NEWS

Why do I need winter tyres? The tyre is arguably the most important component on your car. Four areas of rubber roughly the same size as the palm of your hand – or 23 sq. inches – are all that is connecting your car with the road surface underneath it.

With that in mind it seems shocking that people continue to use tyres that aren’t suitable for the conditions. In the UK during 2009 just 1.2% of all tyre sales were winter tyres, while in Germany it was a massive 48%.

However, in the UK last winter it became obvious that many people were ill-prepared for cold and snowy conditions. Roads quickly clogged once the snow started falling and some people spent over 12 hours stranded in their vehicles. Would the situation have been different if drivers had properly prepared for winter driving?

So, why are winter tyres so effective? The performance of a tyre relies on heat. A winter tyre generally has higher silica content in the rubber, meaning it can stay flexible at lower temperatures. For this reason, it's wise to fit winter tyres as soon as the temperature outside gets into single digits.

They also have up to ten times more ‘sipes' - or carefully-positioned tiny grooves in the tread of the tyre - which mean the tread can move around and generate more heat which then improves grip. Larger gaps in the tread are also there to pick up snow. This may seem odd, but snow grips onto snow a lot better than rubber does. For this reason the tyre uses the snow to its advantage, and when back on the tarmac again the heat generated by the grooves on the tarmac will soon get rid of any un-wanted snow left on the tyre.

Do I need to change all four tyres if my car is only two-wheel drive? Yes. It is best to change all four tyres at once to make sure you have equal traction on each corner. This will ensure you have handling characteristics as similar to what the manufacturer designed as possible and should minimise the chances of a nasty surprise. Call today to order your Winter Tyres on 01623 623400

10th October 2011 - 0% Finance & 0% VAT Extended to December 31st 2011

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From now until the end of December 2011, customers buying new cars via ŠKODA Finance won’t have to pay any VAT .They can also get zero-per-cent finance if they choose to buy with our latest Skoda Finance Offers.

Cars that qualify No VAT and zero-per-cent HP are available on any of the following cars bought via ŠKODA Finance: • 770 Fabias • 140 Roomsters • 850 Octavias

All qualifying models will need to be registered and sold by close of business on 30 September 2011. VAT-free offer can be combined with all other finance options Although we feel our zero-per-cent HP offer will tempt the most people into our showroom, the offer of no VAT can be combined with any of ŠKODA Finance’s market-leading funding options including our fantastic Personal Contract Plan (PCP) at only 7.9APR which not only attracts the NO VAT OFFER but also comes with with FREE SERVICING !

Download a brochure or book a test-drive by clicking here

28th September 2011 - A small ŠKODA for city traffic – “City Clever”

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A small ŠKODA for city traffic – “City Clever” 9/27/2011 With its seventh model line, ŠKODA is entering the small vehicle segment. The ŠKODA Citigo will be launched on the Czech market in late 2011. Market launches in Europe scheduled for the beginning of summer 2012. ŠKODA is continuing its product offensive by introducing its seventh model line. With the Citigo, at 3.56m long, the Mladá Boleslav automaker is entering the A00 segment. The Citigo will debut on the domestic Czech market this year. Other European countries will follow at the beginning of summer 2012. The Citigo offers maximum utilisation of space and seats for four passengers. The Citigo will be launched as a three-door, with a five-door version to come in 2012.

“The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for our brand to enter a very promising segment,” said ŠKODA Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “The new product fully meets the corporate philosophy of the ŠKODA Brand expressed through the “Simply Clever” slogan. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space, but is surprisingly agile, and attractive in terms of trims and technologies used. Although the Citigo is a small car, it is a typical ŠKODA—and as such fits perfectly with our plans.”The designers managed to give the car a distinct look that declares at first glance: this is the new ŠKODA. The finned grille set in a chrome-plated frame and precisely shaped headlamps give the car the typical ŠKODA look. The designers have done a fantastic job on the rest of the car's body. With a length of 3.56 metres, width of 1.65 metres and height of 1.48 metres, the Citigo is one of the smallest vehicles in its segment. The volume of the luggage compartment is 251 litres. It can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The key target groups are young drivers, young families looking to get themselves a second or even third car, and also “best agers.” They are customers who are rather cost-sensitive and have a rational approach to cars on the one hand but high demands for quality, practicality, design and safety on the other. ŠKODA did not have much to offer such groups of customers in the small car segment. Prof. Vahland: “We can see that the demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs is growing. ŠKODA's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract a lot of customers mainly in our European markets.”The Citigo places great emphasis on safety. For the first time in a ŠKODA vehicle, the designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and together with other elements it forms an exemplary safety packet in its class. In addition, active safety is significantly enhanced by the new “City Safe Drive” brake assistant. The system is automatically activated at speeds below 30 km/h and a laser sensor identifies a danger of collision. Along with the Volkswagen up!, the Citigo is currently the only car in the small vehicle segment to offer the emergency braking functionality.

