Skoda to wow the crowds with new Rally car and a host of premieres at the Essen Motor Show.

• World premiere: ŠKODA displays concept of its new rally car, the Fabia R 5
• German premiere for the new ŠKODA Fabia Estate
• Special Monte Carlo edition of the Rapid Spaceback, Yeti and Citigo
• ŠKODA Octavia RS and ŠKODA show cars: Yeti Xtreme, CitiJet and Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey Collection

ŠKODA will treat visitors to this year’s Essen Motor Show with a presence packed with excitement. The highlight is an opportunity to see the concept version of the new rally car, the ŠKODA Fabia R 5, for the first time. 

The new ŠKODA Fabia Estate will be making its first public appearance in Germany. ŠKODA will also be exhibiting the Octavia RS, Monte Carlo special editions of the Rapid Spaceback, Yeti and Citigo, as well as the show cars – the Yeti Xtreme, CitiJet and Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey Collection.

The Essen Motor Show is the largest trade fair for tuning, motorsport and sporty production vehicles in Germany. It takes place from 29 November to 7 December 2014.

“ŠKODA plans to continue growing over the coming years with new models, focusing both on functional aspects and emotion,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “Our vehicles in Essen underpin this claim. One particular highlight is the ŠKODA Fabia R 5 Concept Car, which gives a first insight into our new rally car. The concept is based on the new ŠKODA Fabia, which demonstrates more emotion than ever before, in both the hatchback and estate versions,” said Welsch.

“The world premiere of the Fabia R 5 Concept Car gives an insight into the future of rallying at ŠKODA,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “The Fabia R 5 is scheduled to be homologated by mid-2015.” The new Fabia R 5 features a lot of high-tech. In keeping with FIA regulations, the new racing car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine. 

The new car also features a sequential, five-speed gearbox and MacPherson struts. The weight will, in accordance with the regulations, be at least 1230 kilograms. A number of top ŠKODA drivers were also involved in the development of the new Fabia R 5.

Customer racing teams have already shown huge interest in the new ŠKODA Fabia R 5. No wonder: after all, its predecessor, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, has all but guaranteed its teams and drivers titles. 

The 2014 rally season, which has just drawn to an end, saw ŠKODA and the Fabia Super 2000 achieve a hat-trick of titles* in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). On top of this, ŠKODA also won the Drivers’ title in the FIA European Rally Championship and a further five national championships. These and the huge amount of success already achieved in previous years make the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 project, which was launched in 2009, the most successful project in the company’s motorsport history, which now spans 113 years.

The new ŠKODA Fabia is also set to catch the eye in Essen. Launched in Paris two months ago, the compact car is making its first appearance in Germany in estate form. “The new Fabia is simply more car in every regard, featuring expressive design, innovative technology and high functionality,” said Dr. Welsch.

As the brand’s first ever production model, the compact car, which was developed from scratch, shows the evolution of the ŠKODA design into a distinctive, punchy design. The far more angular appearance of the hatchback and estate features crystalline forms, sharp lines and balanced, tight proportions. At the same time, the new model also offers innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems, and is more environmentally-friendly than ever before. 

It also boasts the generous space that is so typical of Škoda vehicles – including the largest boot in the compact car class – and high functionality, with up to 19 practical, ‘simply clever’ solutions.

Other Škoda models on display in Essen underline the brand’s sporty credentials. With a top speed of 248 km/h, the ŠKODA Octavia RS is the fastest production Octavia ever. The new Monte Carlo special editions of the Citigo,Yeti and Rapid Spaceback ŠKODA models also boast sporty, individual design and comprehensive standard equipment at excellent value for money.

Three exciting studies complete the Czech manufacturer’s presence at the Essen Motor Show. The ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme show car is a pumped-up compact SUV with rally ambitions and state-of-the-art technology. Design highlights: matt-grey paint, 17-inch alloys, dark discs, big bumper, LED headlights, striking mudguards, powerful rocker panels and rear bumper, and broad tailpipes on the dual exhaust. Furthermore, the interior also draws inspiration from ŠKODA’s rally background.

A dynamic city convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo, the ŠKODA CitiJet features a striking metallic paintwork in blue/white and racy, blue 16-inch alloy wheels, hand-made rear spoiler and two tailpipes. The interior is based on the interior of the ŠKODA Citigo SPORT special edition. Also on board: a special 300-watt sound system and blue LED interior lighting that reacts to the music. Finally, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Red & Grey is a sporty edition of the manufacturer’s first compact hatchback model.

* Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA.

GOODWOOD - Skoda expands displays with addition of CitiJet Concept.

• CitiJet concept to make UK debut at the ŠKODA Pavilion
• Yeti Xtreme and VisionC concept cars already confirmed
• ŠKODA introduces new online sales facility for its cycle range
• Forest Rally Stage supported by ŠKODA set to wow Festival-goers

ŠKODA has confirmed that its innovative CitiJet concept car will make its first UK appearance at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (26-29 June). The cheeky convertible is based on the brand’s award-winning Citigo, and will appear alongside the Yeti Xtreme and VisionC concept cars during Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June.

