SKODA FABIA: A LOT OF CAR FOR A SMALL PRICE

Skoda Fabia is a European machine that’s offered at a lower price than anything in its class from that continent. That price is there to try and lift sales, something that seems to be working because Skoda sales in Australia have finally started to move upwards after years of sitting at too low levels. Skoda is built by the Czech marque with an automotive history that dates back over 120 years. These days it is part of the Volkswagen Group and most of the out of sight components are sourced… Read more

SKODA SUPERB 2009 – 2015

By EWAN KENNEDY CAPTION: A. B. C. 2014 Skoda Superb wagon BODY COPY Skoda Superb is a large family car; longer than the Australian family sixes, indeed more in line with the Holden Caprice and Ford LTD than the standard Commodores and Falcons. However, the Czech car is not as wide as the Aussie cars. The Superb has limousine-size rear legroom and appeals to families consisting of Mum, Dad and a couple of hulking teenage sons. Three adults in the rear work without too much shoulder rubbing, but two makes… Read more

SKODA ROOMSTER 2007 – 2010 & 2012 – 2014

Anyone who complains that all cars look the same these days should immediately add the Skoda Roomster to their list of possible used cars. This medium-sized people mover isn’t for everyone, but its unusual styling makes for a spacious, practical interior. Those who put function above fashion will love it. During our visit to the Skoda factory in the Czech Republic in 2007 a designer explained, “We wanted to make our Roomster look like an aircraft at the front and a house at the back.” That summed it up beautifully…. Read more

SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 – 2015

Skoda Octavia was introduced to Australia in November 2007 as a major component in the return of the Czech marque in Australia after an absence of 25 years. The Octavia has been described as a VW Jetta/Golf with a different body. However, there’s a lot more to it than that. While VW does control Skoda these days it has allowed the Czech company a large degree of design freedom in the body, though the mechanical components are principally all VW. The Czechs like to have room to move in their… Read more

RAPID EXPANSION TO MONTE CARLO

A popular model within the Skoda Fabia range, the sporty Monte Carlo model, makes its return to Australia with the Rapid badge, slotting between the just-released new compact Fabia and mid-size Octavia. Following the Rapid Spaceback launch in Australia in May, and replacing the Elegance variant, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo offers customers a higher level of specification above the standard Rapid model. There is a raft of sports-themed visual cues and an upgraded Euro 6 emission rated 92kW TSI engine, as part of Skoda Australia’s model year 16 upgrades…. Read more

OCTAVIA ON SONG FOR SKODA

With awards, such as Family Car of the Year, Medium Car Under $50,000 and Gold Star Value Car, piling up like unpaid bills, it’s time to look at what is winning the Skoda Octavia so many pats on the back. The model that earned the accolades is the Skoda Octavia Ambition Plus 103TSI 1.4 DSG automatic sedan, which recently came into my possession with a Tech Pack widening the equation. Since the awards were won, safety of the flagship Skoda has been boosted by the addition of a rearview camera… Read more

SKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT IS PREPARED

Skoda is scouting for new buyers with the introduction of the final model of its all-new Octavia series – the Octavia Scout. The importer’s hunt for buyers is to be boosted by offering new engines, including a petrol unit for the first time, and serious price reductions. For some reason Skoda is still struggling to find awareness downunder. Those who aren’t into cars either haven’t heard of the Czech maker, or think it comes from one of the Asian countries. This awareness is even harder to understand when you learn… Read more

2014 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK REVIEW

The arrival of the Skoda Rapid in May 2014 could well represent a coming of age for the Czech-based carmaker in Australia. While there have been around half a dozen previous models since the company returned here in 2007 most have fallen into the ‘quirky’ category and haven’t really left their mark on the sales charts. By contrast the Rapid, or Rapid Spaceback to give it its full name, is a mainstream small-medium five-door hatch that is taking on the big guns in that category including Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and… Read more

2013 SKODA YETI REVIEW

Despite having a history of car making that stretches back to the late 1890s Skoda remains largely unknown in Australia. A pity, because the Czech company offers a range of quality European vehicles with lots of character at very affordable prices. Our latest test car, the Skoda Yeti, is a case in point. On sale here since late 2011 it’s a sensible and practical compact SUV but one that sits well down amongst the also-rans in the sales graph in what is admittedly one of the most competitive of market… Read more

SKODA OCTAVIA RS WAGON

The Skoda Octavia has been given a firm shove in the back with the introduction of a new RS model. The third generation RS is the fastest production Octavia ever and is the culmination of 113 years of Skoda motorsport experience. It’s sold in Australia as a sedan and station wagon. Powered by a petrol or diesel engine, the flagship Octavia RS will roar from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.8 and 8.3 seconds respectively, all the while bringing a new level of fuel economy and low emissions… Read more