette.

    2013 Skoda Rapid
    2013 Skoda Rapid

    In fact, the Rapid is going to be the new class of the brand, because it takes the place exactly between the Fabia and the Octavia, making it through to the so-called A segment.

    Next, the vehicle also will offer its customers wide range of active and passive safety features such as ABS and ESP systems (which are a standard option), tire pressure monitoring, fog lamps with ‘corner function’,‘hill-hold control’ assistant, front, side and head airbags, adjustable-height 3-point safety belts with tighteners, headrests.

    More importantly, the Rapid will be available with four petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol entry-level engine is the 1.2 l MPI three-cylinder producing 55 kW (75 hp). The other petrol engines are the 1.2 l 63 kW (86 hp) TSI, the 1.2 l 77 kW (105 hp) TSI and the 1.4 l 90 kW (122 hp) TSI.

    On the other hand the 1.6 litre diesel engine comes with direct common rail injection. The basic diesel generates 66 kW (90 hp) and may be combined with the optional seven-speed DSG (double-clutch transmission). The 1.6 l TDI CR version is more powerful, putting out 77 kW (105 hp).

    2013 Skoda Rapid
    2013 Skoda Rapid

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Rapid debuts this autumn

    2013-Skoda-Rapid-THUMB2013 Skoda Rapid is the new compact saloon by Skoda which aims to play important role in the company’s growth strategy and will be released on European markets from the autumn of this year.

    The first important highlight about the new Skoda model is that impresses with lots of roominess and has an expressive design. Next, it offers comprehensive safety features and efficient engines.

    The Rapid is includes the brand’s newly formulated design language. It stands for: clear, precise, fresh and emotional. As you can see Skoda Rapid has perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines.

    2013 Skoda Rapid
    2013 Skoda Rapid

    The front end portrays a new take on the brand’s typical design elements. The new brand logo confidently stands out on the harmonically rounded front edge of the bonnet. On the other hand, the grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is formed by vertical slats.

    The body displays a long wheelbase and a coupé-like silhouette. At the rear the car has a large tailgate which acts as a design element. Furthermore, the distinctly shaped taillights in the brand’s typical C shape and the new brand logo join together to make the Rapid unmistakable.

    The roominess that is offered by the car is impressive. Despite the compact exterior dimensions of 4.48 metres in length and 1.7 metres in width, the compact saloon offers enough space for five occupants and their baggage.

    At last but not least, five petrol and two diesel engine unites are going to be offered with the Skoda.

    2013 Skoda Rapid will debut at Paris Auto Salon this autumn.

    2013 Skoda Rapid
    2013 Skoda Rapid

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Superb Combi now in “Outdoor” appearance

    2013-Skoda-Superb-Combi-Outdoor-THUMB2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor is the latest enhancement that the brand has made on the Supreb Combi model line up. All the models included in it are comfortable and practical; What make the “Outlook” so special however, is that it gives the Skoda more off-road look.

    The new model will be available with all Skoda Superb engine versions with front- and all-wheel drive, except for the GreenLine variant. In addition, the offroad attitude that this car inherently has, will now stand strong even beyond paved roads.

    2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor
    2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor

    Next, not only that the “Outdoor” version extends the model line, but it also comes equipped with features such as robust synthetic panelling for the rear bumper, the wheel wells and the doorsills. Compared with the standard Superb, the front bumper is fitted with a larger air intake and round fog lamps.

    2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor will fit perfectly in the urban environment as well as in the country one. And hence it will suit perfectly drivers which have an active life style. The vehicle will also deliver them enough spaciousness, precise workmanship and an excellent price.

    2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor
    2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor

    Source: Skoda

  • 2013 Skoda Citigo Five-Door Goes On Sale

    2013-Skoda-Citigo-5-door-THUMB2013 Skoda Citigo is the all-new five door vehicle delivered by the Czech brand and is now officially on sale. This is the sixth version of the award-winning model line-up and Skoda’s first urban car.

    Although it has a simple design, it also will bring its customers a lot of style in their day-to-day life. It will also offer outstanding maneuverability, a lot of comfort, convenience and technical mastery.

    In addition, the Citigo is also the first Skoda model, which wears brand’s revised “winged arrow” corporate badge. Skoda targets with this car to get the attention of younger drivers and families who need a second car.

