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Skoda Yeti is the best car to own

If you're looking for the most satisfying, easy to use cars that offer the best value for money, build quality and reliability, they're on sale at your local Skoda dealership.

That's the verdict of 29,000 Auto Express readers, who have collectively decided that the Skoda Yeti is the outright winner of the magazine's Driver Power survey 2012, with the Superb MkII claiming the runner-up medal and the Octavia MkII in fourth place, just behind the Mercedes E-class MkIV in third. The Jaguar XF rounds off the top five.

Compared with this time last year the most improved cars are the Toyota Yaris MkII (up 32 places), Honda CR-V MkIII (17) and Mini MkI (14). Those that have fallen from grace include the Seat Leon MkII (down 45 places), Kia Cee'd (42) and Nissan Micra MkIII (41).

PODIUM FOR MIKKELSEN AS ŠKODA TAKES A 1-2-3

Armagh, 10 April 2012 – A fantastic drive saw ŠKODA UK Motorsport’s Andreas Mikkelsen finish 2nd on The Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally and maintain his lead in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The reigning champion finished 44.2 seconds behind Juho Hänninen (ŠKODA Motorsport)after a breathtaking battle for victory, with Jan Kopecký taking the final podium position to complete a stunning 1-2-3 finish for ŠKODA.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, this was Andreas’ first rally in Ireland for five years. With a compact route and all 15 stages taking place in just over 24 hours, the action was always going to be fierce over the fast, bumpy and narrow asphalt country lanes.

The two-day event started on Good Friday with a spectacular super-special stage around the Titanic Quarter in Belfast – where ŠKODA UK Motorsport Team Principal Pierfrancesco Zanchi gave Northern Ireland First Minister Mr. Peter Robinson a run around SS1 in the Fabia S2000 test car.

The cancellation of the second run through the rally’s longest stage at night (SS5) shortened Leg 1, meaning that just 0.6 seconds separated Andreas and Hänninen (the 2010 IRC champion) at the first overnight halt in Armagh – despite Andreas hitting a wooden fence on SS3.

The battle continued on Saturday, where Andreas had to drive flat-out to lessen the disadvantage of fitting soft Michelin tyres, when conditions weren’t as damp as the team anticipated. Pushing so hard had its consequences, including hitting a road-side rock when taking a crest flat-out in sixth gear sideways on SS6 and overshooting a slippery junction on SS8.

Andreas survived an even bigger moment on SS9 when his car snapped sideways five times as he fought to control the high-speed tank-slapper. Yet he was 4.8 seconds faster over the stage, reducing a nine second deficit to just 2.3 seconds after SS11.

Having driven heroically on some of the most demanding stages in the IRC, nobody expected the shortest stage of the event – a 0.8 mile (1.03km) stage around the streets of Lisburn – to decide the outcome of the result. On a wet and slippery surface, Andreas slid sideways into a straw bale, damaging the right hand side of the car, losing 40 seconds and leaving him dazed. He finished the stage 42.7 seconds behind Hänninen and although three stages remained, the battle was over.

Robert Barrable finished a strong 6th in his ŠKODA Ireland Fabia S2000.

Andreas: “Juho did a fantastic rally and made no mistakes – I bow and take my hat off to him. We had a chance to win, but we made a mistake and had to settle for second.

“What cost us the chance of victory was a left hand corner in Lisburn. It was raining and very slippery and I just lost the car and went sideways into a hay bale, and we lost a lot of time. It was quite a hard hit. I was a bit dazed, and to be honest I don’t remember so much about it. I was happy to be able to finish the last three stages, because I wasn’t feeling so good.

“The Circuit of Ireland is a rally I really wanted to win, as did the whole team, and we came so close after a good fight. It’s a shame not to win, but we scored a lot of points for finishing second and things continue to look good for the championship.”

The next round of the IRC is the Tour de Corse (11-12 May).

Circuit of Ireland – top 10 results (provisional after SS15)

1. Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (ŠKODA Fabia S2000).…1hour 58mins 21.8secs

2. Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000)….+44.2secs

3. Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000)….+1min 39.5secs

4. Mathieu Arzeno/Renaud Jamoul (Peugeot 207 S2000)….+4mins 01.6secs

5. Craig Breen/Gareth Roberts (Peugeot 207 S2000)….+4mins 53.8secs

6. Robert Barrable/Damien Connolly (ŠKODA Fabia S2000)….+5mins 14.5secs

7. Sepp Wiegand/Timo Gottschalk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000)….+6mins 15.9secs

8. Garry Jennings/Barry McNulty (Mitsubishi Lancer)….+8mins 27.9secs

9. Mark Donnelly/Andrew Purcell (Mitsubishi Lancer)….+9mins 11.4secs

10. Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer)….+9mins 16.0secs

Weekly Skoda newsletter coverage

The Best Yeti - Skoda's family favourite deserves the plaudits

It's hard not to smile when you explain what you happen to be driving this week - it's a Yeti!

But there's nothing remotely funny about Skoda's mini SUV because it's a serious bit of kit, especially if you opt for the four-wheel-drive version.

In short, it's an absolutely fantastic performer.

Truth be told, from the outside, it's a bit of a boxy affair. But get inside and drive and you quite easily forget that fact and appreciate the car for what it is - a roomy little marvel that does everything you expect and more.

With Skoda pushing stakes, recording record sales last year, they've extended their UK coverage.

This week, Arnold Clark opened his third Skoda franchise in Linwood.

And the Yeit is leading the march forward.

It even managed to impress Jeremy Clarkson, who declared it the best little car in the world! What makes it so good is that it's the perfect all-rounder.

As a family car, it offers masses of room for kids, shopping and all those domestic tasks that have to be done. It does it efficiently, giving 47mpg on the extra urban cycle.

In town, it's nippy and really agile, with that wide screen and upright driving position providing excellent vision.

With a top speed of around 109mph, it works fine on the motorway. Take it on the B roads and you'll find it's superb.

Take it off-road and you'll wonder why anyone would buy anything else. It's really that good.

With petrol, diesel, 2WD and 4WD models available, you can choose from more than 20 variations.

And you'll pay anywhere between £15k and £22k.

Verdict: Derek Stewart-Brown

Winter testing begins for rally champ

ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen will have a pre-season test in his Fabia S2000 when he contests the Mountain Rally in Norway on Saturday 14 January.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, Andreas will drive the car in which he won last year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) events in Scotland and Cyprus, on his way to being crowned IRC drivers’ champion 2011. The car is now owned by his manager, Erik Veiby.

The Mountain Rally is based in the winter ski resort of Gol, 120 miles north-west of Oslo. The rally features six stages covering a total 88 miles.

Immediately after the rally Andreas will join a group of ŠKODA UK retailers and Technicians at the John Haugland Winter Rally School in Geilo, where he’ll give VIP passenger rides in the Fabia S2000.

Andreas begins the defense of his IRC drivers’ title at the Sata Rallye Azores (23-25 February).

“The Mountain Rally will be a good early pre-season test and I’m really looking forward to getting back into a rally car after the Christmas break,” said Andreas. “I’ve done the event twice before and it’s usually a proper snow rally with high snow banks, although this year the winter has arrived very late in Norway. It’s not such a long rally, but more than enough to shake off the cobwebs.”

New-look rally car for 2012

Andreas Mikkelsen’s ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000 will feature a crisper factory-designed colour scheme in 2012, as he attempts to become the first driver to win back-to-back Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) driver titles.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, Andreas will join Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler and Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula in the three factory-prepared Fabia S2000s that will spearhead ŠKODA’s attempt to win the IRC manufacturers’ title for the third year running. It’s an incredibly strong driver line-up, as Mikkelsen, Kopecký and Hänninen finished one-two-three in the 2011 driver standings.

Andreas’ car will retain its unmistakable ŠKODA UK Motorsport identity, with the Union Flag on the roof and bonnet. A new black side detail incorporates elements of the flag to make the car even more recognisable for spectators. Other changes include a thin black keyline to frame the lower bodywork’s green panels, and the Union Flag incorporated into the rear tailgate with the bottom edge featuring a matt black stripe.

The ŠKODA UK Motorsport team will continue to be run separately from ŠKODA Motorsport, with Andy Rogers becoming Team Manager and Pierfranceso Zanchi and Nicolas Roux continuing as Team Principal and Chief Engineer respectively.

IRC 2012 calendar
There are a number of changes to the IRC this year that Andreas is looking forward to: the series is expanding from 11 to 13 rallies, and there are four completely new events.

The Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally is ŠKODA UK Motorsport’s home round of the 2012 IRC. The rally, which ran for the first time in 1931, is one of the oldest in the world and attracts huge support. It’s also a good event for Andreas, who contested several rounds of the Irish Tarmac Championship in 2007 and has good experience of its bumpy and narrow asphalt roads.

Rally San Marino – an event Andreas won last year on his way to becoming Italian Gravel Rally Champion – has also been added to the IRC itinerary.

“Next season there are a lot of rallies that I know, plus four new events,” said Andreas (right). “The new round in Ireland will suit me because I’ve done some rounds of the Irish Tarmac Championship and the WRC event there before. I’ve not done the actual Circuit of Ireland stages, but I know the nature of the roads and know what to look for in terms of the car’s set-up, so I think Ireland will be a really strong event for us.

“San Marino will be another strong event for us. The other two new rounds in Romania and Bulgaria I don’t know, and I’m not sure what to expect, but we’ve performed well in the past on rallies we’ve never done before and we’re confident there are a lot of strong rallies on this year’s calendar for us.”

Date Rally

Škoda Yeti Greenline 2: final report

On fleet since: April 2011
Total mileage: 9,200
Official combined mpg/CO2: 61.4mpg - 119g/km
Actual mpg: 51mpg
Costs: £0 excl fuel
Engine: 1.6 TDi CR 105hp turbodiesel, five-speed manual
Trim: Elegance Greenline 2
Performance: 0-62 in 12.1 seconds/109mph top speed
Power/torque: 105hp/184lb ft @ 1500rpm
Insurance group: 17
List price: £20,185
Options fitted: 6CD autochanger in boot (£290), floor mats (£65), sat-nav (£1,510)
Price as tested: £22,050

To tell the truth, I was worried about having the Skoda Yeti as a family car. With two young children, I am acutely aware of the need for space as the amount of clobber these small people require is seemingly endless: cots, prams, scooters, bicycles, toys and so on.

Before I had children, luggage space wasn't an issue and I thought our old Mazda MX-5 had plenty enough room. How things change.

The Yeti may resemble a small 4x4 but it is in many ways a small, compact car - shorter even than a Ford Focus. Problem number two was that this Yeti is a Greenline 2 spec - which means a 105hp engine. Surely not enough to lug us around? And surely in the real world we will never get anywhere near the advertised combined 61mpg?

