When we think of the Austrian car-makers Skoda our mind automatically jumps to the Superb, a sort of upper middle class vehicle. But, not much hype or fan-fare follows their lower models like the Fabia. The topic for discussion here is the “Skoda Fabia vRS”, Skoda’s latest attempt at introducing a rally car on the roads.
Let’s start off with the most important part of the vehicle, the engine. This particular engine has been used in everything from the Golf to the A6 and is, to be fair, far better than anything else it has ever produced in this class. The 1.9 liter, 4 cylinder, OHC, turbo charged diesel engine might not be the fastest car around but it sure does try really hard.
130 bhp at 4000 rpm doesn’t sound like much, but keep the car between 1500 and 2700 rpm and you feel the full effect of the 310 nM of torque under the hood. It does 0-60 mph in approximately 9.6 seconds. Quite normal for this class of vehicle but the crucial pick up from 50 to 75 mph can be achieved in around 10 seconds in 5th gear which sounds very contenting when you think of the vehicle class. It tops out at a maximum speed of 127 mph which isn’t very fast, but, it is good for its class. This car can easily complete 40 mpg, but, hit the motorway and you will be touching 60 miles to the gallon. The steering wheel (a three spoke sports steering wheel) gives terrific feedback and the performance of the car is far superior to any other ones in its class. The vRS moves on 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels through which you can spot green brake calipers.
When it comes to looks, the Fabia, has very little on offer whether it is on the inside or the outside. Skoda’s chief designer, Thomas Ingenlath was in charge of designing the vRS and he has done a decent job in raising the bar for its down-market siblings. The front has been equipped with a pleasant front bumper, encasing the usual mesh-vent between two fog lamps. Around the back, you will find a deeper bumper with a chromed tail pipe which is a little off-centre, a boot spoiler and some discreet badging. This all sounds real nice, but, it is not even close to the stunningly fashionable World Rally Car.
The interiors have the same feeling as most of the cars from the Volkswagen group. The switch gear (made of aluminium) is well laid out and the dials are clear and easily readable. The seats (monogrammed RS grey and black fabric sports seats) are actually, very comfortable and move in every possible way which makes finding a comfortable position relatively easy. A couple of vRS logos on the dials complete the look.
Skoda has gone all out when it comes to specking the vRS. ABS, MSR and ASR all help with the handling while ESP can be added at an extra cost. On the comfort and safety front, air-conditioner, electric front windows, single-slot CD player, alarm, remote central locking and driver and passenger airbags all come as standard.
Now that everything has been discussed let’s come down to the price. At £12000 it is far better priced than any of its rivals and it has a good re-sale value as well.
All-in-all, this car is good without being great. It is very reliable, economical too and it can still turn heads. Really. .
One of the most common problems on the VAG 1.9tdi engine (both 90bhp and 110bhp) is the loss or hesitancy of power between 2000 and 3500rpm.
The cause for this can be one of a number of issues; however there is a few that are the most common causes.
1. Engine Control Unit (ECU) – Basically the VAG group acknowledges that there is a fault with the ECU on this engine and would normally advise you upgrade to the latest version. Be aware that this is a very expensive upgrade at somewhere around £600.
2. Turbo control valve – The 110 engine has a control valve on the turbo. This is a known fault and can be rectified by stripping it down and lubricating. This is normally a job for your main dealer and is a fault that should show up on sophisticated dealer diagnostics software. Be aware that if the problem recurs after this rectification, then you will probably need a new turbo.
3. MAF sensor – This is the airflow meter, it is located in the plastic air box pipe that leads from the air box to the engine and is secured by two screws. Sometimes these devices become clogged and or electrically malfunction. It is best to buy a new one rather than source a second hand item.
4. Turbo pipe – There is a small vacuum pipe that leads from the turbo to the ECU (it is about a foot long and looks similar to that of a bicycle pump valve). This pipe is known for splitting or leaking at the ends. Check that the pipe has no splits and that the ends are air tight by using small jubilee clips.
5. Vacuum pipes – Located on the bulkhead in front of the passenger seat is a connector block that has numerous pipes going to it. Check that all these pipes are in good order and connected properly. Replace them accordingly where necessary.
