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.

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

Using E10 Fuel in the Skoda Superb


It may be hard to believe, but ethanol blended biofuel has been in common use in Australia for over two decades. There was some initial resistance to using this fuel, but now we can find it on forecourts all across the country. Commonly referred to as E10 this fuel has its own particular advantages and disadvantages. One common question that many car manufacturers are asked is whether E10 is safe to use in their particular car. Let’s take a closer look at what E10 fuel is and whether it is a good choice for a Skoda Superb car.

What is E10 Fuel?

It was back in the 90’s when fuel companies began to offer unleaded fuel that was blended with Ethanol. This was promoted as more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to a traditional petrol mix. The Ethanol used is made from sugar cane molasses or sometimes red sorghum making it a renewable ingredient. This blended fuel mix is commonly called E10 because it contains no more than 10% bioethanol and it burns cleaner than petrol. This fuel produces less carbon monoxide and carbon emissions, and it’s usually a little cheaper at the pump.

Are There any Disadvantages?

An Ethanol mixed fuel is not as efficient as a purer petroleum based fuel with a lower combustion heat. The fuel does not contain as much energy, and as a result, fuel consumption is raised. In real terms, this offsets any financial gains made at the pump. A more in depth analysis may highlight the use of crops, land use, machinery used and the fuel burned to actually raise, harvest and create Ethanol that makes it less environmentally friendly than it would first appear. However, these complex issues go far beyond the scope of this particular article.

The Skoda Superb:

After its initial introduction, some manufacturers reported engine damage issues. In the intervening years, engines have developed to easily use newer fuel types. However, this stigma remains, and it is still the cause of a lot of confusion today. In fact, Skoda’s own manuals clearly state that unleaded fuel can be used with at most a 10% ethanol mix. Using E10 fuel will not harm your Skoda Superb engine, and it is a viable fuel type for everyday use.

If you’re looking for a Skoda Superb for sales, contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a wide selection of both new and used cars for sale including the Skoda Superb. Book a test drive with us online and try the Skoda driving experience for yourself. If you require financing, you find that our rates are highly competitive and tailored to your individual circumstances. Our sales team is standing by to answer any remaining questions that you may have.

Monday, 27 March 2017

Skoda Car Service Technicians Explain About Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Vehicle

One of the questions professional service technicians are often asked is what happens if you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle. In theory, this should not be a problem, but it is actually more common than you would think. In recent years, both diesel and unleaded nozzles share the same pump space, which makes it even easier to make a mistake. So, what should you do?

Diesel Cars:
Putting petrol into your diesel is actually quite easy to do since the petrol nozzle will fit inside a modern diesel filler. Unfortunately, if you do put unleaded into your vehicle, you are going to need to spend a fair amount of money on new Skoda parts. Once the petrol mixes with the diesel in your tank, a solvent is created that can immediately start causing damage to your vehicle. In a worst case scenario, you could be taking your vehicle in for a new fuel pump, engine and fuel tank rather than your regular Skoda car service.
You can minimise the damage caused with a quick reaction. Providing you don’t start the engine, you may not suffer too much damage. You will need to push your vehicle from the pump and wait for professional help. You will need to call a breakdown service to provide a fuel drain and get the petrol out as quickly as possible.
If you do happen to drive away, you will immediately notice a problem as your engine will start to make some horrible noises. The quicker you stop, the greater the chance of rectifying the problems.

Petrol Cars:
You have to be very determined to put diesel into a petrol car since the nozzle will not fit. However, this scenario accounts for approximately a third of misfuelling calls. The main issue with putting diesel into a petrol car is that the fuel injectors are not designed to handle the fuel. This does mean that this type of problem is not as serious. Severe damage can still occur if you allow the fuel to circulate, so again quick action is vital. Once again, you will need professional assistance to completely drain your tank.

If you have any other Skoda car service queries you would like to discuss, you should contact us. Our team of Skoda service technicians can not only provide access to genuine Skoda parts, but also answer any questions or queries you may have about ensuring your Skoda continues to offer optimum performance and efficiency.

Five Features of the 2017 Skoda Superb 206TSI Sportline

If you are looking for a sportier version of the family friendly Superb, you may have wondered what the 206TSI Sportline has to offer. The standard Superb 206TSI has received rave reviews, so there are high expectations for this sportier variant. So, here are five features of the Superb Sportline.