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available after the Citigo's launch: both have a volume of 1.0 litre and their power outputs are 44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP. In the economical Green Tec version average consumption is 4.2l/100km and 4.3l/100km respectively. Emissions are 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emissions are 4.5l/100km and 105g CO2 per km for the 44kW engine. The engine with a power output of 55kW consumes 4.7l/100km and emits 108g of CO2 per km. New ŠKODA Citigo

12th September 2011 - ŠKODA builds its first-ever fully electric vehicle – the Octavia Green E Line

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ŠKODA has begun production of a 10-car trial fleet of its first-ever fully electric car, the Octavia E Line. It's the next step in ŠKODA's continued efforts to reduce emissions and consumption levels throughout the company. The Octavia Green E Line is based on the series-production Octavia Estate, benefiting from the modular floorplan design, which helps with how the batteries, electrical control units and electric motor are arranged. The motor provides 60kW of power, with a maximum peak of 85kW, with maximum torque of 270Nm available from standstill, which is ideal for accelerating during urban driving.

Also, so that pedestrians can hear you coming, the Green E Line has a sound generator that simulates the noise of an engine at speeds of up to 25mph. Free from the city limits, the Octavia Green E Line can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 12 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 84mph. With a 26.5kWh battery made of 180 lithium-ion cells, which weighs 315kg, the Octavia Green E Line has a range of 150km (93 miles), which is helped by a sophisticated brake energy recovery system.

Electric drive is an integral part of ŠKODA's strategy for creating a range of vehicles that are as environmentally-friendly and safe as possible. ŠKODA will also offer its customers a plug-in hybrid vehicle in the future. “Emission-free mobility is one of our key goals,” said ŠKODA Auto BOD Member for Technological Development Dr. Eckhard Scholz. “My opinion is that electric vehicles are the right answer to the increasingly stringent emission limits and the need to keep the automotive industry sustainable. Our strength lies in a combination of our highly competent and qualified technological development staff and the Volkswagen Group's extensive know-how, and I believe that it is exactly this combination that will enable us to develop an electric vehicle to be seen as a real step forward.” The first Octavia Green E Lines will appear on the roads this autumn, with the driving data fed back into the continued research and development in this area.

29th July 2011 - 0% Finance & 0% VAT

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From now until the end of September 2011, customers buying new cars via ŠKODA Finance won’t have to pay any VAT .They can also get zero-per-cent finance if they choose to buy with our latest Skoda Finance Offers.

Cars that qualify No VAT and zero-per-cent HP are available on any of the following cars bought via ŠKODA Finance: • 770 Fabias • 140 Roomsters • 850 Octavias All qualifying models will need to be registered and sold by close of business on 30 September 2011. VAT-free offer can be combined with all other finance options

Although we feel our zero-per-cent HP offer will tempt the most people into our showroom, the offer of no VAT can be combined with any of ŠKODA Finance’s market-leading funding options including our fantastic Personal Contract Plan (PCP) at only 7.9APR which not only attracts the NO VAT OFFER but also comes with with FREE SERVICING !

Monday 17 January 2011 - Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo unveiled

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The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo has been launched to celebrate 100 years of the historic rally and 110 years of Skoda motorsport. Styling changes give the Skoda Fabia a dose of attitude and include black wheel arch trims, side sills, door mirrors, grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and ‘smoked’ tinted headlamps.