6. Fuel filter – These can become easily clogged by contaminants in the diesel. Replace the fuel filter with a new one that has been soaked in diesel treatment such as Redex etc. The engine may take quite a bit of starting after this process, but once started it will help to clear the fuel system. It is also a good idea to add some of the treatment to your fuel tank at the same time.
Although the loss of power can be caused by many things and finding a solution is often a process of elimination, the above are considered the most common causes and solutions.
Jason Morris is the proprietor of JAYtecnik They are specialists in ECU remaps and remapping for most petrol and diesel engined vehicles. Jason has been involved in engine tuning and remapping for a number of years and has a wealth of experience on many different vehicles.
The ‘compact’ 4 x 4 market is already a tough place for car manufacturers to compete. The Honda CR-V, Ford Kuga and Toyota Rav 4 have all successfully blended rugged 4×4 driving with the looks and driving experience that modern drivers want.
But the Skoda Yeti isn’t overshadowed by it’s more established competition. Starting at just £13,750 (GBP) for the entry level 1.2. petrol turbocharged model, the Yeti is significantly cheaper than it’s rivals. The 1.2 petrol and 1.8 petrol versions offer a smooth and refined drive… something that Skoda were no doubt keen to get right targeting this fickle market.
In it’s diesel format the top-spec Skoda Yeti is 4WD 2.0 TDI which comes with a whopping 170BHP, for this performance you’ll be looking to pay at least £21,500. However the cheaper 110 BHP engine offers an elegant drive and actually feels smoother than the 140BHP engine.
The Skoda cleverly engages it’s 4 wheel drive system automatically when the car senses that condition warrant the extra traction and manouevrability of a 4×4. In early tests this automatic switching worked effortlessly and provided a safe and comfortable drive in all conditions.
The Yeti really scores some major points over it’s rivals with a wide variety of options designed to increase the flexibility and functionality of the vehicle. The 3 rear seats fold down to increase luggage space or can be removed completely to free up room for long journeys and driving holidays.
For those that like the look of the car and it’s performance but don’t need the additional performance of a 4×4 there is also an option for 2 wheel drive. The 2 wheel drive versions also offer better fuel economy than their 4wd counterpart.
For those that need more room than a standard estate but don’t want to opt for a 4 x 4, a longstanding favourite of UK road users is the Nissan Qashai which effortlessly blends estate driving with a raised driver profile to increase visibility for drivers. The Qashqai also offers greater fuel economy and performance than a Yeti or any of the other 4×4’s listed.
RW Goldaline writes about a number of issues facing road users. She also writes regularly for tech blogs and you can view more of her work at Sony KDL a website dedicated to the leading range of LCD TVs from Sony
Skoda is in existence today due in part to the foul letter of reply sent by a German bicycle manufacturer to a customer in 1894.
Bookseller by trade, 26- year old Vaclav Klement’s bicycle was in need of repair. He sent a letter of request, written in Czech, for service to the German manufacturer of his bicycle. The letter was answered. It stated, “If you would like an answer to your inquiry, you should try writing in a language we can understand”. Consequently, this was all Vlacav Klement needed to get-the-wheels-turning. In 1895, Klement opened his own bicycle repair shop. He partnered with an established bicycle manufacturer, Vaclav Laurin, in Mlada Boleslav ( today’s Czech Republic).
In 1898, Klement and Laurin bought a motorcycle, which turned out to be a faulty design. After Laurin lost a front tooth in a minor crash while operating the motorcycle, the two men asked the advice of German ignition specialist, Robert Bosch. They then developed a different electromagnetic system. Thus, the first Slavia motorcycle made its debut in 1899.
Business was good. In 1900, with a crew of 32 employees, 150 motorcycles were built and exported to London for the Hewston firm. Klement and Laurin’s company was now established within Austria-Hungary and internationally.
The company first began building cars in 1905. Klement and Laurin’s car factory was destroyed in 1924 after a fire. They had no choice but to seek a partner. They merged with Skoda Works of Czechoslovakia. Production was then under the Skoda name.
The real breakthrough was in 1987. Skoda engineers designed a car, the Favorit model, which was considered to be comparable to western production.
