Skoda has sold the 2 Millionth car in China, less that 3.5 years since the first million.

• Milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB Ambition with 1.4 TSI engine
• ŠKODA OCTAVIA bestseller in China with more than a million delivered units
• In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market
• China is the largest single market for the Czech car manufacturer
• Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO agree an investment plan worth €2 billion for vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs

ŠKODA has delivered its two-millionth vehicle in China. The milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB with a 1.4 TSI engine in Polar White. 

Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing, handed over the brand’s flagship to customer Li Hongan in Shanghai. China is the largest single market for the long-established Czech brand. 

In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market.

“As our largest single market, China is an important pillar of the ŠKODA growth strategy,” said Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. 

“We are delighted that our ŠKODA model range is being so well received by Chinese consumers and that we have already been able to convince two million customers of the merits of our vehicles. 

We intend to continue to press ahead with this successful development in the years to come. Our SUV campaign, which ŠKODA is now also launching in China, is expected to contribute to this,” added Eichhorn.

The development of ŠKODA in China is an unprecedented success story. The Czech manufacturer entered the Chinese market in 2007. Back then, ŠKODA began production of the OCTAVIA locally under the umbrella of SAIC Volkswagen. 

In close collaboration with the Chinese joint venture partner, China became ŠKODA’s most important single market as early as 2010. After six years and three months, it had reached the milestone of the first million vehicles sold; it took a mere three and a half years to sell the second million.

As the bestseller, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is at the top of the popularity scale. The two million vehicles sold in China included almost 1,107,000 of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, more than 305,000 ŠKODA RAPIDs, nearly 268,000 of the ŠKODA SUPERB, over 251,000 ŠKODA FABIAs and around 69,000 of the ŠKODA YETI. Today, the brand is one of the established volume manufacturers in China. A total of six ŠKODA model ranges roll off the production line in China, i.e. the FABIA, RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK, OCTAVIA, YETI and SUPERB. The KODIAQ, ŠKODA’s first large SUV, will be launched in the second quarter of 2017.

“KODIAQ represents an important step for ŠKODA in China. It is an entry of the brand into a completely new segment but it is also a start of a comprehensive SUV campaign. During this campaign ŠKODA will bring four SUVs for the Chinese market. We are very confident about this step and the first reactions show us that it is the right direction for the brand,” said Michael Arndt, Executive Director for Sales and Marketing at SAIC ŠKODA.

In 2016, ŠKODA delivered more than 300,000 vehicles in China for the first time – a record for the brand. With this, ŠKODA grew by 12.6 per cent in its largest single market compared to the previous year, clocking up sales of 317,100 vehicles (2015: 281,700 vehicles).

ŠKODA incorporates specific requirements and preferences of Chinese customers into the concept, design and features of newly developed models. With the SUV campaign, which is gathering pace with the launch of the KODIAQ, ŠKODA is transferring its expressive design into the SUV segment and emphasising the brand’s emotive power. The SUV campaign is an important pillar of the current ŠKODA strategy.

ŠKODA will further develop its position and increase its presence in the Chinese market in the future. During the state visit of the Chinese president Xi Jinping to the Czech Republic on 30th March 2016, Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO signed a memorandum of understanding concerning a five-year investment plan worth €2 billion. The objective is to expand the current model range, for example by adding vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs.

GENEVA - Skoda to launch updated and new trim levels on most of its range.

• World premiere for ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 and ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT
• Debut for ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE
• Upgraded ŠKODA models RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK and ŠKODA CITIGO on show for the first time
• Premiere for ŠKODA FABIA with new three-cylinder 1.0-TSI engine
• ŠKODA presence at the exhibition on a stand area of 2 039 m2 in Hall 2

ŠKODA’s presence at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 - 19 March 2017) will include numerous world and exhibition premieres. 

Two variants of the bestselling ŠKODA OCTAVIA model range will take centre stage at the stand in Hall 2: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 with a power output of 245 PS and the revised ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE will also be unveiled at the Palexpo in Geneva. 

Furthermore, the revised ŠKODA RAPID and the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK will celebrate their debuts as well as the modified ŠKODA CITIGO. Last but not least, the ŠKODA FABIA will be presented with its new 1.0 TSI engine.