With so much blacked out, the Fabia almost looks as if it has no roof, an effect similar to the design of the Citroen DS3. Inside, there’s a choice of all black or red and black sports seats, with additional side bolsters for extra support. Other upgrades include a leather steering wheel, handbrake and gear gaiter complete with red stitching if the red sports seats are chosen. Metallic kick plates and pedals complete the makeover.

Based on the standard SE trim level, it will be available with 1.2-litre petrol models (68, 85 and 104bhp) and diesel Fabias (74 and 104bhp), all of which are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. Prices start from £12,755 for the entry-level petrol and go up to £15,000 for the top diesel Monte Carlo. Fittingly the Fabia Monte Carlo will make its first outing at the Rally it honours on January 19, and is available to order from January 24.

20th June 2011 - Škoda takes on Bonneville Speed Week – at 200mph

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Škoda UK is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.

A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world-famous Bonneville Speed Week in the USA (August 13 to 20). Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier.

Our technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik. The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance, including lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame that houses a race-prepared intercooler.

The car retains its production-standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. The engine generates up to 600PS and drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix) rather than unleaded petrol.

Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Škoda’s largest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS, and more than 12,000 cars have been sold since launch.

Škoda UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: “The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary, and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It’s also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits.”

12th April 2010 - Drive of the week: Skoda Superb Estate

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It is possible that this new Skoda Superb estate is the least fashionable car something close to £25,000 can buy. It is, if you like, the antidote to all those crossovers and quasi-SUVs that people buy because of the imperative to look cool. So, if you like your car to make a statement about you, look elsewhere — unless you happen to want that statement to read, “I’m as adventurous as a pair of slippers.”

For those who care not at all what their car says about them and rather more about its ability to do a hard job, this Superb is nothing less than the best estate for the money. First and most important, it offers outstanding amounts of room for five occupants and their luggage. Its load-carrying capacity exceeds that of all other cars in its class, including the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. In fact it’s better in that respect than almost every estate in the next class up, including the Audi A6, the BMW 5-series and the Volvo V70. Only Mercedes’ vast E-class estate will carry more, but you can barely buy one of those for less than 30 grand.

Where the Superb really lifts itself clear not only of its classmates but also of all other comparable family cars is in the driving experience. Its ride quality is of a calibre more usually found in luxury cars costing more than twice as much. The fit and finish of its cabin are as good as in any Audi. The car I drove came with a 170bhp 2-litre diesel engine and a DSG automatic gearbox. For a large estate, the standstill to 62mph time of less than nine seconds is very respectable, particularly when it will return more than 45mpg.

The fact is, on any measure this is a damnably difficult car to fault, not least because, like a Porsche 911 GT3, Lotus Elise, Land Rover Discovery 4 or Toyota iQ, it is utterly fit for purpose. If you can drive a car several hundred miles, spending every moment thinking of things to criticise, and emerge at the end disliking only its name, you know the car is about as good as it gets. And in the worthy, practical and deeply unfashionable world of sub-£25,000 estates, that is high praise indeed.

Skoda Superb estate 2.0 TDI CR SE £23,595 ENGINE 1968cc, four cylinders POWER 170bhp @ 4200rpm TRANSMISSION Six-speed DSG ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 8.9sec

25th February 2010 - Superb Estate offer for business customers

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Škoda Finance has put together an amazing contract hire package for the new Superb Estate, with a headline offer of £279 per month (plus VAT) on the Superb Estate S 2.0 TDI 140bhp. And that’s not all: every Superb Estate purchased with Skoda Finance contract hire comes with free servicing and maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles (whichever comes sooner).

The figures below show how this offer is exceptionally competitive when compared with those for competitor models from other leading FN50 (Fleet News Top 50) car leasing and van contract hire companies. The addition of free servicing and maintenance means customers can avoid unexpected bills for up to three years, and reassurance that that all work will be carried out by Škoda experts using approved parts.