Designed and built by 16 ŠKODA apprentices based at the firm’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, the CitiJet was created under the guidance of Jozef Kaban, Head of ŠKODA Design, who challenged the team to build their dream car. The end result is a striking cabriolet that combines a host of innovations and unique design features.

The exterior features distinctive two-tone metallic paintwork, 16-inch wheels and a hand-crafted rear spoiler to emphasise the car’s sporting image. Inside, the CitiJet is fitted out with a red-stitched, leather-trimmed steering wheel, bespoke seat trim and a dashboard panel finished in white and red. Completing the interior package is a 300 watt sound system and music-reactive LED lighting.

The CitiJet concept will form part of ŠKODA’s pavilion display, which for 2014 takes on a two-wheeled theme. The all-new stand explores and celebrates the brand’s cycling heritage, with a host of interactive displays and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. These include a remarkable ‘Ride the ŠKODA Summit’ attraction that allows brave visitors to ride a ŠKODA bike up a special course constructed at the back of the pavilion. Other interactive features include a virtual Tour de France-style stage, and regular displays from a cycle stunt team.

The Pavilion will also showcase ŠKODA’s growing range of cycles, which from 26 June can be ordered via the main ŠKODA consumer website. The current range of cycles includes kids bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes with prices starting from £270*. Naturally, every bike in the range can be stored and carried safely in ŠKODA’s car range thanks to an extensive range of cycling-related accessories.

As in previous years, ŠKODA will be the main attraction at the Forest Rally Stage. The brand’s legendary Fabia S2000 – the most successful rally car of the Super 2000 era – will be demonstrating its remarkable talents on the ŠKODA-supported 1.7-mile Forest Rally Stage.

This year, British star and ŠKODA retailer Neil Simpson will be serving up the sideways action, with multiple daily runs through the stage. With vast experience in the world of rallying, Neil is currently campaigning his Simpsons Fabia S2000 on selected European Rally Championship rounds, and has already recorded a number of impressive results in 2014.

Skoda to take second concept to Wortersee, this one is the Yeti Xtreme.

• Compact SUV with rally car ambitions: rugged concept ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme
• Dynamics: 1.8 TSI/112 kW with all-wheel drive and DSG; height-adjustable chassis, and Octavia RS brakes
• Rally car interior: aluminium floor panel, Recaro sports seats, carbon fibre trim, ‘Super Sports’ steering wheel, iPad cradle, fire extinguisher, off-road features, rally equipment
• 33rd run of the legendary Volkswagen event from 28 to 31 May 2014

At this year’s GTI event at Wörthersee, ŠKODA will be presenting the ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme – a world premiere of this solid and sporty concept rally car based on the popular compact SUV. The event will also mark the debut of the ŠKODA CitiJet – a design concept built by ŠKODA apprentices. It is with these expressive vehicles that the brand once again underlines the emotional qualities and versatility of its attractive model range.

This is the 33rd time that the legendary Volkswagen tuning event will be taking place. Around 200,000 tuning fans will be making the pilgrimage to the cult event in Reifnitz, Austria (28 to 31 May). ŠKODA will be taking part in the GTI event for the fifth time.

“We want to continue the positive development and to grow further with new models over the coming years,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “Therefore we are going to strengthen the emotional vibrancy of the brand. ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme – as a dynamic and powerful compact SUV concept – demonstrates the brand’s strong expertise in four-wheel drive technology, as well as our know-how when it comes to rally sports.”

In creating the ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme, ŠKODA designers have converted their successful compact SUV into a particularly sporty and dynamic rally design. The show car combines the power of an all-wheel drive SUV with strong design elements and equipment features of a racy rally car.

The car is powered by a 1.8 112 kW strong TSI engine and features a six-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). The maximum torque of 250 Nm is achieved between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The Yeti Xtreme accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds; its top speed is 192 km/h. The Yeti Xtreme features special Octavia RS brakes.

The striking matt-grey Yeti stands on powerful 17-inch alloy wheels and large off-road tyres. It features tinted side windows, roof and wheel rim inserts are set off in bright yellow-green. At the front, the brawny athlete has a powerful bumper and a large air intake, along with LED headlights. For robust sporting use, the height of the chassis can be adjusted.

The ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme flexes its muscles with strikingly shaped wings and powerful door sills. At the rear, the strong rear bumper bears witness to the power and dynamics of the vehicle, so do the two wide exhaust tailpipes, which sound particularly throaty as a result of the absence of silencers. The boot includes a spare wheel and so-called ‘recovery tracks’, special traction mats that can be pushed under the wheels, should the car get stuck in sand.

The interior wows with a racy rally design and includes equipment required for rally use. Passengers can sit on 4 individual Recaro sports seats with integrated four-point safety belts. Other features include the ‘Super Sport’ steering wheel with integrated gearshift paddles.

