Skoda Fabia Super 2000 to Appear at Rally Bohemia

A prototype version of Skoda’s latest competition vehicle, the Fabia Super 2000 rally car will make its first appearance at the 35th Rally Bohemia on July 4 that will start from the Skoda Auto Museum in Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. The Fabia Super 2000 is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine based on the standard 150Hp 2.0. FSI unit matted to a six-speed sequential transmission. The Czech carmaker's rally car also gets a four-wheel drive system and three passive differentials. -Continued

It’s too low Stooooop! Skodas Get Low-Rider Treatment

A lorry carrying nine brand new Skoda vehicles on its back hit a skywalk connecting two buildings somewhere in the Czech Republic when its driver underestimated the height of his valuable load. From what we can tell, at least six of the nine Octavias and Fabias onboard were in one way or another damaged. Wonder how the driver tried to explain this misfortunate accident to his bosses… -More pics after the jump

Source: Skodaoctavia , Via: Autoblog.nl

Skoda Announces UK Pricing on New Superb

Skoda UK today announced pricing for its all-new flagship sedan, the 2009 Superb. Prices begin at £15,490 for the entry-level 125Hp 1.4TSi and go all the way up to £26,675 for the top-of-the-range 3.6 FSI 4x4 model. Trim levels will be comprised of S, SE and Elegance with all models getting seven airbags: driver and passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag; while ESP is also standard across the range. -Details after the jump

Superb S

• Seven airbags
• Alarm with interior monitoring and tilt sensor
• Light Assistant (Coming home, tunnel and daylight functions)
• Split folding rear seats
• Remote central locking
• Climatic air conditioning
• Radio with single CD + MP3
• Electric front and rear windows
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
• 16” ‘Spectrum’ alloy wheels
• ESP
• Twindoor
• Front fog lights

Superb SE (over S)

• Fog lights with cornering function
• Four-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (for radio)
• Umbrella in rear door
• Alcantara upholstery
• Acoustic rear parking sensors
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone air conditioning
• 17” ‘Trifid’ alloy wheels
• Electrically folding door mirrors
• Integrated 6CD touchscreen stereo

Superb Elegance (over SE)

• Bi-xenon headlights
• AFS (Adaptive Front-light System)
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Rain sensor windscreen wipers
• GSM III telephone preparation with Bluetooth
• Heated front seats
• Full leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable diver and passenger seats
• ‘Colombus’ colour touch screen satellite navigation
• 18” ‘Themisto’ alloy wheels
• 4 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (radio and telephone)

New Superb Pricing

Trim	Engine	Bhp	Gearbox	Price OTR
S	1.4 TSI	125bhp	6spd Manual	£15,490
S	1.8 TSI	160bhp	6spd Manual	£16,565
S	1.8 TSI	160bhp	7 spd DSG	£17,855
S	1.9 TDI PD	105bhp	5spd Manual	£15,950
S	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6spd Manual	£17,000
S	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6 spd DSG	£18,275
SE	1.8 TSI	160bhp	6spd Manual	£18,595
SE	1.8 TSI	160bhp	7 spd DSG	£19,885
SE	1.8 TSI 4x4	160bhp	6spd Manual	£19,995
SE	1.9 TDI PD	105bhp	5spd Manual	£17,980
SE	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6spd Manual	£19,030
SE	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6 spd DSG	£20,305
SE	2.0 TDI CR	170bhp	6spd Manual	£19,930
SE	2.0 TDI CR	170bhp	6 spd DSG	£21,205
SE	2.0 TDI CR 4x4	170bhp	6spd Manual	£21,355
Elegance	1.8 TSI	160bhp	6spd Manual	£21,075
Elegance	1.8 TSI	160bhp	7 spd DSG	£22,365
Elegance	1.8 TSI 4x4	160bhp	6spd Manual	£22,475
Elegance	3.6 V6 4x4	260bhp	6 spd DSG	£26,675
Elegance	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6spd Manual	£21,510
Elegance	2.0 TDI PD	140bhp	6 spd DSG	£22,785
Elegance	2.0 TDI CR	170bhp	6spd Manual	£22,410
Elegance	2.0 TDI CR	170bhp	6 spd DSG	£23,685
Elegance	2.0 TDI CR 4x4	170bhp	6spd Manual	£23,835