Comparison with other contract hire offers: Superb Estate S 2.0 TDI 140bhp £279 Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi Edge £308 Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160 Exclusiv Sports Tourer £326 Laguna 2.0 dCi Expression 110 Sport Tourer £280 Citroen C5 2.0 HDI 16V VTR 140 Tourer £326 Peugeot 407 1.6 Hdi 140 S SW Estate £330 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D T2 £292 Passat 2.0 TDI CR S 110bhp £308

8th December 2009 - Škoda a double winner in Top Gear awards

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Škoda has picked up two of the most prestigious titles in this year’s influential Top Gear Awards. The Škoda Yeti was chosen as Family Car of the Year, and the new Superb Estate won the Luxury Car of the Year award. As Top Gear magazine said: “2009 is clearly Škoda’s year.” Top Gear magazine is read by around 175,000 people in the UK every month, so winning these awards gives a massive boost to our publicity for these two cars. The awards are carried in 24 international editions of the magazine, plus on Top Gear’s UK, US and Australian websites.

The Top Gear magazine team were blown away by the quality of both cars. Editor Conor McNicholas said: “The Yeti has been an instant hit with the Top Gear magazine office. We love the styling, the handling, the space, the clever touches and yes, the name. If you’re looking for a family car it should be top of your list to check out, simple as that. The Yeti feels like part of the Top Gear family.” Of the Superb, he said: “It’s in the ride, the refinement, the quality of the interior, the understated drama of the exterior – the Superb is all that, and in the estate form it makes even more sense. For the well-heeled or those of us that wish we were, the Superb Estate is a class act that really delivers. Don’t let the great price fool you!”

The Škoda UK PR team did a great job meeting Top Gear magazine’s requests for the awards issue. A Yeti was flown over to the USA for the reviewer to drive up the 14,115-foot Pike’s Peak, demonstrating the car’s winning combination of practicality and four-wheel-drive performance. Summing up the Yeti, reviewer Bill Thomas said: “The car has been superbly designed by Jozef Kaban and his team in Prague and stands out on the road... It’s not too heavy, has a range of effective and efficient engines and transmissions and is decently equipped. It is also beautifully made in typical Škoda/Volkswagen style, and is practical and spacious without being too big or unwieldy on the road. It is, in short, a winner.”

Thomas is convinced the Yeti will go down well with its target market. “This car will be a big hit with the thousands of British families who are sure to buy it and the big load capacity will be a major part of the appeal,” said Thomas. “But the quality that really grew on me was the thing’s character. I can imagine ‘the Yeti’ becoming an immediate hit with young families. ‘Let’s take the Yeti’. ‘We’re going in the Yeti’. It’ll be another member of the family in no time.” The PR team also sourced a Superb Estate in the Czech Republic, which was then loaded up and driven back to the UK, illustrating its comfort, refinement and load-lugging capabilities. Jason Barlow said of the Superb: “In 2008, Top Gear’s Luxury Car of the Year was the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. In 2009, it’s this: the Škoda Superb Estate… The Superb Estate is a thoroughly well-executed and uncommonly refined car.”

1st September 2009 - Euro NCAP gives Yeti five stars

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The Škoda Yeti has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, showing it to be one of the safest cars on the market. The Yeti was praised for its excellent adult and child occupant protection, as well as its protection for pedestrians. Thanks to its stable body structure made of high-strength steel, the Yeti received an excellent 92 per cent in the occupant protection category. The protection provided by its airbags helped the Yeti score maximum points in the side impact category.

The Euro NCAP assessment report said: “Škoda has shown that it provides an equal degree of protection for passengers of all sizes, sitting in various positions (in all seats).“ Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Škoda Auto board of directors member responsible for technological development , said: “The result shows our commitment to safety aspects at the development stage [including] seat geometry tests and the strength of the applied materials. We test various seat settings and work hard to improve the properties of the entire system. To ensure maximum possible protection, the system must be in perfect harmony. We use state-of-the-art technology and test methods, as safety is one of the key aspects in developing new Škoda vehicles.”

The Yeti's did particularly well in the whiplash test – a new category established this year to assess the stability of the seats and the degree of protection of the occupants from cervical spine injuries in rear impacts. The Yeti's result is one of the best of all the vehicles tested so far. Škoda engineers put great emphasis on active safety when developing the Yeti. As required by Euro NCAP, the passenger airbag indicator light comes on when the airbag is deactivated. On starting the vehicle, an ‘Airbag On’ display informs the driver that the airbag is activated. As a standard part of the vehicle's equipment, the Škoda Yeti is fitted with the ISOFIX system for mounting child seats onto rear seats.

