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2013 Škoda Octavia hits Geneva in sedan and wagon trims [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Skoda

Volkswagen's Czech brand Škoda had a big show here in Geneva, even if most North American car buyers would never know it. Škoda brought its newly introduced Octavia model to the show this year, in both sedan and wagon ("combi") formulations.

The Škoda business model in Europe is roughly analogous to that of Kia in North America; offer brand-neutral buyers a lot of content for a value price. To that end, the 2013 Octavia brings a lot of VW group technology to the table: emergency brake assist, lane keep assist and fatigue detection in terms of safety, and navigation, a touch screen and premium sound for those seeking luxury.

Four TDI diesel engines are available for customers to choose from, while a 1.8-liter, 177-horsepower TSI gasoline engine sits at the top of the petrol range.

And, while Škoda actually announced the Octavia sedan a few weeks ago (Geneva was just its formal coming out party), the brand also brought a heretofore unseen wagon version, the Octavia Combi, to Switzerland, too. We think that the sedan and the wagon are pretty understated and handsome, truth be told, but the higher, more capacious Combi looks a bit neater to our eyes. (That is, when our eyes stray from the girl-next-door models surrounding the Octavia sedan.)

Please continue on for both Škoda'a official press release, and a video of the 2013 Octavia. Naturally you'll find scads of images of both Octavia variants in our attached galleries, as well.

Continue reading 2013 Škoda Octavia hits Geneva in sedan and wagon trims [w/video]

2013 Škoda Octavia hits Geneva in sedan and wagon trims [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Skoda Octavia, cast in the same mold, arrives full of new features

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Skoda, Diesel

There's no reason a one-trick pony can't be an entertaining success - you've just really got to like that one trick. And while we're not saying that the new offerings from Škoda are one-dimensional, we are saying that it's a good thing we like the Czech brand's new design language; line up the new Octavia next to the Rapid and you'll need to know the details or the sizing chart to tell them apart.

The Octavia is the compact segment offering, but this larger third-generation comes packed with lots of new features. It is 90 millimeters longer and 45 mm wider than the previous car, with a wheelbase 108 mm longer, so it offers what Škoda says is more interior length, knee room and rear headroom than any other car in the segment. The hatchback opening at the rear hides a trunk that can hold 590 liters. For all that, it is up to 225 pounds lighter than the second-generation Octavia.

Four gasoline and four diesel engines will litter the options sheet, the most powerful of them the 1.8 TSI with 177 horsepower, the most frugal among them the 1.6 TDI GreenLine with 109 hp that gets 69 miles per gallon. All but the entry-level engines can be fitted with stop/start and brake regeneration, and a natural gas powerplant will be coming later. A hotted-up Octavia RS is also down the line.

Brand new features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam switching, a panoramic sliding and tilting sunroof and the next generation of infotainment systems. From next year an emergency braking function will be available, as well as traffic-sign recognition. Have a read of the presser below for more details.

Continue reading New Skoda Octavia, cast in the same mold, arrives full of new features

New Skoda Octavia, cast in the same mold, arrives full of new features originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why are these new Skoda models getting crushed?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Safety, Videos, Skoda

The massive number of safety devices, explosives, electronics and construction materials in modern cars means that extricating someone from a wrecked vehicle is no longer just a matter of a Sawzall and twelve minutes. Carmakers work with first responders so that the men and women who save lives can actually figure out how to get to the lives in question without doing further damage to the people inside or themselves.

And that's apparently what's happening in the three videos below: Škoda gave rescuers in the Czech Republic a Superb, Octavia and Yeti to practice on, and the fire team used some heavy machinery to bash things up a bit before getting to work. We're not clear why they needed new models to practice on, so we're hoping that these cars were preproduction non-VIN vehicles that were destined for the crusher anyhow. The video isn't revelatory, it's just a behind-the-scenes look at how the people who help you help themselves first. You can watch it all in the videos below.

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Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Skoda

Of all of the divisions under the Volkswagen Group's vast corporate umbrella, Skoda's wouldn't exactly be what you'd call the most exciting. But the Czech automaker is working on improving that. Skoda plans on releasing a new product every six months for the next two years, and this is the first in its new model offensive.

Called the MissionL, what you see here is a concept car, but one in which - according to Skoda, at least - will lead directly to a new production model. The styling already looks edgier than the company's existing range of models, and will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

After that, the MissionL is set to be turned into a new production five-door liftback targeted at the European, Russian and Chinese markets, with a sedan version headed to India. We'll reserve judgement for when we see the show car up close, but if this is a sign of what's to come from Skoda, it looks to be a rather sharp sign indeed.

