Skoda Auto launches a new petrol engine range for the Octavia and Superb models.

• ŠKODA fleet launches new petrol engine variants for Octavia and Superb SE Technology models
• Octavia engines include 1.0 TSI 115PS and 1.4 TSI 150PS
• All new Octavia 1.5 TSI 150PS available to order from 26 July
• Superb available with 1.4 TSI 150PS with either DSG or manual gearboxes
• State of the art technology and driver assist systems as standard across range

ŠKODA UK has launched petrol engine variants of the highly popular Octavia and Superb SE Tech models for fleet customers. Cost, practicality and safety are key components in the make-up of the models, designed with business customers in mind.

Fleet customers now have the option of petrol engines for both SE Tech hatch and estate models in the multi-award winning Octavia and Superb. The new generation direct-injection turbocharged TSI petrol engines offer drivers refinement, performance and flexibility, resulting in a quiet, fuel-efficient and dynamic drive, ideal for high-speed motorways or country and town roads.

The popular Octavia Estate 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG uses a seven speed automatic gearbox, which enables it to achieve up to 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle and 108 g/km CO2 with enough power to deliver 0-62 mph in just 10.2 seconds. The Estate model offers low p11d values starting from £20,755 with a BIK rate of 23%. Also available is the 1.4 TSI 150PS with manual and DSG gearbox. From 26 July, an all-new 1.5 litre engine featuring active cylinder technology (ACT) will join the line-up and will be available with a manual gearbox and offer p11d values starting at just £19,615 for the hatch and £20,815 for the estate. The DSG version will be introduced in the Autumn.

The ŠKODA Superb is available with a 1.4 TSI engine that delivers an impressive 150PS and achieves 0-62mph in less than nine seconds. Performance and practicality are combined with privacy glass and a leather and Alcantara interior, and the Estate boasts a class-leading 660 litre boot space (1,950 litres with the seats down).

Henry Williams, ŠKODA Head of Fleet, comments: “We have added petrol engines to the ŠKODA fleet range due to increasing demand from customers. Octavia and Superb already offer a formidable package and by adding even more choice we are demonstrating our commitment to respond to the changing market and the needs of our customers.”

Both Superb and Octavia are the perfect companions for business, combining useful tech and the spacious interior that is synonymous with the ŠKODA model line-up. Each features an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system as standard and the inclusion of SmartLink+ which links to both Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM, plus a MAXI-Dot Trip computer system, to bring the office on the road with you.

For peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers, the new Octavia offers a range of driver assist systems as standard to optimise driving efficiency and safety. Features include Front assist, which uses radar technology to monitor distances from the vehicle in front and will automatically slow the car down if it detects a possible collision. Front assist with pedestrian protection also warns the driver when a pedestrian attempts to dangerously cross the path of car, and will emit a combined audio and visual signal as well as a gentle jolt of the brakes to keep both parties safe.

As well as a class-leading boot space of 1,580 litres (hatch) with the seats down (590 with seats up) the new Octavia features LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control – ideal to maintain efficiency on longer journeys.

The ŠKODA Superb’s award-winning design boasts technical sophistication too, with Wi-Fi and phone signal booster to keep drivers synced with their business whilst on the road, as well as a multifunctional steering wheel that connects to the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system. To make life even easier, additional features include, umbrellas in both front doors and keyless entry.

To help keep drivers alert and safe on the road, Superb offers Blind Spot Detection as well as Smart Light Assist, which enables the driver to see further ahead when driving in the dark and alerts to any upcoming obstacles. Traffic Jam assist uses sensors to detect your surroundings and automatically aligns you to the centre of the lane and assists in braking when traffic is slowing down or comes to a stop in front of you.

The first official pictures of the all new Skoda Karoq before it's official premiere on the 18th.