Skoda became the fourth brand of the German Volkswagen Group in 1991 and became a major player in the European car market. By 2005, Skoda was selling over 30,000 cars per year in the UK. Skoda owners in UK have ranked the brand at or near the top of customer satisfaction surveys throughout the 2000s. The brand is now known for quality, reliability and design is being sold in Australia.
Skoda has enjoyed a fascinating journey since 1895 to become the Best Manufacturer in Auto Express magazine’s Driver Power Survey 2009. For further information about Skoda Australia and models such as the Skoda Octavia from the offical Skoda website.
At the beginning of December 1895 the mechanic Václav Laurin and the book-seller Václav Klement, both bicycle enthusiasts, started manufacturing bicycles of their own design, patriotically named Slavia in the nationalist atmosphere of the end of the 19th century. A few years later, in 1899, the Laurin & Klement Co. began producing motorcycles, which were soon successful and gained several racing victories. After initial experiments at the turn of century, producing of motorcycles was gradually replaced by automobiles form 1905 onward.
Many, many years later in the creation of Skoda Octavia, the company laboured hard in producing the most advanced technology therefore making every part to be high in quality and with outstanding technical specifications. Basically, the Skoda Octavia is a small family car created by Skoda Auto in the year 1996. The name itself was patterned after a certain model which was originally released in 1959 and 1971.
The vibrant and fresh interior of the Skoda Octavia will guarantee every passenger to have a relaxed feeling while boarding to their destination. It is mounted with excellent Volkswagen Group switchgear as well as good quality plastics. Space is never an issue since there is sufficient room for both front and rear seat occupants and it is designed in such a way that it will be a cosy place to stay in. The hatchback’s boot is huge. Its dashboard which was fashioned using PU technology is transparent with smooth curves and surface that will be very pleasing to touch. Controls are properly arranged and numerous storage compartments are mounted that will only make staying inside as comfortable as one longed for in a vehicle. Moreover, all of its upholstery are carefully made therefore creating beautiful ambiance within. And with all these features, what more would you look in a vehicle?
In essence, the first generation Skoda Octavia which was launched in the year 1996 paved the way to make the company renowned in the automotive world. Upon its released, it harboured a huge success because of its strength, sophistication and value for money. The model was based purely on Volkswagen Golf but considerably with larger body that tenders better comfort. And although the chassis is not working really well, it can still go along with ease even on twisty curves and will go fine even on extra long journeys. One seen problem with this vehicle is it creates enormous wind noise which can go even on the cabin at motorway travelling speed and because of its flaws; the company decided that in the year 2000, the first generation will have a facelift. After then, it was still being marketed most particularly in Germany, Asia, and West Europe where it bears the name as Octavia Tour.
Moreover, the second generation Skoda Octavia was released in 2004 which was based on the A platform and other Volkswagen Group of cars which include VW Golf V, Audi A3 II, SEAT Altea, SEAT Leon II, VW Touran, and VW Golf Plus. In India, it was named as Laura to better set it aside from the first model. Manufacturers of the second generation were able to skilfully incorporate all the good point of the first generation to while eliminating all the weak points. At the present, it features more legroom for rear seat passengers as well as augments ground clearance at front and rear in order to diminish the menace of grounding on steep ramps or facing kerbs. On 2006, an off-road version was launched into public in the third quarter of the year which was named as Octavia Scout which characterizes a Haldex four-wheel drive manipulated by a computer-controlled clutch-based centre-differential. In addition, it also features a 4×4 that offers 24 mm higher ground clearance compared to the standard versions.
The revolutionized in Skoda Octavia model only proves of the company’s commitment to improve their model to answer the demand of their supporters. And they are also highly sensitive to what their critics had to say because they believe that these people would help them in the improvement of their models making them a competitive brand in the automotive world.
SKODA’S latest Fabia is proof, if it were needed, that you really can have your cake and eat it! And their recipe for success is in building a car that’s one of the best value for money machines in the supermini class. Although some might question whether the Fabia is really a supermini, because there’s not a lot miniscule about its dimensions. It offers you a healthy sized slice of metal which will carry a family of four in adequate comfort and with room to spare. Probably why the original car, launched seven years ago, has been such a hit in the UK. Buyers here have snapped up over 130,000 of them and more than 1.5 million have been built in that time. And it’s won a shelf full of awards.