Gallery: Skoda Yeti Greenline 2

What was great about it?
Most 4x4s are appallingly packaged: they are big on the outside, small on the inside. The vast BMW X6 is only a four-seater, for example. The Yeti is different, however. It is a 'breadvan' in shape, which perhaps makes it look less sexy but delivers space a-plenty. The back of the Yeti goes straight up, which means you can pack every available cubic inch with stuff, if need be.

Combine this with the (straightforward) ability to remove the seats, and the car delivers a vast 1,760 litres of rear space - 10% more than a seats-down Volvo V70, despite being 60cm shorter, and a full 60% more than a seats-down Ford Focus.

"But I don't want to put the seats down," I hear you cry. Well, even then the Yeti has a full 32% more space than a Focus. We have two young children and a load of clobber - and it was absolutely fine. Even my wife, who is obsessed with space, concluded it was enough - and she appreciated the ease of parking this car compared to a traditional large family estate car.

What about those power worries? Well, say it quietly but this smallest diesel engine is absolutely fine. It may only have 105hp, but it delivers a healthy 184lb ft of torque from just 1,500rpm and even fully loaded complete with bike rack plus bikes on the back it was fine. Sure it wouldn't be enough for speed-freaks but I doubt they'll be shopping for a family SUV in the first place.

Empty, and the car barrelled along perfectly. Right at the start of our test I was holidaying in North Wales but had to motor sans-famille to do some work at a nearby hotel for MSN's royal wedding coverage. North Wales is a marvellous place to drive nearly any car, but the Yeti delivered a really fun, fluid drive, with strong body control and a lively engine that felt much more powerful than its 105hp power output suggested.

What wasn't so great?
I was never convinced that five gears was enough in this green-tinged car. I loved trying to cruise with minimal revs to eke out the best economy possible, and often felt that a higher ratio would have helped my mission.

Another bore was the traditional VW group locking system whereby you need endless jabbing of the fob to get the rear doors to unlock - irritating when harassed by shopping and screaming kids.

Another VW foible this Yeti showed is the lack of full-postcode address entry on the sat-nav. This is and remains deeply annoying and is disappointing in a system that costs £1,510. I have heard rumours this can be fixed by an upgrade disk. If you are thinking of buying a sat-nav Yeti, I urge you to insist your dealer installs this for you as it will save you vast quantities of aggravation and indeed arguments with those around you.

I was never quite sold on the ride on this car. It handles very well, but the price is paid with quite a hard ride that is not sufficiently offset by the decent but not sumptuous leather seats. Quite simply, the Yeti wasn't as comfortable as it could have been.

Was it expensive to run?
My fears about economy were mostly groundless. We averaged 51mpg, some 16% off the official combined metric of 61mpg but still decent enough in my real-world experience of other cars. On a long run across Norfolk doing a steady 60mph and 1,600rpm throughout we got the car up to an indicated 71mpg, so I dare say if you commuted in this car like a proverbial nun you could do rather better than we did overall.

There was only one minor incident, when the brake pedal started squeaking quietly and unaccountably. This was fixed quickly and would have been a standard warranty fix. Overall, the car seemed bulletproof.

Would I recommend it to you?
Oh yes. The Yeti is my favourite long-term test car for a very long time. I loved the way it surprised me: it was big enough. It had plenty enough welly despite being an eco-special. It may be a school-run machine, but that didn't stop it being equipped with puddle-lights on the wing mirrors, xenon headlights, leather seats Bluetooth phone support, dual-zone climate control and hill-hold. Everything in the car feels rock solid and all the controls feel as if they were designed to a standard, not a budget.

In short, this small easy-to-park car was full of big-car goodness - and it even looked good; no stupid eco-faring grille and ugly alloy wheels for this car. And for £22 grand, all in.

I was expecting to make endless compromises with this car in the name of smallness and eco-ness. I had to make none. It is a brilliant car in virtually every respect, and fully deserves its waiting list.

What am I driving next?
A short break from long-termerdom awaits before the arrival of a very new and very red SEAT Alhambra, complete with electric doors (good) and 4.9 metres of length (eek!).

ŠKODA range prices: January 2012

Prices for all models in the ŠKODA range, excluding Fabia vRS models, will not increase in January 2012. Fabia vRS prices will increase by £500 on 1 January 2012. A number of option prices will also go up on all models from 1 January 2012.

Fabia vRS price increase

The Fabia vRS is still exceptional value for money compared to its competitors:

All customer-tagged orders in the system will be price protected (see terms and conditions for details).

Option price increase

A number of option prices (for all ŠKODA models) will increase on 1 January 2012. These price increases will mostly be between £5 and £15 per option except for metallic paint, which has increased by £20 to £460.

Options on customer-tagged orders in the system will be price protected.

Price lists and website

PDF versions of the new price lists will be available to download on ŠKODA.co.uk from 3 January 2011. Printed price lists are being produced now and will be automatically sent to you by 30 December 2011.

New price lists and brochures, which are effective from 1 January, are available to download below.

	Fabia Q1 2012 price list	Effective January 2012	2904 Kb	21.12.2011
	Octavia Q1 2012 price list		2447 Kb	21.12.2011
	Roomster Q1 2012 price list		2337 Kb	21.12.2011
	Superb Q1 2012 price list	Effective 1 January 2012	3168 Kb	21.12.2011
	Yeti Q1 2012 price list	Effective 1 January 2012	3086 Kb	21.12.2011

Need help?

If you have any questions, call the the team on 0843 316 0297.

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Andreas Mikkelsen (left) and Ola Fløene after collecting their IRC awards in Paris.

ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen has been presented the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) winning drivers’ trophy. He’s also starring in this week’s episode of Fifth Gear (Friday 9 December).

Andreas collected his award alongside co-driver Ola Fløene at the official end-of-season gala prize-giving ceremony in Paris. Afterwards, he admitted that winning the IRC title didn’t really sink in until a week after the season-ending rally in Cyprus.

“Straight after Cyprus I went to London for a big media event and there were things happening all that week,” said Andreas. “When I eventually returned to Norway, I was alone at home for a couple of days and watched the rally videos on YouTube. Only after I saw what we had done online did winning the IRC drivers’ title really begin to sink in.

“It was a great honour to be in Paris to collect the IRC drivers’ trophy. It’s an award the entire ŠKODA UK Motorsport team has been working so hard for this year. It was a great team effort and I’m really proud to have won the drivers’ title in my first year with ŠKODA. I’m also proud to have helped ŠKODA retain its IRC manufacturers’ title, because both awards mean so much to ŠKODA UK staff and retailers.”

Andreas on Fifth Gear

Don’t miss Fifth Gear on Channel 5 this week. Presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson (pictured right with Andreas) takes on the challenge of co-driving for our newly-crowned IRC champion – and the results turn out to be more than a little surprising for everyone.

Our advice is to make sure you’re not eating pizza while you are watching it.

The programme is due to be broadcast at 7.30pm this Friday (9 December).

Citigo

The Citigo has been awarded a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, making our new city car one of the safest in its class.

In the tests, the Citigo scored 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for child occupant safety, 86 per cent for safety assist and 46 per cent for pedestrian protection.

Full details of the Citigo’s test results are available online here

Mikkelsen and Fløene confirmed for 2012

The newly-crowned Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) drivers’ champion, Andreas Mikkelsen, will defend his title in 2012 driving for ŠKODA UK Motorsport alongside co-driver Ola Fløene. The pair will once again compete in a factory-prepared Fabia S2000 and, as in 2011, the ŠKODA UK Motorsport team will be an integral points-scoring part of ŠKODA’s drive to win the IRC manufacturers’ title for a third consecutive year.

Andreas (22) led the last six rallies of the 2011 IRC (Azores, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sanremo, Scotland and Cyprus), winning the last two events and claiming the title in Cyprus. Andreas also recorded an unbeaten 38 fastest stage times on his way to becoming the youngest-ever IRC champion.

Already a respected gravel driver, Andreas’ test programme and FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy training have turned him into an equally formidable driver on asphalt.

For its third full season in the IRC, ŠKODA UK Motorsport will once again enter a latest-spec Fabia S2000 prepared by ŠKODA Motorsport, which will continue to be run on events by the highly experienced ŠKODA Rally Team Italia.

"I really want to thank ŠKODA UK for giving me the opportunity to drive for them in 2011 and I’m so happy to repay their faith in me by winning the drivers’ title." said Andreas. "The aim now is to try to become the first driver to successfully defend his IRC title.”

Robert Hazelwood, ŠKODA UK Director, said: “This has been a tremendous season, with dramatic highs and lows. The high of ŠKODA winning the drivers’ title is fantastic and does what we set out to do – to create excitement for the ŠKODA brand for our customers, our retailers and their staff, and our own staff. I applaud Andreas and Ola on their achievement and can’t wait to get started on the exciting 2012 IRC campaign.”

IRC titles are making a splash

Fantastic new adverts and billboards are already being seen by millions of motorists and newspaper readers, as we  promote our victories in the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

They show a stunning image of ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen at the Cyprus Rally, where he stormed over the finish line in first place to secure the 2011 IRC drivers’ championship. They also highlight the fact that ŠKODA has retained its IRC manufacturers’ crown thanks to the all-conquering Fabia S2000.

Adverts have already been placed in The Times, Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Daily Express, Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph and Mail on Sunday. Billboards have also gone up in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

More activities are in the pipeline with magazines and lifestyle press to make the most of ŠKODA’s IRC titles, some of which may offer readers once-in-a-lifetime co-drives with Andreas. More details will appear on Desktop once our plans are finalised.

Andreas Mikkelsen: IRC champion 2011

ŠKODA UK Motorsport’s Andreas Mikkelsen became the youngest driver ever to win the Intercontinental Rally Challenge after a dramatic victory at the season-ending Cyprus Rally. Amid emotional scenes captured live on Eurosport, 22-year-old Andreas and co-driver Ola Fløene secured the title by just one and a half points from ŠKODA Motorsport driver Jan Kopecký.

Andreas survived a late scare on stage eight when a nail pierced his front-left tyre, but the Michelin tyre didn’t deflate. He and second-placed Kopecký then hit the same rock five miles from the end of stage nine and both picked up punctures. Luck was on the younger man’s side, however, as his rear-right flat slowed him less than the more time-consuming front-right puncture for Kopecký.

The mixed-surface stages in the mountains above Pafos provided a great challenge and a fitting finale to the IRC season – and the event quickly became a winner-takes-all spectacular when pre-race title favourite Juho Hänninen (ŠKODA Motorsport) crashed out on stage two. Andreas went on to set seven (out of 11) fastest stage times and led for all but one stage, losing his lead momentarily after a spin on stage three.

Read more

Mikkelsen wins Italian title

ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen has won the 2011 Italian Gravel Championship after finishing third on Rally Conca d’Oro in Sicily, the sixth and final round of the series.

Mikkelsen, 22, alongside co-driver Ola Fløene, completed a hugely successful season at the wheel of his ŠKODA Rally Team Italia Fabia Super 2000, which included winning three of the five events he contested and scoring 110 points.