Skoda Reports 23% Increase in Worldwide Sales in April

Continuing its positive growth trend, VW’s Czech subsidiary Skoda sold 63,726 vehicles worldwide in April recording a 23.3% increase on the same period last year. In the first four months of the year, Skoda sold 237,200 cars, up 17.7% on January-April 2007. The Czech carmaker’s fastest-growing markets were Russia (14,231 vehicles, up 75.3% compared to last year), India (6,396 vehicles, up 50.4%) and China (22,032 vehicles, start-up period).

The company’s best selling model is the Octavia, with 25,475 vehicles, increased by 42.9% on April last year. A total of 7,500 Octavia Estates were sold in the month, a rise of 16.3 per cent on last April.-Continued

“We are very happy about the positive sales trends, especially as we are now waiting for the launch of the new Superb, which will soon be available to customers in all major markets,” said Fred Kappler, Skoda Auto’s Head of sales and marketing. “We are mainly growing in the new markets – Russia, China and India. These countries accounted for 11 per cent of Skoda Auto's total

Skoda Wins Bid To Supply Cars For Czech Police

Skoda has beaten Volkswagen and Renault in the tender for the supply of 3,500 vehicles to the Czech police force from 2008 to 2011. The Czech carmaker won the bid as the 1.1 billion crowns it asked for was significantly lower than VW’s 1.4 billion and Renault’s 2.0 billion crown offerings. According to Skoda’s spokeperson, the deal will be signed this July. It is expected that the Czech police will order 700 vehicles this year.

Skoda Produces 2 Millionth Fabia

The two millionth Skoda Fabia to be produced has just rolled off the Czech carmaker’s production line in the Mladá Boleslav plant. The commemorative model is a Satin grey metallic Fabia Combi Sport 1.4. Launched in January 2008, the new generation estate has been delivered to 19,503 customers around the world while when one includes hatchback sales, the total number of new Fabias sold this year reaches 63,579 units, an 8.5% rise over last year.

Skoda: On Target To Reach 700,000 Sales This Year

Good news for Skoda as Volkswagen’s Czech unit is on course to reach its 2008 sales target of 700,000 vehciles worldwide by the end of 2008. "After three months, we are on target and should reach this figure at the end of the year," said Skoda spokesman Jaroslav Cerny, without giving any more details though.

Skoda, which has production sites in the Czech Republic, China, Russia, India and Ukraine managed to sell 630,032 cars in 2007 contributing to the VW Group's full-year profit by approximately 13 percent.

Via: Yahoo

Skoda Introduces New Sport Pack for Fabia II

Czech carmaker Skoda has announced the launch of a new sport package for its new Fabia II supermini. Named “Dynamic”, the new sport kit adds a front spoiler, a chromed exhaust tip, a roof spoiler, tinted rear windows and a diffuser like rear bumper add-on along with standard air-condition all for the price of 990 Euros or about $1,500 in Germany.

Skoda Produces Two-Millionth Octavia

It took Skoda 12 years and two generations to produce its two-millionth Octavia model. The milestone-marking vehicle, a silver Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI, was produced today at the Czech carmaker’s home plant in Vrchlabí. The first generation Octavia, based on the VW Golf, was launched into the market in 1996. In 2004, Skoda presented the second-generation model but since the older model was still popular with customers, the company keeps producing it under the Octavia Tour mark.

The production of Octavia Tour is located in Vrchlabí with assembly points in Skoda’s plants in India, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Ukraine and Bosnia. Since 2007, the vehicle has been manufactured in China under a license production arrangement. The Skoda Octavia is called Laura in India and Ming Rui in China. -Continued

Altogether the Company has produced 1,315,000 first-generation Octavias and 685,000 second-generation Octavias since the market launch in 2004. Skoda delivered 72,529 Octavia Tour vehicles and 237,422 Octavias in 2007.

