“The new Superb is the beginning of a new era for ŠKODA,” said ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “In recent years, ŠKODA has established itself as an international high-volume manufacturer. The technology and design of our vehicles have reached a new level. The new ŠKODA Superb consistently continues this journey. It is the current highlight of ŠKODA’s largest model campaign and signifies the company’s reclaimed position,” said Prof. Dr. Vahland. “Its outstanding design and technical qualities and unbeatable interior space make our flagship the new benchmark in our competitive environment. With the new Superb, we will win over new customer groups for the brand. ŠKODA intends to continue to grow. The new ŠKODA Superb marks this growth ambition and points to the brand’s future,” said Winfried Vahland.
Since 2001, the ŠKODA Superb has been at the top of the ŠKODA model range. Since then, the car manufacturer has delivered more than 700,000 first- and secondgeneration Superbs to customers, making the ŠKODA Superb one of the most popular vehicles in its class. Customers value the attractive overall package: plenty of space, a timelessly elegant design, a high degree of comfort, modern, tried-and-tested technology, top safety, optimum functionality and excellent value for money. Vahland: “With the new Superb, ŠKODA widens its aspirations to also offer premium cars at the top of a respective segment whilst keeping to the brand’s fundamental philosophy. We intend to offer the best vehicles in our business sectors, to show the quality, tradition and future orientation of our brand and to increase ŠKODA’s appeal. We are proud of our vehicles and we wish to convey this feeling to our customers.”
With the third generation, the ŠKODA top model reaches a new dimension. “With the new ŠKODA Superb, we have developed a car that will wow our customers,” said Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “With its expressive and emotionally rich design, even more space and comfort, innovative safety technology, top consumption values, sophisticated dynamics and top-class workmanship, the new ŠKODA Superb takes ŠKODA qualities to a new level,” said Dr. Welsch.
Top class in every respect
With its new, expressive design, the new ŠKODA demonstrates the brand’s emotional strength. With this, the new Superb brings the exciting design language of the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ show car into production. The use of Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) complements its elegantly dynamic appearance. The new Superb is 28 mm longer and 47 mm wider than the previous model. In addition, the wheel base has been increased by 80 mm and the front vehicle overhang is 61 mm shorter than before. The result of the new dimensions is a saloon full of class and passion.
The ŠKODA Superb sets new standards in terms of space and comfort. In comparison to the previous model, the interior dimensions of the new Superb have increased once again, offering the best rear head- and legroom and the largest boot capacity in the automotive mid-class segment. At the same time, the saloon is cleverer than ever before: 29 ‘Simply Clever’ features make life easier for driver and passengers.
The new Superb is ŠKODA’s first model to offer Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) including driving mode selection. There are completely new air conditioning units, including the new three-zone air conditioning available for the first time. An electric panoramic sliding glass roof is also available, as well as auxiliary heating, heated seats, a wireless heated front windscreen and an electric tailgate that can also be complemented with the virtual pedal. The new Park Assist, parking sensors and the new rear-view camera make driving in and out of parking spaces more convenient than ever before. A particular highlight in terms of convenience: the new ŠKODA Superb offers two umbrellas in the front doors.
The range of safety systems is more extensive than ever before. Multi-Collision Brake features as standard on the new Superb. Other systems available include Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control (automatic distance control), Crew Protect Assist, Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist, Driver Alert (fatigue detection), Speedlimiter, Travel Assist (traffic sign recognition), Hill-Hold Control and electronic tyre pressure monitor. For the first time, a masking function is available for the high beam (Smart Light Assist).
Connectivity attains a new quality: the new ŠKODA Superb has a new-generation infotainment system which automatically connects to most modern smartphones. SmartGate also enables accessing and using vehicle data via your smartphone. The high-speed internet connection turns the Superb into the first ŠKODA hotspot on wheels. With the new ŠKODA Media Command app and Wi-Fi hotspot, the infotainment system can be controlled for the first time from the rear using a tablet.