Rally Conca d’Oro took place near Sicily’s capital Palermo, with the cars completing nine special stages totalling 100.5 competitive kilometres. Mikkelsen won the first seven stages to build a lead of 1min 34.7secs before a minor electrical problem caused him to fall back to sixth place.

Undeterred, he fought back on the final stage to finish an impressive third overall and clinch the title. His efforts also handed ŠKODA Italia the runner-up spot in the manufacturers’ standings.
Mikkelsen said of his triumph: “I’m really happy to have won the title and I’d like to thank Ola and all of the team for their fantastic support and for having made it possible.

“I’ve very much enjoyed taking part in the championship with ŠKODA Rally Team Italia this year, particularly because my IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) programme has mostly been on asphalt. The ŠKODA Fabia was perfect, enabling me to push to the limit without making mistakes.

“There’s no time to rest, though, as now we head to Cyprus for the final round of the IRC this week. It’s been tough to combine these races with the IRC programme but I really hope to have the chance to go rallying in Italy again next year.”

Norwegian Mikkelsen triumphed in the Italian series' Rally Adriatico, Rally San Marino and Azzano Rally. A clashing event forced him to miss Rally San Crispino, while a mechanical fault caused by the rough nature of the roads in Sardinia forced his retirement from the island’s Rally Costa Smeralda when he was leading.

ŠKODA wins its first FIA World Rally title with the Fabia S2000

ŠKODA has won its first ever FIA World Rally Championship. The Red Bull ŠKODA Fabia S2000 crew of Juho Hänninen (right) and Mikko Markkula secured the title by winning the last rally of this year's Super 2000 World Rally Championship (SWRC) – the RACC Rally de España (20-23 October).

The world title is a fitting climax to this year's celebrations marking 110 years of ŠKODA motorsport.

Run on a mixed surface of gravel and asphalt, the Rally de España was the longest round of this year’s WRC – with 252.59 miles (406.52kms) of competition spread over three days and 18 special stages in the Tarragona region of north-east Spain.

Read more

Octavia GreenLine II ‘Best Family Car’ in fuel marathon

The exceptional environmental credentials of the Octavia GreenLine II ave been put to the test for a competitive fuel economy event.

The popular hatchback took part in the respected annual ALD Automotive/Shell FuelSave MPG Marathon, organised by the publisher of Fleet World magazine.

Driven by freelance journalist Sue Baker, with navigation by Peter Thompson, the car was driven for 370 miles across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. The Octavia used just 4.31 gallons of fuel and achieved an outstanding average consumption figure of 85.98mpg. “Against an official combined cycle fuel economy of 74.3mpg, that’s a 15.7 per cent improvement,” said Ross Durkin, Managing Editor of Fleet World Group.

“This performance earned the Octavia a respectable third place in the ‘Best Overall’ fuel economy category. But as the models ahead were a two-seater city car and a supermini, the ŠKODA Octavia GreenLine II can justifiably claim the honour of ‘Best Family Car.’”

Rally of Scotland video

Watch Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene storm their way to victory at the 2011 Rally of Scotland (7 to 9 October) by playing the video below.

A magnificent performance gave the ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver his maiden victory in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and ŠKODA a hat-trick of wins at the event. At 22 years and 109 days old, Andreas also became the youngest winner ever of an IRC event.

Click here for a full report from the rally.

Note: retailers that restrict access to YouTube may not be able to play this video.

ŠKODA Auto begins production of Rapid in India

ŠKODA Auto has announced it has started production of a new five-seat sedan in India called the Rapid. In an international press release, the factory says the car will help to strengthen the brand’s presence in the largest vehicle segment of the Indian market and achieve its goal of selling 1.5 million cars a year globally by 2018. It is predicted that India will be among the five largest automobile markets in the world by the end of the decade.

The Rapid, which is manufactured in Pune in the state of Maharashtra, is a car built in India for India. It offers generous space, attractive design, good safety equipment and advanced technologies.

Although the Rapid measures just 4.39 metres long, 1.70 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, ŠKODA’s ‘simply clever’ design ensures there’s enough leg room and head room inside the cabin for up to five people to travel in comfort. Passengers can also take plenty of luggage with them, thanks to 500 litres of storage space in the boot. The Rapid is available with a choice of two 1.6-litre engines: one petrol unit and one diesel engine.

The Rapid and the rest of ŠKODA’s product range provide an excellent springboard for the brand’s planned growth in India. ŠKODA started selling cars there in 2001, and its sales to the end of September are up by 50 per cent compared to the same period in 2010.

“The Rapid is a car for the entire family and for a multitude of purposes,” said Prof Dr Winfried Vahland, chairman of the ŠKODA board of directors. “It is sufficiently compact for the city and spacious enough for longer trips. It’s an all-around talent; simply a true ŠKODA.

“We want to step on the pedal all over the world in the coming years, and so we will clearly increase our activities outside of Europe. The Indian market plays a central role in this because it is among the markets with the greatest potential. The Rapid is the right car at the right time, and an important step on our growth path for the years ahead.”

Names, designs and specification of new ŠKODA models planned for Europe have yet to be finalised.

Victory in Scotland!

A magnificent performance at the Rally of Scotland has given ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen his maiden victory in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and ŠKODA a hat-trick of wins at the event. At 22 years and 109 days old, Andreas becomes the youngest winner ever of an IRC event.

With Juho Hänninen finishing second, ŠKODA Motorsport has retained its IRC Manufacturers' title, while six drivers – four of them representing ŠKODA, including Andreas – are still in contention for the drivers’ title with one round remaining.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, Andreas held fifth position after a calculated run through Friday’s opening two stages in a dark and slippery Carron Valley.

A magnificent display on Saturday in wet weather saw the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy driver set four fastest times in five stages, to turn a 7.4-second morning deficit into a healthy 50.7-second lead by the end of the day.

Back in Stirlingshire for Sunday’s final day of competition, early morning rain had left the narrow gravel forest roads of Carron Valley, Loch Chon and High Corrie extremely muddy. With his pace reduced Andreas drove faultlessly, although it was impossible to avoid all the rocks in the middle of the road, which resulted in the leader picking up a puncture during each run through High Corrie.

Entering the two final runs at Scone Palace, near Perth, with a 30.4-second advantage, Andreas completed a memorable event without incident to secure a magnificent Rally of Scotland win by 26.4 seconds.

“What a fantastic weekend!” said an ecstatic Andreas at the finish. “We were so close to winning in Hungary and even closer in Sanremo, but we could not have found a better place to score our first IRC win than on ŠKODA UK’s home event in Scotland. The feeling is just amazing, and this result gives us something to really build on.

“I really enjoyed driving here last year, but 12 months ago it was dry and this year the conditions have been so different. The stages were wet, muddy and very tricky. I’m very proud of what the ŠKODA UK Motorsport team, Ola and myself have accomplished here.

“Crossing the finish line of the last stage in Scotland was the best feeling I’ve ever had in a rally car. I’m really happy.”

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Superb triumphs at Towcar of the Year Awards – again

The Superb Estate Elegance 2.0-litre TDI DSG has taken top honours in the £25,000 to £32,000 category of the 2012 Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards – a feat the acclaimed family load-lugger also achieved last year.

The judges, made up of experienced motoring journalists and seasoned caravanning experts, were bowled over by the ŠKODA, describing it as “the best on hill starts by a mile”, “effortless to drive and tow with”, “confidence-inspiring” and “a very pleasant environment to be in”.

The 2012 competition attracted 30 entrants from a variety of big-name car manufacturers. Rigorous testing was conducted, as it is every year, at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. This year’s special guest was former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, who attended the testing and presented the awards to representatives from the winning manufacturers at a ceremony in London.

The 30 cars were divided into three price classes and two all-wheel-drive categories (up to 1,800kg and more than 1,800kg). Manufacturers were invited to submit any models that were new launches in the period 1 August 2010 to 30 September 2011, or existing models that had been substantially modified. The Superb Estate was invited back because it was last year’s overall Towcar of the Year, as well as a class winner.

During track tests, the judges assessed each car’s towing ability as well as acceleration, braking and the ability to cope with demanding hill starts. They also made a careful assessment of each entrant’s usability in terms of everyday caravanning.

ŠKODA UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: “Winning any honour once is great, but to do it again is testament to the engineering excellence of the ŠKODA range. We know the caravanning community is an enthusiastic supporter of the Superb Elegance Estate. Its powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine and efficient DSG transmission create a refined and stable base for stress-free long-distance towing.”

The Towcar of the Year Awards are a major highlight of The Caravan Club’s calendar. The awards were created to help members make informed decisions when choosing cars and to keep them up to date with the latest innovations and trends in car designs.

ŠKODA will be official vehicle supplier for Rally of Scotland

ŠKODA UK will be the official vehicle supplier for the Rally of Scotland for the third year running. This year’s event, the penultimate round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), takes place from
7 to 9 October.

ŠKODA UK will supply a fleet of four-wheel drive Yetis, Octavia Scouts and Superbs to transport VIPs and rally officials from stage to stage, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will supply vehicles to carry essential rally equipment around the route, including the timing systems and control points.

ŠKODA also aims to continue its unbroken winning record at the event, having won the Rally of Scotland in 2009 and 2010. This year, ŠKODA UK Motorsport is hoping Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene will finish top of the podium, having finished second to Juho Hänninen (ŠKODA Motorsport) last year.

ŠKODA UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: “We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Rally of Scotland. We’ve had a very successful association with our home round of the IRC, and we’re confident that our four-wheel drive road vehicles, as well as our Fabia S2000 rally car, will once again impress fans in the Scottish forests. We’re greatly looking forward to this year’s Rally of Scotland, where our 110 years of ŠKODA in motorsport celebrations will continue.”

Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of International Motor Sports, which organises Rally of Scotland, said: "We are once again delighted to welcome ŠKODA UK as the official vehicle supplier. Its support since 2009 has been terrific, and it is the sort of highly enthusiastic and pro-active partner that any international sporting event – not just in motorsport – would love to have.”

This year’s opening ceremony is on Friday 7 October at Stirling Castle, before the event’s opening two competitive timed stages are held at night around Carron Reservoir in Stirlingshire. The event will then move into Perthshire on the Saturday, taking in classic stages such as Craigvinean, Drummond Hill and Errochty. On Sunday it continues in  Stirlingshire for another run through Carron Valley before two new tests: Loch Chon and the giant 16.15-mile (26km) High Corrie that will each be tackled twice. The rally will then finish late afternoon on the Sunday with its two short final stages through the majestic grounds of Scone Palace near Perth – also the scene for this year’s ceremonial finish.

Public admission costs £20 per vehicle at the entry to each stage with the exception of Sunday morning's Carron Valley stage, which costs £10.

For more information about the 2011 Rally of Scotland – including latest news, route details and full stage timetable – visit the official website.

