Skoda leading automaker in Czech Republic and a subsidiary of Volkswagen maker of the unparalleled VW engine part has announced recently that it will return to Australia in October. It can be recalled that Skoda used to be treated as a big joke in the automotive world but with the disciplined that it gets from its German parent company; Skoda has been able to obtain Teutonic know-how, engineering and quality standards which has helped it to become the automaker it is today.
Skoda vehicles are to be distributed by Volkswagen Group Australia after its debut at the Sydney Motor Show. The lineup for Australia will include mid-size front-wheel-drive Octavia sedan and wagon plus the funky-looking five-door-wagon-cum-people mover called the Roomster. Both of these models were built at a modern plant at Mlada Boleslav near Prague.
To lead the range is a high-performance 147 kW, 2 liter FSI turbocharged Octavia RS. Volkswagen also plans to add the VW Polo-sized Fabia next year to the range of vehicles to be sold in Australia. The VW Polo-sized Fabia has been previously presented at the Geneva Motor Show. And by 2009 Volkswagen will launch a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Superb sedan.
The basic selling point of Skoda is its prices and this same strategy is what the automaker will also employ in Australia. The prices of Skoda vehicles to be sold in Australia will start from $16,000 for the Fabia and up to the mid $40,000s for the Superb.
And although Skoda vehicles are built using VW engine parts and components it is still 5 to 8 percent cheaper that its equivalent Volkswagen models due to the low-cost production price at Eastern Europe. Volkswagen Group Australia executive this makes the Skoda especially appealing to cost-conscious Australian buyers who wants European cars.
The plan to sell Skoda in Australia has been developed last year, however pricing and local identity issues have delayed the plans. But now since everything has been finally settled the moving is finally moving forward with its plans.
Matthew Weisner Volkswagen Group Australia general manager, press and public relations have been appointed head of Skoda Australia and part of his responsibility is to re-launch the brand. The first Octavia and Roomster are to be sold through 15 VW dealerships. Wiesner also emphasized the Skoda and VW would be distinct even with BMW which sells its Mini brands through associated dealers. “You won’t see shared Volkswagen-Skoda showrooms. We’ve got to give them more separation. Obviously we need to protect what we’ve done with Volkswagen but at the same time grow the Skoda branding,” said Weisner.
But eventually half of VW’s 56 dealers nationally will be made to sell Skodas. “By the end of 2008 we’d like to have about 25 dealers. The regional-rural side of the business will be very important, particularly with Skoda’s turbo-diesel line-up,” added Weisner.
After-sales services are also going to be improved and with the well developed network and highly trained technicians, servicing and logistics is not going to be a problem. Despite the seemed to be flawless sales plan of Volkswagen in Australia, Weisner is still worried that the company’s lack of profile may affect the sales turnover. It should be noted that Skodas have not been sold in Australia for almost 25 years.
“We’ve got to be creative about how we sell the Skoda message. We need to reasonably clever in how we go about it. It’s a pretty congested market, so we have to come up with a reasonable answer to the question of why you would consider a Skoda,” explained Weisner. He also described himself as”cautious but optimistic” about Skoda.
Presently there 41 different passenger car brands that are fighting to take a slice of the sales pie and Skoda must try to find its way through the ultra competitive market. Another fear of Weisner is that the Skoda may cannibalize VW sales. But then he said, “Yes, we have to be mindful of that. That’s why it has taken such a long time to put this together. We need to be very careful how we approach both marques, because there’s no point robbing Peter to pay Paul. You get one opportunity to do it properly.”
Weisner also admitted that positioning Skoda without affecting the VW sales is one of the challenges that he is facing right now. “We’re hoping the Skoda buyer will be an aspirational European buyer who might not have been able to stretch themselves before. They might always have been Japanese buyers who have aspired to Europe and hopefully we’ll give them that opportunity,” said Weisner.
Last year has been a very good year for VW Group Australia by selling more than 20,000 vehicles and they are hoping that the coming of the Skoda will further help VW Australia to increase their sales.
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Benjamin Hudson
Skoda Superb has been given a rebirth by Volkswagen designers who have named this flagship car of Skoda family in honor of the luxurious Skoda Superb of 1930’s. It shares its platform with highly successful WV Passat model. Dubbed as executive car, current models include 1.8L I4 Turbo as standard engine. More powerful petrol and diesel engines include 2.8L V6 30v and 2.5L V6 TDI, respectively.
Specifications
A recent facelift offers new radiator grille, headlights, side repeater indicators and C-shaped tail lights. As part of refurbishment project, interior panel is fitted with real wood and includes extras that were once hallmark of original Skoda Superb. Utilizing transverse engine layout, the all new B6 comes with fuel stratified injection turbocharged engine which can be upgraded to a powerful 3.6L 191kw FSI VR6 versions, providing reduced fuel consumption. For automobile enthusiasts who prefer even more power, Skoda engineers are now offering an optional direct shift gearbox with 6 or 7 speed transmissions in all trim combination. These trim levels are classified as Comfort, Ambition and Elegance in Europe, however, in UK they are marketed as S, SE, Elegance and Greenline. A Combi 5 door estate model is already introduced in Frankfurt Auto Show. This version of Skoda family cars is made for car owners who prefer luxury and more passenger space.
