ŠKODA SUPERB SPORTLINE

Skoda Superb Sportline sedan and station wagon imports to Australia have restarted after a prolonged absence. The 2021 Superb is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (206kW/350Nm) driving through all four wheels. The Superb Scout 4×4, originally intended as a limited edition is carried over to 2021 with standard updates that include a detachable tow bar. Superb Scout is an interesting model in that it has raised ride height and distinctive side cladding. This makes it a clever choice between a standard wagon and an SUV. Scout has… Read more

SKODA KODIAQ RS TURBO-DIESEL

Skoda Kodiaq is a medium-to-large Czech seven-seat SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) in which lightweight construction plays an important role. It is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm high (including roof rails). Its wheelbase 2,791 mm and has comfortable seating for seven. STYLING Kodiaq’s sporty RS model has a body kit to give it a low-ish appearance that looks good on the road or in the carpark. It rides on 20-inch ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels accented by red brake calipers, blacked-out mirrors, roof rails… Read more

SKODA KODIAQ RS TURBO-DIESEL

Skoda Kodiaq is a medium-to-large Czech seven-seat SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) in which lightweight construction plays an important role. It is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm high (including roof rails). Its wheelbase 2,791 mm and has comfortable seating for seven. STYLING Kodiaq’s sporty RS model has a body kit to give it a low-ish appearance that looks good on the road or in the carpark. It rides on 20-inch ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels accented by red brake calipers, blacked-out mirrors, roof rails… Read more

SKODA RAPID 2014 – 2018

Skoda Rapid, or Rapid Spaceback to give it its full title for the Australian imports, is a mainstream small-medium five-door hatch. It could be called a station wagon as it’s rear has a handy shape making it capable of carrying bulky loads. The Czech company has long had a policy of making space a feature inside its vehicles. There’s good room in the Rapid for rear seat passenger space, though two makes more sense than four if adults are being carried. Overseas travellers may have noticed four-door sedan versions of… Read more

2019 SKODA KAROQ 110TSI

Skoda Karoq is a midsize SUV from the Czech Republic that shares much of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its biggest attraction to many potential buyers is that it, like other Skoda models, sells for significantly less than approximately equivalent VWs. The Karoq we tested was the 110TSI, with a recommended retail price of $29,990, compared to slightly higher price of the Tiguan 110TSI. This comparison isn’t apples-with-apples as there are differences in equipment, but it does give you something to work on depending on your preferences. Some of… Read more

SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 – 2017

2007 Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia can be described as a Volkswagen Jetta (Golf sedan) with a different body. German Volkswagen has controlled Czech Skoda since the fall of communion in the early 1990s. Therefore the Octavia’s mechanicals are from the VW, but the Czechs designed a body around the skeleton of the Jetta. The Czechs like to have room to move in their cars and the Octavia is larger inside than its Volkswagen cousins. In fact it’s more VW Passat than Jetta in its spacious cabin and boot. Octavia became slightly larger with… Read more

SKODA SUPERB 2009 – 2016

2015 Skoda Superb sedan

For some inexplicable reason Skoda continues to be the most overlooked marques on the Australian market. This simply doesn’t make sense because the Czech manufacturer is one of the World’s oldest, is now part of the giant Volkswagen Group, and produces some excellent cars well suited to Australian driver’s needs and our local conditions. Skoda Superb is a classic example. It’s a large car that’s longer than the Commodore and Falcon, indeed it’s more in the Caprice, Fairlane range and has limousine-size rear legroom. However, it’s narrower than the big… Read more

SKODA FABIA 2011 – 2016

2011 Skoda Fabia

Skoda has been back on the Australian market for 10 years now. While new car sales are gradually rising they are still lower than most experts feel they should be. Why? It’s hard to say as it’s a respected European brand and backed by the Volkswagen Group. Interestingly, the Czech car company is one of the world’s oldest, dating back to 1895. Using manyof the same out-of-sight components as the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo means Skoda Fabia has a lot going for it. Slow sales may be bad news… Read more

SKODA WAGON ADDS UP TO A LOAD OF SENSE

If today’s sports utility vehicles are the winkle-pickers (Google it) of the automotive world, all-wheel drive wagons are the lace-up brogues; what your mother might call ‘sensible shoes’. For those with little history, think Sean Connery, rather than Johnny Depp; ruggedly handsome, against off-beat and quirky. The Skoda Octavia Scout is a perfect example of the former; always has been. STYLING Octavia Scout maintains the robust character of its predecessor. There’s no missing the bold Scout-only bumpers and added body protection. The radiator grille now carries the Scout badge The… Read more

SEDAN SUPERB BY NAME AND NATURE

Rarely does a vehicle go anywhere near living up to its title. However, Skoda’s Superb, the latest version of the large sedan from the Audi VW affiliate, goes mighty close. The third-generation flagship comes to market in the Oliver Twist manner of more, more, more in many ways over its well-credentialed predecessor. For example, the new model offers increased interior space for occupants and luggage and more driver assistance derived from upper-class vehicles. Car companies tend to supply test vehicles with cost costly – options. Skoda had the confidence in… Read more