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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Škoda Octavia hits Geneva in sedan and wagon trims [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-skoda-octavia-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-skoda-octavia-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-skoda-octavia-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 skoda octavia2013 skoda octavia combigenevageneva 2013geneva motor showoctaviaskodaThu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

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20488707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-skoda-octavia-geneva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-skoda-octavia-geneva-628.jpg <![CDATA[New Skoda Octavia, cast in the same mold, arrives full of new features]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/new-skoda-octavia-cast-in-the-same-mold-arrives-full-of-new-fe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/new-skoda-octavia-cast-in-the-same-mold-arrives-full-of-new-fe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/new-skoda-octavia-cast-in-the-same-mold-arrives-full-of-new-fe/#commentsFiled 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 skoda octaviaoctaviaskodaFri, 14 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST

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20401356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013skodaoctavia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013skodaoctavia.jpg <![CDATA[VW outsells GM in China for first time in 8 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/vw-outsells-gm-in-china-for-first-time-in-8-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/vw-outsells-gm-in-china-for-first-time-in-8-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/vw-outsells-gm-in-china-for-first-time-in-8-years/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, China, GM, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Skoda

In case you didn't know, Volkswagen is hell-bent on becoming the largest automaker in the world. The German carmaker has inched closer to that goal, having outsold General Motors in China last quarter for the first time in eight years.

Volkswagen's sales in China, its largest marker, increased by 21 percent last quarter to 704,991 units. Those numbers almost tripled GM's third-quarter growth, and were enough to beat out the American automaker's 664,765 sales. GM, however, still leads in year-to-date sales in China by a slim margin of around 77,000 units. The Asian nation also happens to be GM's largest market, and according to the report in Automotive News, China's car market may grow to be larger than the US, Japan and Germany combined in three years' time.

About the news his company was bested in China by VW last quarter, GM CEO Dan Akerson is quoted saying, "It's not whether you're the biggest car manufacturer. It's whether you want to be the most profitable." It should be noted of these figures that GM includes truck figures, yet excludes Hong Kong and Macau from its Chinese sales numbers, while VW does just the opposite. Through September of this year, Volkswagen had 5 of the 10 best selling vehicles in China. GM boasted three of the cars on that list.

One car not on China's Top 10 list is the Malibu. Though GM's second-best selling car in the US, it has been called a "disaster" by Lin Huaibin of IHS Global Insight. The roughly 29,000 units sold were apparently unable to hang with VW's Skoda competitor.

The Automotive News report cites anti-Japanese sentiments and older GM product as reasons for Volkswagen's third quarter rally. Other brands with increased sales included Hyundai, Kia and Ford, citing that the jump in sales for these brands helped their parent companies counter losses incurred in the beleaguered European car market.

VW outsells GM in China for first time in 8 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive newschinageneral motorsgmmalibuskodavolkswagenFri, 26 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/26/vw-outsells-gm-in-china-for-first-time-in-8-years/20360347/article-detail.xml

20360347 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hkg4551058-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hkg4551058-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Humor, Skoda, Racing

Skoda Rally Pop Quiz

If there's one trait all motorsports drivers have, it's an excellent ability to multitask. Sure, the pilots need to be able to keep an eye on the course and keep their vehicles pointed in the right direction. But that's not all.

Drivers also need to be in constant contact with either a navigator, a spotter or a pit chief while simultaneously making sure their car doesn't go supernova on the course. Skoda recently put driver Andreas Mikkelsen's multitasking skills to the test by giving him a pop quiz while he was slinging his IRC rally car around the Millbrook race track.

With questions covering topics ranging from rally history to import/export trivia, Mikkelson had his work cut out for him, but he handles the rapid-fire Q&A like a champ. Well, except for that question about Ukrainian pork. You can check out the video for yourself below.

Continue reading Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage

Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas mikkelsenhumorinternational rally championshipircrallyskodavideoMon, 08 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

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20343465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/skoda-rallly-pop-quiz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/skoda-rallly-pop-quiz-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Škoda Rapid offers Czech flair in a Volkswagen world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-skoda-rapid-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-skoda-rapid-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-skoda-rapid-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Skoda

2013 Skoda Rapid - front three-quarter view - live from 2012 Paris Motor Show

Czech automaker Škoda has splashed down at this week's Paris Motor Show with its new Rapid sedan. The 2013 Rapid may bear a brand-specific front end, but the rest of the car isn't a far leap from its Volkswagen Jetta roots. We think that's a good thing, though perhaps the best instantiation of this corporate model is the new Toledo from Seat? We'll let the Europeans fight that one out.