ŠKODA Citigo – first official pictures

These are the first official pictures of the next car being added to our model range – the ŠKODA Citigo. It’s the first ŠKODA to feature the new brand design style that will define future models, including the new badge that was unveiled at the World Dealer Conference early in 2011. The Citigo, which will be available in three and five-door versions, is due to be launched in the Czech Republic near the end of this year. The UK launch is expected to take place next summer.

Early details will soon appear in the UK press, including Auto Car, Auto Express and What Car?, after the ŠKODA UK Press and PR team took a select group of journalists to Prague for a VIP preview.
The Citigo will measure just 3.56 metres long, 1.65 metres wide and 1.48 metres high, making it a fantastically nimble car around town. But, as you’d expect from any ŠKODA, it will be packed with ‘Simply Clever’ touches to make it the ideal choice for those wanting a car for the city and the country.

It will offer a generous amount of interior space, thanks to its 2.42 metre-long wheel base, to provide enough comfort for four passengers even on long trips. The boot volume will be a sizeable 251 litres with the rear seats up, or 951 litres with the seats folded down.

The interior will have numerous storage compartments, cup holders and multi-media systems, as well as storage pockets on the sides of the front seats. A bag hook on the glovebox handle and a photograph holder on the central console are two more clever interior features.

One more clever touch is a portable navigation system – a first for any ŠKODA car. The device can be fitted to the dashboard and then removed easily for use on the go. The system is an integral part of the vehicle's onboard electronics, providing not only navigation, but also hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth and onboard infotainment. The driver can also view information about the car, such as warnings from parking sensors etc, on the device’s five-inch touch screen.

Safety and economy high on the agenda

For the first time in any ŠKODA, the designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger. Along with a number of other items, this is part of a safety package usually found only on much larger cars.

Safety is enhanced further by ‘City Safe Drive’, a new brake assistance system that uses a laser and sensor to activate the brakes automatically at speeds below 30kph (18.64mph) when there is danger of a collision. Depending on the speed and the traffic situation, this ingenious system may prevent accidents or, at the very least, reduce the severity of collisions in city traffic.

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available when the Citigo launches (44kW/60PS and 55kW/75PS). The engines will be designed to reach their optimum operating temperatures after short distances to provide the best possible fuel economies in cities and their surroundings.
Two highly economical green engines will offer impressively low fuel consumption figures of 67.3mpg and 65.7mpg respectively, and emissions of just 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emission levels for the standard engines are also low: the 60PS engine can achieve 62.8mpg and produces 105g CO2/km, and the 75PS unit can achieve 60.1mpg and produces 108g CO2/km.

Alongside the manual transmission, the Citigo will be available with an automatic transmission.

See below for more about the Citigo’s technical specification. Figures for UK versions will be confirmed closer to their launch in 2012.

Production of the three-door Citigo is due to begin at ŠKODA's plant in Bratislava during the week commencing 10 October 2011.

‘The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy’

“The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy – it paves the way for tremendous opportunities in a new segment,” says Prof Dr Winfried Vahland, chairman of the ŠKODA board of directors (right). “The Citigo is literally a ‘Simply Clever’ car. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space; it is agile while frugal. Put simply, it’s an attractive choice offering many clever ideas. The car offers all of ŠKODA's values in a compact package and fits perfectly with our aims.

“The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at favourable prices and with reasonable operating costs, is growing,” continues Dr Vahland. “ŠKODA's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets.”

* Figures apply to basic version, weight of driver 75kg.

Drive a hard bargain as Skoda range offers extra equipment

Skoda has launched an all new trim level called SE Plus offering even greater value for money and choice. It sits between SE and range-topping Elegance models, and offers savings of up to £1,310.

It's offered on a wide range of Skoda's fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines, including two new engines available exclusively on SE Plus trim.

The new 1.8 TSI 152PS engine will be available on Yeit, Octavia and Superb and the new 2.0 TDI CR 110PS engine will be available on Octavia.

Skoda UK's Product Marketing Manager Chris Horrell said: "SE Plus offers lots of extra equipment beyond SE trim at a considerably reduced cost to the customer."

He added: "Features susch as Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel ad Skoda's Amundsen touch-screen sat-nav system on the Octavia, Superb and Yeti will boost retail and corporate buyers."

The SE Plus range in detail:

Octavia Hatch SE Plus:
Additional features include 16-inch Proxima alloy wheels, Kristal upholstery, rear parking sensors, Isofix from passenger seat, Amunsen touch-screen navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function steering wheel and Media Device Interface. It amounts to a saving of £1,310.

Superb Hatch SE Plus:
Additional features include Amunsen touch-screen satellite navigation system, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, sunset privacy glass and Media Device Interface. It amounts to a saving of £1,275.

Yeti SE Plus:
Additional features include Kristal upholstery, Amunsen touch-screen satellite navigation system, CD autochanger, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, electric driver and passenger seats, and rear passenger folding tables on the backs of front seats. It amounts to a saving of £610.

Fabia Hatch SE Plus:
Additional features include Kristal upholstery, sunset privacy glass, climate control, multi-function steering wheel, electric rear windows, storage boxes under the front seats, protective black side mouldings and Media Device Interface. It amounts to a saving of £620.

Roomster SE Plus:
Additional features include 15in Antares alloy wheels, Kristal upholstery, roof rails, climate control, multi-function steering wheel and Media Device Interface. It amounts to a saving of £415.

Motorists can also now benefit from an outstanding offer at local Skoda dealer, Startin Skoda of Powick.

From now until 30 September 2011, customers buying selected new petrol and diesel Skoda's from stock will pay no VAT when taking any of a range of funding options from Skoda finance, including the latest zero per cent hire purchase offer or 3 years/30,000 miles free servicing.

Greenline hatchback true to its name in eco drive

The Skoda Octavia Hatchback Greenline II has won the top honour in the Small Family Car category in the Next Green Var Awards 2011.

NextGreenCar.com is one of the UK's leading green car websites, providing expert and independent information to motorists researching environmentally friendly vehicles.

Available in both hatchback and estate forms, the Octavia Greenline II offers both fleet and private buyers an effective was of reducing their running costs without compromising on performance or practicality.

The cleanest and most fuel efficient Octavia ever made, it is powered by a 1.6 TDI CR 105PS engine with common rail technology offering quieter running and improved performance. It also has fewer moving parts.

Thanks to a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg (hatchback) and 67.3mpg (estate), and CO2 emissions of only 99g/km (hatchback) and 109g/km (estate), the Octavia GreenLine II is as clean and efficient as cars from the supermini sector.

The hatchback is exempt from road tax and the estate versions costs just £20 from the second year of ownership.

The judges, led by Dr Ben Lane, managing editor of Next Green Car, commented: "With the new Octavia, Skoda continues to excel with a low emission family car that is practical, affordable and with plenty of room inside for five adults to travel comfortably."

The awards are based on the NextGreenCar.com website which ranks every car out of 100 by examining their CO2 and seven other exhaust emissions across the lifecycle of the vehicle.

Skoda joins 200 club

Skoda drives into September on a high after enjoying a record-breaking six months.

In July, the Czech car manufacturer announced its highest-ever worldwide sales of 454,700 vehicles, with a 20.1 percent increase year on year.

In the UK too, Skoda is on course to smash its previous sales results, having delivered more than 24,000 vehicles to customers already this year.

On top of these positive sales figures, 2011 has also seen Skoda amassing an impressive collection of silverware for its trophy cabinet.

It won Best Manufacturer in the 2011 Auto Express Driver Power survey, and Most Satisfying Brand in Which? Car magazine's 2011 ownership survey.

And the company's flagship model, the appropriately named Superb, won Best Estate Car 2011 from Diesel Car for the second year running.

One of the stars of the team is the Yeti which tackles the newly emerging crossover market in typical Skoda fashion.

Away from the showroom, the manufacturer is also enjoying an unprecedented run of success in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

Having won the 2010 IRC Manufacturers' and Drivers' Championships, currently holds the lead of the 2011 IRC championship with three Fabia S2000s in the top four of the IRC standings, including Juho Hanninen at the top of the table.

The company fields a fascinating range of models starting with the neat little Fabia supermini which is enjoying tremendous success underpinned by the introduction of the high performance vRS which does it all with its own particular brand of Skoda individuality with a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electronic transmission.

Then there is the mid-range Octavia which has enjoyed such popularity in the UK in recent times.

With Skoda models and customer service continuing to win awards, new customers are continuing to join the Skoda family at retailers throughout the UK.

The once-maligned marquee is now enjoying considerable success.

Road test - Skoda Octavia

Superb estate proves to be a huge success

Skoda breaks 200mph

SKODA the big winner at 2011 Auto Express Awards

SKODA is celebrating another stunning trophy haul in the prestigious Auto Express New Car Awards. SKODA scooped the Driver Power customer satisfaction award, and the Yeti, Superb and Superb Estate won in their respective categories.

"It's fantastic to get such high-profile recognition for our cars and customer service," said SKODA Brand Director Robert Hazelwood. "For the Yeti, Superb and Superb Estate to win for a second straight year is a tremendous achievement. And to be awarded the Driver Power gong for the third year running is a great honour for the brand and our retailers."

No other car manufacturer took home four honours, making SKODA the big winner on the night. Amazingly, it's the second year in a row SKODA has been victorious in the same four categories.

Auto Express, Britain's biggest-selling weekly car magazine, held the influential awards event on Tuesday 2 August 2011.

Graham Hope, the magazine's Acting Editor, praised SKODA retailers before a VIP industry audience, saying: "Our Driver Power customer satisfaction poll is one of the biggest owner surveys in the business, and SKODA's third consecutive victory shows how far the brand has come."

Graham went on to credit the Yeti with having "substance as well as style" and the Superb for winning over the judges "with its sparkling engines, dazzling ability to accommodate people and luggage and its blinding interior quality". Graham added: "Nothing over the past year has eclipsed the Superb Estate's blend of space, value, style and performance."

Full results can be found on the Auto Express website.

Skodas best by a smile, say drivers

If you want to be happy, drive a Skoda...but whatever you do avoid anything French.

The Czech car maker, once the butt of jokes, has four models in the top ten of a Which? satisfaction poll.

Its Yeti and three versions of the Superb rated highly in the study of 52,500 owners.

Toyota's Yaris Verso came top with a score of 97.7%.

But French cars including Citeron, Renault and Peugeot littered the bottom 10, with Renault's Laguna Tourer, coming last at 49.9%.

Which? Car editor Richard Headland said: "Motorists love practical, good value cars, exemplified by Skoda."

Top Ten:

• Toyota Yaris Verso (2000-2005) 97.7%
• Volkswagon Passat CC (2008-) 96.4%
• Land Rover Discovery 95.7%
• Skoda Yeti 95.4%
• Honda S2000 (1999-2009) 95.3%
• Skoda Superb Estate 95.2%
• Mazda MX-5 (1998-2005) 94.5%
• Toyota Landcruiser 94.2%
• Skoda Superb (2002-2008) 94.2%
• Skoda Superb (2008-) 94.2%

Aiming High - 2011 Which? Car Survey

Most Satisfying Car Brands

Private hire car of the year

Goodwood attracts a record crowd

Skoda's Yeti turns green!