The latest model, launched earlier this year, majors on the benefits of the previous Fabia as it takes on the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio in the battle for sales, and starts at a competitive £7,990 for the entry level 1.2 HTP 1. It has a decent amount of standard equipment in a CD player, ABS, power steering, immobiliser and dual front airbags, but obviously sacrifices have to be made to keep the price down, so you won’t find remote centre locking and electric door mirrors on the Fabia 1, the lowest trim level. And I was briefly left wondering if they’d forgotten the brakes as well on first acquaintance, as they proved to be a bit softer than I’m used to.
But rest assured that though the pedal travel may be long there’s plenty bite at the end to stop you safely. There’s plenty engine choice in the range – seven in fact – the least swift being the 1.2 litre three cylinder 60bhp unit in our test car, an engine used in other VW Group products. There’s a thrummy quality to the engine note, and it has to be said that in town it’s perfectly adequate. It’s just left lacking a bit when the road opens out a bit and the traffic thins out, which is where its breathing thins out and it gets a bit like the wheezy fat boy trying to keep up with the rest on the school cross country run. Using the cake analogy it doesn’t exactly put the zip in the marzipan but then there are plenty others to choose from if you feel the need for a bit more speed.
People opt for a Skoda for a variety of reasons – value for money, reliability and overall user friendliness. The latest Fabia ticks all those boxes and this one in particular, while only the entry level model, proved a comfortable enough method of transport, and an economical one too. Its extra urban figure is a shade under 59mpg which means that as well as not costing a lot to buy it won’t cost a fortune to run either. Oh, and it’s insurance group 1 into the bargain. So, a neatly styled five door hatch that’s a definite improvement over its predecessor. Piece of cake really.
Skoda cars have an excellent reputation for producing quality cars at a fair price. In Ireland Skodas are a very popular car for business users and family drivers alike.
Gone are the days of the Skoda jokes, where Skoda was classed with Lada and Polski Fiat. Skoda is now part of the Volkswagen group and the cars are well designed and look great.
There are only three basic models, Fabia, Octavia and Superb.
The models have been designed to fit in between the conventional size classes, for example the Fabia is between a Fiesta and a Focus in size. The engines are quiet, but provide all the power that 99% of motorists ever need. Inside the cars are spacious and comfortable, with a high driver satisfaction rating.
The diesel engined Skoda Octavia has brilliant fuel economy at around 700 miles1100 kilometres a tank full and it’s still a decent performer too.
Rear legroom isn’t brilliant, compensation for a big boot, but plenty big enough for a family and occasional adults
As for handling the Skoda Octavia beats the equivalent Volkswagens due to it’s stiffer and better ride that’s needed for rough Czech (and Irish)roads compared to the smooth German ones of Volkswagen.
Comfortable on long distances, but the road noise level is noticeable.
The Skoda Octavia Estate car just goes on and on. The loading platform seems endless. This estate car is also one of the most pleasant to drive that I have ever come across
The New Octavia car is even better value than the older model. The differences on the outside are subtle, but inside is different story, with redesigned seats and instrument panel. You know you are in a different Skoda Octavia.
The Skoda Fabia is quiet at all speeds. Great steering, brakes, and taut body control. Amazingly frugal engine keeps getting better as it matures, averaging over 65mpg on daily country commutes. Beautiful Skoda gearbox with very smooth changes.
Skoda’s super efficient air-con does not affect the Fabia’s performance or fuel consumption. Heated seats are perfect for winter. Rock solid construction enhances passenger safety.
I think that the skoda diesel engine is the perfect partner for this car as the fuel economy even in town is in the high 50’s and the torque is amazing in this small car making it seriously quick, surprising a few Fiesta and Corsa drivers!
The Skoda Fabia is a real Pocket Rocket! The steering is brilliant – very light when you need it in parking spaces, but it weight’s up nicely when out on the open road.
The Skoda Fabia estate is an amazing package of space and economy. The 1.2 16v engine delivers far more power than any small estate car driver has the right to expect
Seats appear to be too uncomfortable at the start as they are very hard, but they soften up and become very comfortable after 10 minutes and you appreciate this in a long drive and it is far better than it’s rivals!
The ride is wonderful! Very supple for long distance cruising and a great handler. Amazing!