The Rapid will serve as an entry point into the larger Volkswagen corporate universe for many buyers, offering a value-laden vehicle that is slightly less upscale than its German and Spanish counterparts. The Rapid will be served up with no fewer than five engine choices at launch: a pair of diesels and three different petrol-engined cars will fill out the roster.

Curiously, the Czech automaker already markets a very different model under the Rapid banner, a smaller VW Polo-derived model sold in India.

Continue reading 2013 Škoda Rapid offers Czech flair in a Volkswagen world

2013 Škoda Rapid offers Czech flair in a Volkswagen world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 skoda rapidparisparis 2012paris motor showrapidskodaThu, 27 Sep 2012 21:59:00 EST

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20334761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-skoda-rapid-paris-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-skoda-rapid-paris-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Why are these new Skoda models getting crushed?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/why-are-these-new-skoda-models-getting-crushed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/why-are-these-new-skoda-models-getting-crushed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/why-are-these-new-skoda-models-getting-crushed/#commentsFiled 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.

Continue reading Why are these new Skoda models getting crushed?

Why are these new Skoda models getting crushed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>czech republicemergency medical servicesemsfirst respondersoctaviaparamedicsskodaskoda octaviaskoda superbskoda yetisuperbvideoyetiTue, 10 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST

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20273933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/skodasafetytraining_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/skodasafetytraining.jpg <![CDATA[Seat officially unveils new Toledo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/#commentsFiled under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, SEAT

2013 Seat Toledo - silver - front three-quarter view

One week after leaked images appeared online and just a few days after its sister car, the Škoda Rapid, was revealed, the Seat Toledo has taken a bow. Expected to "write a whole new success story" for the Seat, the five-door and its "timeless personality" has a mission to be "a great car for a great price." All of which sounds like the Spanish marque really has very little to say about their new model, eh?

In contrast to the Škoda's seven powerplant options, three will be on the Seat menu at launch: two petrol-flavored offerings in the form of a 1.2-liter, 73-horsepower TSI and a 1.4-liter, 119-hp TSI, and an oil-burning 1.6-liter, 102-hp TDI. Next year, a less potent 1.6-liter, 88-hp diesel will be added to the range.

We'll have live shots of it from the Paris Auto Salon floor later this fall, after which it will appear in Spanish and Portuguese showrooms before exports expand to other parts of the world. Prices will be announced closer to launch, so scroll down for a presser with the other details on Seat's new baby.

Continue reading Seat officially unveils new Toledo

Seat officially unveils new Toledo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 seat toledohatchbackparisparis 2012paris auto salonparis motor showseatseat toledoskodatoledoTue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/26/seat-officially-unveils-new-toledo/20266020/article-detail.xml

20266020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledoofficial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledoofficial.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda recreates Stonehenge out of old cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/skoda-recreates-stonehenge-out-of-old-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/skoda-recreates-stonehenge-out-of-old-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/skoda-recreates-stonehenge-out-of-old-cars/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, UK, Skoda

Citihenge

The UK has a burgeoning car market filled with all sorts of cars we don't get here. So to get buyers' attention, automakers need to make a real splash. To that end, Skoda has erected a fresh take on one of the island nation's oldest landmarks... only in a more automotive form.

Dubbed Citihenge, the installation is inspired by the ancient Stonehenge in Wiltshire, recreated out of old cars. It was built over the course of three months under the direction of renowned installation artist Tommy Gun, and put in place in less than 12 hours. Using eighteen scrap cars weighing a total of 36 metric tons, each of the henges measures five meters tall by five meters wide and is made to withstand force-12 hurricane winds. Still, it can be entirely recycled.

The installation was erected on the south bank of the Thames next to London's famous Tower Bridge just in time for the summer solstice, and marks the arrival of the Skoda Citigo (the Czech version of the Volkswagen Up!) in the British market.