• Design: KAROQ is the latest representative of the new ŠKODA design language
• Technology: Full-LED headlights optional, LED tail lights as standard
• Interior space: largest boot capacity amongst the competition
• Practicality: optional VarioFlex rear seats make the interior even more flexible
• Strategy: with the KAROQ, ŠKODA continues to rigorously push the SUV campaign
• World premiere: launch of the new compact SUV on 18 May in Stockholm

Shortly before its world premiere, the Czech car manufacturer provides a first look at the new compact SUV ŠKODA KAROQ. ŠKODA’s new, emotive and dynamic SUV design language is easily recognisable. 

The ŠKODA KAROQ has a striking character and features crystalline elements that demonstrate power and robustness as well as elegance. The larger dimensions significantly enhance the ride comfort for the occupants and add to the boot’s capacity.

The new ŠKODA KAROQ’s emotive and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements is a true representation of the new ŠKODA design language. The front section captivates with a striking, three-dimensional design. The radiator grille, framed by a chrome trim, has vertical double slats and creates the trapezoidal cross section that is typical of ŠKODA SUVs.

The design of the headlights is inspired by the rich traditions of Bohemian glass art. The crystalline cut of the full-LED headlights and the eight light strips that make up the ‘eyelashes’ create a unique lighting pattern. The large ŠKODA logo takes pride of place on the bonnet.

LED technology is also used for the tail lights. The tail lighting with LED technology includes the rear lights, brake lights and fog lights. The design concept also features narrow, raked tail lights, the outer segment of which is embedded in the side frames, while the inner segment is integrated into the tailgate. The tail lights form the ŠKODA-typical ‘C’ shape.

The compact SUV is 4,382 mm long, 1,841 mm wide and 1,605 mm high. The long wheelbase measuring 2,638 mm (all-wheel-drive version: 2,630 mm) gives the ŠKODA KAROQ a comfortable stance on the road and provides an indication of the generously proportioned interior.

The ŠKODA brand represents an exceptional overall package. The new ŠKODA KAROQ is no exception. The boot has a capacity of 521 l with the rear seats in place. This increases to 1,630 l with the rear seats folded down. In combination with the optional VarioFlex rear seats, the boot space is variable and can hold between 479 and 588 l.

The VarioFlex system consists of three separate rear seats, that can be adjusted and completely removed individually – giving the SUV a van-like maximum loading capacity of 1,810 l.

The interior exhibits newly designed dashboard divided into a tall upper and narrow lower section – a separation that is particularly noticeable in the large decorative areas on the passenger side. The door trims continue this design approach.

Bold vertical elements influence the ŠKODA KAROQ’s design. The four large air vents sit vertically, and the middle two flank the in-car monitor. The LED ambient lighting is a further highlight in the generously sized interior. Ultra-slim lighting strips are located on the upper edge of the four door trims and continue around the dashboard. The driver can control the brightness of the illumination, which can be set to one of ten different colours.

As part of the ŠKODA 2025 future strategy, the brand will be rigorously pushing the expansion of its model range in the coming years. The focus will be on expanding the SUV portfolio in particular. With the launch of the ŠKODA KODIAQ, a new large SUV was introduced to the international markets only recently. With the introduction of the ŠKODA KAROQ, the company is now setting the next milestone. The new compact SUV will be celebrating its world premiere on 18 May in Stockholm. Its market launch will follow in the second half of 2017.

Skoda to launch the first of many new Electric vehicles at the Shanghai Motor Show.

• World premiere: ŠKODA’s first electric-study VISION debuts at Shanghai Motor Show 2017
• Looking to the future: VISION E gives an insight into ŠKODA’s electromobility strategy 
• Wide range: Five electric vehicles in various segments by 2025
• Start: ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive coming in 2019 
• Autonomous Driving: ŠKODA VISION E meets level-3 requirements 

ŠKODA’s appearance at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 (19 – 28 April) is characterized by electric change: With the Vision E study, the company provides its first brand-specific outlook on the future of individual mobility. 

The emotionally designed five-door SUV coupé can travel up to 500 kilometres on purely electric power and meets the level 3 requirements for autonomous driving. 

ŠKODA is intensively pursuing the electrification of its model range, and will be offering five purely electric models in various segments by 2025. 