B6 Models
Produced in Czech Republic and India, Skoda Superb B6 2008, contains 4motion four wheel drive which is fitted with more advanced technology, constituting top of the line petrol engines such as 3.6 L VR6 FSI 4×4. Similarly, powerful diesel variants have also been reintroduced to include 1.9 L I4 TDI PD DPF Greenline and 2.0 L I4 TDI CR DPF. It seems that Skoda Superb designers are bent on providing even more choices. Their motives are expressed in classical ‘Laurin and Klement’ model which derives its features not only from original Skoda masterpiece but also from Rolls Royce. Like Rolls Royce it includes components such as an umbrella hidden in rear door panel.
As of 2008, the first generation Skoda Superb has stopped production. In its place, B6 is being offered in either 5 door liftback sedan or 5 door estate versions. Based on Volkswagen Group A5 PQ35 platform, the new version is a touch longer and wider than its predecessor. Fortunately, a slight price difference should not limit loyal Skoda buyers to catch onto the latest frenzy in Czech Republic and certain other East European markets.
Gurg Sumit Kumar
Skoda marks its presence in the luxury segment in India with its Octavia and Laura. Skoda Octavia has spelled success ever since it was launched. Laura picked up slowly and still marks a good presence on the Indian roads. A new version of Skoda Laura was also launched, Skoda Laura Ambient also made a quiet entry in to the market subsequently. Although the both the models have marked a subtle presence, nevertheless, both have their unique characteristics that make their owners be proud of their style and elegance. Skoda Laura competes with against Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry in its segment.
The Power and the Technology
Skoda Laura is based on the A5 platform that is accompanied with cutting edge technology which tries its best to match the Indian road and driving conditions. It has a 1.9 Pump Dense Technology engine that is known for its low emission which is BS III complaint. This engine also delivers good fuel efficiency. It gains its top speed as 189Kmph. It comes with automatic and tip-tronic transmission that has six forward and one reverse gear.
It has McPherson suspension in the front while the rear wheels have multi-element axle with one longitudinal and three transverse links. It has dual braking system in front and back and comes with power steering.
Inside Out
The exteriors are plush and stylish with extremely elegant look. It is a 4-door 5-seater car and a shining fully galvanised body. Interiors also carry stunning look that are well designed for maximum comfort. The overall design quite resembles with Skoda Octavia. It has a storage capacity of 560 litres that can be extended up to 1350 litres by folding the rear seats.
You can experience the rich upholstery, adjustable driver seats that have memory setting options so that it remembers your preferences. A long wheelbase gives a lot of room to the driver and makes driving the vehicle a real pleasure. It has an illuminated and refrigerated glove compartment with ample storage amenities. It carries all the safety measures that are usually present in any luxury car in the same segment.
Price Factor
The new Skoda Laura can give 11-16 kmph fuel efficiency on the city roads. It is priced at Rs 16-17 lakh in India and is amongst the elite peers in its segment that offers enticing looks clubbed with superb technology. It is available in 5 colours in India to choose from – Storm Blue, Candy White, Black Magic, Diamond Silver and Sahara Beige.
However, smaller changes in style and technology can further enhance the worth of the model. The front vent sometimes makes it difficult to see in front. The tyres still need to be improved upon for Indian road conditions. Moreover, the car still needs further adaptability for Indian driving conditions. The audio system can be still better but on the whole the car is a queen in the luxury segment that is tough enough to give a good competition to Accord, Camry or Sonata.
Satish Kalepu
Skoda Laura is a small luxury sedan that is built on Volkswagen platform, and is very popular in India. It is offered as 4 door estate or 5 door hatchback models. Actually, Skoda Laura is a second generation variant of the original Skoda Octavia. Nevertheless, new models are completely refurbished and are designed after evaluating extensive customer surveys. Therefore, consumers will find ample leg space in rear, and a lot more ground clearance; features which were absent in earlier version.
More Choice
In order to compete in challenging segment, Skoda Laura is available in different engine classes which range from 1.3L I4 to more powerful 2.0L I4 TFSI versions. In diesel variants, Skoda Laura comes with I4 TDI engine type. Both estate and hatchback versions also provide complete flexibility to choose from either 5 speed manual, 6 speed automatic or 7 speed auto DSG transmission. Perhaps, it is among very few cars which are also marketed as 4×4 drive. There are two four wheel drive versions. Both these versions contain Haldex Traction system based on computer controlled clutch centre coupling. These off-road models are well suited to rough road conditions frequently encountered in India. Furthermore, Scout four wheel drive version has an even higher ground clearance. It also has exterior modifications similar to SUV and sports cars.
More Power
In 2010, Skoda Laura is also being offered in 1.2 TSI petrol variant which use turbo fuel stratified injection with 1197 cc 8v DOHC engines that are able to produce 77kw power at 5000rpm. It’s more powerful 2.0 TFSI vRS 1984 cc engine uses 16 valve system. Just a year earlier, Laura underwent significant facelift including improved exterior design and brand new interior. The interior rim, stereo and steering wheel are notable features. Also, these new models have slightly better outlook after modifications to bumpers and headlights. Compared to competitors, the quality is further enhanced by lower price and more interior space.
More Acclaim
Skoda Laura has got rave reviews from almost every major European publication. Top Gear has described it as a masterpiece and dependable, whereas Auto Express has rewarded it with Gold Medal for being the most satisfying car of 2007. In India, Skoda Laura is fast gaining market share from Audi and high-end models of Volkswagen. Recent facelift is bound to add to its charm.
Gurg Sumit Kumar