Geneva Show: 2009 Skoda Superb GreenLine

Along with the standard versions of the new Superb, Skoda also took the wraps off the Superb GreenLine at the Geneva Show. The name GreenLine adorns Skoda models with optimised efficiency that exhibit reduced consumption. The Superb GreenLine is equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with an output of 105 Hp.

Improvements include the fine tuning of the front design to enhance the airflow parameters. Also, by lowering the chassis by 15 mm the forefront area has been reduced creating better airflow under the chassis. The reduction in weight in the new Superb GreenLine has also been helpful in reducing fuel consumption. For example, instead of the spare wheel in the boot there is now a tire repair set on board. These measures result to an avg. fuel consumption of 5.1 lt of diesel per 100 km or 46.1 MPG (US), which corresponds to 136 g/km of CO2 emissions. –Image gallery after the jump

Ultra Frugal Skoda Fabia Greenline Available in the UK

Skoda’s UK network is now taking orders for the frugal 1.4 TDI Fabia GreenLine with the first customer deliveries expected from the 21st of April. Thanks to the additional aerodynamic panels being fitted to the underside of the chassis, the replacement of the spare tyre with a puncture repair kit and the raising of the front bumper by 35mm, the diesel-powered Fabia 1.4 TDI Greenline boast an avg. fuel consumption of 57.4 MPG US (69 MPG UK or 4.1-liters per 100 km) on the combined cycle and CO₂ figures of 109g/km. -Continued

That means that on a single tank of diesel a Fabia GreenLine driver can expect to cover an incredible 689 miles or 75 miles more than the stanbard Fabia 1.4 TDI. Buyers can opt for either hatchback or estate versions of this latest addition to the Fabia family, which cost £11,490 and £12,140 respectively.

Skoda Starts Testing the Fabia Super 2000

While we would have preferred it if the Fabia pictured above was an RS version fitted with the VW Group’s 2.0 TFSI petrol unit (the one found in the Golf GTi, TT-S etc), this is the first prototype of the Fabia Super 2000 Rally car that will compete in the Super 2000 category.

The race-prepped Skoda is based on the second-generation Fabia and, in compliance with the FIA regulations, is equipped with a two-litre atmospheric four-cylinder petrol engine, a six-speed sequential transmission and a four-wheel drive system with three mechanical differentials. -Continued

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Škoda Auto BOD Member responsible for technological development, said: “We are glad to have started testing the Fabia Super 2000. This year we are planning to optimise and certify the vehicle so that we can use it on both national and international levels.”

“When exactly will the vehicle be released for competition use will depend on the achieved progress, relevant test results and the final certification. Then we are also planning to offer the vehicle to private teams. Based on a customer service arrangement, further development work on the vehicle will be done in close cooperation with our importers worldwide“, Scholz added.

Martin Lauer, Head of Corporate Communications, adds: “The history of over hundred years of involvement in motorsport is unique, and we are proud to be able to continue the success story with the Fabia Super 2000. We believe that the vehicle will become a successful part of this tradition, because car racing is popular all over the world and offers great opportunities to promote our products“.

2009 Skoda Superb Update: Official Details on Engine Range & More

VW’s Czech subsidiary has released new pictures and information concerning the all-new Superb that is about to receive a premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Before we get into details on the Superb’s engine line-up, let us tell you about the “TWINDOOR” application. According to the Czech carmaker, the “TWINDOOR” is a tailgate opening system developed and patented by Škoda engineers that makes it possible to open either just the boot lid (for small pieces of luggage) or lift the whole tailgate including the rear window. So, does that make the Superb a 5door liftback or a sedan model? -Continued

As for the engine line up, the Superb will be offered with three petrol and three diesel engines matted to either manual or automatic DSG transmissions. The petrol engine portfolio includes the all-new four-cylinder 1.4 TSI (125 HP), the 1.8 TSI (160 HP) and the brand new 3.6 FSI V6 (260 HP). The most powerful version of the Superb will only be available with an automatic DSG transmission and a four-wheel drive system and will appear in the market shortly after the official launch of the new model.