The new ŠKODA Superb sets impressive new benchmarks for consumption and emissions. Thanks to new engines (five petrol and three TDI common-rail diesels), a weight reduction of up to 75 kg and improved aerodynamics, the new model consumes and emits up to 30 per cent less fuel and CO2 than before. The ŠKODA Superb GreenLine is the most efficient representative, with only 3.7 l/100 km and 95 g CO2/km. Despite lower consumption values, the new powertrains have a power output that is up to 20 per cent higher. All-wheel drive is available for four engines.
Automotive sportster – the new ŠKODA Octavia RS 230
Pure sports emotions – that is the new ŠKODA Octavia RS 230. ŠKODA’s new special model will be celebrating its world premiere in Geneva. The sportster scores points with a racy design, sporty interior, modern technology and impressive power output. The ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 is the brand’s first car to feature electronically controlled front axle inter-wheel lock as standard – a feature that is particularly well suited to dynamic cornering. Market launch of the Octavia RS special edition will be in June 2015.
Propelled by a 169 kW or 230 PS two-litre petrol engine, ‘230’ in the new RS model’s name refers to its horsepower. ŠKODA has upgraded the two-litre TSI, used in the ŠKODA Octavia RS, by 7 kW or 10 PS – it has been ‘souped up by the factory’. The 169 kW (230 PS) 2.0 TSI engine combined with the manual six-speed gearbox accelerates the Octavia RS 230 saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Top speed is achieved at 250 km/h. This makes the ŠKODA Octavia 230 RS the fastest production Octavia of all time. The 169 kW 2.0 TSI can also be combined with an automatic six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The RS initials denote ŠKODA’s successes in motorsport as well as the high performance and passion represented by select production models. ŠKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time as a model designation in 1974: the ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS racing cars are considered to be the original RS cars. The ŠKODA 130 RS is a racing car legend, having been one of the most successful racing sports cars of its time in the 1970s and 1980s.
Sporty appearance – the new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo
The new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo celebrates its world premiere in Geneva – as a hatchback and estate. The sporty Monte Carlo model of ŠKODA’s new small car, launched a few months ago, brings an additional helping of emotion into play. With its attractive visual appearance, rugged interior and comprehensive equipment, the new ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo is one of the most exciting vehicles in its class.
The most important features of the ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo are: black 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, optional sports suspension, black exterior design elements, SunSet (tinted rear window and rear side windows) as well as a tinted panoramic glass roof. Amongst other features, the interior comes with a leather three-spoke sports steering wheel, black interior and uniquely designed sports seats. The new model therefore fulfils increasing customer requirements in terms of customisation for that personal touch.
The second-generation ŠKODA Fabia has been available in the Monte Carlo version as the first ŠKODA production model since 2011 (as a hatchback and, later, also as an estate). In 2014, the Czech manufacturer expanded its Monte Carlo range to the Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback models. The Monte Carlo design style is a tribute to the 114-year successful ŠKODA motorsport tradition.
ŠKODA celebrates significant birthdays – attractive ‘Edition’ special models
ŠKODA is also presenting the attractive ‘Edition’ special models for the ŠKODA Fabia, Rapid, Octavia and Yeti model ranges for the first time in Geneva. The special occasion is a double anniversary in 2015: at the end of December, the company will celebrate its 120th birthday. 110 years ago, the first L&K motorcar left the production hall in Mladá Boleslav.
The special edition models feature attractive exterior design elements such as colourcoded mirror housings, bi-colour alloy wheels, front fog lights and SunSet (tinted rear window and rear side windows) as standard.
Inside, the ‘Edition’ model offers appealing trim features such as the leather version of the three-spoke steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever, the newly designed instrument cluster, exclusive seat covers, brushed aluminium-look decorative trim and textile floor mats with grey stitching.
From the end of May: all ŠKODA models will feature EU6 engines; Stop-Start technology and brake energy recovery will be standard.
With the launch of the new ŠKODA Superb, the Czech car manufacturer will equip its complete model range in Europe with modern and environmentally friendly EU6 engines. Thus, from calendar week 22/2015, all ŠKODA models – from the Citigo to the new Superb – will be available with Volkswagen Group’s latest petrol engines of the production series EA 211/EA 888 or with EA 288 TDI common-rail diesel engines including Stop-Start system and brake energy recovery.
