Thursday, 29 June 2017

Are You Looking Forward to New Skoda Cars? 2018 Skoda Rapid Details


The new updated Skoda Rapid Spaceback has been revealed with a fresh, updated look, new engines, and new technology on board. The update was first revealed back in February for the European market, but the details were vague. Now we have some real information about how this car has changed and what we can look forward to here when it’s released.
The Headlines:
The Skoda Rapid hatchback and small sedan models feature a revised design, a new engine option, and some excellent upgraded technology. The new engine is a 1.0 litre, three cylinder turbocharged petrol powerplant. The technology upgrade includes features, such as bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a new fog light design, a revised front bumper, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and new alloy wheels.
The New Interior:
The new European versions of the Skoda Rapid now have an option to upgrade the infotainment system. Firstly, there is rear seat entertainment option to connect a pair of tablets into the front seat headrests, providing a pair of additional screens. Secondly, the infotainment system can also come with a WiFi hotspot, and there are two extra USB ports available in the back. Another new feature is an option for heated rear seats; it looks like the rear of the Rapid will be a nice place to be.
Under the Bonnet:
These new Skoda cars have an interesting option of using the Volkswagen group brand new 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine we mentioned earlier. This power plant is available in two different flavours, which produce 70kW or 81kW of power respectively. The 70kW unit can be paired with either a five speed manual or a seven speed DSG automatic transmission. The 81kW version is only available with a six speed manual transmission. Another engine will still be available; this is a 1.4 litre, four cylinder turbocharged unit that generates 92kW and is paired with a seven speed DSG transmission. The previous 1.2 litre manual will be replaced by the new 1.0 litre 81kW powerplant.
Australian Details:
Prices have yet to be confirmed for the earlier European release. However, it’s expected that the entry level model will be around $18,190 plus on roads, with a tentative September release here in Australia.
If they are looking for new Skoda models, Perth drivers should contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a larger selection of both quality used and new Skoda cars for sale, including all the Skoda latest models. Schedule a no obligation test drive with us at your earliest convenience, and you can experience the Skoda driving difference for yourself. If you need finance, you will find that our terms are competitive and repayments can be tailored to your circumstances. Our sales team is looking forward to your call, and they can answer any remaining question you may have.

How Long Will We Have to Wait for the Skoda Octavia Scout?


Many people, were waiting for the final piece in the newly updated Octavia lineup. The new Skoda Octavia Scout was eagerly anticipated, but it now looks like it’s on an extended hiatus. For those not in the know, the Octavia Scout is a cousin to the VW Golf Alltrack crossover, with a higher ride and more rugged looks. The focus for Skoda now appears to have shifted to the new Kodiaq crossover, and only customer demands will sway the company direction. Let’s take a closer look at some of the issues involved in this decision.
Effectively Focussing Resources:
Although the Skoda Octavia Scout has a core dedicated fan base, it’s fair to say that the sales of this crossover have not lived up to expectations. Despite being an excellent car, the Czech manufacturer only managed to sell 341 units here in 2016, and a change may be necessary. Skoda is still a small brand here; they believe that they need to manage their resources and focus on selling core cars. In the future, as a dedicated customer base expands, it may be possible to take some greater risks. The Skoda Kodiaq is a new and exciting crossover that could well tap into the emerging smaller crossover segment.
A Skoda Spokesman Speaks:
The Skoda spokesman in Australia is Paul Pottinger, and he had quite a bit to say about the situation recently. When asked about the Scout he said “We’re not conclusively ruling this out” he added, “if the customer based demands the upgraded Scout, we will look at getting it.” Mr. Pottinger went on to say, “a lot of that customer base will be more that satisfied by the Kodiaq” and he also said, “but we listen to the customers, they’re a very opinionated bunch” he finally added “if they want the Scout back, we will look at getting the Scout back, but we’re not seeing it at the moment”.
Some Karoq Details
The Skoda Karoq is due for a launch here in April 2018, and it will replace the Yeti. The Skoda Scout range started at $35,990 driveaway for the base manual model. However the equivalent 132TSI complete with the DSG gearbox was only $4,000 cheaper than the Kodiaq. This is despite the Kodiaq being a larger and roomier car with a newer feature set.
If they want to know more about the Skoda Octavia Scout, Perth interested parties should contact us. Here at Skoda Perth, we have a large selection of new and quality used cars for sale, including the new Skoda Kodiaq. We may not have the Skoda Octavia Scout for sale yet, but we’re eagerly looking forward to stocking the new Skoda Karoq. We invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can try the Skoda driving experience firsthand. Our sales team is available to answer any remaining questions or queries that you may have.