    The advantages of the Citigo are many. First, it has a spacious and bright cabin which can easily accommodate four persons. It also has the largest boot in its class and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

    2013 Skoda Citigo
    2013 Skoda Citigo

    The vehicle’s engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol one. It delivers 75 hp (55 kW), and comes equipped with the GreenTech fuel-saving technologies including stop/start and brake energy recuperation.

    The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission as standard. However, as an optional choice there is an automatic gearbox also available. Citigo’s official combined fuel economy is 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions are 96g/km.

    The model comes in three high specification trim levels – S, SE and Elegance, to which can be added a wide range of optional features. Some of which are is the Personal Infotainment Device (PID), a dashboard-mounted touch-screen technology providing Bluetooth, sat-nav, and trip data.

    Prices for the 2013 Skoda Citigo line-up start at just £7 630.

    Source: Skoda

  • 2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept with world debut at Woerhersee

    SKODA-Citigo-Rally-Concept-THUMB2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept has just made its first world appearance at Woerthersee. Citigo is Skoda’s new subcompact model line on which the concept vehicle is base.

    Skoda Citigo Rally has a design which aims to bring about brings rally successes to the road.

    On the other hand Skoda made a second world debut which its car Skoda Citigo DJ Car. This one is an extraordinary showcar. It serves as a turntable and a mixer for DJs appearing at the nighttime concert.

    In details, 2012 Skoda Citigo Rally design concept is a white car with a black roof and additional colour accents. It makes the impression on the public thank to its massive bumpers, rear wing, generous air intake in the front apron and forged 18-inch wheels with low-profile tyres.

    2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept
    2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept

    The consequence is a powerful and stable stance and ample traction. Furthermore, the vehicle includes big fenders and massive door sills. They contribute for the enhanced length of the Citigo.

    In addition, there is a centrally mounted exhaust end pipe, which can be easily seen at the rear of the car. Next, the diffusor function is integrated into the rear bumper.

    The wing which you see on the roofline in fact extends it and was designed with the aim to increase downforce during driving.

    In terms of interior, Skoda Citigo Rallys adds to the street version of the car a roll cage. Moreover, the seats are sporty-race type and the dashboard has reduced weight.

    The central console of the Rally Concept vehicle has a lot of functions, which can be manipulated effortlessly, thank to the convenient buttons.

    2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept at Woerhersee
    2012 Skoda Citigo Rally Concept at Woerhersee

    The other debut at Woerhersee was made by Skoda Citigo Dj car which was specifically designed for the entertainment industry. This special prototype is actually a mixer on four wheels. The car comes with three doors and its rear can be retracted from the B column on back, turning the vehicle into a mobile stage.

    Source: Skoda

  • 2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition

    2012-Skoda-Yeti-Urban-Limited-Edition-THUMBSkoda brand is releasing limited-edition version of its Yeti compact SUV, whihch is named 2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition. The model is based on the already highly popular SE trim. However, it features some worthy equipment. The Yeti model achieved great success after its launch in 2009 and won in fact 12 independent products awards. It has overtaken the public by its high-quality on-road performance, family orientated practicality and rugged styling. The new Yeti Urban LE is restricted to just 750 cars, which will expand that appeal to younger and more style-conscious customers.

    What is more in that particular model is that in it are featured some new and exclusive technologies. For instance, DAB digital radio comes now as standard. In addition, Yeti Urban includes Amundsen+ satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel to control the audio system and telephone.

    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition
    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition

    Fascinating design features are also included: 17-inch black-and-chrome ‘Matterhorn‘ alloys, wheel arch extensions, chrome side strips, silver door mirror caps, silver roof rails and stylish eye-catching roof stripes. For the interior customers can choose between red or black sports seats and sunset glass in the rear.

    Furthermore, the Yeti Urban is available in two-wheel-drive with manual transmission only, and comes with a choice of two engines. The first one is the petrol engine 1.2-litre TSI 105PS (77 kW), which offers fuel economy of 44.1mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. Of course, there is a diesel version as well: the popular 2.0-litre TDI CR 110PS (81 kW) DPF, which offers figures of 52.3mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.

    The exterior body paint of the model is offered in several different colors: Black Magic pearl effect, Candy White, Brilliant Silver metallic and Steel Grey metallic.

    Skoda retailers have a number of accessories worthy of mention: stainless steel pedals, sports exhaust trim, and Nextbase Click 9 Lite Duo portable DVD player with twin 9-inch screens.

