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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Compact, attractive and with a fresh attitude, the new Skoda Yeti will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show extending the brand’s model range to five. The 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle bears the well-known and distinctive features of the brand. An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and stylish headlamps confidently demonstrate Yeti’s relationship with the Skoda family. It has a robust and solid look on 17-inch wheels, whilst its fresh styling and high seating position enable the Yeti to exude lightness rather than looking bulky. The carefully balanced running gear and agile handling, combined with turbocharged and frugal engines, makes the Yeti fun and dynamic to drive. Two petrol and three diesel engines are on offer. (more…)

As we await for the presentation of the 2010 Octavia vRS based on the faclifted Octavia that was revealed at the Paris Show last October, Skoda UK has launched a limited-run edition of the current-generation model that promises to bring more bang for your pound. Only 500 cars will be produced with buyers having the choice of two engine options, a 200HP 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit or a 170HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

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Skoda has unveiled the first official photographs of the Fabia Scout. The new addition to the Scout family will make its world debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The design of the brand new Scout includes distinct features and attractive protective elements, giving this functional and economical car, new emotional dimensions. A uniquely-shaped bumper and plastic cladding give this new version of Skoda’s popular estate enhanced, robust features. In addition, protective elements on the sides of the body and a silver roof-rails underline the Fabia Scout’s bold shape.

Four engines will be available for the new Fabia Scout – two petrol and two diesel units. The petrol engines will consist of a 1.4 litre, 63 kW (85bhp) engine with fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km (43.5mpg) and 1.6 litre, 77 kW (105bhp) with a fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km (40.9mpg), available with a six-speed transmission.
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The new Skoda Superb has added another award to its already impressive collection in the form of Sky Motoring’s Best Gadget honour.

Skoda’s innovative Parking Assistant beat off opposition from BMW and Renault to scoop the honour in the motoring website’s annual awards. Sky Motoring’s judges praised the Superb’s Parking Assistant system for its ease of use and commented. “It sounds destined for a slot on ‘It’ll never work’, but we tested it several times and, shock horror, it actually works.” (more…)

Skoda has updated the Fabia Sport. The new model can be identified by its 15mm lower ride height. Other equipment standard on the Sport includes tinted windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, a tailgate spoiler and new front bumper incorporating fog lamps. Inside, the driver gets a three-spoke leather steering wheel, trip computer and curtain airbags.

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Few surprises are in store – it follows the formula set down by the Roomster and Octavia Scouts. So it’s based on the estate version of the new Fabia, but has only ‘visual off-road features’. That means no four-wheel drive to you and me, so it’s another weird faux-by-four. Skoda has concentrated on plastic cladding and chromed roofrails on this concept car that’s surely a dead cert to enter production.
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In April Skoda’s market share reached its highest level since December 2000. Registrations for the month were 4,137 vehicles, representing a total market share of 2.36 per cent for the Czech manufacturer. This exceeded the 2.26 per cent market share recorded by the company in February this year.

So far in 2008, Skoda has registered 14,367 new vehicles, representing market share of 1.67 per cent for the year. This is a significant improvement on 2007, when the company’s year-to-date market share was 1.53 per cent by April. This impressive performance is ample proof that the quality of Skoda’s vehicles is making a mark on British consumers.
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Škoda’s results for the first quarter of 2008 have exceeded all expectations. Sales over the past three months totalled 173,474 vehicles – that’s an increase of 15.7% compared to the same period last year.

Elsewhere, the Octavia also retained its popularity with buyers. Nearly 71,000 were sold in the first 12 weeks of 2008.

These impressive first quarter results were largely due to growing demand in Eastern Europe and China. Over 27,000 Škoda vehicles were sold in Eastern Europe (up 38.6%) with Chinese sales totalling 16,212.