World premiere for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 and ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 – with its powerful engine and modern chassis technology including electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential – promises the ultimate driving experience. The compact athlete, with an increased power output of 245 PS, is available as a hatchback and an Estate. 

The performance data is impressive: from a standing start, it takes only 6.6 seconds to reach 62 mph, the top speed is limited to 155 mph and maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. Compared to the ‘standard’ models in the series, the sports chassis lowers the body by 15 mm; its rear track is 30 mm wider than that of its predecessor. The standard, burnished gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter. The ESC stability system with Sport mode and the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential emphasise the car’s dynamic character, as do the progressive steering and the optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT comes with distinctive characteristics: a robust design in an off-road look, a wide variety of uses, powerful, yet efficient engines and all-wheel drive as standard. Its discrete, robust appearance is characterised by special features such as moulding on the bumpers, wheel arches and door sills, silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a wider rear track. The standard equipment also includes the Rough-Road package, LED daytime running lights and the C-shaped LED tail lights.

World premiere for ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE

ŠKODA’s large SUV is a further highlight on the exhibition stand in Hall 2. The spotlight will be on two variants in particular. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE will be celebrating their world premiere. The Czech car manufacturer is continuing its campaign in the SUV segment with the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT model variant. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard and emphasises its off-road capabilities both visually and through its technological features. For fans of a sporty appearance, the Czech car manufacturer has designed the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE as an elegant and dynamic SUV variant. The exterior and interior are both characterised by specially designed features. There is a choice of four engine versions available for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE: two TSI petrol engines and two TDI diesel engines ranging from 150 PS to 190 PS.

Premiere for the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK

The ŠKODA RAPID sets the benchmark for spaciousness amongst its direct competitors. Design and equipment have now been upgraded further. In Geneva, the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK is on show in the sporty Monte Carlo trim. Numerous black design elements identify the 4,303-mm-long compact car as an athlete at first glance. Looking at the car’s rear, the longer rear window is most eye-catching. Visually, it merges seamlessly into the large tailgate’s upper edge, which is also black.

Premiere for the upgraded ŠKODA CITIGO

The ŠKODA CITIGO and the ŠKODA CITIGO MONTE CARLO are presented in Geneva with a completely redesigned front section and an upgraded interior. The city runabout, available with three or five doors, impresses with a generous amount of space, an excellent layout, a high level of safety, good handling, new, particularly efficient MPI petrol engines and the traditionally attractive value for money.

Premiere for the ŠKODA FABIA with new three-cylinder 1.0-TSI engine

The third generation of the ŠKODA FABIA impresses with a dynamic and emotive design, a large amount of interior space, innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems‚ and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features. A new three-cylinder-engine is available with two different power outputs. Its aluminium pistons and the connecting rods are so well balanced that the engine runs almost friction-free, quietly and smoothly. Thanks to an increase in injection pressure to 250 bar, both power variants of the new 1.0-litre engine achieve good driving performance and reduction in fuel consumption of up to six per cent.

The Skoda Rapid Saloon and Spaceback get enhanced new look and better interiors.

• ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK with new exterior design
• Bi-xenon lights and LED technology available
• Newly designed interior with modified instrument optics
• Connectivity - with WLAN hotspot on board ‘always online’ available
• Efficient and sporty 1.0-TSI engines with three cylinders
• Premiere at the International Motor Show in Geneva 2017

ŠKODA is enhancing the elegant and affordable family favourites ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK with numerous innovations. New lighting systems ensure even greater safety. Passengers are 'always online' thanks to an available WLAN hotspot. 

The new programme includes two efficient 1.0-TSI engines with three cylinders. The upgraded models will be presented to the public for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 – 19 March, 2017).

Positioned between the ŠKODA FABIA and ŠKODA OCTAVIA, the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK are in the class of compact cars and set the benchmark for space amongst the direct competition. Compact on the outside, they boast a tremendous amount of space on the inside.

Newly designed front and rear

The visual enhancement of the ŠKODA RAPID is particularly evident at the front. The modified fog lights shine in the newly designed lower part of the bumper. A narrow chrome strip (standard from SE L up) connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end. 

Black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape (ŠKODA RAPID LED technology as an option) give the rear an even sportier look. The ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK SE Sport also features an extended rear window.