Continue reading Skoda recreates Stonehenge out of old cars

Skoda recreates Stonehenge out of old cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citigocitihengeskodaskoda citigostonehengeThu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST

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20261727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/citihenge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/citihenge.jpg <![CDATA[Škoda reveals new Rapid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/skoda-reveals-new-rapid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/skoda-reveals-new-rapid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/skoda-reveals-new-rapid/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Skoda

Just a couple of days after images of its sister car, the Seat Toledo, leaked onto the Internet, the Škoda Rapid gets an official unveiling. As expected, it is a 99.5-percent facsimile of the Škoda MissionL "concept" revealed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Given plenty of creases and sculpting, the Rapid is a sign of Škoda designs to come, which the brand calls "clear, precise, fresh, timeless and elegant." To our eyes it certainly isn't a bad way to keep an erstwhile Volkswagen Jetta fresh.

As with the Toledo, the price-value equation will be the Rapid's unique selling proposition for those not smitten with its looks, yet being a VW product it still won't skimp on engines: seven will be offered, five gas-powered and two diesels. Slotted between the Fabia and higher-end Octavia, the Rapid's brand new looks should help it make a name for itself among family types.

We'll see the real thing at the Paris Motor Show soon, and it will hit European showrooms shortly thereafter. Until then, scroll down for a press release with all the info on Škoda's new direction.

Continue reading Škoda reveals new Rapid

Škoda reveals new Rapid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 paris2012 paris motor showparisparis auto salonparis motor showrapidskodaskoda rapidWed, 20 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/skoda-reveals-new-rapid/20262100/article-detail.xml

20262100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/skodarapidreveal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/skodarapidreveal.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Toledo leaks out ahead of Paris reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/seat-toledo-leaks-out-ahead-of-paris-reveal/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, SEAT, Skoda

A concept version of the Seat Toledo was shown off at the Geneva Motor Show earllier this year, but it was clear that the concept was code for "almost identical to production." Four images of what appears to be the final version of the Toledo have dripped onto the Internet, and sure enough, the only exterior difference we can spot is that the mirrors now have body-colored uppers.

As a reminder, although it looks like a three-box sedan, it is still a five-door hatchback with a 17.6 cubic-foot boot capacity (slightly less than a Ford Mondeo) and slotted between the C- and D-segments in size. Engines are expected to be those also going in the Škoda MissionL concept, which will be the Škoda Rapid in production form and is the Toledo's sister car in the Volkswagen Group herd.

Price will be the Toledo's strong point, with Geneva-era rumors of a base price at €13,000 to €14,000 (around $16,300-$17,600 USD). In keeping with such frugality, engines are predicted to be of small-displacement and lowly horsepower in both petrol and diesel forms. After it debuts at the Paris Motor Show, along with the new Seat Ibiza and the Rapid, the Toledo should be in dealerships shortly thereafter.

Seat Toledo leaks out ahead of Paris reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 paris2013 seat toledoparisparis 2012paris motor showseatseat toledoskodaskoda missionlskoda rapidtoledoMon, 18 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST

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20260447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledo2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seattoledo2012.jpg <![CDATA[Škoda Superb Combi Outdoor is Czech for "Allroad"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-is-czech-for-allroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-is-czech-for-allroad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-is-czech-for-allroad/#commentsFiled under: Wagon, Europe, Skoda

The Škoda Superb Combi has picked up on the "Allroad" habit of its flashier brother, Audi. As is to be expected, though, in Škoda guise, the design-package makeover as applied to the Superb Combi Outdoor isn't quite so flashy. The ride height and suspension are unchanged, and there are no steel undertrays installed fore and aft. But there is "robust synthetic paneling" that runs all around the lower rim of the car, as well as a revised font bumper with fog lamps and a larger lower intake.

This is said to enable the Combi Outdoor to "hold its own even beyond paved roads," but we'd take that with a few grains of whatever the Czech word for "salt" is. It is available now with any engine and drive layout in the range other than the GreenLine. Scroll down for a brief press release, and check out its angles in our gallery.