Continue reading Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut

Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Skoda, Racing

If you thought a 202-mph run seemed like a hell of a pace for a Škoda Octavia, hold on to your hats, folks, because the Czech automaker's team at Bonneville has set a new record.

With a beefed-up turbocharger and intercooler, enhanced aerodynamics and the requisite safety modifications, the 600-horsepower Octavia vRS Bonneville Special set the record in the 2.0-liter forced-induction production car category with a certified 227.070 mph run. Actually, the Škoda hit a top speed of 228.647 mph through the traps on the return run, but as per regulations, that was averaged out with the 225.513 mph it hit on the five-mile run out across the salt flats.

Any way you look at it, that's one heck of a run, claiming the record for Škoda and helping it celebrate the tenth anniversary of its vRS performance badge. Follow the jump for the official announcement and scope out the updated image gallery for more.

Continue reading Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville

Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Skoda, Racing

There are places you expect to find a Škoda, and places you don't. European streets, for example, fall squarely into the former category. Dried up lake beds in the United States, however, belong firmly in the latter. But someone forgot to tell that to the people who make the Czech Volkswagen derivatives.

In between ripping the top off the Fabia for the Wörthersee show and preparing to enter the British Touring Car Championship, that cadre of lead-footed Škoda personnel announced their intention to take the Octavia to the slat flats at Bonneville. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of the automaker's vRS performance brand, and while their target - breaching 200 miles per hour - may have seemed distant to anyone who's ever sat in the old Jetta with new clothes, they got theirs.

The world's fastest Škoda achieved an official run of 202.15 mph four days ahead of schedule at the [currently ongoing] Bonneville Speed Week. The Octavia vRS with which they did it was aerodynamically optimized, dropped closer to the ground, reinforced with a roll cage and other safety equipment and fitted with a larger turbocharger and intercooler. Otherwise, however, it's the same Octavia vRS available at dealers overseas.

Far from calling it a day and heading back to the Czech Republic, Škoda's Bonneville team are sticking around in pursuit of the 2.0-liter production car land speed record, which currently stands at 216 mph. We'll be watching, but in the meantime you can follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the images in the gallery for more.

Continue reading Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville

Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship

Noah Joseph — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, UK, Skoda, Racing

The new entries just keep on lining up for the British Touring Car Championship, which is rapidly becoming the most varied racing series in the world. There are already 27 cars based on 13 different models from 10 different manufacturers, but now the touring car series is about to get a 28th, based on a 14th from an 11th, respectively.

The latest car set to join the BTCC grid this year is the Skoda Octavia vRS. The compact sedan from the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary is based on some very old technology, taking its underpinnings (and everything else) from the several-generatons-old VW Jetta. That doesn't seem to be deterring TH Motorsport from bringing it to the BTCC, though.

The independent team has been racing in the series since 2001, fielding everything from Mitsubishis and Hondas to Protons and Seats. It withdrew from the BTCC after last season and has been plotting its return ever since, finally settling on the Octavia which it will adapt to the new cost-effective NGTC regulations that have opened up the field to so many independents.

Matt Hamilton, who drove for the team the past two years running (and who, as far as we can tell, is of no relation to F1 champion Lewis Hamilton), will be taking the wheel of the Skoda when it's ready, but the team is considering the potential for a second car. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship

Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skoda adds Haldex all-wheel drive system to Octavia, Superb

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Skoda

2011 Skoda Octavia Scout - Click above for high-res image

If you want a Volkswagen, you'll buy a Volkswagen. Right? That may be simple enough in the North American market, but overseas buyers can opt for Seat or Skoda versions of the same vehicles. Seats often offer more power and sportiness compared to the VW models they're based on, while Skoda tends to offer a lower price point with more space and equipment. In this case, Skoda has announced the availability of a new all-wheel drive system on a variety of its models.

The fourth-generation Haldex system is similar to those used in transverse-engined models from other Volkswagen Group models like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 and TT, unlike the Torsen systems found in longitudinally-engined cars like Audi's sedans. The addition of the system to the Superb and Octavia - along with a new 2.0-liter TDI with DSG - joins the Yeti in the Czech brand's line-up of all-wheel drive models.

The system channels up to 96% of power to the front wheels - effectively shutting down the all-wheel drive system - under normal conditions, and kicks in under limited-traction circumstances. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Skoda Fabia Scout

[Source: Skoda]

Continue reading Skoda adds Haldex all-wheel drive system to Octavia, Superb

Skoda adds Haldex all-wheel drive system to Octavia, Superb originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canceled Czech: Skoda ushers out the Octavia vRS with a limited edition

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK, Specialty

Click above to view the Skoda Octavia vRS Limited Edition in high resolution

A Volkswagen brand just wouldn't be a Volkswagen brand without its own performance label (or two). VW itself has the GTI and R badges, Audi has S and RS, Seat has FR and Cupra, and so on. In fact, aside from Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini, Skoda seems like the only one with only a single-tier performance designation. It's called the vRS, and it is currently used on the Octavia to create what could be the ultimate sleeper: a mild-mannered Czech family sedan packing a bit of a punch. And with the new Octavia already prepared to hit the market, overseas buyers can expect to see a new sport version soon. But in the meantime, Skoda's giving the existing Octavia vRS, much beloved by its own cadre of enthusiasts, one last hurrah.