27th August 2009 - First look at the new Superb estate

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Škoda Auto has released the first official teaser image of the estate version of the Superb. The company will unveil the new model at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (17 to 27 September 2009).

The car is a logical continuation of the Superb model series, offering an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.The estate version is set to continue the success of the hatchback. More than forty-two thousand Superbs have been sold in just over a year since its launch.

The newest addition to the Superb range follows in the tradition of timeless design and a spacious interior that customers have come to expect from Škoda; qualities that make the Superb estate ideal for every driver who requires a comfortable, reliable car in all circumstances.

1st May 2009 - First Škoda Yeti drive impresses Autocar

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'It’s a glorious spring day in Norway – somewhere just north of Oslo – and I have the fascinating task of trying out two of the very last ‘validation’ prototypes before Škoda’s Yeti mini off-roader goes into full production in a few week’s time.'

'Golf-based, and a modest 4.2m long, the Yeti might just be one of those unexpected ‘landmark’ cars. After a couple of hours on the road it’s clear that the Yeti has a very fine chassis which balances ride comfort (first rate) with a lack of body roll. It’s an especially impressive combination when you think that the car has both a raised ride height and a raised driving position.'

I’ve also just had a quick off-road run around a course built in a disused quarry. When equipped with the off-road kit (which includes hill descent control) the Yeti really can cut it in the rough stuff. All of which makes me think this car could be bigger than Škoda’s own planners think (a view also held by some senior Škoda bosses). The Yeti is compact, well-made, good quality inside, has excellent head and leg room and – with the Haldex 4 all-wheel drive – has enough off-road ability for 95 per cent of the population.

This is the kind of vehicle many people need and many will be able to afford. When you drive this, you realise that this is what an SUV should be rather than the oversized Range-Rover wanabees that most ‘compact’ SUVs end up being. It’s not cheap – nothing Golf based will be – but £16k should get you a 4x4 diesel (these new engines are exceptionally refined) model with the kind of go-anywhere capabilities that will only be defeated by axle-deep mud.

16th April 2009 - Skoda voted No1 on Roada !!

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SKODA has beaten motoring’s elite to be voted the UK’s Number One car brand. The Czech manufacturer has Britain’s happiest and most satisfied owners, a survey found. More than 20,000 drivers were asked to rate their own cars on everything from reliability to build quality and running costs.

Skoda took the top manufacturer’s title and also had two cars in the top three individual models — with the Superb second and Octavia third. They overtook luxury brand Lexus after finishing second last year in the poll by Auto Express. Skoda’s UK boss Robert Hazelwood said: “The firm were delighted but not surprised by the award. “We put customers first in everything we do from design to quality and the reliability of our cars.” Jaguar’s XF saloon was voted overall Best Car.

The top five brands are: 1 Skoda; 2 Lexus; 3 Porsche; 4 Jaguar; 5 Honda. Top five models: 1 Jaguar XS; 2 Skoda Superb (pre-2008); 3 Skoda Octavia; 4 Landrover Discovery; 5 Lexus RX.

14th April 2009 - Škoda Superb is What Diesel’s Best Large Car

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Škoda’s flagship Superb has scooped Best Large Car at the What Diesel Car of the Year Awards 2009. The Superb beat 17 other contenders, including the Ford Mondeo and Citroen C5, to take the top spot thanks to its design, unique Twindoor boot system, outstanding fuel efficiency and great range of diesel engines. Ian Robertson, Editor of What Diesel, said: "It's a fine drive, with a good choice of TDI engines and the unique Twindoor system adds to its versatility. With its spacious, airy cabin, huge boot and limousine ride, it is a superb choice."

Robert Hazelwood, Škoda UK Brand Director said: “This is another prestigious award for the Superb. What Diesel is a well trusted and much-read publication and, along with the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year accolade that Superb won last year, this confirms what we already know – that the Superb is a fantastic car – a great choice for fleet and retail buyers alike.” 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 the car was launched. Its performance has also been strong in the UK, with sales performing ahead of target. What Diesel said: "Škoda has quite simply reinvented the large car as we know it. Which do you prefer: businesslike saloon or handy family hatchback? With true innovation, the Superb contrives to be both at once. Its USP… is that clever hybrid rear door with switchable opening. It lets you decide whether you want it to operate as bootlid or tailgate, and we think its brilliant.”