A Brief Review of the 2017 Skoda Octavia Lineup


The Skoda Octavia is a medium sized car available in a five door hatch or wagon. One could be forgiven for thinking that the hatchback is a saloon, but the “boot” when lifted is a hatch or more accurately a liftback. The engines available are keen yet frugal, and there is plenty of equipment available. Let’s take a closer look at the range and some of the most enjoyable aspects for the discerning driver.
Some First Impressions:
For those new to the range, the Skoda Octavia has an almost regal and elegant appearance. It’s available as a five door wagon and hatchback, it has front wheel drive, and it’s classed as a medium sized car. At the top of the range is the Octavia RS 162, essentially, this is the Czech manufacturers take on their parent company’s Volkswagen’s Golf GTI. Neophytes to the range should note that every Octavia in the range now has auto emergency city braking. Aside from the entry level model, every Octavia has nine airbags in total.
Getting to Know the DSG Gearbox:
As you may be aware, the automatic Octavia is fitted with a DSG dual clutch gearbox. Those drivers used to a more traditional automatic gearbox should approach this gearing system with an open mind. The DSG transmission is, in essence, an automated manual gearbox that is highly sophisticated. Some users have reported that this gearbox is not as smooth as a conventional automatic gearbox when accelerating from rest. However, once drivers get used to it, the DSG gearbox is nice and smooth in operation.
The Basic Equipment Levels:
There is a lot of equipment available on the Skoda Octavia, but the specifications can vary, and it’s a good idea to check with Skoda Perth for more information. At a glance, there is equipment, such as daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment unit, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, adaptive cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
If they are looking for a Skoda Octavia, Perth drives should contact us. Here at Skoda Perth, we offer a wide selection of both new and used cars for sale, including the new Skoda Octavia. We would love to invite you to book a no obligation test drive with us at your earliest convenience to try the Skoda driving experience out for yourself. If you need financing, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments can be tailored to suit your circumstances. Our team is standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Octavia for sale price and to answer any other questions you may have.

A Brief Review of the 2017 Skoda Fabia 81TSI


The Skoda Fabia made its debut back in 2011, and it’s the smallest offering from the Czech manufacturer in Australia. It’s available as a five door hatch or wagon, and this is the third generation of this popular car. However, Skoda has added the Fabia 81TSI to their lineup here to add a touch more style and refinement that will outshine the competition. Let’s take a closer look at the Fabia and this new 81TSI model to see what’s on offer.
The Engine:
Typically, under the bonnet on a Fabia, one would find a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol powerplant available in two different flavours. The first generates 66kW of power and 160 Nm of torque and is paired with a manual transmission. The second generates 81 kW of power and 175 Nm of torque and is paired with a seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency for the latter (used on the 81TSI) is claimed at 4.8L/100km combined.
Equipment Levels:
The standard equipment levels on the Fabia 81TSI are a very strong selling point with features, such as heated power mirrors, engine start/stop, mirror integrated indicators, daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 6.5” infotainment screen, a full sized speed limited spare wheel, a six speaker stereo system, cloth upholstery and 15” steel wheels. Skoda have refocused their attention on safety in recent  years, featured here we have: a multi collision braking system, a city emergency braking system, six airbags, front assist braking, a pair of ISOFIX anchoring points, tyre pressure monitoring, hill hold assist, an electronic differential lock and a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
The Fabia 81TSI Pricing:
The Fabia 81TSI is powered by the latter automatic engine version and costs $19,490 before on roads. This makes it $1,150 cheaper than the wagon equivalent but makes it $3,000 more expensive than the entry level manual. However, an additional premium of $4,000 would need to be paid to step up to the Fabia 81TSI Monte Carlo flagship. Outside of the range, this model undercuts the VW Polo 81TSI Comfortline by $1,700 and the Mazda 2 Maxx automatic by $200.
If they are looking for a Skoda Fabia, Perth drivers should contact us here. At Skoda Perth, we have a large selection of new and quality used cars for sale, including the new Skoda Fabia. We would like you to join us for a test drive, try out the Skoda driving experience firsthand without obligation. If you need finance, our rates are very competitive, and repayments will be tailored to your specific requirements. Our sales team is ready and standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Fabia for sale price and to address any other questions you have.

Thursday, 20 April 2017

4 Ways to Protect Your Skoda Octavia Wagon Against Autumn Heat


As Australians, we all understand how oppressive the heat can get in the height of summer. The interiors of our cars can get blisteringly hot, and other aspects of driving and car care become even more important. However, even in Autumn, we can be caught out with the odd hot day and bright late season sun. Here are four ways to protect you and your Skoda Octavia Wagon against surprisingly hot Autumn days.

1. Get a Solar Shield
A full span windscreen sunshade is an essential item for Aussie drivers. The windscreen is the largest piece of glass on your car and the primary cause of heating up the interior. Many drivers, will already have a solar shield, but they have stored it away in the garage. Keep it handy for a while as sunny Autumn days can still heat up a car interior to intolerable levels.

2. Tinting Windows
It is definitely worth the cost to tint the windows on your car. This will help to protect the interior from ultraviolet rays, keep the heat levels tolerable and add value to your car. It may seem excessive for Autumn but bear in mind that there is less demand for tinting at this time of year so you may be able to negotiate a good deal.

3. Keep Your Car Clean
Regular trips to the car wash will keep your car cooler as a dirty car is less able to reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun. In Autumn we still don’t get much rain, so you cannot rely on rainfall to remove bird droppings, dirt and tree sap from your paintwork. A good coat of wax after a thorough cleaning can also help to reflect the rays of the sun.