    Yeti Urban standard features are: 17-inch black-and-chrome Matterhorn alloy wheels; Amundsen+ satellite navigation; Bluetooth GSM II telephone preparation; DAB Digital radio; Chrome exterior side moulding strips; Decorative interior insert; Silver door mirror covers; Multi-function steering wheel for radio and telephone; Roof stripes; Silver roof rails; Sports seats – red or black; Sunset glass; Wheel arch extensions; Metallic paint; Acoustic rear parking sensors; Cruise control; Dual-Zone air conditioning; Maxi-dot trip computer; Fog lights; Front centre armrest with storage compartment.

    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition will go on sale from the beginning of April this year with a starting price of £16 900 for the petrol model and £18 330 for the diesel.

    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition
    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition
    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition
    2012 Skoda Yeti Urban Limited Edition

    Source: Skoda

  • Skoda Green E Line Development

    Skoda-Green-E-Line-thumbAt Skoda these days are busy developing their not yet ready for production “Green E Line” vehicles – a segment of electric cars based on the Octavia Estate. Right now, a fleet of ten E Lines is undergoing a phase where day to day conditions are recreated so see how the cars behave. The whole green thing is a part of Skoda’s plan to excel in the field of fuel efficiency. Other projects concerned with that often work to optimize the TDI and TSI drivetrains and also various transmissions.

    The gathered data will be of extreme value for fine-tuning to get the most out of the cars. Issues that concern potential customers can also be addressed – being extremely silent in traffic might be a disadvantage for example.

    The whole testing procedure comprises of three phases: the first and the second are ongoing now and deal with in-house (on the Prague airport to be more exact) trials and research of the car’s various systems. The third phase, set to begin in March this year, will put the fleet to the real test as the cars will go to different institutions other than Skoda Auto (government, educational institutions etc.) for further research and testing in real life conditions.

    Skoda Green E Line (Octavia based)
    Skoda Green E Line (Octavia based)

    Because of being based on the Octavia Estate, the Green E Line is ideal for harboring electric car components such as batteries, motors and electronic controllers. Power output stands at 85 kW and generous figure of 270 Nm. (because of being electric, torque tends to be always high and instantly available throughout the whole rev range). A zero to sixty time is said to be around 12 seconds and top speed is as high as 135 kph. On a single charge it is estimated that the E Line will go for 150 km which is more than enough to satisfy various European communities.

    Source: Skoda

  • Skoda Citigo 5-door World Debut at Geneva

    Skoda-Citigo-5-door-thumbThe 2012 Geneva Motor Show will no doubt bring excitement to all rubber-burning, rev counting motoring enthusiasts. But a motor show isn’t a genuine one without some space for practicality and sensibility. That is why Skoda is world premiering the 5-door Citigo sub-compact car there. It’s a boxy little thing that is designed to be simple, neat and easy to live with.

    Power, which isn’t much, comes from a 3-cylinder, 1.0 Litre petrol engine and amounts to 44 kW/60 hp or 55 kW/75 hp. (power variations of the same engine).In its most eco-friendly form, the Green tec variant, the new Citigo achieves 4.1 l/100 km or around 69 mpg. CO2 emissions in the new Skoda are just bellow 100g/km. In the world of today, the Citigo makes a lot of sense as it counters fuel prices, congestion and overall vehicle expenses.

    If one does think about it, the Citigo doesn’t need power in excess as it hasn’t got a big bulky body and a handful of luxuries to carry around. Skoda say that inside it is as roomy as possible but how roomy can that be? The features listed as “ingenious” include net holders, a photo/document holder and a bag hook on the glove compartment – hardly technical innovations. But while the Citigo lacks luxury flash, it does make up for it by being a proud holder of a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. So this is what the Citigo really is – “simply clever” and no more.

    At its home market this member of the Skoda family has recently become the Best City Car in the largest Czech automobile poll, the Car of the Year 2012. Now the company is aiming at broadening it’s market outside of the Czech Republic. It is all part of an overall growth plan that will hopefully culminate in 2018 when Skoda annual shipments reach the 1.5 million mark. City cars such as the Citigo are the backbone of every successful company which produces great cars for all kinds of people.

    Skoda Citigo (2012)
    5-door Skoda Citigo (2012)

    Source: Skoda