12th March 2009 - Škoda unleashes Yeti at Geneva Motor Show

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What is the Yeti? The Yeti is a clever compact SUV. Škoda Auto celebrates the extension of its model range to five with the introduction of Yeti at Geneva. The 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle distinguishes itself with very agile handling coupled with high safety reserves as well as with the stylish exterior. Compact, attractively styled and full of surprises – that is the new Yeti.

What does the Yeti look like? An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and friendly looking headlamps confidently demonstrate Yeti’s relationship with the Škoda family. Sturdy flanks and distinct wings give Yeti its robust and solid look on 17 inch wheels, without coming across as heavy.

It meets the demands for a cleanly styled body, a high seat position and versatile operating options with a design, which despite its robustness, exudes lightness rather than bulky shapes. The Yeti also meets the needs for environmental care, luggage space, safety and great road holding. The luggage compartment volume is flexible; up to 1760 litres is available by removing the rear seats. A carefully balanced running gear concept allows the driver to implement what the design implies: fun and dynamic to drive.

The Yeti will be available with the following engines: Petrol: 1.2 TSI 105bhp (front-wheel drive) 1.8 TSI 160bhp (4x4) Diesel: 2.0 TDI CR 110bhp (front-wheel drive and 4x4) 2.0 TDI CR 140bhp (4x4) 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp (4x4)

17th January 2009 - On the up – worldwide sales grow in ’08

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Škoda Auto sold 674,530 vehicles worldwide in 2008 – a 7.1 per cent increase on 2007 and a record for the manufacturer. The company said it was pleased with what it called an “excellent result” given current economic circumstances. Most of the company's growth was in China and Eastern Europe. Škoda delivered 59,284 vehicles in China in 2008, 117 per cent more than in 2007. A further 16,051 were delivered to customers in India (31.9 per cent up on 2007).

Sales in Eastern Europe grew by 30.1 per cent to 123,630 vehicles. The fastest-growing market in 2008 was Russia, where the company sold 50,733 vehicles – a year-on-year increase of 84.2 per cent. With 344,857 vehicles sold (11.3 per cent more than in 2007), the Octavia (hatch and estate) was Škoda's best-selling model overall in 2008. The Fabia sold 246,561 units – 5.9 per cent up from 2007). There were 25,645 new Superbs sold and 57,647 Roomsters.

Fred Kappler, Škoda Auto BOD member responsible for sales, said: “Despite the current difficulties, we have managed to keep positive sales trends in many of our markets. We are going to continue monitoring Russia, China and India. Although the future sales trends are difficult to estimate now, we believe that the demand for small vehicles such as the Škoda Fabia will grow worldwide, as this category offers financial savings and is in line with the growing environmental awareness. We are looking forward to success with our new models in 2009.“

15th January 2009 - Škoda beats Bentley!

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The Škoda Superb has claimed its biggest victory in a road test yet. Autocar magazine this week pitched the Superb against three rivals supposedly way out of its league – a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Audi A6 Quattro and BMW 750Li – and the Superb has beaten the lot.

The Škoda Superb has claimed its biggest victory in a road test yet. Autocar magazine this week pitched the Superb against three rivals supposedly way out of its league – a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Audi A6 Quattro and BMW 750Li – and the Superb has beaten the lot. Reviewer Andrew Frankel said: “Škoda… has engineered the Superb blind to the knowledge that you can’t make a luxury car for less than £40k, let alone for only a little more than £20,000.”

The Superb beat the Audi and BMW for space, comfort and refinement, and ran the Bentley close in many areas. Frankel said: “Its ride quality is several streets ahead of the Audi, better even than the BMW and a close match for the Bentley.” He also praised the car’s cabin, calling it “a fine place to pass the time, thanks to the best driving position of the lot.”

The Superb’s all-round performance made it the winner, with the Bentley second, the BMW third and the Audi fourth. “[The Superb] has competed hard on merit, out-riding the BMW, offering more space than the Audi and refinement levels close to the Bentley’s,” said Frankel. “It is a proper luxury car, and for the space, comfort and quiet offered for the money being asked, it is the most impressive here. Škoda beats Bentley is an odd thing to write, but its victory is real and deserved.”