4. Check Your Wipers
It is a good idea to regularly check your wipers at this time of year as you will need them more often in the months to come. After Summer and into Autumn, hot days can dry out our windscreen wipers making them brittle and less effective. If your wipers are rubbing or taking too long to clear fluid, you should change them for a new set.

If they are looking for a Skoda Octavia Wagon for sale, Perth drivers should contact us. Here at Skoda Perth, we have an extensive range of both preowned and new cars for sale. If you require financing, you will discover that our rates are very competitive and repayments can be tailored to your circumstances. We invite you to schedule a test drive with us and experience the Skoda driving difference yourself. Our sales team is ready and standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Octavia Wagon price and to answer any further queries you may have.

Five Car Accessories to Keep on Hand in Your Skoda Fabia


The Skoda Fabia is a fantastic family car with a lot to offer, and it comes with a lot of handy gadgets. However, it simply isn’t possible for any car manufacturer to include every item that a family may need. Every driver will have to choose their own car accessories to carry with them in their vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at five car accessories that you should consider keeping on hand in your car.

1. A Dashcam

This can be quite an expensive piece of equipment to have in your car, but it could save you thousands of dollars. Many cars have a suite of cameras on board to help in preventing accidents and to assist parking. These cameras don’t record footage, so if you need them to provide evidence, they cannot help. A dash cam will record and store footage depending upon the quality of the system and the size of memory card used. The more expensive systems will even start recording automatically if a bump is detected.

2. A Phone Holder

It is a really bad idea to hold a phone while driving, you risk getting in trouble with the authorities, and it is a distraction. You need a car equipped with Bluetooth integration for hands free smartphone operation. However, you still need somewhere to put your phone, and this is where a phone holder comes in handy.

3. A Full Span Sunshade

In Australia, we endure extensive punishment when we get into our cars on sunny days. The windscreen as the largest piece of glass located where we sit to drive is a prime source of heat. A full span sunshade is essential if you park up for any amount of time in the open.

4. A 12v USB Adaptor

We have an incredible amount of mobile devices in our modern lives, and we need to keep them charged. An integrated USB charging port is a must, but drivers of older cars could get by with a 12v port. In fact, even a cigarette lighter port can be used, but you will need an adaptor that you can pick up at many car parts stores.

5. Some Boot Storage

Having loose items rattling around in your boot is a sure way for them to get damaged. A luggage caddy is an underrated car accessory that can help you to keep organised. There are numerous kinds available, but the best ones have a grippy material on the base to stop them sliding around.

If they are looking for a Skoda Fabia, Perth based drivers should contact us. Here at Skoda Perth, we have a wide selection of preowned and brand new cars for sale including the Skoda Fabia. If you need finance, you will find our rates competitive, and repayments can be tailored to your unique circumstances. Our sales team can advise you on the latest Skoda Fabia price and answer any other questions you may have.

5 Foods You Need to Avoid on a Skoda Yeti Road Trip


The Skoda Yeti is a fantastic crossover car to use for your next family road trip. One important need for a travelling family is adequate food for the journey. However, there are a number of foods that are ill suited to the needs of a family on the move. Let’s take a look at five foods that you need to avoid on your next road trip.

1. Fizzy Soda Drinks

Carbonated drinks companies are one of the greatest users of sugar in the world. A single can of soda may contain ten teaspoons of sugar, and this will cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Drinking carbonated drinks can cause indigestion and bloating which will make you feel uncomfortable on a long road trip. The high levels of sodium, caffeine and of course sugar can dehydrate the body and cause nausea.

2. Fatty Foods

The body requires a lot of energy to burn fatty foods like burgers and chips. Although it may feel like a satisfying meal at a roadside stop, fatty foods are a poor choice. Later, you will feel bloated and perhaps even sleepy which is a recipe for disaster when driving.

3. Highly Acidic Foods

When we eat food that has a high acid content, such as oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes and lemons our bladders can become irritated. This may mean that you have to pull off the road more often to take comfort breaks. These kinds of foods also promote acid reflux leading to a choking feeling when driving which is a less than ideal situation.

4. Dairy Products

You may feel that chocolate, cheese or a milkshake at the drive thru are all a great idea for food on the road. In fact, dairy foods or food with a high milk content can cause bloating and stomach cramps. In extreme circumstances, you may even develop diarrhea which is terrible when you are travelling and don’t have immediate access to a toilet.

5. Excessive Amounts of Salt

Salty foods have a propensity to cause stomach bloating because you are forcing your body to retain more water than it needs. You will need to drink more water, causing you to stop more often to empty your bladder. However, salt is very effective at dealing with motion sickness, so it can help if that is an issue for a family member.

If they are looking for a Skoda Yeti for sale, Perth drivers should contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a wide choice of both used and new cars available including the Skoda Yeti for sale. We invite you to join us for a test drive at your earliest convenience to try the out the Skoda driving experience firsthand. If you need financing, you will find that our rates are highly competitive and tailored to your own unique circumstances. Our sales team are looking forward to answering any further questions you may have.