ROAD TEST by Nigel Burton: Skoda Yeti SE

Let's cut to the chase: the Skoda Yeti is a great car. Good looking, practival and outstanding to drive, it's my favourite cross-over by a long chalk.

And I'm not alone. In fact, the Yeti's popularity means you currently have about as much chance of getting hold of a new one as spotting its mythical namesake, at least, in the short term.

There's a three-month waiting list, longer if you're picky about the specification, because Skoda can't build them fast enough.

I'd give you the key to mine, but, after a week a bloke from Skoda came to the office and took it back. Damn.

The Yeti is built on the same platform as the Skoda Octavia Scout, albeit with some important differences.

It's taller for better ground clearance, there's a tweaked traction control system for dealing with slippery slopes, the upper structure is all-new and, on 4x4 versions, the Haldex fourwheel drive system is different.

Most people in this country think of 4x4s as gas-guzzling behemoths.

The Yeti Greenline proves that cross-overs can be frugal as well as functional.

It has some of the lowest running costs in its class and exhaust emissions of just 119 g/km, meaning you pay just £30 a year road tax.

Not that you'd guess. Apart from a couple of modest badges, the Yeti Greenline doesn't crow about its envrionment credentials.

The 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine is a bit clattery from cold, but quietens down nicely when it wams through.

Maximum power of 104bhp is nothing to write home about but, thanks to a hefty slug of low-end torque, the Yeti has no problems keeping up in fast flowing traffic. Skoda claims a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds but it feels faster. Lowering the ride height hasn't ruined the Yeti's comfortable ride - in the interests of road testing, I blitzed across a rutted field and the Yeti just glided over it - and the low friction tyres have plenty of grip.

A slick engine stop-start system completes the Yeti's Greenline transformation. It might not seat seven, but otherwise the Yeti has all the practicality of a small family MPV.

The back seats can be folded, reclined or removed altogether.

SKODA 'most satisfying brand to own' according to 52,500 Which? Car readers

SKODA is the UK's most satisfying car brand to own - and that's official. The brand scored a top-ranked satisfaction rating of 88.4 per cent in the 2011 ownership survey by respected consumer publication Which? Car, in which 52,563 readers took part.

Four SKODA models also made it into the survey's top 10 products - the multi-award winning Yeti (fourth), the flagship Superb Estate (sixth) and two generations of the Superb Hatch (ninth and tenth). All of them achieved exceptionally high approval scores of more than 94 per cent. Hatch and estate derivatives of the Fabia and Superb were also highlighted as 'best buys' in the survey.

The Which? Car survey is the largest of its kind in the UK - and has been for the past five years - with more than 63,000 new and used cars rated. Between December 2010 and March 2011, 52,563 people told Which? Car about the 63,727 cars they owned.

The survey asks owners to rate out of five how satisfied they are with their cars, and how likely they are to recommend them to friends. By combining the responses, Which? Car awards a score out of 100 per cent.

See the full survey results at www.which.co.uk/cars.

Andreas secures his best IRC result for SKODA UK

SKODA UK Motorsport's Andreas Mikkelsen scored his best result so far in the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) after finishing second at the Azores Rally (14-16 July). He was pipped to the post by SKODA Motorsport's Juho Hänninen, while Jan Kopecký ensured a magnificent one-two-three finish for SKODA by claiming the final podium spot.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, the 22-year-old FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy driver mastered the wet and slippery gravel roads of the mid-Atlantic volcanic island to twice lead the event. He set six fastest and five second fastest stage times as he battled for victory with Hänninen.

Andreas led after SS1, before a power steering problem dropped him temporarily to third after SS3. Andreas fought back magnificently to regain the lead after SS13, as he and Hänninen established a one-minute gap over their rivals.

The deciding moment came on SS14, which at 13.63 miles was the longest stage of the event. In heavy rain and poor visibility, Andreas carefully negotiated the twisty test while Hänninen threw caution to the wind. Hänninen, the reigning IRC champion, completed the stage 13.9 seconds quicker than Andreas, turning a 2.7 second deficit into an 11.2 second lead. It was the largest margin between the pair during the entire rally, and with just three stages remaining the top two positions were confirmed.

Andreas cruised through the final two stages to ensure his fantastic performance was rewarded with second position - and his first podium finish for the SKODA UK Motorsport team.

The result puts Hänninen back in the lead of the IRC Drivers' standings, moves Andreas up to sixth in the order and increases SKODA's advantage at the top of the Manufacturers' table.

"I'm really pleased with our performance, because we've been fast all weekend and able to challenge for victory with good pace and rhythm," said Andreas. "I could have gone faster towards the end, but it would have meant taking risks, and finishing on the podium was more important.

"The rain made the stages very slippery and the visibility has been very poor at times. Conditions were tricky, but we had good pace notes, made very few mistakes and showed that we can challenge for rally wins.

"The SKODA UK Motorsport team has done a fantastic job this weekend, Ola and I have done well and it's been a great result for SKODA, with three cars on the podium - and congratulations to Juho on a good win."

The next round of the 2011 IRC is the Czech Rally Zlin (26-28 August).

Azores Rally results
1. Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (SKODA Fabia S2000) 2hrs 19mins 03.8secs
2. Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (SKODA Fabia S2000) +42.3secs
3. Jan Kopecký/Petr Starý (SKODA Fabia S2000) +1mins 46.0secs
4. Bryan Bouffier/Xavier Panseri (Peugeot 207 S2000) +3mins 36.2secs
5. Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (SKODA Fabia S2000) +4mins 33.3secs
6. Ricardo Moura/Sandro Eiró (Mitsubishi Lancer) +6mins 07.0secs

New advert for Tour de France TV coverage

A new SKODA TV advert is being screened every day during coverage of this year's Tour de France, to underline our role as the official supplier of support vehicles for the event. It also launches a new UK brand message for our cycling-related activities: "SKODA. For every stage of the ride."

The exciting and fast-paced advert will be aired every day throughout the Tour de France on ITV1 and ITV4. It will be shown during the highlight programmes, between 7pm and 8pm, and in review shows on the days when there is no racing taking place.

The official Tour de France application for smartphones and the iPad is also co-branded with SKODA, to strengthen our associations with cycling even further.

Andreas Mikkelsen to contest Rally Finland

Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene will contest the Neste Oil Rally Finland (28-30 July), round eight of the FIA World Rally Championship, in a SKODA Fabia S2000. The car will be run by Volkswagen Motorsport, to give the team WRC experience ahead of its own programme with the Polo R WRC in 2013.

It will also give the 22-year-old FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy driver useful practice on gravel, as he hits the middle of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge season.

This year's Rally Finland will be Andreas' 19th WRC start. He made his WRC debut aged just 17, at the 2006 Wales Rally GB. At the same event last year, he finished first in the S-WRC category and 10th overall in a Fabia S2000. He has contested Rally Finland twice before, in 2007 and 2008.

Volkswagen Motorsport will run a second SKODA Fabia S2000 for 26-year-old Finn Joonas Lindroos, who will be co-driven by Pasi Kilpeläinen.

The 61st Rally Finland will be based in Jyväskylä in central Finland, 170 miles north of Helsinki. The event used to be called the '1000 Lakes Rally', owing to it being held in the country's central lakeland district. It is also known affectionately as the 'Finnish Grand Prix', relating to the incredibly high speeds drivers reach on the undulating forest gravel stages.

SKODA the talk of Goodwood

Last weekend's warm weather brought motoring fans out in their droves for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and all many of them could talk about was SKODA, thanks to our 'mean' and 'lovely' stand and the drama of the forest rally stage. Dr Winfried Vahland, chairman of the board of Directors at SKODA Auto, also flew in specially to witness our biggest event in the UK this year.

Our incredible stand had people queueing to watch the antics of lovely and mean actors re-enacting our famous Fabia TV adverts. Children in particular loved creating their own cookies and helping kind bakers to make cakes, before moving on to the Mean Room to be entertained by surly engineers, and by a caged and growling Fabia vRS that lurched forwards at regular intervals.

The stunning RS 2000 concept roadster that was unveiled at Wrthersee in Juneattracted lots of attention as well. Visitors could also learn all about the Yeti and Superb on our stand, an impressive two-storey structure incorporating the brand's new corporate identity and including a VIP area where special guests could relax and enjoy refreshments, complete with a balcony overlooking the rest of the festival.

At the top of the Goodwood hill, meanwhile, nobody could fail to notice that SKODA was sponsoring the rally stage. Several stands incorporating cars old and new, rally simulators, radio-controlled cars, merchandise and the SKODA UK Motorsport team underlined our rallying heritage and current successes.

On the course itself, SKODA Auto driver Juho Hänninen thrilled onlookers in his Fabia Super 2000 as he gave Dr Vahland and others unforgettable co-drives. Dr Vahland and a few guests also got to drive some of our most cherished vintage cars up the hill itself. SKODA UK Motorsport's Andreas Mikkelsen also displayed his rallying skills on the Sunday, after flying in from competing in Italy.

SKODA's rallying heritage was underlined further by the presence of the Volkswagen Group UK Apprentice Rally Team, which turned in creditable times in its Fabia despite serious problems on the Friday, and by the Simpsons SKODA-sponsored rally car driven by Jonny Greer.

Robert Hazelwood, Director of SKODA UK, was delighted by the success of the entire weekend. "SKODA's presence at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed is massive," he said. "The brand is all over the rally stage, and our stand in the main paddock area is simply stunning. Visitors are really enjoying everything we have laid on for them, and it's been a real pleasure to welcome Dr Vahland and his wife, Ingrid, to show them how SKODA is clearly growing and evolving in the UK."

Play the video below to seehow much visitors enjoyedour lovely and mean stand at Goodwood.

To see more pictures and news from this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed click here.

Bonneville Speed Week car - exclusive pictures

The exclusive pictures below show our 600PS Octavia vRS undergoing shakedown tests at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire, ahead of its attempt to break the 200mph barrier in August.

This stunning one-off car has been entered into the production car category at Bonneville Speed Week in the USA (August 13 to 20), to celebrate 10 years of vRS in the UK. Our technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the car for several months, modifying its design and performance to give us a chance of entering the 200mph club - one of the most exclusive in motoring.

Latest updates on Evo website

Evo magazine Journalist Richard Meaden is the man who will be behind the wheel of our car at Bonneville. Log on to the Evo website to read his blogs about the project, and to learn more about how the vehicle was converted into a 200mph supercar.

"The car was brand new - it had just eight miles on the clock," says project consultant Ricky Elder on the website.

"The whole interior and trim was removed before an extra-tough roll cage was fitted, designed to dissipate energy if the car crashes at 200mph. If it all goes wrong at 200mph there's nothing to hit; you can crash for 1000 yards, easy."