It Provides Fantastic Performance:
The Skoda Superb Sportline is powered with a turbocharged, four cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine. This unit produces 206 kW of power and 350 Nm torque. This is paired with a dual clutch six speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters. It also has permanent AWD (all wheel drive).
The engine is strong and full of character, and in the Sportline trim, there is a performance monitor. Sport Mode also adjusts the drivetrain calibration to hold on to the gears and rev out to the redline.

It’s Quite Frugal:
Consider the sporty performance it would be easy to assume that the Sportline Skoda Octavia Superb would be very thirsty. However, the model actually offers very respectable fuel economy figures. It is rated at an economy of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. This means that you won’t need to keep pulling over to hit the pumps when you are cruising the open road.

It’s Still a Decent Family Car:
While the sportier trim does mean that the rear seat looks more suited to two occupants, it does still provide plenty of room for the family. There is plenty of cabin space, with decent legroom in the rear and lots of storage options. There are seat pockets, and carpet lined door pockets. The middle rear seat folds down into an armrest with a cupholder, and there are cupholders in all of the doors. With the rear seats in place, there are 660 litres of cargo space, and there are plenty of “simply clever” touches in the rear including mesh boot netting.

Brilliant Tech:
At the heart of the cabin is the 8.0 inch infotainment system with sat nav and Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The system is remarkably easy to navigate, so you won’t need to spend hours menu diving to adjust your settings or stream your media.

Exceptional Safety:
There is a vast array of safety features as standard. This includes nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, forward and rear collision warning featuring automated braking. Other safety features include lane keep assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

If you are interested in the Skoda Superb, Perth drivers should speak to us. We have an unrivalled selection of new and quality preowned Skoda models including the Skoda Superb. The Perth City Skoda sales team is also available to answer any questions or queries. 

The 2017 Skoda Rapid Spaceback Revealed

The Rapid Spaceback has received a significant facelift and was recently officially revealed ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. There were some exciting new features, but at its heart, the model has stuck to its original concept. Let’s take a closer look at what we’ve learned and how much the model has changed for 2017.

The External Features:

Obviously, when we first look at any new model of car, the first thing we notice is how it looks from the outside. The Rapid Spaceback sports new headlight features, such as bi-xenon headlights, LED driving lights, new headlight internals. There are some interesting design features; the lower part of the front bumper has been completely redesigned, and new mounted fog lights are fitted. On premium models, the bumpers will include a chrome bar that extends the full width for an added touch of class. At the rear, we find an extended rear window, there are tinted tail-lights that can be fitted with LED elements as an optional extra.

Under the Bonnet:

In the engine bay on the base model, there is a new 1.0 litre, three cylinder turbocharged powerplant that generates either 70 kW or 81 kW of power depending on the trims. This replaces the Volkswagen 1.2 litre engine that featured in the previous model. There are three other engines to choose from on the European specification models; they are a turbocharged 1.4 litre petrol engine that generates 92 kW of power and a 1.6 litre turbo diesel model that has two variant power outputs of 66 kW and 85 kW to choose from. All of the drivetrain variants have automatic engines with stop/start functionality and brake energy recovery technology.

More Useful Features:

The new updated Rapid has a new instrumentation pack with features, such as two rear USB ports, the latest Skoda infotainment, smartphone mirroring, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, surround sound audio and features can now be extended to WiFi hotspots. Other handy features include auto high beam activation, emergency city braking, fatigue detection and dusk sensing headlights. The new Rapid is set to go on sale in Australia from September 2017.

If you’re in the market for a Skoda Rapid Spaceback contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a large selection of new and preowned car for sale including the Rapid Spaceback. We invite you to join us for a test drive to try out the Skoda experience for yourself. If you need finance, we offer competitive rates, and our packages are tailored to your circumstances. Our sales team is ready and standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Rapid Spaceback price and to answer any other questions you have.

New Pricing at Skoda, Perth Buyers Demand More Options

We are used to seeing car makers competing in a never ending price war. However, by looking at customer feedback, Skoda may be about to book the trend a little. It appears that contrary to popular opinion Skoda customers are in fact eager to pay more for a quality car that meets their needs. Buyers seem to be more than prepared to splash the cash on optional extras and luxury items.