Tomorrow's mobility – planning and development is in full swing at ŠKODA. The first purely electrically driven and autonomous driving concept car in the company's history embodies the brand’s interpretation of electric vehicles. 

At 4,645 mm long, 1,917 mm wide and 1,550 mm tall, the ŠKODA VISION E has great road presence. Thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,850 mm, as well as the short overhangs at the front and rear, the designers have created an extremely spacious interior – as always with ŠKODA. In the future-oriented vehicle concept, the elevated seating position typical of SUV models and the generous space combine with a dynamic silhouette and gently sloping roof line in the style of a coupé. 

Thanks to the system output of 225 kW, the ŠKODA VISION E accelerates instantaneously and dynamically. The top speed is 180 km/h (112mph). The powerful lithium-ion batteries and optimal recuperation allow a range of up to 500 kilometres (311 miles). Thanks to intelligent management, the two electric engines cooperate with maximum efficiency and drive the ŠKODA VISION E over all four wheels. The front- and rear-wheel drive is suitably adjusted to ensure the highest degree of stability, dynamism and safety at all times. 

With the VISION E, ŠKODA is also providing an outlook on the forms of autonomous driving coming soon. According to the latest surveys, around 15 percent of all new cars could be driving completely autonomously in 2030. The concept car ŠKODA VISION E achieves the prerequisites for level 3 autonomous driving: It can operate independently in traffic jams, go into autopilot on motorways, stay in lane and swerve, carry out overtaking manoeuvres, independently search for free parking spaces and park and leave parking spaces alone. To enable this, various sensors with different ranges and numerous cameras constantly monitor the traffic situation. 

Electric mobility strategy

Electromobility plays a key role in the company's global growth strategy. ŠKODA develops its own vehicle concepts for purely electric mobility on the basis of the MEB Group platform.

The electrification of ŠKODA’s model range will begin as early as 2019 with the launch of the ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive. ŠKODA’s first purely electric series-produced vehicle will be released shortly afterwards in 2020. By 2025, the brand will have expanded its range to include five purely electric cars in various segments. 

Skoda Auto launches model specific offers to start the year off in style.

• Zero percent APR representative on Solutions PCP finance on selected new models*
• Every new car ordered comes with £500 of free fuel**
• Up to £2,000 towards your finance deposit***
• ŠKODA Big Event runs 4 to 23 January

ŠKODA is offering new car buyers a way to beat the January blues in the form of a special new car event. Running from 4 to 23 January, the nationwide event offers people the chance to buy selected new ŠKODA models with 0% APR representative finance, using ŠKODA Solutions personal contract plan (PCP).

The zero percent APR finance offer excludes the Superb, Fabia, SE Business range, SE Technology range, Citigo S trim and Yeti Monte Carlo. 

However only the new Kodiaq is currently excluded from the £500 free fuel offer, which applies to any other new ŠKODA ordered during the event. 

Pictures used for illustrative purposes only and are not to be

considered to be trim level specific within the offer.

Depending on your choice of ŠKODA, up to £2,000 deposit contributions are available across the range.

Customers can choose the ŠKODA Octavia, What Car? magazine Family Car of the Year 2016, and drive away in an Octavia SE Sport from £169 per month. Those looking for something smaller can choose the Citigo five-door Colour Edition from just £95 per month. 

Thanks to the free fuel offer those customers won’t have to dip their hands into their own pockets at the forecourts for over nine months****.

The ŠKODA Octavia SE Sport is the perfect car for those looking to make a statement. 

The striking design of the SE Sport model is highlighted with 17 inch Denom alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights while the interior benefits from Amundsen touchscreen navigation with Wi-Fi hotspot and sports seats. Hatchback models offer up to 1,580 litres of luggage space.

The ŠKODA Citigo re-defines what’s possible with a city car - small exterior dimensions yet ample interior space for four adults. Great manoeuvrability, and comfort with high levels of equipment, the Citigo has been designed to deal with almost anything life can throw at it.