Called, predictably enough, the Octavia vRS Limited Edition, it comes in either 200 horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI or 170 hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel specs, in your choice of hatchback or wagon body-styles. Upgrades on the existing vRS include an Anthracite paintjob, 18-inch alloys, special leather interior, a three-spoke steering wheel, touch-screen infotainment unit and the requisite special badging, all for a £750 (around $1040 USD) premium over the standard vRS. Only 500 examples will be offered to UK customers before the new Octavia gets its turn. Press release after the jump and a trifecta of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Skoda Octavia vRS Limited Edition

[Source: Skoda]

Continue reading Canceled Czech: Skoda ushers out the Octavia vRS with a limited edition

Canceled Czech: Skoda ushers out the Octavia vRS with a limited edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: ?koda Octavia Scout

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Volkswagen

As our man Alex Nunez said when he covered the preview press release at the beginning of this month, the Škoda Octavia Scout is based on the Volkswagen Golf Mk. V. It's a new small wagon derivative from Škoda that sits 16mm higher than the regular Octavia Combi 4x4.

It features unpainted bumpers, fender flares and side skirts, and skidplates front and rear, to make it look like its corporate cousin, the Audi Allroad. Not a bad start and the finish ain't bad either. The tail is reminiscent of the Porsche Cayenne, with a similar rear glass angle and tail lamps that look like 3/4-scale versions of those on the Porsche. Beefy tires on 17" five-spoke wheels add just the right stance to give this thing street trail cred.

Engines are the 140-hp 2.0 TDI or a 150-horse 2.0 FSI gas option. The Octavia Scout uses Škoda's version of VW's 4Motion system to make it at least somewhat trail-worthy. It should reach Škoda showrooms early in 2007. Similar in some ways to the newly announced VW Tiguan, hopefully the U.S. will get a Scout-like option package as smart as this Škoda.

(Paris and press photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: Škoda]

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: ?koda Octavia Scout

Paris Motor Show: ?koda Octavia Scout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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?koda Octavia Scout: Baby Allroad, Czech-style

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show

Click to enlarge

One upcoming Paris debut that caught our eyes is the new Škoda Octavia Scout. Based on the Volkswagen Golf MkV, the Octavia Scout is a small wagon whose ride height is 16mm higher than that of the regular Octavia Combi 4x4.

Its unpainted bumpers, fender flares and side skirts, combined with skidplates fore and aft, scream "AUDI ALLROAD," and if you ask us, that's a good thing. The rear view is very reminiscent of the Porsche Cayenne, thanks to a rear glass angle and taillamps that look like they were lifted from the Porsche SUV, shrunken down, and applied here. The thing is, they look better on the Scout. Beefy 17" five-spoke wheels add to the car's attractive yet commanding presence.

Underhood, a 140-hp 2.0 TDI with particulate filter or a 150-horse 2.0 FSI provide motivation. Power goes to the ground via Škoda's version of VW's 4Motion system. In keeping with its off-road theme, there's even a passenger grab handle in the cabin. This is a nice package all around, and we have to wonder if a Jetta-ized version would look nearly as good as its Škoda cousin. We'd take this car -- as is -- in a heartbeat.

(Rear view, press release after the jump)

[Source: Skoda]

Continue reading ?koda Octavia Scout: Baby Allroad, Czech-style

?koda Octavia Scout: Baby Allroad, Czech-style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skoda expands Chinese presence

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, China

Volkswagen-owned Skoda Auto announced Wednesday that it is expanding its plans for China. With production of Skoda's Octavia scheduled to spool up in 2007 at Volkswagen's plant in Shanghai, the company announced that it will add its Fabia (pictured) and Superb models to its Chinese portfolio.

Skoda plans a network of exclusive Skoda dealers in China, providing both sales and maintenance support. Echoing the words of every other auto industry executive you can think of, Skoda Auto's chairman Detlef Wittig said, "...we see China as one of the strategic markets for the brand's future growth."

Even with the resources of parent Volkswagen, it's hard to imagine how a small automaker like Skoda can establish an independent presence in China, and even harder to see why Volkswagen thinks this is a good idea.

[Source: Skoda]

Skoda expands Chinese presence originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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