Skoda is expanding its sporty Monte Carlo range with the addition of two new engines.
Skoda
4x4, Family Car, News, SUV
Skoda unveils VisionS
Skoda has revealed images of the new VisionS show car.
Hinting at a future SUV design language, the VisionS is influenced by Czech Cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art with the contoured surfaces accentuated further by the Island-Green colour.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is Skoda’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows. The concept powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 165 kW (225 hp) and a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.
The internal combustion engine is a 1.4 TSI with 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an e-motor that provides 40 kW of 40 kW continuous power and 220 Nm peak torque. It is integrated into the six-speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque drives the rear axle.
The VisionS features large displays for vehicle and infotainment services for all passengers, who can connect to the network several ways from each seat in the vehicle.
The VisionS will be formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Concept Car, Motorshow, News, SUV
Skoda previews new VisionS ahead of Geneva debut
Skoda has released teaser images of a new SUV concept - the VisionS.
Hinting at how a future Skoda SUV could look, the new concept is set to be revealed at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. Over recent years Skoda has completely renewed its model range and says the next phase will involve broadening the range of models in the SUV segment.
Skoda’s new design language was unveiled in 2014 with the VisionC design study, and this now extends to the SUV segment with the VisionS (‘S’ stands for SUV) showing how how an SUV with three rows of seats, larger than the Yeti model, could look. On the inside a large interior offers ‘generous space’ for six occupants thanks to a total length of 4.70 metres.
The VisionS features design lines and edges described as ‘clear, precise and sharp’. At the front the bonnet has contours flowing towards the brands logo. The wide grille and four tapered, high-set LED headlights characterise the face of the show car, emphasising the vehicle’s SUV character. ‘Crystalline’ elements in the vertical struts in the grille and on the logo are Skoda’s tribute to the Czech art of crystal-glass design.
The side view features a ‘sharp tornado line’ spanning the entire length of the car. Angular wheel arches emphasise the off-road character and the upper-shoulder contour forms a deep groove over the sills. The quickly sloping roofline with the long spoiler and tapered rear ‘visually accelerate’ the show car further.
At the rear, a strong diffuser insert bordering the large exhaust pipes gives the SUV a powerful stance. The Skoda logo and shallow rear lights with dynamically cut crystalline housings sit just beneath the low rear window, while Skoda’s characteristic C-arm, beginning at the rear lights, runs into the flat reflectors in the bumper.
The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.
Skoda reveals new Citigo Black Edition
Skoda has added a new Citigo Black Edition to its line-up.
Available in three-or five-door, the Citigo Black is powered by a 1.0 MPI 60PS engine and 'packs a strong visual punch' according to Skoda thanks to its standard Deep Black or Candy White paint and 15-inch Black Auriga alloy wheels. Sunset glass for the rear windows and body-coloured door mirrors are also fitted as standard.
The new Citigo Black Edition features Skoda's Portable Infotainment Device (PID) that includes satellite navigation, a hands-free Bluetooth connection and multimedia player. The Black Edition also comes with manual air-conditioning as standard, along with the Citigo Entertainment pack that consists of four additional loudspeakers and a multimedia holder. Electric front windows and a height-adjustable driver seat complete the specification list.
The new Skoda Citigo Black Edition is available to order now priced at £9,900 OTR for the 3dr Hatch 1.0 MPI 60PS and £10,340 for the 5dr Hatch 1.0 MPI 60PS.
4x4, Diesel, Hatchback, Estate Car, News
Skoda Octavia vRS adds 4x4 option
Skoda is giving its sporting flagship Octavia vRS line-up a specification boost with a new 4x4 transmission option.
Offered with the 2.0 TDI 184PS diesel engine and mated to a six-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) as standard, the vRS' four-wheel drive system constantly monitors traction at each wheel, directing power to whichever axle requires it.
The vRS 4x4 models can sprint from zero to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and deliver peak torque of 380Nm between 1,750-3,250 rpm.
From 1 November, prices for the Octavia vRS range start from £24,230 OTR for the Hatch and £25,430 OTR for the Estate, an increase of £400, however, buyers will get the Amundsen satellite navigation system as standard (previously £755), offering a customer saving of £355.
With a capacitive touchscreen display and SD card slot, the Amundsen unit joins a specification list that includes 18-inch Gemini anthracite alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension and dual-zone climate control with humidity sensor.
