Nother CarGuy

Skoda has taken the wraps off the brand new, 2021 Fabia. Based on the Volkswagen Polo’s MQB A0 platform, the fourth-generation subcompact hatchback gets access to up to 147 hp, a bigger infotainment screen, advanced driver aid technology, and a starting price of less than €14,000 ($16,830 USD) in most European markets “The Fabia has been an integral part of our portfolio for over 20 years and embodies the core values of our brand like no other model,” said Thomas Schäfer, Skoda’s CEO. “The latest generation has everything it takes to seamlessly build on the success of its predecessors.” Indeed, Skoda has chosen to refine, rather than revolutionize the look of the Fabia. The new design isn’t a massive departure from the third-generation car although it is 11 cm (4.3 inches) longer than the outgoing model. There are improvements to the Fabia’s design, though. The proportions, for instance, have been massaged to make it look more “dynamic and grown-up.” The door handles have also been res...

It’s been 19 years since Skoda unveiled its first modern Octavia RS (or vRS) passenger car, which at the time was powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 180 PS (178 HP) and 173 lb-ft (235 Nm) of torque. This latest iteration however stands far removed from such simple beginnings, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.4-liter TSI four-pot with an 85 kW electric motor for a total output of 242 HP (245 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. “By introducing the Octavia RS iV, we are starting a new chapter in the success story of our RS portfolio. We are using plug-in-hybrid drive in a sporty top-of-the-range model for the first time. In the new Octavia RS iV, this both increases performance and reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions,” said Skoda exec Christian Strube. What’s unfortunate about this flagship plug-in hybrid RS variant is that it doesn’t exactly put its predecessors to shame when it comes to straight line performance. I...

Skoda’s best-selling model, the Octavia, has been significantly overhauled. The compact model has debuted during an internal event hosted in Prague, Czech Republic, in both Combi (estate) and liftback body styles. It might be based and closer related to the updated version of the Volkswagen Golf, but Skoda’s newest, fourth iteration of the Octavia, seems to be geared towards being, or at least been seen as by consumers, a way more pocket friendly and, ultimately, sensible alternative for those who can’t afford an Audi A4 and still want a VW product. To do so, it has been given an elegant re-styling and a more upmarket interior. Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, it promises better driving dynamics wrapped up into an even more practical and roomy body style. Mind you, the Octavia has always been the roomiest compact car, and the fourth generation has improved in all major aspects. With a length of 4,689 mm (186.6 in), the Octavia liftback is 19 mm (0.8 in) longer than...

Skoda’s most prestigious four-door saloon model, the Superb, has been thoroughly upgraded both inside and out, gaining new LED Matrix headlights, new driver assistance systems and more. The automaker is particularly proud of the headlight tech, which can prevent other road users from being dazzled even with the high-beam on at all times. This is achieved through a windscreen-mounted camera which detects oncoming traffic and shuts off individual segments within the light beam. The lighting units bear ‘Skoda Crystal Lighting’ lettering in their housings and offer different lighting modes for different driving scenarios and weather conditions – there’s an LED module for the dipped and high beam, three other LED high beam segments, a static LED cornering light, a narrow LED strip for the indicators, daytime running and position lights, and needle-like LED structures that make up the animated Coming/Leaving home function. At the rear, the units are also LEDs and feature dynamic ...

Skoda has unveiled the Vision IV Concept. It’s a crossover-coupe and the brand’s first vehicle built on the VW Group’s MEB electric vehicle platform. According to Skoda, the Vision IV uses two electric motors, one on each axle, powered by a flat-pack lithium-ion battery installed in the underbody to save space. In the WLTP cycle, it has a driving range of up to 500 km (311 miles), though we have no info on its performance yet. The front end is dominated by a light strip that connects the slim headlights. It also has a large closed grille with vertical slats, muscular hood and aggressively-styled bumper. The arched roofline, aerodynamic lip spoiler, C-shaped LED taillights with ‘SKODA’ lettering backlit in red between them and imposing diffuser with another light strip contribute to its futuristic look. Riding on 22-inch wheels that have been aerodynamically optimized, the concept stays true to one of the latest automotive trends: the lack of traditional side mirrors. It als...

It was no secret that Skoda was working on a brand-new subcompact SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Hyundai Kona. The automaker had already released a number of teasers and confirmed that it would be named the Kamiq – and now, it has just unveiled it ahead of its debut at Geneva. The name ‘Kamiq’ originates from the language of the Inuit people. According to the company’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Alain Favey, it “embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. This suits the car perfectly.” Slotting under the compact Karoq, the Kamiq is 4,241 mm (167 in) long, 1,793 mm (70.6 in) wide and 1,531 mm (60.3 in) tall, with a 2,651 mm (104.4 in) long wheelbase. It has a 400-liter (14.1 cu-ft) boot capacity with all seats in place, while folding down the second row increases it to 1,395 liters (49.3 cu-ft). Moreover, the front passenger seat can (optionally) be folded down, allowing for items...