The wheels are available in new designs: COSTA wheel trims for the 15 inch wheels, EVORA (silver) and VIGO (silver / black metallic) for the 16 inch alloys, TRIUS (silver), and TORINO (black polished, for the Monte Carlo edition) 17 inch alloy wheels.

New intelligent lights

The main headlights of the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK are now available with bi-xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology. The Light Assistant completes the programme: It activates the daytime running light with the ignition. 

A sensor then continually measures the light conditions and switches the headlights on or off automatically. This applies to both twilight and driving through tunnels. 

A predetermined time for brightness can be set using the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions. The vehicle environment is illuminated so that the passengers can safely get in or out.

Finally, the high-beam assistant always ensures optimal illumination of the road. In the dark and at speeds above 37 mph, the sensor detects vehicles ahead (up to a distance of 400 meters), as well as on-coming traffic (up to 1,000 meters) and dims the lights as appropriate.

Benchmark for spaciousness

The interior of the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK features many design changes. Firstly, new inlays have been added to the four doors. The air vents in the dashboard, the instruments and the control panel of the manual air-conditioning system have also been redesigned.

The compact exterior dimensions and the comparatively spacious interior make the ŠKODA RAPID (4.48 meters long, 1.71 meters wide, 1.46 meters high) and the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK (4.30 meters long, 1.71 meters wide 1.46 meters high) extremely popular with families. 

The interior seats up to five passengers. The headroom in the rear of the ŠKODA RAPID has a generous 972 millimetres (ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK: 980 millimetres), the legroom in both models is 65 millimetres. With a capacity of 550 litres (ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK: 415 litres), the boot volume of the ŠKODA RAPID sets the benchmark among the competition.

New: dynamic and efficient three-cylinder TSI engines

As part of the upgrade, a 1.0-litre TSI engine is now available for the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK. Responsiveness and efficiency characterise the three-cylinder, which is available in two power levels:

ŠKODA RAPID

1.0 TSI with 95 PS, top speed of 116 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 11,0 sec., combined fuel consumption 64.2 mpg, CO₂101 g/km

1.0 TSI with 110 PS, top speed of 124 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 9,8 sec., combined fuel consumption 62.8 mpg, CO₂104 g/km.

ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK

1.0 TSI with 95 PS, top speed of 114 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 11,0 sec., combined fuel consumption 64.2 mpg, CO₂101 g/km

1.0 TSI with 110 PS, top speed of  123 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 9,8 sec., combined fuel consumption 62.8 mpg, CO₂104 g/km.

The new petrol engine combines numerous advantages: Thanks to the compact design and the aluminium crankcase, it weighs ten kilograms less than the 1.2-litre unit used previously, and runs particularly quietly. 

On account of the low free-inertia forces, a balance shaft, which would otherwise be used in a three-cylinder, is not required. This reduces the weight and helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. 

The oil pump achieves the same effect with a flow-adjustable output; the required oil pressure is continuously adapted to the engine load. The intercooler turbocharger is integrated into the intake manifold, which means that the charge pressure spontaneously builds up.

In addition to the two 1.0 TSI, three other engines are available for the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK. All powertrains are equipped with brake energy recovery, a start-stop system and meet the EU6 emission standard. 

The diesel engines operate with direct common-rail injection and diesel particulate filters. The following are available:

ŠKODA RAPID

1.4 TSI with 125 PS, top speed of 129 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 9,0 sec., combined fuel consumption 58.8mpg, CO₂114 g/km.

1.4 TDI with 90 PS, top speed of 114 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 11,7 sec., combined fuel consumption 72.4 mpg, CO₂101 g/km.

1.6 TDI with 115 PS, top speed of 125 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 10,0 sec., combined fuel consumption 74.3 mpg, CO₂ 109 g/km.

ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK

1.4 TDI with 90 PS, top speed of 113 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 11,6 sec., combined fuel consumption 72.4 mpg, CO₂101 g/km.

1.6 TDI with 116 PS, top speed of 123 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 9,9 sec., combined fuel consumption 74.3 mpg, CO₂109 g/km.

