MIMS 2009 – Skoda

Skoda kicked off their presentation at the Melbourne International Motor Show by revealing an updated Octavia range. Matthew Wiesner, Head of Skoda Australia, then introduced Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson to assist with the launch of the Skoda Superb.

Both models certainly look the part and with their Volkswagen DNA they are cars that are not short on substance.

Proving this was a Skoda Scout on display, which recently travelled over 20,000kms around Australia in six weeks.

More pics and press releases below.

The New Å koda Octavia

Å koda Australia is revealing its exciting new Octavia model range at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

Designers and engineers approached the job of transforming the Škoda Octavia with great care, aware of the fact that improving such a well-engineered car would pose quite a challenge. An almost fundamental revision of the Octavia’s appearance brings the current model up-to-date with Škoda Auto’s modern design philosophy.

When looking from the front, the key enhancements to the new Octavia include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The rear of the vehicle features new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated ‘cat eyes’.

Inside the Octavia, the steering wheel, dashboard, air conditioning controls and trim inserts on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics and an improved lineup of Å koda audio and satellite navigation systems are available. New materials and functional features have increased comfort and operating safety in the passenger compartment of the new Octavia.

Passengers sitting in the rear seats of the new Octavia can enjoy great comfort and space. Large doors make it easy to get in and out of the car. The tailgate of the Liftback makes storing bulky luggage in the boot a simple task. With a capacity of 560 litres in the Liftback and 580 litres in the Wagon, it sets a benchmark for volume in its class. Folding down the rear bench extends the boot volume to a remarkable 1420 litres, a capacity which expands to 1620 litres on the new Octavia Wagon.

The engine line-up of the Octavia range has also changed, with two petrol and one diesel variants to choose from.

For the first time a 1.6-litre petrol engine is being offered in the Octavia range as the entry level specification. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering decisive gearshifts, a 6 speed automatic transmission is also available as an option. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 75kW of power and 148Nm of torque, providing a proven and reliable choice for drivers.

The 2.0 TDI (diesel) engine delivers torque that can compete with many V6 petrol engines. With 103kW of power at 4,000rpm and producing an enormous 320Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm, the 2.0 TDI engine delivers an exhilarating and satisfying drive.

The second, superbly engineered, petrol engine on offer is the turbocharged 1.8 TSI, producing 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque. This 1.8 TSI has replaced the original 2.0 FSI (110kW) engine and is the only engine in the Škoda Octavia range to be offer with the optional 7 speed DSG transmission – the
latest in innovative technology from the Volkswagen Group.

The new 7 speed DSG transmission represents two exciting advancements. On one hand it is the first 7 speed gearbox for front transverse mounting; and on the other hand, it’s the first dual-clutch gearbox with a ‘dry’ double clutch.

The benefits of this 7-speed DSG include providing the comfort of a conventional automatic transmission with the dynamic drive of a manual transmission. The result is less fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.8 TSI matched with the 7-speed DSG transmission consumes just 6.7 litres of premium unleaded petrol per hundred kilometres (combined consumption, ADR81/02), with CO2 emissions at a low 157 g/km.

The new Å koda Octavia range will be launched in March 2009.

Å koda Superb

The all-new Å koda Superb will be making its Australian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

Although new on these shores, this model has a long history – there has been a Superb in Škoda’s line-up, on and off, since the 1930s. When it was re-launched in 2001, the first modern Superb represented a new start, a re-entry into a market which had long been neglected.

This latest Superb, however, is a pivotal car, a flagship model that links the company’s illustrious past with its ambitious future. It marks the next stage of Škoda’s development, and its arrival completes a four-model range in which each vehicle now has the distinct Škoda design DNA.

The new Superb offers craftsmanship, elegance, style and interior cabin space its rivals can only dream about. Then there its host of clever features, including ‘TwinDoor’, which turns the car from a Sedan to a Liftback at the touch of a button, lifting the Superb to even greater heights of flexibility.

Although its design has retained the traditional Liftback concept, the unique, patented ‘TwinDoor’ variable boot opening, designed by our engineers at Škoda, offers an extremely practical, functional and well thought out solution.

