Skoda Superb

The Superb has now won nearly 30 top awards across Europe since its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Most recently it has been named Car of the Year 2009 in the Czech Republic. Škoda has sold over 20,000 new Superbs across Europe since launch. The all-new Superb – the third model to wear the famous badge – confirms Škoda as one of the world’s most innovative and exciting car manufacturers. Recalling an evocative name from Škoda’s past, the new Superb is not only the most luxurious car Škoda has ever built; it is one that will set new standards for quality, practicality, design and value.  The new Superb is a car that will change perceptions. Sitting at the top of the Škoda product range, it demonstrates that through bold design and engineering innovation, Škoda has created one of the most desirable cars in the sector. It also alters the perception of value for money. As with its predecessor, the new Superb dispels the old motoring myth of ‘you get what you pay for.’ 

The styling looks upmarket and has a polished luxury image. Let’s hope the badge snobs don’t cut off their noses to spite their face as the saying goes, they will be missing out on a great opportunity to buy a great car.  The range of engines for the new Škoda Superb fulfils the needs of every customer and presents a wide-ranging variety. There are three petrol and three diesel engines available on Superb; including the GreenLine delivering low CO2 emissions (136 g/km) and even greater fuel efficiency (55.4 mpg combined). All of the engines operate with direct fuel injection and excel as a result of their low fuel consumption and emission values. Customers have the choice of four trim levels; entry level S, mid range SE, GreenLine and top of the range Elegance.

The specification is high though and even includes the limousine function of having an umbrella stowed in the rear door. Front-seat comfort is great, with the driver able to adjust steering wheel and seat. But the rear-seat passengers have the best experience. Only the S-class Mercedes-Benz offers as much space in the back. If you've ever owned a VW, then a lot of the controls will look and feel familiar. They also click reassuringly into place, which adds to the impression of quality. The goodies list seems endless so the new owners will get lots of car for their money. I will just pick out the main items as a matter of record.  There are 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, subtle chrome trim, electrically operated door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights and Halogen headlights. Inside there are heads rests for all five seats, an eight speaker sound system, air conditioning which includes the glovebox, front, side and curtain airbags, electrically operated front and rear side windows, electronic stability programme, executive style armrests, trip computer, remote central locking, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob/gaiter and split folding rear seats to make the best use of the rear tailgate and huge load space.

Given its imposing size, the Skoda is surprisingly agile on the move. Well-weighted steering and good body control make it extremely capable on twisting back roads. Buyers wanting even more grip can specify the optional four-wheel drive transmission, which is standard on the range-topping 3.6-litre V6 car. Even more impressive is the car’s comfort and refinement. The supple suspension manages to smooth out the worst road surfaces, while wind and engine noise are kept to a minimum. The Superb comes with a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, plus a third year valid until the car has completed 60,000 miles. Additionally, the coverage includes a 12-year warranty against corrosion and a 3-year paint warranty. Like its predecessor, the Superb delivers a first-class ownership experience

Fabia Sport 1.9TDi

The Fabia Sport has a powerful and dynamic look that continues Skoda’s bold new design direction. Although instantly recognisable as a Skoda, the Fabia has a strong contemporary feel thanks to its smooth lines and striking external details. Pronounced wheel arches, combined with a dynamic profile, a deeper front spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and diffuser and a dirty great chrome exhaust, while the black A and B pillars make the roof appear to float above car.

Thanks to the willing nature of the1.9TDi 105bhp diesel engine tested, the Fabia Estate delivers an engaging drive that can honestly be described as athletic. The set up of the suspension and chassis means that it handles in a sure-footed and tidy manner, confident and capable on cross-country roads as well as motorways. The engine line-up means there will be a powerplant to suit most motorists, but for versatility and economy, the diesels are best. Its performance figures suggest it's a bit of a slow coach off the line, but it certainly doesn't feel like it when sat behind the wheel. Like all diesels, the accelerative benefits really kick in when on the move.

