ŠKODA’s model offensive continues with the launch of the new ŠKODA Superb. Having undergone a comprehensive facelift, both Hatch and Estate versions are set to make their world premieres on the 19th April 2013, on the eve of the Shanghai Motor Show.

Mladá Boleslav, 3rd April 2013 – ŠKODA’s flagship model impresses with a fresh and attractive design, a new interior and new technology features. The new Superb will be launched in European markets at the end of June 2013.

“The ŠKODA Superb is the pinnacle of our model line-up and proves ŠKODA’s capability as a manufacturer. This comprehensive facelift has made our top model even more attractive,” said ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland.  

The new Superb impresses with improved fuel economy and features new solutions in terms of technology. At the same time, the Superb confirms all the good values that have made this model line a success for 12 years now.

“The ŠKODA Superb offers comfort beyond the upper-middle segment. This means lots of room, excellent functionality, high comfort, top safety, great value for money and timeless elegance. We are always intent on offering our customers a little bit extra car,” said Vahland.

Exterior

The ŠKODA Superb boasts a completely new front and rear. Elements of the brand’s new design language are clearly visible: clear lines, precise quality and balanced proportions. The front of the car, which has been completely redesigned up to the A-pillar, looks much more distinctive.

The grille, car logo, fog lights, bumpers, front wings and bonnet are new. The distinctively drawn front with a significantly wider grille as well as the completely redesigned headlights creates an assured appearance. Available for the first time in the Superb line-up are bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.  

The rear of the Superb Hatch and Estate has also been completely redesigned with a focus on clear, tidy and precise lines. The rear light graphic has been reinterpreted to further emphasise the brand’s typical C-shape. This will be the first time in the Superb that LED stripes create this shape, and are fitted as standard on all models. Two triangular elements on the Hatch are another unmistakable feature of the new ŠKODA design.

The Superb’s exterior is now available in two additional metallic finishes: Meteor Grey and Moon White. New 16-18 inch alloy wheels are also available.

Interior

New interior fabrics and patterns for the seat covers as well as new designs are now available. In the highest level of trim, the ŠKODA Superb Laurin & Klement (L&K), a new brown-ivory colour combination is available.

Engines

In terms of engines and drive technology, the ŠKODA Superb is even more attractive: Selected engines save more than 19% fuel when compared to their predecessors. Contributing to this is Start/ Stop and kinetic energy recuperation technology, which will be standard in all ŠKODA Superb diesel engines, in addition to the entry-level 1.4 TSI 125PS petrol engine in EU countries.  

The Superb GreenLine II offers fuel consumption of just 67.3 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI 140PS diesel engine now features a manual transmission in the 4x4 version. Additionally, the 2.0 TDI 170PS 4x4 diesel now comes with a six-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

Class-leading space

The ŠKODA Superb continues ŠKODA’s tradition of offering a huge amount of space. The Hatch and Estate models offer class-leading space in the upper-middle segment, with the largest boot and the most rear seat legroom for passengers. There is now a new function available to make travelling in the back that bit more comfortable: For the first time ever, the front passenger seat can also be easily moved from the rear electronically.

The amount of boot space offered in the Superb remains unbeaten in its class: The Hatch with 595 litres, the Estate 633 litres – both are ‘best-in-class’. With the rear seats folded down, the transport volumes increase to 1,700 and 1,865 litres respectively.

The new ŠKODA Superb - Simply Clever

The new Superb reaffirms its reputation as a clever representative of the upper-middle segment. An umbrella stored in the door, a feature otherwise available only in top-end luxury vehicles, is available.

Another ‘Simply Clever’ solution of the new Superb Hatch is the Twindoor tailgate. A unique, ŠKODA-patented solution permits the tailgate to be raised in two stages: users can choose to open either the boot lid or the entire tailgate including the rear window. The technology has become even simpler to operate: each opening mode now has its own button.

More ‘Simply Clever’ features include the Jumbo Box in the centre console, storage pockets in the doors and under the passenger seat, the practical sunglasses compartment and also the storage area in the centre armrest of the backseat – all well thought through. This is also true of the boot which offers practical features such as an optional variable boot floor, lockable storage, bag hooks, lashing eyelets and optional holding nets.

The comfort offering in the new Superb has increased significantly with the latest-generation Park Assist. The new system now supports both parallel and reverse bay parking and assists in both entering and leaving parking spaces.