Continue reading Škoda Superb Combi Outdoor is Czech for "Allroad"

Škoda Superb Combi Outdoor is Czech for "Allroad" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allroadŠkodaŠkoda Autoskodaskoda superbskoda superb combiskoda superb combi outdoorsuperbsuperb combisuperb combi outdoorwagonTue, 05 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-is-czech-for-allroad/20251532/article-detail.xml

20251532 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-skoda-superb-combi-outdoor-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda's popular Yeti headed for a facelift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/skodas-popular-yeti-headed-for-a-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/skodas-popular-yeti-headed-for-a-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/skodas-popular-yeti-headed-for-a-facelift/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Crossover, Skoda, Design/Style

Skoda Yeti spy shot - front three-quarter view, white

One of our favorite European runabouts is officially due for an update. Skoda designers and engineers are hard at work refreshing the company's Yeti, and our spy photographers spotted the updated vehicle out for testing. A new front fascia looks to be part of the package, complete with larger air inlets and a redesigned grille similar to what we've seen on the Skoda Rapid. Designers have also reworked the small crossover's headlights up front, while the rear now wears new taillamp arrays and and fresh valance. None of the changes are Earth-moving by any means, but they should help keep the well-received Yeti competitive until the next-generation comes along.

So far, there's no solid word on exactly what engine options Skoda will put under the hood, though with a range of fresh powerplants behind a number of the company's other models, the manufacturer could easily spruce up the option sheet.

Skoda's popular Yeti headed for a facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 skoda yeti2014 skoda yetiskodayetiTue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST

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20247052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-skoda-yeti-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-skoda-yeti-628.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Skoda, Racing

Skoda Citigo Rally concept

If you thought the Volkswagen Group was about to wind down the endless stream of concept cars based on the new Up! city car, think again. Because not only is the Volkswagen brand itself keeping the train a-moving, so are its sister brands.

Skoda has its own version of the Up called the Citigo. But what racing fans know the Czech subsidiary for best is its rally program that has become a dominant force in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge and the basis for VW's own foray into the World Rally Championship. Now Skoda is bringing the two together with an exciting concept car previewed by the rendering above and confirmed in the press release below.

Following in the footsteps of the tantalizing Fabia roadster unveiled last year, the Citigo Rally concept is to be the centerpiece of the Skoda display at the Volkswagen Group's annual hot-hatch gathering at Lake Wörthersee in Austria. Details are scarce, but the show car will feature rally-inspired bodywork complete with 18-inch white alloys packed into aggressively flared wheel arches, a substantial rear wing and vents aplenty.

It will be joined by a second Citigo converted into a mobile DJ booth with a 100,000-watt sound system that will be scoring the Skoda booth at Wörthersee, but our eyes will be on the rally concept.

Continue reading Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept

Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citigoskodaskoda citigoskoda citigo rallyskoda citigo rally conceptupvolkswagenwörtherseewortherseeThu, 17 May 2012 15:31:00 EST

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20239404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/skoda-citigo-rally-conceptweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/skoda-citigo-rally-conceptweb.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/#commentsFiled under: Budget, SUV, Crossover, UK, Skoda

2012 Skoda Yeti Urban

As a European auto giant with a strong presence in the North American market, there are some products that the Volkswagen group doesn't offer on this side of the pond. Like the entire Skoda and Seat brands, for example. With the exception of the Scirocco, there aren't many that we really feel like we're missing over here. That, and perhaps the Skoda Yeti.

Highly praised by a publication so performance-oriented as Evo (among many others), the Yeti is said to be an excellent little sport-ute, and a cost-effective one at that. And no, there are no plans we're aware of to bring it Stateside. But as if to rub salt in the wound of its absence from American showrooms, Volkswagen's Czech brand has announced a new version of the capable soft-roader in the UK.

Called the Skoda Yeti Urban, the special edition is based on the SE trim level but features a number of special touches and optional extras bundled in. Two-tone black and chrome 17-inch alloys, fog lights, flared fenders, and an interior with black or red sports seats and a whole mess of electronics are all part of the package, available with either a 1.2-liter TSI with 104 horsepower or (for a premium) a 108hp 2.0-liter TDI.

British buyers - or 750 of them, anyway - can also choose between black, white, silver or grey, but the Yeti Urban can be had only in front-wheel drive with a manual. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release below the fold.

Continue reading Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition

Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>skodaskoda yetiskoda yeti urbanurbanyetiThu, 29 Mar 2012 07:58:00 EST

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20203082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-yeti-urban_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-yeti-urban.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/#commentsFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Skoda

Skoda Citigo

On this side of the Atlantic, one Volkswagen division's new product may not have a significant impact on those of another. That's because the German auto giant's brands are kept quite separate in North America. Less so, however, back in Europe, where a new VW is likely to reappear in due time as a Seat or Skoda.

Case in point: the new Up! city car, which is also sold overseas as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo. And, true to form, with the Volkswagen brand having enlarged its city car to a five-door, its Czech cousin has followed suit.