The Fabia Sport has a slightly firmer suspension than its hatchback equivalent, which delivers good, body control and composure through tight corners or on the motorways, whether carrying passengers or fully loaded. The firm ride means poor road surfaces equate to a slightly jarring ride, however refinement is good and noise levels entering the cabin remain low and unobtrusive. The same can't be said of the engine however, whose tone penetrates the calm of the cabin when worked hard. Skoda has fitted an electro-hydraulic steering system, as opposed to a fully electric one, with the intention of giving high levels of feel and to save fuel when the car is travelling straight. Consequently, there are decent levels of feedback and the light nature of the steering makes for a car that's easy to manoeuvre when parking.

Inside, the solidly constructed and neatly styled cabin features soft-touch plastics and a raft of luxury kit. For instance, there’s climate and cruise control, plus a CD player with MP3 and auxiliary inputs. Meanwhile, front, side and curtain airbags boost safety, but stability control is an optional extra. Buyers can also rely on excellent visibility and a comfortable driving position. However, look behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the speedo and rev counter are confusingly similar in appearance. Further, back, the rear seats are spacious, and there’s a roomy 300-litre boot, too.

Getting comfortable in the driver's seat poses no problem, with the height adjustable seat and reach and rake adjustable steering wheel helping matters. The seats are supportive and comfortable although the firm ride means occupants will be aware of the road surface below them. Both legroom and headroom have been increased throughout the cabin over the old model, with rear passengers benefiting from an extra 42mm of space above their heads.

All models come with four airbags as standard, twin front and side airbags, but only the top-trim car adds rear curtain airbags. The hatch has performed well in crash tests and there's no reason to assume the estate won't follow. Skoda has improved the Fabia's energy absorbing properties and deformation zones to give occupants greater protection in the event of an impact while pedestrian safety has also been addressed.  Skoda is a manufacturer that has managed to get the mix between practicality and price just right. Powered by the torquey 1.9 diesel, the Skoda Fabia Estate is a hugely capable workhorse delivering a pleasant and predictable drive. Its size is big by class standards but not so much that it detracts from its versatility as a city car; as such, it should suit a wide variety of buyers and their respective needs. 

Skoda Fabia Estate

The new Fabia Estate delivers increased practicality, greater refinement and even better value for money, based on the award winning Fabia Hatch, which was launched in May 2007. Customers choose from a simple range structure, with models badged 1, 2 and 3, Sport and GreenLine. All models are fitted with power steering, twin front, and side airbags and central locking. A reach and rake adjustable steering column is fitted as standard on all models, along with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and electric front windows with air conditioning and alloy wheels are fitted on level 2 and 3 models.

The Fabia is available with eight engines: four petrol and four diesel. Clean, efficient and great to use, with outputs from 60bhp to 105bhp. All engines in the Fabia range are linked to either a manual five-speed gearbox or a new six-speed automatic transmission. This is available for the 1.6-litre petrol version and is fitted with a Tiptronic function, which means all six ratios can be selected manually. All engines comply with EU-IV emissions levels. In terms of performance, the Fabia satisfies the most demanding of drivers. Top speeds range between 96 and 118mph, depending on engine choice, while the 0- 62mph sprint can be completed in as little as 10.1 seconds (1.6-litre 16v). All models are fitted with a large, 45-litre fuel tank.

Inside the cabin has a modern, upmarket feel with every element designed to make life on board even easier, with major new features such as the entertainment system being mounted higher up on the centre console. In addition to being at a more natural height, it also means drivers spend less time with their eyes away from the road. An auxiliary input socket is also included on all models for easy connection to a portable mp3 player. The dashboard assembly has a premium quality feel, while high-grade plastics and switchgear further enhance the high-end cabin ambience.

The Fabia balances the needs of its passengers with the demands of its driver it’s a flexible performer that’s easy to drive around town, with precise, light controls, good visibility and punchy engines. It’s just as good out of town, and can be driven confidently thanks to safe handling and assured road holding. The new Fabia Estate is an affordable option for companies or individuals looking to squeeze the most out of their budget.