In addition, the new Superb offers superior comfort features such as an electric sunroof with integrated solar cells on the Hatch model; the electric panoramic sunroof on the Estate model; the automatic lock and start system; KESSY (keyless entry); air conditioning and four modern audio and navigations systems: up to the top navigation system, Columbus, with a 6.5” colour touch screen and integrated 30GB hard drive.  

Safety

The Superb puts its best foot forward in terms of safety, as demonstrated by a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. In EU countries, the Hatch and Estate models are fitted with ESP, ABS and Brake Assist as standard. The optional Adaptive Frontlight System (AFS) ensures excellent visibility in the dark.

The optional Hill Hold Control ensures a smooth uphill start without use of the handbrake. An electronic Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPM) is also fitted as standard on the Elegance and range-topping Laurin & Klement trim. In the event of an accident, passengers are protected by up to nine airbags as well as three-point seat belts and height-adjustable headrests.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk
ŠKODA will present the all-new Octavia vRS at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed (11th - 14th July 2013). Based on the new generation Octavia, the new vRS will be longer, wider and lighter than its predecessor and will become the fastest road-going Octavia yet. The new Octavia vRS will continue ŠKODA’s tradition of offering great design, intelligent engineering and outstanding value for money.

Milton Keynes, 25th March 2013 – Designed to strike a chord with the passion that’s in the heart of everyone who enjoys the thrill of a sporty drive, the latest addition to the vRS family will offer a spirited driving experience that more expensive class rivals seldom manage to match.

At Goodwood, the Octavia vRS will be presented to the public on Thursday the 11th July as part of the Festival of Speed Moving Motorshow. The Octavia vRS will also be the star of the show in the ŠKODA Pavilion, which is famous to show goers for ŠKODA’s interactive, exciting and family-friendly display, and will also feature in the festival’s showpiece, the Goodwood Hillclimb.

ŠKODA will once again present the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage. Spectators can watch the ŠKODA Motorsport team in action on the rally stage, as well talk to the drivers and team and get up close and personal with the teams and drivers of the multi-championship winning ŠKODA Fabia S2000 and other UK and international rally cars.

In addition, the Fabia S2000 rally car and several ŠKODA vintage cars will be included in the Hillclimb activities, straight from the ŠKODA Museum collection at the factory headquarters in the Czech Republic.

All in all, ŠKODA will be out in force at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed with the world premiere of the new Octavia vRS, some great vintage ŠKODA cars on the Hillclimb and the ŠKODA Motorsport team in action on the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA Auto has a long history of producing cast moulds and forgings for engines and gearboxes. For example, as early as 1962 we became the first in Europe to use a high-pressure pouring process to produce intricate and complex aluminium cylinder blocks. Cast moulds from the aluminium foundry, grey cast iron and forgings from the forging facility in Mladá Boleslav are used not just in other factories that are part of the VW Group, but also at a number of local and international customers’ sites. We are continuously modernising the foundries and equipping them with the latest technology and technical equipment.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA is stepping up its sustainability efforts under a new ‘GreenFuture’ program. The initiative, which forms an integral part of the ŠKODA 2018 Growth Strategy and the environmental strategy of the Volkswagen Group, will help current and future ŠKODAs become even more fuel-efficient and will see resources used in a more sustainable fashion.

Mladá Boleslav, 25th March 2013 - One of the first cars to be produced under the new 'GreenFuture' initiative is the forthcoming Octavia GreenLine II model. With a combined fuel consumption of 86.0mpg and CO2 emissions of just 87g/km, it will be the most fuel efficient Octavia ever produced.

The drive to lower emissions and maximise efficiency also extends to ŠKODA’s advanced production facilities. By reworking production methods and introducing new processes, ŠKODA aims to reduce waste and emission levels by 25 per cent per vehicle.

"ŠKODA has been honoring its responsibility for the environment for many years", says ŠKODA’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. h. c. Winfried Vahland. "With ‘GreenFuture’ we will significantly step up and bundle our efforts for increased sustainability once more. We want to offer particularly environmentally-friendly automobiles and to manufacture and sell them in an even more sustainable fashion".

“‘GreenFuture’ is a clear, measurable commitment by the company and its employees towards environmental protection; we are investing in our green future. ‘GreenFuture’ is part of our 2018 Growth Strategy and, at the same time, an important part of the goal of the Volkswagen Group to become the leading environmentally-friendly automobile manufacturer in the world by 2018,” emphasises Vahland.