Depending on what is required, either the boot lid alone can be opened for smaller items to be placed inside. Or, by operating another button on the underside of the boot lid to activate an electro-mechanical release, you can lift the entire boot lid together with the rear window, allowing bulkier items to be loaded. When the rear seat backs are in an upright position, the boot will accommodate 565 litres of luggage, and if they are folded forward this volume increases to a massive 1,670 litres.

The new Å koda Superb is 4,838 millimetres long, 1,817mm wide and 1462mm high, and will offer a range of engines to fulfil the needs of every driver. There will be two petrol and one diesel variant available in Australia, all of which operate with direct fuel injection and excel as a result of their low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The 1.8 TSI with 118 kW of power (also being introduced in the new Octavia range) will be a popular choice. It provides peak torque of 250 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, and propels the front-wheel-drive Superb to a top speed of 220 km/h. Acceleration is quick, needing only 8.5 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h. The 1.8 TSI is also matched to the latest 7-speed DSG transmission, which delivers exceptionally smooth gear changes and utilises the full potential of the engine’s torque.

The other petrol choice for the Superb will be a new 3.6 litre V6 FSI unit, with 191 kW of power and a maximum torque of 350 Nm between 2,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine powers the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. The 3.6 V6 FSI is supplied with an automated 6-speed DSG transmission and, so that the 191 kW is fully utilised, four-wheel drive too.

Traction distribution is designed to be variable thanks to a fourth-generation Haldex clutch, which monitors the traction and power delivery electronically. During normal driving conditions 100 per cent of the power goes to the front axle. When needed, however, the 350 Nm of torque can be sent to the rear wheels, which assists in safe and reliable traction in all road conditions – not only ice and snow during winter conditions.

The 2.0 TDI diesel, which works with common-rail direct injection, delivers outstanding performance and remarkable economy. It provides 125 kW of power, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm. The potential of this engine is evident in the high level of performance: top speed is 220 km/h, with the 0 to 100 km/h benchmark delivered in 8.8 seconds. This powerful diesel engine will be coupled with a new 6-speed DSG transmission which delivers a combined fuel consumption figure of just 6.9 litres per 100km.

Full specifications will be released at the time of launch but pricing has been confirmed for the entry-level Superb Ambition 1.8 TSI with seven-speed DSG priced from $42,990, while the range topping Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 with 4×4 starts at just $56,990.

Further specifications will be available at the time of launch.

Scout Around OZ – 20,285 Kilometres in 42 Days

The Å koda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI 4X4 Wagon has completed an impressive journey across Australia and will be on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show from today, Friday 27 February, through to Monday 9 March.

The opportunity for this adventure came about thanks to Skoda’s long-running association with SBS. Škoda Australia offered SBS a Scout to transport crew and equipment whilst filming arts projects throughout Australia as part of the launch of their regional TV signal.

The resulting journey took the Scout further in 42 days than most cars do in a year and after 20,285 kilometres, it rolled into Melbourne and straight on to the Å koda Motor Show stand.

Å koda broadened the appeal of its Octavia line-up with the introduction of the exciting Octavia Scout 4X4 Wagon in August 2008, introducing Å koda to the compact SUV segment.

The Octavia Scout 4X4 Wagon was developed to offer drivers the best of both worlds. As happy on urban roads as it is in mud, sand or snow, the Scout is fitted with an abundance of features allowing drivers to tackle a wide variety of rough terrain. The key to its dramatic dynamic flexibility lies in its second-generation Haldex clutch mechanism allowing power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels as and when it is required and providing increased traction on loose surfaces.

The Octavia Scout 4X4 Wagon has ground clearance of 180 mm so that it can be used in many different conditions: on road, off road, for commercial purposes and recreation.

The power to the wheels is delivered through a powerful yet economical 2.0-litre TDI with diesel particulate filter as standard, producing 103 kW/ 320 Nm, linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Octavia Scout 4X4 Wagon comes with a generous range of standard equipment including 17 inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual zone air conae3r, electronic stabilisation program (ESP), six airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique ‘Scout’ touches throughout the cabin. When you also consider the 580 litres of boot space (1,620 litres with the back seats down), there is no doubt the Scout is a true all-rounder.

Pricing for the Octavia Scout 4X4 Wagon starts at $39,990.

Further details, photos and video footage of the SBS journey around Australia, can be found on the Å koda website.