Engineering highlights include multi-link suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. The vRS also features a bespoke design package that includes unique bumpers, spoiler and interior.
The updated Octavia vRS 4x4 range hits showrooms later this year, priced from £27,315 OTR for the Hatch and £28,515 OTR for the Estate.
Skoda adds frugal Superb GreenLine model
Skoda has added new Superb Hatch and Estate models to its GreenLine range.
The Superb GreenLine takes fuel economy and emissions 'to a new level' with a predicted combined consumption figure of 76.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 96g/km for the Hatch and 97g/km for the Estate. Skoda says these provide the new Superb GreenLine with a potential range of more than 1,100 miles on just one tank of fuel - enough to drive from Milton Keynes to Barcelona.
The most fuel-efficient and cleanest Superb to date is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 120PS and incorporates a host of advanced fuel-saving technologies and engineering features. As with all other Superb models, the GreenLine is equipped with start-stop ignition and brake energy recovery as standard. In addition, both Superb GreenLine models feature longer gear ratios, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and 16-inch reduced rolling resistance tyres.
To meet European emission standards, the new model utilises two exhaust gas treatment units: an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter. Nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced through the Superb GreenLine's SCR system, using the reducing agent AdBlue. This synthetically manufactured solution, 32.5 per cent high-purity urea in demineralised water, treats the diesel exhaust gases, reducing nitrogen oxide and saving fuel.
To further improve efficiency the chassis sits 15mm lower than the standard Superb, while both the Hatchback and Estate models incorporate tailgate and roof spoilers to efficiently channel air around the rear of the car. As a result of these subtle additions and revisions, both models have lower drag coefficients than the standard models (0.263 Hatch, 0.275 Estate).
The new Superb GreenLine will be unveiled to the public at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show with further details, including UK specification and prices, to be announced closer to the launch date later this year.
Skoda is UK's most dependable car brand
Skoda has been named as the UK's most dependable brand in a new JD Power study.
The inaugural 2015 UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) asked owners to report problems with their new cars - from serious breakdowns to troublesome in-car entertainment issues. Once analysed, the results gave Skoda a clear victory, with the Czech carmaker comprehensively outscoring even the luxury brands.
The study, which focused on new cars registered between April 2012 and March 2014, used owner data to generate an overall dependability score for each brand. Skoda's score of 77 was the lowest in the entire survey, with the Industry Average for 2015 recorded as 114.
Every Skoda in the survey performed better than the industry average, with the Fabia ranked as the third most dependable car in the Small Car category.
Following the JD Power report findings, UK Consumer organisation Which? has also named Skoda as a firm favourite with owners. The organisation's 2015-2016 Car Guide named the Superb and the Yeti as the most satisfying cars to own in the estate and SUV classes, achieving owner satisfaction ratings of 96 per cent and 93 per cent respectively.
Skoda reveals doggy seat belt
Skoda has developed a range of accessories designed to keep dogs safe and secure on the move.
The range, developed using Skoda's 'Simply Clever' philosophy, combines the latest in canine-cosy materials with high-tech structures to protect even the most boisterous of hounds. Available through Skoda retailers, the Dog Safety Belt offers the simplest solution for a hound that likes to go walkies on the move. With a simple clunk-click of this specially-developed belt (which also clicks into a lead for seamless car-to-walk manoeuvres) even the most unruly of mutts will be restrained for when the roads get twisty. The doggy seat belt comes in four sizes - from S to XL - meaning that everything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane benefit. Prices start from £50 for the small version, with medium, large and XL costing £65, £75 and £85 respectively.
As millions of owners will testify, dogs are experts in embedding hair and mud in a car interior. Which is why Skoda has developed a Backseat Protector designed to minimise the impact of malting, muddy hounds. The Skoda Backseat Protector (£30) does exactly what the name suggests. By attaching to the front and rear headrests, the protector forms a cosy hammock area. The material is water-resistant and has a non-slip surface to further increase safety on the move.
For those who like to treat their dogs to their own private grounds at the back of their estate, the Skoda dog guard is available for Fabia, Octavia and Superb estate models, with the grille 'light and easy to install' says Skoda, and allows the driver a clear view of the road behind. Prices start at £105.50.
Other accessories designed to keep owners and hounds happy include a range of tailor-fitted protective mats and inserts. The rubber boot mat is moulded exactly to the shape of the boot-floor and fits snugly, while the accessories range also includes a robust Plastic Protective Liner for the boot.