Are Skodas really overpriced in Singapore?

[Miketow]

I was just checking out the prices at the Motorshow. (the show was a complete rip off btw)

 

Octavia A4 (Old Model) - 59K

Octavia A5 (New Model) - 69K

 

As a reasonably high quality continental, the stand alone prices offered does look quite ok to me.

 

Most continentals (Ford/Opel/Citreon/PG) of the same size and spec cost about the high 60K to mid 70K region anyway.

 

The VW Jetta is probably going to set anyone back in the the high 80K or even low 90K region...so the Octavia at 70K - looks OK.

 

IMO.

[Try_conti]

The Octy Tour aka Octy A4, is reasonable for that price.

 

A5 - siao. With that kind of spec & ask for that premium .....

 

Just compare the A4 & A5 specs, not much big hoo-ha to justify that kind of price.

 

But then, what's the OMV for the A5 ?

[Koolaba]

I have no qualms that the above pricing looks fine when Skoda IS already an established marque in Singapore. If CA is keen to increase the market share of Skoda in Singapore, the selling prices should be made more attractive while establishing the brand acceptance.

 

To many buyers in our local market, the goodies count is a pull factor. Just compare the specifications of the Ford Focus with the Skoda Octavia II (A5) for example. The latter looks very bare in comparison.

 

No doubt the Octavia is equipped with nice details like e.g. a relatively flat undercarriage with little protrusions, door hinges which can regulate the door opening at 4 angles, double layer insulation under the floor carpet, these are intangible qualities which are difficult to attract the attention of the prospective buyers.

[Tashi]

hi bro

Agree on the points, except that pricing is not an absolute. For an established brand in a particular locale, normally the escalating pricing structure can still be accepted by early adopters, mass adopters and late-stage adopters (or would-be) alike.

 

However, for emerging brands, then the pricing must have some flexibility to attract NON-enthusiasts (typically NOT early adopters) to at least consider buying the product. In this case, Skoda is considered only an emerging brand in Singapore, with a previous scarring baggage that only serves as a grim reminder of the problems of its past in Singapore. So pricing has to be kept VERY competitive for the typical mass adopter to at least consider the Skoda brand on its merits AND its price, in relation to its scarred past in Singapore.

 

The Octy Tour at 59k is decent pricing of course, agreed. But the Octy II needs a little flexibility in its pricing.

 

bless

tashi

[Slonez]

Personally I like Skoda Octavia, even the A4.

But I think the pricing of the distributor is .

Otherwise it should not be the case whereby there seems to be more Skoda taxis than private cars on our roads.

Sad

[Fluffy]

the A4 only had 2 speakers, no rear speakers.

 

for $59k you would expect at least 4 speakers, no?

[Try_conti]

maybe can bargain with SEs on this ...

[Slonez]

How come suddenly talk abt speakers here

[Try_conti]

Not too sure if its the pricing issue here. More like brand awareness. Skoda doesn't even come to most ppl's mind even when you mention conti ride.

 

CA need to create more exposure for the brand. Even taxis cover the Skoda logo. What do you expect the public to know about the brand ?

[Try_conti]

we're talking about price & hence value for money is part of the implied issue mah ....

[Slonez]

In the near future, when you think taxi, you think Skoda

[Fluffy]

i'm saying, skoda sold here are very poorly spec. even speakers also only offer you only 2.

 

in UK, skodas are value for money. Not here in singapore..........

[Try_conti]

its happening now already. whenever I have to fly off, I always call for Skoda cab fm Jurong to airport

 

no more crown, merc, cedric etc, etc...

[Miketow]

I absolutely agree that Skoda needs to price down to get people more excited about buying a brand with poor brand equity.

 

However, I believe that CA & Skoda want to firmly entrench the Skoda brand with its continental peers - and as such, they have priced themselves with the market.

 

Practically, I dont see how pricing the new Octavia at Jap levels for now and then eventually pricing it back at Ford Focus/Astra levels in the future will raise less frustration as it alreday is doing now.

 

I think CA/Skoda is looking at the long term rather then ganering short term unit sales. CA/Skoda has chosen and we wish them best of luck. If they can suceed with this strategy, it will be better for Skoda in the long term.

[Echelon]

Here are some picture comparison between the A4 and A5. Skoda car's are well made, of good quality and build, pricing just needs to be more aggressive.

Edited November 21, 2006 by Echelon

[Try_conti]

Is it me or is the Tour lower than Octy2 ? Sure seems to be like that from the photos.

[Tashi]

hi bro

Could it be that the Tour's owner has lowered the suspension? :-)

 

bless

tashi

[Tyremans]

the price is a bit steep. i like the new rs. but now not able to afford