The Variety of Base Models:

When they visit Skoda Perth, Australia based drivers will notice that there are a wide variety of models available. Skoda aims to provide a car in virtually every segment, so most drivers will have a Skoda that fits their needs and their pockets. However, Australia seems to be sidestepping an uncertain world economy and as a result car sales are booming. We are primarily seeing a continuation of the trend of an increasing number of SUV sales, but other segments are also performing well.

The Rise and Rise of the Variants:

In this landscape of a car boom culture, there are a number of examples of people willing to pay a premium on something a little special. Only last month, Skoda introduced the Superb Sportline variant which hit the market with a $53,690 price tag. However, that was for the base model without any extras, if you add on a sunroof, optional packs and paint options the price could rise to $65,000.
Is that too rich for the Australian market? The data suggests it isn’t. Michael Irmer, the Skoda Australian Director, has stated, “I’m not sure our customers will stretch into the six digits yet” he added, “we’re working on the upper side of five digits.” This would seem to suggest there are more luxury options in the works to satisfy the appetites of hungry customers.

Is There a Price Ceiling?

It seems to be the case that Skoda and other manufacturers don’t have the answer to this question yet. A test lies ahead for the brand in the form of the new Kodiaq SUV that will have a starting price in the mid $40,000 bracket. Evidence from other manufacturers shows that customers seem happy to spend $55,000 an upwards on a seven seater SUV. It may be the case that the Kodiaq has a cost closer to $60,000 on premium models that would still be competitive with other premium models that cost close to $70,000.

If they are looking to buy a Skoda, Perth, Wa drivers should contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a great selection of new and used cars for sale. Book a test drive with us and discover the Skoda difference for yourself. We have competitive financing options that are tailored to your individual circumstances. If you have any further questions, our sales team is standing by to help.

Wednesday, 22 February 2017

The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo vs. The Mazda 2 Genki


If you are in the market for a smaller car, you may find that you have plenty of options. Despite the segment sales falling, smaller cars are still in demand. While the Mazda 2 has a solid reputation, can the new Fabia give it a run for its money? Only a head to head comparison will help you decide.

Equipment:
The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo and Mazda2 Genki are both range toppers in their lineups, so it means that there is plenty of equipment on the spec list. Both models have a five star ANCAP safety rating, rear view camera, Bluetooth, USB, cruise control, six airbags, daytime running lights and steering wheel buttons. While the Mazda has a couple of features not included on the Skoda such as LED headlights and rain sensing wipers, the Skoda does have a far more comprehensive equipment list. The Fabia also has multi collision braking, Autonomous Emergency Brakes, panoramic glass roof, 17 inch alloys and Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

Inside the Cabin:
While Mazda has an excellent reputation for offering a classy cabin, the cabin finish is compromised by the lack of space. Rear passengers will find themselves a bit cramped and only offers 250 litres of cargo space. On the other hand, the Fabia’s cabin feels far more spacious. It is packed with practical storage options that will make a massive different for everyday use. The cargo area is larger at 305 litres, and there is a full size spare instead of a space saver. Additionally, rear passengers are offered far more head and legroom with greater outward visibility.

Under the Bonnet:
The Mazda is powered by a four cylinder, normally aspirated 1.5 litre petrol engine that delivers 81 kW of power. This is paired with an automatic six speed transmission. On paper, this should comfortably beat the 1.2 litre unit in the Skoda. However, while the engine capacity on the Fabia is smaller, it matches the power output and the Volkswagen unit arrives in the rev band much earlier for a punchier performance. Despite the Fabia being the heavier vehicle, it is quicker to accelerate with a zero to 100km/hr rate of 9.2 seconds. The Fabia also offers slightly thriftier fuel economy of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the 4.9 litres on the Mazda.

Overall, the new Fabia is sure to increase competition in the light segment and should give the Mazda a real run for sales this year.
If you would like to learn more about the new Skoda Fabia, Perth drivers should speak to us. The Perth City Skoda sales team would be happy to answer all your questions about the Skoda Fabia, price deals, and current offers. We can also assist you with your finance options and competitive insurance packages.