The standard engine was strengthened and given a gas-flowed head, but the biggest change was the arrival of a monstrous Garrett G-05 turbocharger, the sort normally used for hyper-tuned Nissan Skylines and Mitubishi Evos.

"The size of the turbo means it probably won't start spooling until 4,500rpm," says Ricky. "It effectively has two compressor blades sat on top of each other. In theory you get twice as much air on to twice as many blades as a stock turbo. The engine will rev to around 7,800rpm, with peak power coming between 7,300rpm and 7,600rpm."

To give the car its 200mph capability it's been fitted with a gearbox from an Octavia GreenLine, which means that 7,700rpm should work out as 201mph in fifth gear. Different tyres and wheels will also be taken to allow the gearing to be altered - at 200mph the wheels are still going to be 'slipping' by between six and 12 per cent, depending on the salt conditions.

Click here for the full report on Evo's website.

Bonneville Octavia vRS: exclusive pictures

Hänninen wins Acropolis Rally with Red Bull SKODA

Juho Hänninen and the Red Bull SKODA team won the Acropolis Rally in Greece last weekend
(16-19 June), one of the most difficult events in the rallying calendar. This victory puts Juho top of the 2011 S-WRC drivers' championship.

Although he was one of the fastest drivers right from the start, Juho was careful to avoid the mistakes and technical problems that plagued some of his opponents. He was second until stage six, keeping the gap between himself and leader Ott Tänak (Ford) reasonably small. Minor problems and a slight collision with a rock slowed the Finn a little, but when Tänak was forced to retire during stage seven, Juho increased his lead over Bernardo Sousa (also Ford) to claim victory by almost five minutes.

Juho paid tribute to his Red Bull SKODA team after clinching his first victory of the season, which gives him a nine-point lead in the drivers' standings as he heads to his home event in Finland next month.

"It's been a great weekend for our team, for me and Mikko, as well as the entire championship," he said. "It's been the most difficult Acropolis Rally in history, and I wish to thank all the guys in the team. We are going to the next event in Finland, my home country, as the championship leaders - it's great!"

Head of the team Raimund Baumschlager was thrilled, too: "The whole team put in an excellent performance. We had everything under control and Juho showed how brilliant he is on gravel. It's been a great weekend for the whole team."

SKODA doing its bit for grassroots rallying

All 21 members of the team photographed last year.

Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene may be grabbing headlines in this year's Intercontinental Rally Challenge, but did you know that SKODA is also involved in the sport at grassroots level with a team of apprentices?

The Volkswagen Group Apprentice Motorsport Team was born last year, when 21 first, second and third-year apprentices decided to challenge for honours in the British Rally Championship. They just need one thing - a car.

That's where SKODA came in. We loaned the group an ex-rally Fabia for them to work on, to bring it up to road and then rally standards. Months of hard work and trials later they entered their first rally in May - and got a podium place by finishing third in their class.

This encouraging result was followed last weekend at the Midlands Rally in Hinckley (17 and 18 June), where the team climbed to the top of the podium after finishing first in their class.

"This project gives the apprentices skills that money can't buy," said Dave Vardy, Apprenticeship Technical Training Manager at the National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes.

"It opens up the world beyond the workshop, giving them much broader experience of our industry and making them better at what they do - and therefore more valuable to the network and the Group.

"There was a real buzz around the NLC when SKODA stepped in to loan the Fabia. The apprentices take real pride in working on the car and are hugely excited to be taking part in competitive rallying."

The Apprentice Motorsport Team's next competitive outing ison 7August at Ditton Priors in Shropshire, but they will also be attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of our sponsorship of the Forest Rally Stage.

You can also keep up to date with the team's fortunes on Facebook (search for'Volkswagen Group Advanced Apprenticeship Programme') and on Twitter (follow 'VWGAAP').

Local Paper tests Octavia Greenline

News Clipping: Skoda Superb Greenline II SE

News Clipping: Skoda Octavia vs VW Jetta

News Clipping: Skoda Superb at 6,322 miles

News Clipping: Skoda Yeti Elegance 2.0 TDI CR 4x4 review

News Clipping: Boot Camp Estate Workout

Skoda takes on Bonneville Speed Week - at 200mph

Skoda UK is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.

A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world-famous Bonneville Speed Week in the USA (August 13 to 20). Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier.

Our technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik. The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance, including lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame that houses a race-prepared intercooler.

The car retains its production-standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. The engine generatesup to 600PS and drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix) rather than unleaded petrol.

Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Skoda's largest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS, and more than 12,000 cars have been sold since launch.

Skoda UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: "The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary, and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It's also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Skoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits."

Read all about it!

Skoda UK's Press and PR department has secured Dennis Publishing (publisher of EVO, Auto Express and Octane) and The Daily Telegraph as media partners for this event.

The car will be driven by the well-respected journalist, and highly regarded driver, Richard Meaden (right). He has already started a blog about this attempt to break the 200mph barrier - read the first two installments via the links below.

Nick Trott (EVO Editor) has started on online Skoda Bonneville discussion here and you can read more about the event here.

> Richard Meaden blog week one

> Richard Meaden blog week two

More about Bonneville and the car

The Octavia vRS is entered into the 2.0-litre production car category and will race over a nine-mile straight, which includes a timed mile in the middle. Performance through that section determines the class winner.

The Bonneville salt flats begin 90 miles west of Salt Lake City and cover about 50 square miles of north-western Utah. It has been the spiritual home to high-speed racing for almost a century, and each August a variety of hot rods, roadsters, motorcycles and diesel trucks compete in Speed Week.

See the table below for a full comparison between a standard Octavia vRS and the Bonneville car.

See the future at Canary Wharf

Skoda is once again turning heads at Motor Expo, which this year incorporates an event called Drive the Future - and you can get in free.

The events are being held at Canary Wharf in London. Doors open 10am-6pm until Saturday 11 Juneand 11am-5pm on Sunday 12 June.

Motorexpo is the world's biggest free-to-visit motoring event. Held at high-profile business locations around the globe, it showcases the latest vehicles from the world's leading car manufacturers.

Our display in Jubilee Park, in the heart of the Canary Wharf estate, includes a range of models plus the Top Gear Yeti and helicopter, which are once again attracting a lot of attention.

Drive The Future is the UK's first fully interactive event that allows thousands of everyday motorists get behind the wheels of low-carbon vehicles, including GreenLine models. It gives people the chance to better understand the financial benefits of new technology vehicles and helps them in their buying decisions.

Both events are completely free, so any retailer staff near Canary Wharf this week can pop along to see our display.

Click here for more about Motorexpo and Drive the Future.

Mikkelsen makes it three Skodas in top four in Ukraine

Skoda UK Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen stamped his authority on this year's Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), as he set set three fastest stage times and claimed fourth place at the Prime Yalta Rally in Ukraine. He and co-driver Ola Fløene were just 57.3 seconds behind the winner, Skoda Motorsport's Juho Hänninen, after losing an estimated two minutes with a puncture, two spins and a crash during the three-day rally.

Their outstanding never-give-up performance, and in particular their fightback after a puncture and ingenuity in repairing the Fabia S2000 after a crash, drew many admiring glances from the watching crowds and rally journalists. It was also enough to earn them the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy, awarded by a three-man judging panel consisting ofJimmy McRae, Gilbert Roy from Eurosport and Jean-Pierre Nicolas, Motorsport Development Manager for the IRC.

It was a fantastic rally for Skoda. Victory sees Hänninen take the lead in the IRC, becoming the first driver to win seven rounds of the series, while his Skoda Motorsport team-mate Jan Kopecký was third - ensuring that three Fabia S2000s finished in the top four. Skoda leads the Manufacturers' series, while Hänninen and Kopecký are first and second in the Drivers' standings.

It was an impressive performance by Andreas, who set seven top-three stage times during the 14-stage event. The 21-year-old dropped from fourth to eighth after a puncture on SS4, but he charged back up the leaderboard by setting the fastest time on the next stage, despite losing the brakes towards the end - a result of the puncture damaging the cooling system.

Andreas was faster over every stage when they were repeated in the afternoon, even with brake problems and a high-speed spin, to end day two back in fourth.

On day three, Andreas set fastest times on SS9 and SS11 to halve the gap to Kopecký to just 12.9 seconds. He was then enjoying a 'perfect' SS12 when he spun off the road three corners from the end of the stage, losing 20 seconds. Emergency repairs to the car on the following road section saw Andreas tie a tow rope around a lamp post to help pull the bodywork away from the rear right tyre.

With Kopecký 22.3 seconds ahead and just two stages remaining, the fight for third was over. But fourth was still a magnificent achievement, and Andreas' best result in this year's IRC.

"Performance-wise it's been very good and the whole team has done a fantastic job," said Andreas. "It's also a great honour to be awarded the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy. He's a legend in rallying and definitely I figure I look up to, so I really appreciate this prize.

"We were a bit unlucky on this rally with the puncture, and when we slid off, because we were having a very good battle with Kopecký. I really feel that the whole team deserves a podium because they are doing an incredible job, so hopefully that will come soon. We definitely have the speed to be up there fighting, because our pace is really good."

The next round of the IRC is the Geko Ypres Rally in Belgium (23-25 June).

Prime Yalta Rally (Ukraine) final positions

1. Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (Skoda Fabia S2000).2hr 27mins 06.6secs
2. Bryan Bouffier/Xavier Panseri (Peugeot 207 S2000).+11.7secs
3. Jan Kopecký/Petr Starý (Skoda Fabia S2000).+38.7secs
4. Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (Skoda Fabia S2000).+57.3secs
5. Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Peugeot 207 S2000).+4min 00.4secs
6. Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Peugeot 207 S2000).+5mins 01.5secs
7. Toni Gardemeister/Tapio Suominen (Skoda Fabia S2000).+7mins 59.3secs
8. Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (Skoda Fabia S2000).+10mins 01.3secs
9. Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (Skoda Fabia S2000).+18mins 08.9secs
10. Jean-Michael Raoux/Laurent Magat (Renault Clio R3).+21mins 42.9secs

IRC Drivers' points (after round four)

1. Hänninen.58pts
2. Kopecký.55pts
3. Bouffier.49pts
4. Neuville.48pts
5. Loix.45pts
6. Wilks.35pts
7. Mikkelsen.28pts
8. Magalhaes.14pts

IRC Manufacturers' points (after round four)

1. Skoda.146pts
2. Peugeot.134pts
3. Subaru.34pts
4. M-Sport.29pts
5. Honda.23pts
6. Ralliart.18pts

Souped-up Fabia range wows crowds at Wrthersee

Fabia gains fans at this year's GTI-Treffen event at Lake Wrthersee, where our most souped-up models are on display from1 to4 June. The Fabia Super 2000, sporty vRS and all-action Monte Carlo models are in the thick of the action at the 30th annual meeting, in Austria.