Examples are based on ŠKODA Octavia SE Sport 1.4 TSI 150PS model and ŠKODA Citigo five-door Colour Edition 1.0 MPI 60 PS model.

The BBC Top Gear Magazine awards the Skoda Kodiaq its Best Car for big families.

• ŠKODA SUV named Best Car for Big Families by TopGear Magazine judging panel
• Brand’s first ever seven-seat SUV set to arrive in the UK next April
• Prices start from £21,495 - order books open from 1 December

It may be a few more tantalising weeks before the new ŠKODA Kodiaq reaches British shores, but the acclaimed SUV has already secured its first key UK award – scooping the Best Car for Big Families accolade by TopGear Magazine.

TopGear Magazine and website were so impressed with the new Kodiaq – ŠKODA’s first ever seven-seater – that they named it Best Family Car in the title’s Best Cars in the World issue. 

The Kodiaq saw off tough opposition to take the title, with the judging panel heaping praise on the new model’s design, practicality and incredible value for money.

TopGear Magazine said: "Minimising stress is at the heart of the Kodiaq’s mission. 

That’s what its versatility is all about, because you never fear it won’t ably put its shoulder to any task family life throws at it: fetching and carrying of people and stuff, hauling or going mildly off-road or defeating slippery roads. It’s reassuring and safe, but it manages to avoid tedium.”

The Kodiaq, along with the other category winners, appears in the January issue of TopGear Magazine that hits the newsstands from 30th November. 

The Kodiaq will be available in 24 different variants when order books open on 1 December. The range comprises four trim levels; S, SE, SE L, and a new Edition grade that celebrates the car’s arrival.

Prices start from just £21,495 with the launch range featuring five engine options, two and four-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes. 

Among the many design highlights of the new Kodiaq are more than 30 Simply Clever features - seven of which are new. These include a number of family-friendly features such as electrically-activated child locks and special sleep headrests for rear seat passengers.

Skoda takes more awards for the Superb, Superb, the large luxury car thats just selling in huge numbers.

• Superb named Private Hire Car of the Year 2016
• Superb Estate selected as Estate Car of the Year 2016
• Previous generation Superb won Private Hire Car title on four occasions
• Judging panel praised the Superb’s practicality, quality feel and size

The ŠKODA Superb has been honoured once again at the 2016 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards, driving off with a fifth victory in the Private Hire Car of the Year. The Estate version also triumphed at the annual awards ceremony, securing the Estate Car of the Year title.

Although the 2016 Professional Driver Awards are the first for the new Superb, ŠKODA is no stranger to Professional Driver silverware. The previous generation model won the Private Hire Car of the Year title on no fewer than four occasions.

For 2016, the Professional Driver judging panel consisted of heads of leading chauffeur and private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs and motoring editors and journalists. All cars were judged from the point of view of both the operators and customers and ranked accordingly. Thanks to its exceptional quality, practicality and value, the Superb 2.0 TDI SE Business was a clear victor in the Private Hire Car of the Year category, while the Superb 2.0 TDI Laurin & Klement 4x4 was chosen as the 2016 Estate Car of the Year.

Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver magazine, said: “The best has just got better. The previous-generation Superb won the Private Hire Car of the Year award four times, and now the all-new model has powered back to reclaim its crown.”

“The Skoda Superb remains the benchmark in this sector – especially as far as functionality and comfort goes. The new model is bigger than the old one in just about every dimension, especially rear seat space and luggage volume, making it the ideal all-purpose private hire car.”

The 2016 Professional Driver Awards are the latest additions to the Superb’s remarkable title collection. Since its launch last year, hatch and estate models have won more than 15 industry awards, including What Car? Best Estate Car 2016, Auto Express Best Family Car 2016, Tow Car of the Year and The Telegraph Best Family Car.

Pricing and Specification has been announced for the All-New ŠKODA Kodiaq Sports Utility Vehicle.