Octavia vRS Hatch

When did you last have that feeling? You know, the buzz you get when you’ve put yourself to the test. When it’s just you, the elements and the challenge ahead. It’s tough to say the least and you’re not sure whether you can do it. But you hang in there, the adrenaline starts to flow and suddenly everything seems to come into focus. Then it occurs to you that moments like this are what living is really all about. These kind of adrenaline trips are behind you, right? After all, now you have responsibilities. You have to take the sensible, pragmatic options in life and the price you pay is to forgo those moments of exhilaration, enjoyment and total freedom. It’s just that you can’t help wishing you could find a way to get the best of both worlds. A way to savour the thrills while knowing that the practicalities have been covered. Well the good news is when it comes to your new car; it really is possible to have it all. Because with the vRs range of cars from Skoda you won’t have to sacrifice performance for practicality and the even better news is you won’t have to re-mortgage your house either.

The Octavia vRS builds on the design strengths of the standard Octavia yet has an unmistakable look thanks to its deep bumpers, distinctive crease lines that rise from the centre of the grille to the base of the windscreen creating a trade mark “v” in the bonnet, painted brake callipers and stunning 17 inch Zenith alloy wheels, the Octavia vRS conveys a real air of sportiness. At the heart of any great sporting car range are great engines, and the Octavia vRS is no exception. The Octavia vRS hatch is powered by a state-of –the-art 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 170bhp. Driving the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, the vRS sprints to 62mph in just 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph.

On the road the power this engine produces is more than sufficient, accelerating from traffic lights; motorway merging and passing slower cars on two-lane roads do not present a problem. The driver has good all-round visibility and the car’s performance inspires confidence thanks to good grip, power that is easy to control, responsive steering and a slick gear change. The vRS model is well equipped with a number of electronically controlled stability features as standard such as EDL (electronic differential lock) and ASR (anti-spin regulation). All-round disc brakes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), are standard on the vRS model ensuring that it brakes reassuringly well. The vRS is a very compelling buy especially as it is great value for money, but don’t just take our word for it go test drive one today.

Octavia Estate

In 1938 Czechoslovakia switched from driving on the right to driving on the left. It was just another bizarre episode in Czechoslovakia's automotive history; a history that saw many noble companies go from riches to rags in the political upheaval that followed the demise of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The second-world war didn't help; in the space of a decade, Skoda went from building luxury Hispano-Suiza cars under licence and cars of its own design, to becoming an unwilling cog in the Nazi war machine and was re-named Reichwerke-Hermann-Goring. The manufacturing factory at Mlada Boleslav suffered the retribution of allied bombers, and by 1945 was hardly more than a pile of rubble, made worse by the actions of the retreating Germans who destroyed what little remained.

Undaunted, the Czechs set about rebuilding the factory and within months the company could boast of a working production line, off which rolled a range of rugged, no-nonsense cars that eventually included the Octavia and later the Estelle. The rear engine range became the butt of ill-informed humour and was fated never to escape its lowly image. But in1989 in the new free market environment, Skoda Auto, started looking for a strong foreign partner in order to survive in the extremely competitive global market and in December 1990, the German Volkswagen group decided to take over Skoda Auto. The rest is history, and the latest Octavia, which is a long way removed from the basic, 40 bhp model of the 1950's, is a firm tribute to VW's perseverance.

The Octavia Estate 1.8 TSi represents great value for money, offers excellent performance with a 0-62mph time of just 8.2 seconds and generous levels of standard equipment. Plus, the FSI Direct Fuel Injection petrol engine proves that pace need not come at the expense of efficiency. On top of all that, there’s a superb driving experience, plenty of cabin space and impressive build quality. On the move, the car pulls strongly from low revs, and provides ample overtaking punch. With a long sixth gear, refinement and motorway cruising are great. Unlike the sporty vRS, the 1.8 TSi doesn’t get stiff suspension settings, so while it’s still a capable performer; its ride is comfortable and relaxing. The steering remains impressively accurate, and there’s plenty of grip on offer. As ever with the Octa­via, passengers get loads of space, and with a boot that measures 560 litres with the seats in place and 1,350 once they’re folded, luggage is equally well catered for. It looks as if Skoda has another guaranteed customer-pleaser on its hands.