Skoda’s SUV family is about to welcome its third member, after the Kodiaq and Karoq: a new, subcompact model that will be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Announcing its official debut at the event that’s set to kick off on March 5 are a couple of teasers, which give us a glimpse at its front end. Skoda says the new LED headlight styling, with separate DRLs at the top and integrated dynamic turn signals, are a distinctive design feature. The subcompact SUV was previewed by the Vision X Concept and is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform. It’s the Seat Arona’s and VW T-Cross’ Czech “cousin” and, according to Skoda, it will “combine the advantages of an SUV with the agility and handling of a compact car”, while offering a spacious interior and a host of safety systems. The new model expected to share most of the engine family with the T-Cross and Arona, and like them, it is expected to be offered with front-wheel drive only, although the concept car used a turb...

The teasing days are over as Skoda has finally lifted the veils of its all-new Scala, a vehicle that embodies the Czech brand’s ambitions. The Scala is not just an indirect replacement for the Rapid Spaceback, it’s also Skoda’s first real shot at the highly-competitive C-segment. We’re talking about a car that’s almost as big the VW Golf. It’s 4,362 mm (171.7 in) long and 1,793 mm wide (70.6 in), making it a little shorter and narrower than the German compact segment benchmark. However, it rides on a longer wheelbase of 2,649 mm (104.3 in) and is a little taller at 1,471 mm (56 in). That results in similar interior dimensions to the larger Skoda Octavia, including one of the biggest luggage compartments in the segment. The Scala’s cargo capacity is 467 liters (16.5 cu ft) with all seats in place and 1,410 liters (50 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. As the first Skoda model based on VW Group’s MQB A0 platform, the Scala completely repositions the brand in the compact ...

Described as Skoda’s first SUV coupe, the Kodiaq GT is the brand’s fourth SUV offered in China. The Asian country is the only one in the world where the Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, and Kodiaq GT will be available. The latter will become the brand’s new flagship in China, the company’s most important sales market. Based on the regular Kodiaq, the GT version adopts typical “SUV coupe” design cues highlighted by the sloping roofline. While the front end looks quite similar to that of the Kodiaq sold in Europe and other markets, the side and rear views paint a different picture. The Kodiaq GT appears more dynamic than the regular model. The steeply raked rear screen, the sculpted tailgate, and the two exhaust tips flanking the lower part of the rear bumper contribute to that impression. The 4.63-m (182.3-in) long SUV is also said to feature a sporty and stylish interior, although Skoda hasn’t released any photos of the cabin yet. According to the automaker, the Kodiaq GT comes with “...

Skoda has finally unveiled the Kodiaq RS, a performance-oriented SUV that can seat as many as seven people. Aside from showing off the vehicle at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the Czech automaker is also quite ready for us to know just how quick their sporty, yet highly practical SUV really is. The new Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI biturbo, with 240 PS (237 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It’s Skoda’s most powerful diesel engine ever, and it works together with a 7-speed DSG automatic and an all-wheel drive system. On a straight line, the Kodiaq RS can go from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds flat, before maxing out at 220 km/h (136 mph). However, when compared to the flagship version of the VW Tiguan Allspace, which is equipped with the very same engine, the Skoda is slower to 100 km/h by 0.3 seconds and has a lower top speed by 8 km/h (5 mph). Yet, you won’t be forgetting this isn’t your regular Kodiaq, especially since the RS comes with Skoda’s co...

Skoda has lifted the veils off its Vision RS concept at the Paris Auto Show during a preview event that also showcased the new Kodiaq RS. The compact study previews both the styling language of future RS models as well as one of those models from the compact class — rumored to be a larger successor to the current Rapid. The five-door hatchback concept is 4,356-mm long, 1,431-mm high, 1,810-mm wide, and has a 2,650-mm wheelbase. It’s a practical car with a 430-liter boot and space for four passengers — although the production model will likely accommodate five occupants. Design-wise, the Vision RS sports crisp edges and precise lines, as well as several motorsport-inspired features. At the front, highlights include the sculpted bonnet that features the Skoda logo made of illuminated crystal glass, the new radiator grille with high-gloss black carbon fiber slats (also illuminated), the angular LED headlights consisting of four glass stones, the carbon fiber spoiler, and...