• ŠKODA Kodiaq UK specification: four trim levels from launch
• S, SE, SE L and Edition models available from launch
• Prices from £21,495 (OTR)
• High equipment levels across 24 model launch range
• Alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment systems and air-conditioning standard
• Five engine options from launch, with 4x4 and DSG transmissions available
• ŠKODA Connect available across the range
• Available to order from November 2016; first UK deliveries expected April 2017

UK prices and specifications for the all-new ŠKODA Kodiaq have been announced ahead of its showroom debut early next year. ŠKODA’s first ever seven-seater SUV will start from just £21,495 (OTR) when ordering starts in November, and will be available from launch in four trim levels, five engine options, two and four-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes. 

Setting a new benchmark for value

The Kodiaq will be available in 24 different variants when order books open in November. 

The range comprises three familiar trims; S, SE and SE L along with a new Edition grade that celebrates the arrival of the brand’s first ever seven-seater SUV.

S

The range starts with the S model that despite its entry level status and price tag of just £21,495 (OTR), is brimming with standard equipment. The specification list includes LED daytime running lights, 17-inch Ratikon alloy wheels, leather multifunction steering wheel and manual air-conditioning. S models also feature Front Assist, KESSY Go, Swing touchscreen infotainment system, DAB digital radio and SmartLink for seamless smartphone connectivity. The S model is available with a 1.4 TSI 125PS engine only. 

SE

SE models are priced from £22,945 (OTR) and are available with a broad range of engine and transmission options (see table for availability). Standard specification includes 18-inch Elbrus alloy wheels, sunset glass, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Customers also benefit from a Bolero touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirrors. Seven seats are available as a £1,000 option in SE trim.

SE L

Further up the range, SE L models start from £28,595 (OTR) and feature a generous specification list. Among the equipment highlights are seven seats, which now become standard, powered tailgate, 19-inch Sirius alloy wheels, and Columbus navigation system with WiFi. Drive Mode Select, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and full LED headlights are also included as standard on all SE L models.

Edition

Topping the range from launch is a new Edition trim grade. Created to showcase the Kodiaq’s exceptional range of equipment, Edition models start from £30,695 (OTR). Standard equipment includes 19-inch Triglav alloy wheels, seven seats, leather upholstery, metallic paint and chrome roof rails. Technology features include Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, wireless charging and phone box, and Blind spot detection.

Petrol models

Engine	Power	Transmission	S	SE	SE (7 seats)	SE L	Edition
1.4 TSI	125PS	Man 6spd	£21,495	£22,945	£23,945	-	-
1.4 TSI	150PS ACT	Man 6spd 4X4	-	£25,445	£26,445	£28,795	£30,895
		DSG 6spd	-	£25,245	£26,245	£28,595	£30,695
		DSG 6spd 4x4	-	£26,745	£27,745	£30,095	£32,195
2.0 TSI	180PS	DSG 7spd 4x4	-	-	-	£31,445	£33,545

Diesel models

Engine	Power	Transmission	S	SE	SE (7 seats)	SE L	Edition
2.0 TDI	115PS SCR*	Man 6spd	TBC	TBC	TBC	-	-
	150PS SCR	Man 6psd 4x4	-	£27,245	£28,245	£30,595	£32,695
		DSG 7spd	-	£27,045	£28,045	£30,395	£32,495
		DSG 7spd 4x4	-	£28,545	£29,545	£31,895	£33,995
	190PS SCR	DSG 7spd 4x4	-	-	-	£32,795	£34,895

*Not available at launch

Design

Fully integrating ŠKODA’s celebrated design language, the Kodiaq’s exterior neatly combines elegant lines, sporty contours and a feeling of robustness. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB), the Kodiaq is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall (including roof rails), while the wheelbase measures 2,791 mm.

Although the Kodiaq is a completely new model, it is unmistakably a ŠKODA. The styling is characterised by clear, precise and clean-cut lines – typified by a distinctive, highly recessed shoulder line. Double horizontal lines on the front convey a feeling of protection and strength while the wide, three-dimensional radiator grille is framed on either side by a pair of raked double headlights.

The interior includes bold vertical elements, such as the four large air vents and the large display that splits the instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger.