Skoda Roomster

The Skoda Roomster is a modern expansion of the model range offered by Skoda. In the recent past, the brand has become known for cars of a more classical design, which, in addition to the high level of technology, exceptional reliability and quality, also exhibit excellent value for money. The Roomster follows the lines of a compact MPV but differs from its competitors in this segment thanks to its unconventional design.
The engine line up starts with a 1.2-litre 70 bhp petrol engine. Further up the performance range sits a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 85 bhp. The most powerful petrol engine available is a 1.6 litre petrol unit with 105 bhp
There is a choice of 70bhp or 80bhp three-cylinder 1.4 TDI engines or a 105bhp 1.9 TDI. All engines comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while a six-speed Tiptronic automatic - available on the 1.6-litre - is a smooth choice for buyers looking for an auto. Compact dimensions combined with wheels pushed out to the corners of the car help the Roomster feel nimble. It's easy to drive and copes well on motorways and A roads, benefiting from predictable handling and a compliant ride. Even in those busy congested city centres. The Roomster is a breeze to manoeuvre, thanks to light steering and tight turning circle.

To maximise the available interior space, the design team at Skoda created two different areas within the cabin. The front zone is designed to cater for the needs of the driver - a "driving room" with a clear cockpit design. The dashboard is clearly laid-out, with ergonomically designed instruments and operating controls as well as comfortable seats, which can be adjusted exactly to suit the driver. The rear of the Roomster is designed as a comfortable and flexible "living room". Large side windows, seating, which is 46 millimetres higher than those in the front, and the innovative ‘VarioFlex’ seating system combine to make it possible to configure the rear at will. The raised position of the rear seats offers passengers the best possible view to the front and to the traffic. The flexibility of the Roomster’s interior is hard to find elsewhere. Boot capacity ranges from 450 to 1780 litres and a payload of up to 515 kilograms. There is countless storage options which will keep every passenger happy. As with the rest of the Skoda range the Roomster offers great value for money.

Skoda Octavia vRS

The Octavia vRS range continues a sporting tradition that dates back over 100 years. Skoda has a rich motoring history and has been competing successfully with its production cars since the mid 1930s. At the heart of any great sporting car range are great engines, and the Octavia vRS is no exception. The vRS is the fastest Skoda ever built. It is powered by a state-of –the-art 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 197bhp. Driving the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, the vRS sprints to 62mph in just 7.3sec and on to a top speed of 149mph. On the road the power this engine produces is more than sufficient, accelerating from traffic lights; motorway merging and passing slower cars on two-lane roads do not present a problem.

The Octavia vRS builds on the design strengths of the standard Octavia yet has an unmistakable visual link to the previous generation model and the Fabia vRS. Thanks to deeper bumpers, distinctive crease lines that rise from the centre of the grille to the base of the windscreen creating a trade mark “v” in the bonnet, painted brake callipers and stunning 17 inch Zenith alloy wheels, the Octavia vRS conveys a real air of sportiness.

The Octavia’s interior design is focussed on driver involvement and enjoyment. The driver has good all-round visibility and the car’s performance inspires confidence thanks to good grip, power that is easy to control, responsive steering and a slick gear change. Masses of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat allows for a superb driving position for all shapes and sizes. The dash is logically laid out and exudes quality. Both the hatch and the estate versions are smartly trimmed with a three-spoke leather steering wheel and supportive two-tone black and silver sports seats. Both the estate and saloon come with remote central locking, electric front windows, electric mirrors, climate control, six-disc auto-changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, tyre-pressure monitor and driver and passenger front and side airbags fitted as standard.

Where the Octavia vRS really stands out from the crowd is in terms of interior practicality. Both the hatchback and estate have enormous boots, plus an abundance of minor storage areas. The rear seats split and fold to increase carrying capacity offering up to 1,620 litres when the rear seats are folded down flat. In summary the vRS is a very compelling buy especially as it is great value for money but don’t just take our word for it go test drive one today.