Skoda has certainly come a long way in recent years. Material quality, fit and finish and build quality have all seen considerable improvements across the range. Now the Czech automaker is poised to continue building on its reputation when it unveils two new vehicles - the Fabia hatch and S2000 rally concept - both make their debut in
Geneva.
The new Skoda Fabia hatchback boasts a fresh redesign with angular but fluid body lines, and larger passenger and cargo compartments. The five-door car is claimed to be even roomier than its predecessor, while still retaining a familiar Skoda shape. The new model will be offered with seven engine choices - four petrol and three diesel units. The powerplants range from a 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 60bhp to a 105bhp 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission will also be available.
A black Fabia concept car with contrasting silver roof will be on the show stand to illustrate the design of the new model, beside its white-roofed production cousin. The new Fabia hatchback goes on sale in May with the new vRS derivative expected sometime in 2008.
Skoda Auto is also planning to show the direction the company might go in motorsport with the S2000 concept car. Based on the new Fabia platform, the rally car is said to have been designed to be affordable for both private teams and new drivers, and is claimed to offer superb performance.
The distinctive Roomster MPV will be shown in 'Scout' variation, claimed to have been designed to offer "something special to those who wish to show a unique lifestyle". Unveiled at the Essen and
Bologna motor shows in December, the Scout is 14mm longer, 11mm wider and 43mm taller than standard Roomsters. It will receive its official launch in Geneva.
Both the Octavia and Superb will see their engine portfolio revised to include two new units. A turbocharged 1.8-litre 160bhp engine has replaced the four-cylinder 2-litre FSI 150bhp petrol in the Octavia, while the Superb gets a new 115bhp diesel lump, replacing its 105bhp fo¬rebear.
Connoisseurs are well aware of the German platforms and engineering that lie beneath the Skoda badge. And now the new Fabia, Roomster Scout MPV, Octavia and Superb are looking to become even more viable competitors in their respective segments.
Actual production and sales figures surpassed Skoda's own expectations last year with nearly 550,000 vehicles sold in 2006. Compared with 2005, the automakers sales have grown by 11.7 per cent, largely due to their considerable value for money and favourable standard equipment levels compared to rival manufacturers.
Eric Gallina - 5 Mar 2007