After launching the facelifted Octavia sedan and estate at the Paris Auo Show late last year, Skoda has now updated its range topping Octavia RS (or vRS for the UK market) that’s available in both five-door liftback and station wagon variants. Changes on the vehicle that could be described as a more practical and spacious version of the previous generation Golf GTI as the two models share the same platform and 200HP 2.0 TSI gasoline (there’s also a 170HP 2.0 TDI diesel engine), concern the sheetmetal as well as the chassis..

On the outside, the 2009 Octavia RS models feature a redesigned front mask with an RS logo and reshaped headlamps that, for the first time in the RS version, can be fitted with xenon units combined with an adaptive front lighting module. The RS also gets restyled bumpers and tail lamps while Skoda also offers a new metallic paint (Anthracite) and 18-inch Neptune alloy wheels. In the interior, Skoda has revised the Octavia RS’s trim while the Climatronic air conditioning system gets new controls.

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Along with the updated 2009 Octavia RS saloon and estate models, Skoda also released the first official photos of its facelifted Octavia Scout. The new crossover-ish version of the Octavia features a redesigned front grille and headlamps, plus body-colored side mouldings, and restyled bumpers and tail lights. Unlike the rest of the models in Skoda’s Scout range, the Octavia is equipped with VW Group’s all-wheel drive system that features a fourth-generation Haldex clutch, which can transfer as much as 86 percent of the torque to a single wheel.

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Yep, it’s another faux-by-four variant from Skoda. In addition to the Octavia, Roomster and Fabia Estate Scout models, the Czech automaker is now getting ready to add the Scout badge to the Fabia hatchback. These official photos – courtesy of the European trademark office, show that the 5-door Fabia will receive the same visual off-road styling cues as the other Scout models meaning plenty of black plastic cladding all-around and new roof bars, and well, that’s about it.
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It took Skoda more than four years and two concept studies, but Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary finally managed to unveil the production version of the Yeti at this week’s Geneva Salon. When it goes on sale across Europe this summer, the Yeti compact SUV will be Skoda’s fifth model competing against rivals such as the Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 and even VW’s very own Tiguan.
Skoda’s designers kept close to the original concept in terms of styling though they did replace the hidden rear door handles with conventional ones. Compared to its rivals, the 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle looks less robust and more ‘crossoverish’.

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Skoda’s Geneva motorshow stand hosted the debut of the Fabia Sport Design Concept. Strangely enough, Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary did not disclose any details on the styling study, but we gather that the sporty Fabia could be hinting at the forthcoming RS model that’s expected sometime in 2010. The Fabia Sports Design model is finished in a two-tone paint job featuring black alloy wheels, fa ront apron, a roof spoiler, side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, blacked out headlamps and dark chrome surrounding for the front grille.

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Skoda has announced a strong performance for its new Superb model in January. With sales performing at 107% of target the Czech manufacturer is bullish about the future for the model. It has increased its fleet sales forecast for the model by over 40% to 2,000 vehicles this year.

Commenting on the result Martin Burke, Head of Fleet Sales at Skoda said: “We are very encouraged by the response to the Superb from fleet operators. With strong predicted residual values contributing to excellent wholelife costs it is clear the Superb is the right product for this market. Our customers are seeing the value with the top spec Elegance model accounting for 50.2% of all Superbs sold.”
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