The designers have used selected high-tech materials for various parts in the car’s interior: the inner door covers have been made entirely from carbon fibre; a sand shovel and a thermos flask have been integrated into holders fitted in the panelling; the floor panel is made from aluminium.

The Colour & Trim package includes further carbon fibre elements and high-quality, dark Alcantara surface with green colour accents. Further aluminium details can be found throughout, such as aluminium pedals and special door sill plates. The centre console has been completely re-defined. This is where standard rally car accessories, such as a belt cutter and a fire extinguisher, can be found. An iPad cradle is integrated into the dashboard, a first aid kit into the glove box.

With the ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme, the manufacturer once again demonstrates the versatile potential of its popular compact SUV. The ŠKODA Yeti was completely redesigned in 2013 and is now available in two exciting versions for the first time: the ŠKODA Yeti for the city and the adventurous ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor for rough terrain. The Czech manufacturer celebrated its premiere in the dynamically growing SUV segment with the ŠKODA Yeti in 2009. Around 640,000 ŠKODA Yetis have been sold to date. The brand achieved a market share of more than 4% in the compact SUV segment within the European Union last year, making the Yeti one of the best-selling A-class SUVs in Europe.

The ŠKODA CitiJet design concept is going to be another highlight of ŠKODA’s appearance at Wörthersee. The vehicle is a dynamic and emotionally designed city-cabriolet based on the ŠKODA Citigo. The two-seater is the result of the ŠKODA apprentices’ project, carried out for the first time this year. Six months in the making, 16 ŠKODA apprentices present the fruits of their labour to the public for the first time.

The ŠKODA CitiJet features a distinctive metallic finish in blue and white and has sporty, blue 16-inch alloy wheels, accompanied by a handmade rear spoiler and a powerful exhaust with two tailpipes. A 1.0 MPI petrol engine with 55 kW (75 PS) can be found under the bonnet.

The car features a sporty interior, with equipment based on the interior of the special edition ŠKODA Citigo SPORT. In addition, the creators have installed a special 300 W sound system, and music-reactive blue LED interior lighting.

ŠKODA CitiJet design concept is presented to the public at Wörthersee

• ŠKODA CitiJet design concept is presented to the public at the GTI event for the first time
• ŠKODA 'Apprentice Car': two-seater sports convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo
• Vehicle project of 16 ŠKODA Vocational School apprentices working closely with ŠKODA Design and ŠKODA production

Clear the stage for the dream car of ŠKODA’s apprentices: the sporty city cabriolet ŠKODA CitiJet will be presented for the first time at this year's GTI event at Wörthersee. The design concept is the result of ŠKODA’s 'Apprentice Car' project. Six months in the making, 16 ŠKODA apprentices present the fruits of their labour to the public for the first time.

The budding ŠKODA employees worked on their very personal vehicle project from November 2013 until shortly before the GTI event. During this time, the apprentices were allowed to let their creativity run free. They were supported by ŠKODA Head Designer Jozef Kabaň, his team and ŠKODA production.

The result: an emotional design concept that will attract the attention of visitors at Wörthersee. “The ŠKODA CitiJet is a fantastic achievement from our students and shows the creativity and imagination of the new generation of ŠKODA employees,” says ŠKODA Board Member for HR, Bohdan Wojnar. 

The ŠKODA CitiJet is a dynamic and expressively designed city-convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo. The exterior features distinctive metallic paintwork in blue/white and racy, blue 16-inch alloy wheels. It also features a hand-made rear spoiler as well as a powerful exhaust with two tailpipes. A 1.0 MPI petrol engine with 55 kW (75 PS) can be found under the bonnet of the vehicle.

The sporty interior is based on the interior of the ŠKODA Citigo Sport special model. This includes the red-stitched, leather-lined three-spoke steering wheel as well as the leather coverof the handbrake handle and gear knob. The seat covers and floor mats have a 'Sport' material design. The dashboard is painted white/red. A 300 watt sound system is also fitted. The interior has music-reactive LED lighting.

This is the first time that this kind of trainee project has been undertaken at ŠKODA. The aim has been to encourage the apprentices creativity, teamwork and expertise of vocational students.

“Our apprentices have put their hearts and souls into this vehicle. Every little detail, no matter how small, was discussed, agreed upon and put into practice by the team. It was a real team effort. The outcome: a unique and emotional car, of which everybody involved should be very proud of,” says Head of ŠKODA Auto Design Jozef Kabaň.

This trainee project highlights the Czech manufacturer’s commitment to the high quality of vocational training at ŠKODA. At the ŠKODA AUTO Vocational School of Mechanical Engineering, young people go through a three or four-year training programme in technical subjects, graduating with a full apprenticeship or the equivalent of secondary school final exams. There are currently 13 training programmes; the most popular three-year courses being those for auto mechanics, auto electricians and electricians. The most popular among the four-year courses is in industrial logistics. Postgraduate and distance-learning studies are also offered by the vocational school.