The diesel engine portfolio includes 1.9 TDI PD DPF (105 HP), 2.0 TDI PD DPF (140 HP) and the all-new 2.0 TDI CR DPF (175 HP) with common rail injection.

Additionally, Skoda revealed that the new Superb will offer a variety of high-tech systems including the AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) that makes use of the possibility of changing the geometry of the headlamp beam and adapting the lighting in front of the vehicle to suit different driving conditions, thus enabling the driver to identify obstacles and react to them in time and . the all-new high-tech navigation system with a touch screen and a hard disk.

2009 Skoda Superb: New Images Including Interior

The more we see of the new Superb (details here), the more it reminds us of the Renault Vel-Satis but that’s something we wouldn’t brag about if we worked at Skoda… Leaving the weird looking exterior aside, we also discovered the first official image of the 2009 Superb’s interior. Skoda’s designers seem to have mixed elements from their own Octavia with VW’s Passat. Overall, the new Superb’s cabin looks quite nice in the usual Teutonic way that all VW Group products do. -Check out the interior after the jump

2009 Skoda Superb: Official Details & Pictures

Skoda has unveiled the first official photographs and details of the all-new Superb that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on the 4th of March, 2008. While the new Superb differs in design from the VW Passat – as opposed to the outgoing model which was a carbon copy of the previous Passat, we doubt that it will win any beauty contests…

At 4,838mm long and 1,783mm wide the new Superb is 35mm longer and 18mm wider than its predecessor. It stands at 1,461mm high and has a wheel base of 2,761mm - 8mm lower and 42mm shorter respectively than the model it replaces. -Continued after the jump

The upper-medium notchback (5door-sedan) will be offered with a total of up to six, VW Group derived, engines - three petrol and three diesel units delivering from 105bhp to 260bhp. All engine units will be combined with a selection of manual or DSG transmissions.

The Superb’s features include adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, automatic parking assist and nine airbags. The Superb will be manufactured in the Skoda’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic and will go on sale in Europe during the second half of the year.

Skoda To Introduce New Minicar Based On The VW up!

Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary Skoda is planning to introduce a new minicar in order to meet growing demand for small cars in emerging markets. In an interview with FTD (Financial Times Deutschland) Skoda’s boss, Reinhard Jung said that he believes that there is still space beneath the Fabia, which is currently the company’s smallest and cheapest model.

Skoda’s minicar will utilize the platform and underpinnings of the production version of VW’s up! Concept. Jung told FTD that the new model will play a key role in expanding production in Skoda's plants in Russia, India and China.

2009 Skoda Superb: First Official Picture

We’ve obtained the first official –and totally uncovered- image of the 2009 Skoda Superb sedan that will be presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next March. According to the teaser release we acquired, Skoda supports that the second-generation Superb is going to offer “a generously-sized interior with a number of smart solutions and technologies”. The Czech carmaker’s flagship model is loosely based on the same architecture as the VW Passat. -Continued after the jump

Unlike the current 4door model, the new Superb will get a more versatile 5door (liftback) layout like the smaller Octavia. Though VW’s Czech subsidiary hasn’t released details yet, the range will most likely consist of the 140 HP 1.4 TSI, 160 HP 1.8 TSI and 200 HP 2.0 TSI gasoline engines and the 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI diesel units with various outputs. Later on, Skoda will probably add a V6 engine option.

New Skoda Fabia Sport

Czech carmaker Skoda unveiled a new addition to its U.K. Fabia line-up, the Sport which will sit atop the supermini range alongside the current Fabia 3 flagship. Compared to the standard versions, the Fabia Sport gets a new front spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, boot spoiler, a chrome exhaust pipe and rear diffuser. Prices start at £10,660 and £11,735 respectively for the 1.2 12V (70bhp) and 1.6 16V (105bhp) petrols. The diesel duo cost £12,115 for the 1.4 TDI (80bhp) and £12,795 for the larger 1.9TDI (105bhp). The first deliveries are expected at the end of January 2008.