Loaded with kit for the money and you’ll save money with it’s excellent fuel economy.
Nowhere else will you find a value for money car like the Skoda Superb. The Superb has features that are generally only found in cars costing half as much again. A test drive in the Skoda Superb is a totally different world from a test drive in the very competent Skoda Octavia. The two cars may look very similar outside, but inside and for driving pleasure the Superb wins hands down.
The Skoda Superb really does live up to its name. It is superb in every way – good handling, excellent drive, full of features such as tip-tronic transmission and electric seat cw memory, spacious cabin, comfortable ride and powerful engine (turbo). The boot is cavernous!
Its actual rear leg-room is even larger than a Mercedes E class.
The top of the range Skoda Superb is a very high quality, well put together and extremely spacious, luxury family car.
Great engine, smooth auto gearbox, wonderful overtaking ability, relaxed cruising and very economical.
Coupled with great features and reasonable price, the Skoda Superb really is value-for-money. It’s money well spent!
In the news: Skoda, Volkswagen subsidiary and recipient of VW exhaust part will once again try its luck in the Australian market after 25 years. Volkswagen plans to introduce its Skoda brand in Australia this coming October. Matthew Weisner, Volkswagen Group of Australia general manager, press and public relations have been appointed as head of Skoda Australia and his duty includes the re-launch of the Skoda brand. Although a bit reluctant Weisner said that he will do his best to promote Skoda to the Australian market.
Skoda’s lineup for Australia includes the following:
o Fabia – this Volkswagen Polo-sized light car derived its styling cues from the Mini Cooper and Suzuki Swift. The Fabia was launched last year at the Paris Motor Show. It offers economical, three-cylinder, HTP short for High Tech Performance petrol and TDI engines. It also offers 16-valve, 63kW, 1.4 liter and 77kW, 1.6 liter petrol models. The 1.6 liter petrol engine is offered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic. Both the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol units are to be brought to Australia.
The Fabia has a length measuring at 3992 mm long and with a wheelbase of 2462 mm. Comparing it to the Polo, the Fabia is approximately 76 mm longer overall and 3mm longer on the wheelbase. It also possesses 300 liters of luggage space. The Fabia that will be sold in Australia will also feature six airbags, climate control airconditioning and active headlights. The Fabia will be priced at $16,000.
o Octavia – the Octavia bears similar features with the VW Passat and just like the latter, the Octaivia is a mid-size offered either as a front-wheel-drive sedan and wagon. It will also be made to compete with the premium priced Japanese models with the likes of Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6, Subaru Liberty, and soon-to-be Ford Mondeo.
The Octavia is powered by a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines ranging from 110kW, 2 liter FSI up to a 125kW, 2liter TDI and 147kW, 2 litre FSI four cylinder in the RS. Likewise, a 1.4 liter model will also be made available for Australia along with the five and six-speed manual transmissions with the addition of a six-speed VW-sourced DSG manual. The price of the Octavia is about $30,000.
o Superb – this is an essentially long-wheelbase version of the Octavia designed for the higher end of the market. The Superb is spacious offering extra legroom in the back and plenty of leather and luxury. The Superb is equipped with the Passat’s older 142kW, 2.8 liter V6 petrol and 120 kW, 2.5 liter six cylinder TDI engines which are both available with a tiptronic five-speed automatic.
This long-wheelbase sedan is available in Europe with a 110kW, turbocharged 1.8 liter and naturally aspirated 85 kW, 2 liter four cylinder engine. The price for the Superb is about $45,000.
o Roomster – this vehicle started as a funky concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show while a production version was unveiled last year. The Roomster is distinguished by its high-set, van like styling. Its versatile, five-door concept is similar to the VW Caddy that is quickly converted from a five-seater into a load-lugging two-seater vehicle.
The Roomster Scout adds plastic-cladding around the body which provides it with an off-road look despite the fact that it is a front-wheel drive vehicle. The price of the Roomster is about $27,000.
In addition, Volkswagen also plans to introduce in Australia next year the VW Polo-sized Fabia. This Fabia was previously presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Likewise, by 2009 Volkswagen will launch a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Surperb sedan.
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.
For more about your VW engine part needs like , visit your trusted online source.
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