While the Kodiaq is just 40 mm longer than the Octavia, it offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. The interior length is 1,793 mm, elbow room is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear. Head room is 1,020 mm in the front and 1,014 mm in the rear.

Rear legroom measures up to 104 mm. The middle seat row can be folded 60:40, features individually adjustable backrests and can slide lengthways by 18 cm as standard. The third row of seats can be folded neatly into the floor space to create a larger load area. And with a volume of 720 to 2,065 litres (5-seater with the rear seats folded down), the ŠKODA Kodiaq offers the largest boot within its class.

As buyers have come to expect from ŠKODA, the Kodiaq is brimming with Simply Clever features designed to make life on board even easier. These include a new door-edge protection system that deploys automatically when opening the door. When shutting the door, the trim folds itself back in. In total, more than 30 Simply Clever features have been integrated into the new Kodiaq, seven of which are completely new.

New levels of connectivity

ŠKODA Connect makes its debut on the Kodiaq and is divided into two categories:

• Infotainment Online services - that provide more information and real-time navigation details.
• Care Connect - that provides remote access as well as assistance.

Infotainment Online includes online traffic information, Google Earth and Google Street View, fuel prices, parking information, online news, weather information and ‘My Points of Interest’ services.

Care Connect features an eCall emergency call system that is triggered after an accident, along with a notification function for minor accidents as well as a breakdown call. Proactive Service is also included in the Care Connect services. When this is activated, all of the required data is sent to the garage in a timely manner before a vehicle’s service.

Also included is Care Connect Remote Access. Integrated with the ŠKODA Connect app, it can be used to access and control additional services and allows routes to be transferred from home to the navigation system in the car.

For the first year of ownership, Care Connect is included on all trim levels, and Infotainment Online is fitted to all vehicles specified with satellite navigation systems.

Driver assistance systems

The new Kodiaq is available with the broadest range of driver assistance systems ever offered in a ŠKODA. These include new-to-brand systems such as Trailer Assist that can take over steering when reversing slowly. Additionally, while reversing, the new Manoeuvre Assist will brake as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle.

The Area View system is also a first for the brand. Wide angle surround-view cameras located in the front and rear, as well as the door mirrors, allow views of the area immediately surrounding the car to be displayed on the infotainment screen. These include a virtual, top-down view and 180-degree images to the front and rear.

Other systems integrated into the Kodiaq include Front Assist - including City Emergency Brake (standard on all models), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert. Safety systems include Driver Alert, Emergency Assist (DSG only), Crew Protect Assist, Multi-Collision Brake and Travel Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition.

Engines and transmissions

The Kodiaq launches in the UK with a choice of five engines; three petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 125PS to 190PS, with customers able to choose between two or four-wheel drive and manual or DSG transmissions. All engines feature Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system that contributes to low consumption.

The petrol line-up consists of two 1.4 TSI units, one with an output of 125PS and another with 150PS and ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). The former is available in two-wheel drive manual form only, while the 150PS version can be specified with a manual 4x4 transmission, two-wheel drive DSG and 4x4 DSG. The range-topping 2.0 TSI petrol unit delivers 180PS and drives through a seven-speed DSG 4x4 transmission.

The diesel line-up features a pair of 2.0 TDI units with outputs of 150PS and 190PS. The 150PS version can be specified with a manual 4x4 transmission, two-wheel drive DSG and 4x4 DSG, while the 190PS unit is fitted with a seven-speed DSG 4x4 transmission only.

The Kodiaq’s all-wheel-drive system with electronic control delivers exceptional traction, stability and driving safety in all conditions. At the heart of the system is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that operates intelligently and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. Loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. When in overrun or at low load, drive is via the front axle, which saves fuel.

Off-road mode can be selected by the simple touch of a button (optional for the all-wheel-drive versions in combination with Driving Mode Select). Here, the chassis, engine management and brakes adjust their operation specifically to rough terrain. This mainly involves pulling away, traction and deceleration. In off-road mode, Hill Descent Assist helps the driver to safely master driving downhill over rough terrain by braking appropriately.