ŠKODA Connect - WLAN hotspot and help at the touch of a button

The new optional ŠKODA Connect services consist of Infotainment Online and CareConnect services. Infotainment Online is the online traffic information, which transmits the traffic flow on the selected route in real time and suggests a traffic jam route, and is available with Amundsen satellite-navigation. Other available information consists of fuel stations including current fuel prices, parking spaces, current news and weather.

CareConnect services support the driver in many situations, and are available for all equipment variants and the Amundsen and Swing infotainment systems. The data is transferred via a permanently integrated SIM card. The offer includes the automatic emergency call, which can be used to establish a connection to an emergency call centre or operated manually even after a restraint system has been triggered.

The CareConnect services also include a breakdown call function, which can be used to arrange help when needed or answer questions on vehicle technology, and the Proactive Service. This makes it possible to transfer maintenance-relevant vehicle data to the ŠKODA workshop in good time before a service. 

Via the ŠKODA Connect app on the smartphone, at any time the driver can remotely access vehicle information, find out whether the windows, doors or sunroof are closed, and view the fuel gauge of the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK. 

In addition, it is possible to send navigation information to the car and display the current parking position of the vehicle on the smartphone.

The music and navigation systems of the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK are based on the second-generation modular infotainment kit. Features such as the ŠKODA surround system, Bluetooth hands-free kit and an Apple-compatible USB port come as standard or are available as options. 

The smartphone interface SmartLink+, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink^TM and SmartGate standards, can also be used with the ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK display.

Comprehensive active and passive safety

The ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK continue to feature a wide range of safety systems: The electronic stabilization control ESC and a continual tyre-pressure monitoring, for example, come as standard. 

They also feature the multi-collision brake, which, in the event of an accident, reduces the risk of multiple collisions by preventing the continuous rolling of the vehicle. The trailer-stabilisation programme expands the electronic stabilization control.

Modern assistance systems, such as fatigue detection and Front Assist, including city emergency braking function, are also available for both models. 

Optional features, such as fog lamps with integrated cornering light and Hill-Climb Assist increase the active safety level. The park distance control for front and rear ensures comfort and safety.

The passive safety systems protect the occupants in the event of an impact, with six airbags in the front, side and head area, as well as height-adjustable three-point safety belts with belt tensioners as standard. KESSY provides even more comfort. 

The abbreviation stands for the keyless entry and start-stop system. By touching the sensor on the door handle, the vehicle unlocks or locks automatically. The ‘Start/Stop Engine’ button starts or stops the engine.

'Simply Clever': two additional USB ports in the rear

ŠKODA is known for its numerous 'Simply Clever' solutions. Ideas that make passengers' journey on board even more enjoyable. The new additions to the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK include the option of two USB ports in the back, which can be used to charge smartphones or other small mobile devices. 

Furthermore, the following practical details can be found in the vehicle (standard or optional): ice scraper in the fuel tank cover, boot mat – one side carpet, the other rubber, a holder for the hi-viz vest under the driver's seat, umbrella in the compartment under the passenger seat, portable waste container, USB port and multimedia holders in the centre console, ticket holder on the windshield, various cup holders, nets on the reverse of the front seats and a net programme for the boot.

Skoda Auto takes the top prize in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study 2016.

• Back-to-back wins as ŠKODA is named top for dependability by J.D Power
• ŠKODA improved score over 2015 and extends lead over other manufacturers
• More than 13,000 owners surveyed
• Fabia and Yeti both named most dependable models in their sectors

It’s official: ŠKODA ranks as the top automotive brand in the UK for vehicle dependability. The Czech manufacturer has recorded back-to-back victories in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released today – with two models topping their sector for quality and reliability.

The study, now in its second year, measured problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership. The findings were based on responses from more than 13,000 owners of 2013-2015 models.

J.D. Power examined 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); and vehicle interior. Overall dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

ŠKODA ranked the highest for vehicle dependability with a score of 66 PP100 – an even better result than the brand recorded in 2015, and 13 points clear of the next manufacturer. The overall industry average was 113 PP100.

The 2016 survey also studied vehicle dependability in key sectors and, once again, ŠKODA models were at the top of two categories. The Fabia was ranked at the most dependable car in the Small Car category, while the Yeti finished top of the Compact SUV sector. The Octavia also performed well, finishing second in the Compact Car category.