"These days, the GTI-Treffen is rightly hailed by fans of powerful engines and sporty customization as the Mecca of car tuning," said CEO Prof Dr Winfried Vahland. "Anyone who comes to the event once never wants to miss another year of this fascinating get-together. The jubilee year of 2011 is a welcome opportunity for us to show off our sports models and make sure that everyone knows that Skoda really has something to offer here."

The Fabia vRS 2000 concept car has been developed and built specifically for the GTI-Treffen. Drawing on the successful Fabia Super 2000 rally car, Skoda's designers have created an original roadster pursuing a single goal - dynamism and the joy of sporty driving. Based on Skoda Motorsport's rally car, the Fabia vRS 2000 offers plenty of room for four occupants to climb in and sit in the car with ease.

Motorsports fans can look forward to the Fabia Super 2000, which was unbeatable last season as it dominated the Intercontinental Rally Challenge world championship series. At Wrthersee, Skoda is presenting the race-winning car, in which Austrian driver Raimund Baumschlager won his 10th Austrian rally championship. Raimund made a personal appearance at the Skoda stand yesterday, 2 June.

Besides exhibiting cars, the Skoda stand, which covers an area of 600 square metres, hosts plenty of events for visitors. Motorsport fans will have the chance to take part in a rally simulation, experience a free fall, and race remote-controlled models.

Winners of Facebook 'mean and lovely' competition collect their prizes

Facebook's meanest and loveliest people have been awarded a Fabia vRS and Fabia Greenline II. More than 9,000 people entered the competition that ran from 1 November 2010 to 31 January 2011 to coincide with the award-winning 'Made of meaner stuff' advert. The commercial, a darker twist on the highly acclaimed 'Full of lovely stuff' advert, featured snakes, venom and mean-looking characters to highlight how the vRS model of the Fabia is more aggressive than its lovely relative.

The competition, part of the multi-million pound launch campaign for the Fabia vRS, worked by scanning entrants' Facebook profiles to judge how lovely or mean they are. Points were awarded for activity such as how many friends the entrant had on Facebook or how many times they wished people happy birthday. Friends could also award the entrant mean and lovely points to each other in a bid to win.

Meanest entrant wins a Fabia vRS

Matthew Browne, from Llanelli, collected his Fabia vRS from his local retailer, Sinclair Skoda. He said: "I am absolutely delighted with the car. I saw the advert on television and really liked it, so when I heard about the competition I entered. I had no idea I am so mean!"

Loveliest entrant wins a Fabia GreenLine II

Collecting her eco-friendly Fabia GreenLine II from Willis Skoda in London, Bobby Green from Essex said: "Oh my gosh, this is fantastic! I am genuinely a lovely person and make a real effort to keep in touch with people on Facebook. I can't believe Skoda has rewarded me in such an amazing way - the car is better than I could possibly imagine. I'd like to thank them very much, they are lovely too!"

Heidi Cartledge, Skoda UK Head of Marketing, commented: "The competition was a success with Facebook users and it caused a real buzz throughout the social networking community. We're really pleased to hand over the cars to the winners and it's great to see how much they love them already. To make things easier for Matthew and Bobby, we've also paid for 12 months' tax and insurance, so all we have to do now is wish them happy motoring."

Yeti is number one at inaugural Honest John awards

The multi-award-winning Yeti has done it again, taking the Car of the Year title and the Best Crossover honour at the first ever Honest John awards.

The Octavia and Superb Estate were also shortlisted in the Small Family Car and Large Family Car categories.

The Honest John awards are different to other honours because they are not voted for by a panel of judges. Instead, they are decided by the number of hits vehicles receive on the Honest John website.

Put simply, the winners are decided by the road test reports that create the most interest among Honest John users. The site gets about 1.4 million visits every month, with most people reading road tests in the car-by-car review section.

Honest John Editor Daniel Harrison said the Yeti had captured the imagination of the website's users: "The Skoda Yeti is a smash hit, attracting more interest over the past year than any other car. Current owners won't be surprised; they tell us they find it practical, solidly built, well equipped and hatchback-like in the way it drives.

"Interest in the Yeti is at an all-time high, which is particularly impressive when you consider it's up against some strong competition in both the Crossover and Car of the Year categories."

Fabia GreenLine II achieves 1,246 miles on a single tank of fuel

Economy driving world champion Gerhard Plattner has driven a Fabia GreenLine II 1,246 miles on a single 45-litre tank of fuel. He drove from Reutte in Austria to Bov in Denmark and back to achieve this incredible feat, averaging 127.8 miles per gallon.

Austrian-based Gerhard used Germany's longest motorway, the A7, to outstrip the car's official fuel consumption figure of 83.1 miles per gallon (combined).

The trip was supervised by the International Police Motor Corporation (IPMC), which also sealed the fuel tank before Gerhard set out from Reutte."

The Skoda GreenLine models are perfect for fuel-efficient driving," said Gerhard at the end of his mammoth drive. "Not only is that important for one's own wallet, but also for lowering environmental pollution.

"With a fuel consumption well below the specified norm, I wanted to show that besides the car manufacturers, every driver can contribute to reduce environmental pollution."

Dr Eckhard Scholz, Head of Technical Development for Skoda Auto, said: "We work hard to reduce the fuel consumption in our vehicles. The primary goal of these efforts is to offer efficient technology at affordable prices, and our second-generation GreenLine models meet this requirement perfectly.

"The Fabia GreenLine is going to show what can be achieved by combining refined technology with economy driving."

Guardian reviewer falls for 'classy charms' of Superb GreenLine II

Romantic tales are normally the preserve of flick chicks and Mills and Boon books. But car reviewer Martin Love recently told Guardian online readers how he had fallen hook, line and sinker for the Superb GreenLine II.

"Gaze into the steady beams of its headlamps and you too might fall for the Superb's classy charms," he said.

Specifically, it was the self-levelling feature that got Martin hot under the collar. It's what he described as a "surprise and delight" feature: one of those small details that can make all the difference to undecided customers.

"Car makers invest huge resources into perfecting these superficial trifles," he said. "The reassuring clunk of a door, the rubbery nub of a tactile indicator stalk, the balletic unfolding of a drink holder - these aren't design solutions, they are the salesman's hook.

"These elements are called 'surprise and delight' features, and Skoda's Superb had one that made me swoon. When you turn on the lights, the twin lamps raise their beams like swans uncurling their long necks, then cross flirtatiously before settling back into their tracks, gazing steadily into the darkness. It's a gimmick, obviously, but it's the sort of detail that could clinch a potential sale."

The economy credentials of our entire GreenLine II range also caught his eye: "The GreenLine cars are all 'slippy', a reference to their reduced air drag, have stop/start systems, make gear-change recommendations, recuperate battery energy and have dizzyingly efficient diesel engines. The results are amazing. For instance, the Fabia, the baby of the group, can cover 930 miles on a single tank of petrol - you could drive from London to Prague without refilling (if your bladder could cope).

"So when your heart falls for those lights, your head will be more than happy to back it up."

Click here to read Martin Love's review in full.

Auto Express - Power Driver 2011 - The Top 100

More than 23,000 voted for their favourite new cars of 2011, making Driver Power the biggest survey of its type in the UK.

Skoda's domination of this year's survey is plain to see. Three out the top four models come from the Czech firm's range, which now looks stronger than ever before.

At the top of the pile sits Skoda's Superb. The flagship model is part executive saloon, part full-sized family car and all-round superstar. Pioneering an innovative twin saloon/hatchback bodystyle in entry-level form, the Superb is also available as a classy estate.

As far as we can tell, only badge prejudice prevents the load-lugger from tempting buyers away from premium badged German rivals. If you're buying an executive saloon, a family car or even an MPV and the Superb isn't on your shortlist - it should be!

Joining our trio of Skodas to complete the top five is the Jaguar XF, which finishes in third place, and the Nissan Qashqai, which takes fifth.

Read more: as a PDF

Read more online: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Auto Express - Power Driver 2011 - Top 10 by Maker

The Czech champions have done it again! Combined ratings for Skoda's unbeatable range have led to an incredible 89.01 percent average score. This tally covers the top ten models reported on in the Top 100, old and new, and proves the firm has been making top-quality cars for many years.

• SKODA - 89.01%
• LEXUS - 87.07%
• JAGUAR - 86.86%
• HYUNDAI - 86.34%
• PORSCHE - 85.87%
• SUBARU - 85.52%
• AUDI - 85.23%
• VOLVO - 85.22%
• BMW - 85.09%
• MERCEDES - 85.09%

Read more: as a PDF

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk

Podium places for Skoda rally drivers

Skoda rally drivers have enjoyed a great weekend (5-6 March) on both sides of the Atlantic.

Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene completed an excellent two-day test in their Skoda UK Motorsport Fabia S2000 by finishing first at Corsica's Ronde De La Giraglia. In Mexico, meanwhile, Juho Hänninen and Mikko Markkula of Red Bull Skoda finished second in the S2000 class in the opening round of the World Rally Championship. The pair thought they had clinched third after crossing the line, but Barwa Ford driver Nasser Al-Attiyah had victory taken away from him after race organisers disqualified him for a technical infringement.

The regional rally in Corsica fell in the middle of the 12-week gap between the Monte Carlo Rally and round two of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), so Skoda UK Motorsport decided to enter to carry out extra testing.

The course provided a good mix of conditions - ranging from smooth and fast asphalt to twisty, bumpy and abrasive roads - while heavy rain on the eve of the event washed stones and rocks on to mountain roads, making conditions even more difficult in places.

Andreas increased his pace gradually after starting conservatively, while the team experimented with various car set-ups throughout the rally. Andreas drove faultlessly to complete the test as planned, with the added pleasure of winning the event by almost two and a half minutes.

"The main purpose of this rally was to do some miles as part of our IRC preparations," said Andreas. "It was really good training for us in an environment which was a proper rally, not only testing. With the stages here in Corsica repeated, we could gradually increase our speed without taking any risks, because we got to know the roads so well.

"It's been a really good rally and I feel like we are back where we should be. It's great to record Skoda UK Motorsport's first victory of 2011, too!"

Mikkelsen to get early rally run at the Ronde de la Giraglia

Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene are taking part in the Ronde De La Giraglia this weekend (5-6 March) on the Mediterranean island of Corsica in their Skoda UK Motorsport Fabia S2000.

The rally is held in Bastia, on the north-east coast of the island, and has 10 stages in total, the longest being the 15.78 mile (25.4km) Minerbio-Pino test. While they are some distance from the Ajaccio region, where round three of this year's Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) will take place, the stages offer an excellent opportunity to test on asphalt under competition conditions.

With 9 out of twelve IRC rallies on asphalt in 2011, the team will be making excellent use of the time before round two, Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Ingles (14-16 April).