Skoda Releases Official Teaser Images Of 2008 Superb

Czech carmaker Skoda has come out with an official announcement concerning the 2008 Superb that will be presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next spring. As you might have seen in our previous post (click here), Skoda invited selected media representatives to Death Valley, USA, to test two Superb prototypes fitted with light camouflage. The prototypes that were tested by reporters were equipped with the VW Group’s new 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that produces 160 Hp. Though VW’s Czech subsidiary hasn’t released details on the car yet, it’s no secret that Skoda’s second generation mid-size sedan is loosely based on the VW Passat platform.

Follow the jump for one more pic along with the official press release, or click here to see a set of leaked pictures taken straight from Skoda’s factory. -Continued

PRESS RELEASE

The New generation of Superb Tested by Reporters for First Time

The extreme conditions of the American desert were the setting for a test of two prototypes for the new generation of Škoda Superb model. For the first time in the history of the Škoda brand, media representatives were invited to the event before the new model’s official premiere. The prototypes of the successor to the successful series, fitted with light camouflage, were presented to the first press representatives by the member of the Škoda Auto a.s. Board of directors responsible for technical development, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, who said, “The New Superb is an exceptional car and brings a number of technical refinements and interesting solutions. That’s why we selected this untraditional form of presentation.”

The times of great Škoda saloon cars

There have been times in the more than 110 years of the brand’s history when Škoda has been represented by the original beauty of its automobiles, when they were modern, dynamic and astounded their environment. Great value was placed on every single detail of their construction and the creativity of the workmanship knew no bounds. Škoda limousines were the epitome in travelling, with the highest level of comfort. Individual access to each part of the vehicle could be seen in the interplay of the details combining to form a perfect entirety while the Art Deco symbolised new trends. Four-wheel drive systems were also tested on Škoda vehicles and the international reputation of the Škoda brand extended to the shores of the Sea of Japan.

And these times have returned!

The new generation of Škoda Superb is ready to fulfil even the most demanding needs of customers in the mid-size car segment. Today, people interested in a mid-size vehicle demand one that is both practical and luxurious. It would be difficult today to find another vehicle that combines these two contradictory demands in a way even close to that provided by the Superb. The current, successful generation of Superb has established Škoda in the arena of the large saloon cars and customers are now acquainted with its presence in the medium- and upper-medium segments.

The new generation of this model has been developed from the very beginning as a completely new vehicle. The space and travelling comfort that the car offers places it among the leaders in the mid-size category. The intriguing development in the construction and design of the new generation of Superb will be the reason for a major change in awareness of this model range. The new generation of Škoda Superb, with its exceptional interior space, follows the tradition of the current modern generation.

Success of the current generation

The success of the current generation is underlined, among other things, by the fact that in customer satisfaction studies in 2007 carried out by the internationally accredited organisation JD Power, the Superb was among the leaders. In Great Britain, the Superb was fourth in the family vehicle category. In first place was the Škoda Octavia. Overall, the Škoda brand was ranked as the second. In Germany, Škoda’s largest market, the Superb took second place in the mid-sized class and was the fourth best-liked car among German customers. Škoda ranked in ninth position among all the brands. In this most demanding European market, this is an evidence of its above-average ranking and is a clear success for Škoda.

Technical Development and its expansion

The development of the latest model has been completely undertaken by the Škoda Auto Technical Development Department which is currently undergoing a marked development itself. Expansion and development of the current technical facilities involve an investment of € 38 million. The total work area for the technical development is being increased by some 70%. Dozens of new chassis engineers, electrical engineers and other development specialists will work in new facilities. It will be their job to ensure that research and development is carried out not only for the Škoda brand but for the whole Volkswagen Group. The overall building project will be completed by the end of 2008 and, after installing the most up-to-date technology, will be fully operational by middle of 2009. Offices, laboratories and workshop space will be located in the new Škoda Auto Technology Center and here, the development in vehicle electronics and electrical equipment; the development of chassis and aggregates; test activities, such as acoustic checks; special investigations in a simulated sunlight test area; climatic chambers and the light tunnel and many other activities will take place.