New Skoda Cars Spotlight on the 2017 Kodiaq


With the launch of the 2017 Kodiaq, Skoda is looking to tap into the fast growing large SUV segment. Approximately half the auto manufacturers selling cars in Australia have a high riding, large family wagon model, and until now Skoda has been missing the boat. However, from mid 2017, the seven seater Kodiaq will be in our showrooms and heralds the beginning of an SUV model roll out for the next four years.

The Kodiaq Basics:
The new model has been named for the Kodiak bear, native to the Alaskan Kodiak Islands. The model name is spelled using a “q” rather than a “k” as a tribute to the Alutiiq people in Alaska who use the same spelling to identify the animal. Additionally, Chevrolet already has a Kodiak, which could have caused some issues.
The Kodiaq development team used the bear for their mascot and as an icon of being tough, clever and big. The model uses the MQB Volkswagen platform, so it has familial characteristics with the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, this architecture has also been used for the Skoda Superb and Octavia.
In terms of size, the Kodiaq is 4697 millimetres long, making it 40 millimetres larger than the Octavia and 160 millimetres smaller than the Superb. Outside, the Kodiaq doesn’t look that large. The angles and sharp lines create a modern, clean look, which has more of a resemblance to a station wagon rather than a conventional SUV.

Inside the Cabin:
The Kodiaq also makes use of the Simply Clever innovations used throughout the range of Skoda new cars. There are thirty of these features around the model including ice scraping tool incorporated into the fuel flap, detachable interior boot light to use as a torch and gripped bottle holders between the front seats to allow one handed opening of a bottle.
There are also integrated protection strips on the doors which flip when the door is opened to prevent bashing it on another vehicle or a wall. Another innovation that may be appreciated by parents is that you can activate Bluetooth microphone voice input to pipe it into the stereo speakers in the rear. This will allow you to get your kids attention without needing to yell.
There is also plenty of luggage space; 270 litres when the third row in place, extending to 630 litres when the only five seats are in place.

If you are considering a new car, Skoda has certainly given buyers something to seriously think about. The Kodiaq is a well thought out vehicle that is sure to provide serious competition in the segment. If you would like to know more, contact us. Our sales team would be happy to provide information about this Skoda new car or any other model in the range.

Are the Fuel Consumption Figures Accurate on Skoda Used Cars


If you are considering buying a used car, you are likely to have spent a little time reading reviews and studying manufacturer information. One issue that is often a deciding factor is the fuel consumption rate. However, you may wonder how accurate these figures are and how they are actually measured. So, here we will explore the topic a little further.

How Fuel Consumption is Determined:
In Australia and in many European countries, fuel consumption is measured in terms of L/100 km. This refers to how many litres the car will use to travel 100 kilometres. This differs a little from the miles per gallon used in the UK and US. These figures are calculated by manufacturer testing, and since 2009, all new cars are required to carry a sticker showing the fuel consumption and CO2 rates. Car manufacturers are required to submit vehicles to a fuel consumption test under the ADT81/02 mandate. This dictates the test parameters to ensure that all testing figures are comparable.
The testing is based on two ten minute phases. Phase one or the Urban Cycle has peak speeds of 19 kilometres per hour, with idle periods and frequent stop starts. This test phase is designed to simulate the conditions of stop start traffic in towns and cities.
Phase two is the Extra Urban Cycle and has average speeds of 63 km/hr, peaking at 120 km/hr, for only 11 seconds.
Once the figures for the two phases have been calculated, they are combined to create the “combined cycle” figures used in most vehicle sales materials.

Is This Accurate for Skoda Used Cars:
The figures in car brochures are intended to reflect the new vehicle. Many would argue that often these figures don’t actually reflect real world conditions, but the testing is said to have a maximum 30% differential. However, there are a number of factors that can impact fuel economy in used Skoda cars. How well the vehicle has been maintained, the condition of the tyres, wheel alignment, and other factors can have a significant impact on whether the vehicle can achieve the fuel economy figures listed for a new model.
Of course, comparing the figures can still provide an insight into the potential for different models and brands. However, in used cars, a more important consideration is how well the vehicle has been cared for. Instead of getting caught up in fuel economy figures it is a better idea to look at the service history for the vehicle.

If you are considering used cars, Skoda offers some excellent options, and you should visit us. At Perth City Skoda we have a wide selection of used Skoda models and our sales team would be delighted to assist you.