Mikkelsen said: "I've rallied in Corsica twice before, in 2007 and 2008 in the WRC. It's quite abrasive asphalt, so a very good place to test for Gran Canarias. I got a lot of test miles in the Fabia S2000 before the season started, so I feel comfortable in the car, and to get more competition miles on a proper rally before the next round of the IRC will be really good."

Future of Skoda unveiled in Geneva

The press got its first glimpse of Skoda's new corporate identity (CI) and design language at the Geneva motor show today (1 March).

The winged arrow logo has a new, sharper design in more vivid colours, replacing the 'natural green' with the new 'Skoda Green'. The previously black circle has been refashioned into a simple chrome design that's placed further from the winged arrow, giving the logo a more airy feel.

The word 'Skoda' is now placed at the top, outside the circle. Together with the new Skoda Pro typeface, the revitalised logo gives the brand a more modern and youthful image, and makes a clear statement about our growth ambitions.

The new look will be phased in at Skoda retailers worldwide, as showroom architecture and exterior designs are given a complete makeover. One important element will be to ensure that retailers' buildings remain visually striking day and night. The badges on cars produced from 2012 will also be changed to match the new logo and designs.

"We are keen to express the new power of our brand, not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves," said Jrgen Stackmann, the board member responsible for marketing and sales.

"Skoda is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work. All this is clearly reflected by our updated corporate design.

"Our sales outlets are the main place where customers come face to face with the Skoda brand. To enhance this strong element of communication even further, we will be making the layout of our showrooms more relaxed in the coming years.

"Skoda is steadily evolving and it shows. Our new design and fresh outlook reflect our plans for the future."

Evolving car designs provide platform for growth

The brand also revealed a new design concept in Geneva - VisionD. Using modern styling and the latest technology, VisionD displays some characteristic design elements that will distinguish Skoda cars in future. The long wheelbase and short overhangs provide lots of space inside, while a more dynamic roof line integrates fluently with the tailgate.

The new car is striking from the front, with the new logo prominent and an unobtrusively shiny radiator grille. The lights at each corner of the car's front show the face of future Skoda cars, and the C-shaped rear lights have been given a new, stronger look. Also at the rear are small grooves that connect the lights to the registration plate holder; the resulting triangular elements are said to represent a level of precision reminiscent of cut crystal.

There are no plans for the concept car being displayed to go into production, though thanks to its dynamic, imaginative forms, and precision engineering and design, it builds on Skoda's traditional strengths to present an exciting image of the future.

Retailers give CI and car designs the thumbs up

Here's what some retailers had to say at last month's World Dealer Conference, after they were given a sneak preview of the company's new image and designs:

Brian Coe, Vindis, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds:
"I'm looking forward immensely to the next few years. The new cars look very good. The new identity looks exciting and it's a good time to change the badge."

Simon Caffyn, Chief Executive, Caffyns PLC, Kent:
"I was delighted when I saw the new cars. They had a look of real quality about them, which should provide a devastatingly good package with the right price structure. The new CI also looked clean, professional and modern. I was pleased with the mocked-up pictures, which showed how it should be possible to use the new look on most styles of buildings."

John Clark, Arnold Clark Group:
"I was highly impressed by the new cars. They had that high-quality German look. The new showrooms also looked good."

Philip Clare, Jewsons, Oxford:
"Stunning with lovely lines is how I'd describe the new cars. We'll do everything we can to adopt the new CI, although we may need to move to make the most of it."

Steve Kibble, Autosales Ltd, Midlands:
"The new cars look sensational. The new CI is certainly cleaner and sharper, although I did like the old badge."

Rally ace aiming for drivers' 'Top Gun'

Skoda UK Motorsport's Andreas Mikkelsen is one of 19 drivers fighting for a place at the inaugural FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy.

This groundbreaking new project will provide a fully-funded training programme to give upcoming drivers the chance to develop the skills they need to progress their careers.

The FIA Institute has shortlisted 19 drivers who will take part in three days of tests in Melp, Austria, from 6 to 8 February. Only 10 of these will then be invited to join the academy programme.

The shortlist is made up of young drivers from all over the world and features some of the most promising talent in motor racing and rallying, including titleholders from Formula BMW Europe, the F4 Eurocup series and ADAC Formel Masters. They are joined by event winners from the Super 2000 and Junior World Rally Championships and a number of drivers with F1 testing experience.

Former F1 star and two-time Le Mans winner Alex Wurz will lead the academy alongside former World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid. They will evaluate the drivers' fitness and performance, media techniques, teamwork and psychology at the selection event in Austria.

FIA Institute President Professor Sid Watkins said: "The academy programme aims to ensure that our future stars are not just quick but also have the education and attitude that you need to succeed at the very top level. Alex and Robert have done just that and their contribution is invaluable to this important project."

After learning he'd won a place on the shortlist, Andreas told Desktop: "I'm really looking forward to joining the other drivers for the selection event. I'll be going all-out to win a place at the full academy. Learning from motorsport legends such as Alex Wurz and Robert Reid can only boost my chances of scoring valuable points for Skoda UK Motorsport in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge."

Drivers on the shortlist

• Kevin Abbring, 21, Netherlands
• Hamad Ahmed Al Fardan, 23, Bahrain
• Paul-Loup Chatin, 19, France
• Albert Costa, 20, Spain
• Alon Day, 19, Israel
• Philipp Eng, 20, Austria
• Robin Frijns, 19, Netherlands
• Adam Gould, 23, UK
• Timmy Hansen, 18, Sweden
• Egon Kaur, 23, Estonia
• Andreas Mikkelsen, 21, Norway
• Josef Newgarden, 20, USA
• Norman Nato, 18, France
• Alexander Rossi, 19, USA
• Jan Skala, 19, Czech Republic
• Richie Stanaway, 19, New Zealand
• Molly Taylor, 22, Australia
• Stoffel Vandoorne, 18, Belgium
• Joni Wiman, 17, Finland

For more information about the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy click here.

Czech-in Supreme

Original Superb may be a familiar dish but it now has added body. (live White gives it a stir and savours the even fuller flavour.

It seems to be difficult for Skoda's Superb not to accumulate accolades and awards, and now that the estate version's established itself the habit appears set to continue.

But while Skoda proudly displays its ever-increasing trophy count, the leastlauded award in its collection will be the most important to anyone considering the Superb Estate for towing - namely, The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year. Now before you start reminding me that it was the Superb TDI, not this TSI, that did the TCo Y business, I can only say that these two siblings fought tooth and nail, only to be separated by a game and tenacious Ford Mondeo. Phew, it was close.

So close that this creamily-smooth yet slightly-spicier petrol recipe might be more to your taste?

CABIN COMFORT
A notable aspect of the Superb's cabin is its spaciousness. It must offer more room than any competitor, especially for rear-seat passengers, though I can't claim to have taken measurements to prove the point. Nevertheless, if I can adjust the driver's seat for my 6ft frame, then run round and hop in behind it to lounge at full stretch (with the car stationary, of course ... ) I that seems a pretty fair testament to the Skoda's rear legroom to me.

In addition, the estate's full-length roof makes the cabin feel yet more spacious. Skoda claims the load capacity to be the biggest in its class - 633 litres volume with all seats in use; 1,865 litres with rear seats folded. It's practical and well thought out, too, with floor rails for adjustable partitioning and tethering systems.

Boot lighting is configured to provide illumination both within and outside the loading area with one lamp being a removable, rechargeable torch. It's magnetic so is useful for emergencies when it can be attached to the car body (well, obviously not the plastic bits).

There's more convenience available from the extra-cost options list with combined powered tailgate/retracting load cover and a slide-out floor providing, er. .. loads of practicality.

It will escape few people's notice that the Superb's fascia is rather VW-ish, but while the Czech influence doesn't disguise it, enough East European flavour pervades the cabin to make it a Skoda. It also ensures that you get neatly-arranged controls that operate with good tactile quality into the bargain.

Talking of bargains, Skodas may not be the budget cars they once were, but take into account the comfort, quality and equipment - especially in this well-specified Elegance model- and they still look pretty good against their competitors. There's even an umbrella stowed in the rear door.

DRIVING DYNAMICS
Turbocharged petrol engines are enjoying something of a revival, this being the second in a trio of such vehicles to come the way of the Towcar Test recently. But these aren't the throttle-lagging, all-or-nothing turbos of earlier generations, their forced induction now being far more integrated and, in many instances, subtle enough for the blower's activation to be hardly noticed.

The benefits are that the engine delivers diesel-like torque, with strong pulling power available from low engine speeds right up through the rev range giving satisfying flexibility. Expect smoothness, refinement and the free-revving ability that even the best diesels can only dream of.

Downsides? Well, these petrol turbos around the 1.8/2.0-litre mark return pretty reasonable fuel economy, but are maybe not yet frugal enough to worry similar-capacity turbodiesels.

The Superb TSI's 1.8 is hooked up to what we now know is a 7-speed DSG (dual-shift) gearbox, though having been originally informed it was 6-speed I was doubting my ability to count. Having said that, many gear shifts were imperceptible, so adding up gears without paying attention to the tachometer was difficult. There was the odd time, however, when the transmission got a bit flustered if worked hard. Sequential manual gear selection is possible if preferred.

Some drivers might like the steering to feel a little weightier, but it's nicely geared, accurate and contributes to the agile feeling of this substantial car. Ride is controlled and comfortable on reasonable roads, though it can feel skittish on rough surfaces.

PULLING PERFORMANCE
Superb TSI obviously arrived for test with an impressive track record, but everyday on-road usage can show different talents, or defects, away from the competition arena.

The Skoda presented no difficulties with towing-mirror fitting - clamp or strap attachments should be okay - nor with hitching. But the hinged 13-pin plug swivels clockwise to disappear behind the bumper when twisting in the socket - and you won't be looping the breakaway cable through the small eyelet provided.

Where the solo TS I trundled around almost silently, towing often produced more engine noise, though without the gravelly tones associated with diesels. However, with diesel-like torque from just l,500rpm and remaining right through to 4,500rpm, performance is impressive, as 0-60mph in 14 seconds confirms. Mid-range times of 30-50mph in 6.4sec and 40-60mph in 7sec also show that the TSI-propelled outfit won't get in too many people's way.

The DSG gearbox generally handles towing well, maintaining its usual smooth and well-timed changes up and down the ratios. But there were a couple of conditions that seemed to foil it: accelerating from almost stationary, when indecision between choosing 1st or 2nd gear crept in; and steep hills provoked a spot of cog hunting. In both cases, the resulting gear shifts tended to be uncharacteristically snatchy. Perhaps dual clutches duelling (about which gear to release from their clutches ... )?

Like solo, the Superb was composed when towing, its steering just as accurate, its handling just as surefooted. Ride only deteriorated on badly-degraded or undulating surfaces, but it was mostly a joy to wind along country roads. Motorways, too, produced relaxed, drama-free towing at any speed with near undisturbed stability.

VERDICT
The estate's a larger portion of Superb, but just as easy to digest. A sort of car comfort food - very tasty.