Skoda is set to embark on a new model blitz in order to reach its target of selling 1.5 million cars per year by 2018.
Inside sources at the highest level have confirmed a rash of new models is on the way, including an all-new seven-seat SUV which is on the brink of being given the green light by senior management. When it does, it is set to go on sale at the end of 2016, priced to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
It’s understood that the new SUV will be built using VW Group MQB architecture and, like the current Yeti, will be available in front- or four-wheel drive form. A five-seat configuration will be standard and a third row of seats that can fold away into the boot floor will be an option. It will be powered by existing VW group petrol and diesel engines, with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine being the entry-level option.
Engineering sources have confirmed that four-wheel drive versions will have a "lots of off-road capability" with the expectation that it will be able to cope with quite testing conditions and have good towing credentials too.
The new model programme will start as early as this October, though, with the arrival of the all-new Skoda Fabia. The estate version, promising class-leading boot space for a supermini-derived wagon, will go on sale three months later.
Next year it’s also expected that we’ll see the arrival of the all-new Skoda Superb hatchback and estate. Again it will be build on MQB underpinnings and sources indicate that it will not be any longer than the current car. A significantly longer wheelbase and greater width will give both versions even more cabin and luggage space that the current offerings, though. The hatch version is also expected to drop the complex dual tailgate, in favour of a conventional fifth door.
The styling of the next-generation Superb is said to be heavily influenced by the recent Vision C concept, and so it will have crisper lines and the saloon will have a more coupé-like profile.
As before, the Superb will probably be offered in four-wheel drive form, although this third-generation model won’t have the option of V6 petrol or diesel engines. The range-topper is likely to be a 280bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol model.
Further out, Skoda bosses are mulling over a third SUV for the line-up which is likely to be a sportier crossover model, described by an insider as "a good-value BMW X4 or Range Rover Evoque". A baby Nissan Juke-rivalling car has been ruled out on the grounds that it can only be sold in Europe and can’t work in China.
Skoda bosses have also ruled out making niche models such as a sports car or coupé for the time being. It’s believed that the firm wants to get to 2018 targets only by operating in large established segments.
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Remember that the pic is
Also, to the haters, remember this - Skoda are consistently winning award after award, the Fabia and Octavia between them have sold 8 million, the new Fabia has yet to be seen UNDISGUISED by the general public but has been seen by retailers and it's a cracker according to an insider in the trade.
Skoda certainly know what they are doing, as do VW Group as a whole, (apart from SEAT with poor sales and a dodgy build quality), as sales are rising and rising and 2 models are in the european top 20.
skorob wrote:Remember that
I can't deny Skoda are doing something right and are wiping the floor with VW, Audi and SEAT when it comes to customer satisfaction, reliability and dealer service. But the fact remains, with the exception of the Yeti, their cars all look like shit!
New Fabia Revealed
The design, especially the rear reminds me of an old seat Ibiza.
If I was a car designer, I would get nil points for this attempt.
Marcus1701 wrote:New Skoda
Still disguised on EVERY panel. Just wait until you see final version in 6 weeks. Big surprise :-)
It's funny how everyone
RSkoda wrote:It's funny how
I agree that we shouldn't get too carried away with the image of the 7 seater, but having seen all the pics of the actual (thinly disguised) new Fabia out on test we all know that the Skoda sketch is very stylised and not an accurate portrayal.
catnip wrote:RSkoda
The 'thinly disguised' prototype as you call t has disguising on EVERY panel.The sketch is very close to the actual model.Look at released sketches of Vision C Concept, and then look at the released car, virtually identical. That 7 seater though, it's a Bentley concept restyled! Hideous and the new Skoda SUV wont look like that.
skorob wrote:catnip wrote: I
I have to disagree. As you say, its disguised on the panels, but the main body structure, showing the shape and proportions, is there for all to see. And its those aspects that are very different from the sketch Skoda are now showing.
NEw Fabia continued
The Fabia as is evident from the spy pictures retains a few design bits from the current model like the C-pillar. However, it gets more angular details than the existing model. Although, it looks like the new car has grown in dimensions which might be a possibility, the interesting part is the wheelbase looks longer and might create more interior space.
The 2015 Fabia won’t be built on VW’s modern MQB platform as rumoured earlier. Instead, the car will be underpinned by the same architecture albeit with a few revisions. This was done to save costs and the fact that the Rapid shares its platform with the Fabia which gives them economy of scale.
It is likely to be powered by the two turbocharged petrol units – the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TSI engines. The diesel model will be powered by the 1.6-litre TDI engine and maybe a three-pot 1.0-litre engine.
I`m not saying that It wont be a good car, but the design flair isn't keeping up with the competition. I don't know why, accountants may now ordering the designers pencils. Not having a Vrs will be a huge marketing issue for them. I would only buy the Vrs model as its a powerful all arounder and it has excellent equipment plus its practical.
But lets wait and see if it look like the skoda image or almost uncovered car on the internet