And so, starting in May (after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show), European buyers will be able to get their hands on a five-door Citigo, offering the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (in either 60- or 75-horsepower guise) as the Up, Mii and three-door Citigo. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo

Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citigoskodaskoda citigoupvolkswagen upMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST

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20160356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/citigo5web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/citigo5web.jpg <![CDATA[VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/#commentsFiled under: SEAT, Skoda

Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesmartin winterkornsalesseatskodaMon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST

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20094139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Skoda, Off-Road, Racing

Skoda Fabia S2000

To the outsider, it would be all too easy to forget that the FIA World Rally Championship has more than one class. Just like Le Mans endurance racing has various LMP and GT racing categories, and NASCAR has the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, so too does the WRC have more than one tier. So while the Sebastien Loeb and the Citroën World Rally Team were locking up their seventh title in the top tier of the championship, Skoda took its first title in the Super 2000 category as its Finnish crew Juho Hänninen and Mikko Markkula won took a class win and 10th overall in the RACC Rally of Spain this past weekend.

So what, who cares, you ask? Well you'd be forgiven for dismissing an overseas automaker (whose products we don't even get here) winning a second-tier rally series that doesn't come here, either. (Mexico's the closest stage on this year's calendar.) But we'll tell you why it matters: Skoda's sister (or parent) company Volkswagen is entering the top-tier WRC next season with the new Polo R. And while VW has enjoyed much success in rally-raid events like Dakar, the WRC is an entirely different beast.

In order to prepare for its assault on the most world's foremost rally series, Volkswagen has been looking to Skoda's program to test out everything from machinery to personnel. And given that Skoda - whose motorsport division celebrates its 110th anniversary this year - has come out on top, we could be looking at a very serious contender from Wolfsburg for next year's championship.

Continue reading Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title

Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabiajuho hänninenmikko markkulas2000 wrcskodaskoda fabia s2000Skoda Fabia Super 2000super 2000 wrcworld rally championshipwrcFri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 EST

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20090794 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webskoda-swrc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webskoda-swrc.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvwTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

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20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda nixes prospect of building a sportscar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Skoda

Skoda Fabia RS 2000 roadster concept

We have to admit we were more than a little bit intrigued when Skoda showed up at Wörthersee this year with the Fabia RS 2000 roadster you see here. The concept essentially took the company's S2000 rally machine, gave it a fresh coat of Kermit and chopped off the roof... with four seats and four doors still intact. But could such a vehicle ever be produced?

According to the latest reports from across the pond, the answer, quite simply, is "no". Apparently Skoda is fixated on reaching its sales targets, and while something could certainly be said for a halo vehicle - particularly one based on one of its top-selling volume models - the Czech automaker is not keen on distracting itself from the task at hand. (We'll just have to admire it from the updated high-res image gallery, then.)

That's a bit of a shame, especially since the VW subsidiary's line-up is, well, rather conservative. But don't go thinking that Skoda is about to give up on performance-oriented models altogether, though: the company will continue developing and producing its vRS line of hot hatches and sedans, like the Fabia, Octavia and even the upcoming production version of the MissionL concept debuted in Frankfurt. A Superb vRS performance sedan, however, is reportedly not in the cards, as the executive saloon is just too big to fit the bill.

Skoda nixes prospect of building a sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>skoa fabia rs 2000skodaskoda fabiaskoda fabia rs2000skoda fabia vrs2000skoda vrs2000vrsvrs 2000Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST

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20067337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-rs2000.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Skoda

This is the all-new Skoda Citigo, and if you're thinking that it looks rather familiar, that's because its Volkswagen-badged kin recently debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. That's right, the long-rumored Skoda version of Volkswagen's new Up! city car has finally arrived.

Buyers will have a choice of two 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines - one with 59 horsepower, the other with a 74 hp and a blistering 106 mph top speed - both mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Powerful they are not, but these three-bangers should prove to be extremely efficient, with Skoda quoting fuel economy numbers of 62.8 and 60.1 miles per gallon, respectively (on the European cycle).

Being a Skoda, the Citigo will go on sale in its home market of the Czech Republic this fall, with the rest of Europe getting the car next summer. Follow the jump for Skoda's official release.

Continue reading Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo

Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 skoda citigo2012 volkswagen upcitigoskodaupvolkswagenvwvw upTue, 27 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST

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