The Technical Development Department at Škoda is the third-largest development unit within the Volkswagen Group today. The current expansion in capacity strengthens the Škoda brand’s development competence even further, confirmed by the number of new models introduced in the past few years. At the same time, it will enable the company to continue and to follow the rich tradition of more than one hundred years of developing and building automobiles in the Czech Republic.

The continuing development of the brand

In the past decade, the development of the Škoda brand has been very dynamic and the series of generation changes in the existing model ranges is now crowned by the introduction of the new Superb. However, this definitely does not signal the end of Škoda’s dynamic development as, in years to come, the continuing modernisation of model ranges and the development of completely new models will follow.

Test vehicles

The vehicles on display, which are being put through exhausting tests in Death Valley, are test prototypes fitted out with 1.8 TSI/118 kW (160 bhp) engines. In regard to its construction, this is the same engine which has been offered across the Octavia model range since the middle of this year.

AFS (Adaptive Front light System)
One of the most important technical innovations is the bi-xenon headlight with the AFS function including retractable integrated headlights washer units with an automatic rain sensor and the “MAXI DOT” display. The abbreviation AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) describes a system of adaptive front headlights. The system for controlling the front headlights makes use of the possibility of changing the geometry of the front headlights light beam and adapting the lighting in front of the vehicle to suit different driving conditions. The system works in following modes: “INTERCITY” (Headlight function in this mode is the closest to regular dipped lights. The right and the left headlights are in their basic positions. The mode is active at the following speeds: 0-15 km/h or 50-90 km/h.), “CITY” (The distribution of the vehicle’s light path is wider and shorter compared to the Intercity mode. When driving in a city, lighting footpaths and intersections are important rather than lighting objects at great distances. The left headlight is turned slightly to the left and tilted to avoid dazzling drivers in oncoming cars while lighting the entire road with adjoining footpaths. The mode is active at the following speeds: 15-50 km/h.), “HIGHWAY” (Long reach of the car’s lights and lighting the right and left lanes is important while driving on motorways. The left headlight is turned upwards and to the left and the right headlight is slightly lifted. The Intercity mode is switched over to the Highway mode gradually to ensure smooth and natural change of the light beam. The mode is active at following speeds: from 90 km/h; however, the Highway mode is the most effective at speeds higher than 110 km/h.) and “RAIN” (This function is designed for driving in poor visibility, for example in rain or heavy snowfall. The light path is wide and shorter than in the Intercity mode. The right headlight is dipped downwards and the left headlight is dipped to the left and downwards. This is to reduce the risk of dazzling drivers in oncoming vehicles with light reflected from a wet road. Activation of this mode depends on the vehicle’s travelling speed and is conditional on activating wipers for more than 2 minutes. For safety reasons, this mode is limited by speeds from 20 to 70 km/h to ensure sufficient reach of vehicle’s lights when travelling at higher speeds. The mode is deactivated automatically when the speed limit is exceeded or when wipers are inactive for more than 8 minutes).

This highly advanced system is supplemented by a rotating headlight function, cornering lights and the dynamic regulation of the headlight beam angle height. The combination of all of these functions has resulted in a well-designed system that adapts dynamically to the prevailing lighting conditions on the road, thus increasing driving safety - the driver can react more quickly to hindrances when these are better illuminated. AFS is paired exclusively with high-intensity discharge bi-xenon lamps which provide both the dipped and high beam functions. The driver can deactivate the system when required and use the standard dipped headlight and high beam function.

Presentation of the new Automobile

We will provide you with further technical details and the engines offered at the world premiere of the new generation Superb models at their presentation at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next spring.