The ŠKODA Yeti and Rapid model series will see the most important changes in terms of engine technology. The ŠKODA Rapid/Rapid Spaceback will be fitted with new EA211series 1.2 TSI petrol engines with more power: 66 or 81 kW (90 PS or 110 PS); a 92 kW (125 PS) 1.4 TSI petrol engine will also be available. The current entry-level three-cylinder 55 kW (75 PS) 1.2 MPI petrol engine will be discontinued. Completely new for the Rapid model series will also be the EA 288 diesel engines: the three-cylinder 66 kW (90 PS) 1.4 TDI and the four-cylinder 85 kW (116 PS) 1.6 TDI.
The ŠKODA Yeti will be available from the end of May with new EA 211-series 1.2 and 1.4 TSI petrol engines: 81 kW (110 PS) 1.2 TSI, 92 kW (125 PS) 1.4 TSI and 110 kW (150 PS) 1.4 TSI. The new EU6 diesel engines (EA 288) for the Yeti will be the 81 kW (110 PS) 2.0 TDI and the 110 kW (150 PS) 2.0 TDI. The 125 kW (170 PS) 2.0 TDI will be discontinued.
The entire ŠKODA Octavia engine range will also comply with EU6 regulations from the end of May. The Octavia EU6 petrol engine range from the 63 kW (86 PS) 1.2 TSI to the 169 kW (230 PS) 2.0 TSI for the new ŠKODA Octavia RS 230 special model. The more powerful version of the 1.2 TSI four-cylinder will produce 4 kW (5 PS) more than the current version (81 kW instead of 77 kW) and the maximum power output of the 1.4 TSI engine increases from 103 kW to 110 kW. The EU diesel engine offering includes the 1.6 TDI with 66 and 81 kW (90 and 110 PS) as well as the 2.0 TDI with 110 and 135 kW (150 and 184 PS).
The EU6 engines in the ŠKODA Citigo come with an unchanged power output: the city car is available with two 1.0 three-cylinder petrol engines (EA 211) with either 44 kW (60 PS) or 55 kW (75 PS). The CNG model Citigo G-TEC is also available.
The new ŠKODA Fabia, launched at the end of 2014, is only available with newly developed EU6 engines. On offer are four petrol engines (EA 211-series three- and fourcylinder powertrains) and three new three-cylinder diesel EA 288-series engines.
ŠKODA continues to accelerate
ŠKODA intends to grow further still with the largest model campaign in the company’s almost 120-year history. The aim for the coming years is to deliver at least 1.5 million vehicles each year. To achieve this, the manufacturer will present a new vehicle, on average, every six months. Alongside Europe, the Chinese market plays a vital part for the company’s growth ambitions. China has been the largest single market for ŠKODA since 2010, representing around 27 per cent of the brand’s deliveries in 2014.
The record sales figures of 2014 confirm ŠKODA’s market success. Last year, ŠKODA sold more than 1 million vehicles worldwide in one calendar year for the first time. Deliveries increased by 12.7 per cent to 1,037,200 vehicles (2013: 920,800 deliveries). In China, the manufacturer grew by 24.0 per cent, in Western Europe by 11.8 per cent and in Central Europe by 18.5 per cent. The global ŠKODA market share increased to 1.4 per cent (2013: 1.3 per cent).
“The acceptance of our models and brand is higher than ever before. We have been able to increase our market share in almost all regions,” said Werner Eichhorn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing. The trendsetting ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design study marked the beginning of last year’s product fireworks in March. In the course of the rest of the year, the Octavia G-TEC, Octavia Scout and three Monte Carlo special models for the Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback followed. The new ŠKODA Fabia provided the conclusion in November.
In 2015, ŠKODA is continuing smoothly at high speed. As early as in the middle of January, the new ŠKODA Fabia made its debut in the first markets. The new ŠKODA Superb will be introduced in June, as will the Fabia Monte Carlo. Other new ŠKODA models for the second half of the year and for 2016 are in the pipeline.
At the beginning of 2015, the Czech manufacturer has been on good form. In January, ŠKODA delivered 87,000 vehicles to customers worldwide – this is an increase of 7.5 per cent compared to January 2014.