To achieve its aim of making ŠKODA an even more efficient opration, ‘GreenFuture’ pulls together three core initiatives that cover every aspect of the business: 'GreenProduct', 'GreenFactory' and 'GreenRetail'.

Since 1991, the company’s direct expenditures for a sustainable use of resources have amounted to more than 410 million EUR (£348,400,000). In addition, ŠKODA has made investments in environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes, energy-saving facilities and the enhanced efficiency of its vehicles. Through its 'GreenProduct' initiative, ŠKODA is gearing up its efforts to make cars even more fuel efficient and even more recyclable.

In order to accomplish this goal, the Czech manufacturer and the Volkswagen Group are jointly working on modern technologies that contribute towards energy-efficient operations and decreased environmental pollution.

ŠKODA currently offers 48 models with emission figures of less than 120g/km, with 10 models featuring emissions of less than 100g/km.

The brand is also looking to alternative fuels as a way of delivering low-emission solutions to customers. The recently-launched ŠKODA Citigo CNG is powered by natural gas and enjoys CO2 emissions of just 79g/km. A new Octavia CNG is also in development and will be launched later this year.

ŠKODA is also continuing its research into electric cars. A test fleet of ten Octavia Green E-Line vehicles is being assessed on Czech roads with the findings being analysed with environmental partners.

Vehicle production is another key element of the ‘GreenFuture’ strategy. By 2018, ŠKODA wants to organise production in such a way that it will be 25 per cent more environmentally friendly. Within the framework of 'GreenFactory', the focus will be on reducing energy and water consumption and the amount of waste generated in the manufacturing of one vehicle. Likewise, emissions such as CO2 and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds - generated in small amounts during the painting of car bodies), are to be lowered by one quarter.

One current example of resource-efficient production is the new press line at the plant in Mladá Boleslav, which was commissioned at the beginning of February. The new press line works more effectively and is among the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe. It requires up to 15 percent less energy than comparable older facilities and is able to temporarily store energy that is not needed at the time. Together with the Volkswagen Group, ŠKODA invested about 66 million EUR (£57.5m) on this facility alone.

Another important factor for an environmentally-friendly manufacturer is the supply of heat and energy. For example, brown coal used for the generation of heat and energy at the ŠKODA plant in Mladá Boleslav will be substituted with biomass in the form of wood pellets. The CO2 emissions generated within the manufacturing process will be decreased by about 45,000 tons of CO2 per year.

The third pillar of the ŠKODA sustainability strategy is 'GreenRetail'. This concerns the environmental protection in dealerships and repair workshops. Campaigns such as the ‘Spring Cleaning 2012’ conducted in the Czech Republic have led to the removal of 95 tons of unusable or discarded materials from the storage areas of service partners, almost 90 percent of which could be reprocessed.

Environmental protection and sustainability are key issues for ŠKODA. The ‘GreenFuture’ steering team reports directly to the ŠKODA Board of Management. At the same time, the manufacturer relies on the active cooperation of its approx. 26,500 employees.

One example of the high commitment of the ŠKODA team is the ongoing campaign ‘A tree for each car sold in the Czech Republic’: Since 2007, ŠKODA has been planting one tree for each car sold in the country. To date, about 363,000 trees have been planted, with 60,000 more expected to be introduced in 2013.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk
Milton Keynes, 4th March 2013 – Two of ŠKODA’s newest models have illustrated how the popular value-for-money brand is heading in the right direction… by winning coveted ‘Car of the Year’ awards.

The honours have been handed out by respected consumer motoring website CarBuyer, http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/. The ŠKODA Citigo, launched just last summer, was voted ‘Best City Car’ while the new ŠKODA Octavia, which only recently arrived in showrooms, earned the title ‘Best Family Car’.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of CarBuyer, commented: “The ŠKODA Citigo ticks all the right boxes for city car buyers… and then some. It’s cute, cheap to buy and run, and great fun to drive – great things come in small packages and this is a truly great car.”

He added: “ŠKODA cars have always offered that rare blend of more for less and the new Octavia is a prime example. It offers more quality, more space and more value than its rivals, yet still manages to be cheaper – it’s a brilliant family car.”

ŠKODA has a history of success in the CarBuyer awards. The Superb won ‘Best Estate Car’ two years ago and then retained the title in 2012.

Commenting on the double win, Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, said: “Awards like these are always great to receive because they’re from a website which reflects what people are actually searching for online and buying from dealers. That two of our latest cars have beaten the competition is very satisfying.”

 
 
Article source: www.skoda.co.uk