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VW Singapore plots Skoda comeback Volkswagen-owned Czech brand Skoda is making a comeback, yet again. But this time, it is parent group Volkswagen which will do its own importing and retailing here. Volkswagen Group Singapore - the manufacturer-owned importer and retailer of Volkswagen vehicles here - has registered a new company for this purpose. According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, Skoda Centre Singapore was registered last month and will be operating out of 247 Alexandra Road, which is the same address as the VW showroom. The Straits Times understands renovations are being carried out at the facility and that Skoda Centre Singapore will start operations in the first quarter of next year. Volkswagen Group Singapore was not available for comment, but it is understood that a meaningful price differential will be in place to re-launch the Czech brand here. Previously, Skoda cars - which are based on Volkswagens - were the same price or even costlier than equivalent VW models. In other markets, Skodas are cheaper. The brand was last represented by Harvest Automobiles, part of businessman Peter Kwee's now dormant motor group of companies. Harvest Automobiles went bust in 2013 - the third Skoda agency to have failed in Singapore. The Straits Times understands Vertex Automobiles, the dealer for Chinese automobile brand Chery that is owned by egg trader Lian Fong, had made a pitch for the Skoda franchise. But it has since landed Seat, a Spanish brand also owned by Volkswagen Group. Skoda had also been courting Trans Eurokars, a multi-franchise group owned by businessman Karsono Kwee. Among its brands are Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mini and Mazda. The best year for the Skoda brand here was 2010, when it sold 105 cars. That is less than 4 per cent of Volkswagen sales last year. Will the brand have better success under Volkswagen? Nanyang Business School's Adjunct Associate Professor Zafar Momin, previously an automotive expert with the Boston Consulting Group, said: "Skoda may be able to make a comeback in Singapore if priced and promoted properly. It needs to be very competitive with its Korean competitors in terms of pricing, as it could provide solid, competitive products targeted at value segments of the markets. "With VW Singapore now doing it themselves, it has a better chance than before. Having said that, I wonder what "comeback" really means in a small crowded Singapore car market which has small volumes for many non-mainstream brands. Would it really be worth the effort and to what extent would it cannibalise VW products?" When contacted back in 2014 - when Harvest Automobiles relinquished the business - Volkswagen Group Singapore said it had no plans to take over the Skoda retail business here. It has, however, taken over the maintenance and warranty of Skodas here. There are about 400 Skoda cars in Singapore today. As a onwer of both Skoda and VW model, I can attest that Skoda is indeed better, in almost every aspect, than VW. I can wait to welcome it back to Singapore!! Here are some interesting models in current Skoda lineup, that I hope can be made available to local motorist when sales start next year. Superb Superb Combi Kodiaq

THE ALL-NEW ŠKODA OCTAVIA EXTERIOR Emotive exterior design, greater dimensions The new front apron and the sharply drawn, new headlights provide visual highlights for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA. The compact vehicle’s increased length and width bring out its self-assured character. At 4,689 mm, the fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI is 22 mm longer than its predecessor; its width has grown by 15 mm to 1,829 mm (the hatchback’ length has increased by 19 mm to 4,689 mm and by 15 mm in width, taking it to 1,829 mm). The wheelbase measures 2,686 mm. The redesigned, shallow roof rails emphasise the vehicle’s elongated silhouette, whilst alloy wheels measuring up to 19 inches lend it a powerful appearance. New OCTAVIA ranks among the most aerodynamic cars in the world The new design sharpens the ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s visual presence and enables excellent aerodynamics. The hatchback has a drag coefficient (cd) from 0.24 and the OCTAVIA COMBI from 0.26. The new OCTAVIA thereby ranks among the most aerodynamic cars in the world. The improved aerodynamics also reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. First OCTAVIA with full LED Matrix headlights The narrower front headlights and the tail lights use modern LED technology. In the top-of-the-range version, the OCTAVIA is equipped with a real highlight – full LED Matrix headlights. This innovative system generates a light beam consisting of several segments which are controlled individually. Thus, the high beam can be on at all times, without dazzling other road users. Using the camera on the windscreen, the intelligent technology detects vehicles that are approaching or up ahead as well as people and objects reflecting the light. The lights also greet the driver with an animated Coming/Leaving Home function. The full LED tail lights are incorporated into this animation too, and boast – which is a first for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA – dynamic indicators. INTERIOR New interior concept and extraordinarily generous amount of space In the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA, the usual impressive amount of space is even more generous. The rear passengers enjoy an even more luxurious level of kneeroom than before – now 78 mm. The boot capacity, which is the largest in the segment, has increased to 640 l in the COMBI and 600 l in the hatchback. The ŠKODA designers have completely revamped the OCTAVIA’s interior. The new steering wheel now features just two spokes and has a chrome trim; in the multifunction variant, 14 different functions can be performed via push and new scroll buttons in a chrome finish. The centre console, door trims and dashboard have been redesigned too. Featuring a modular, multi-level arrangement, the dashboard echoes the shape of the ŠKODA grille with a contrasting, coloured area below the large, free-standing central multifunction display. Particularly back-friendly, ergonomic seats are available for the first time. In addition to being heated, these also come with the options of a massage function and/or cooling ventilation. The optional sports seats are covered in a particularly breathable ThermoFlux fabric. Another optional feature in the new OCTAVIA is the tri-zone Climatronic air conditioning. When equipped with the KESSY keyless entry system, any one of the OCTAVIA’s four doors can be opened first. At the time of the market launch, the new OCTAVIA will be available in the Active, Ambition and Style trim levels. Later in 2020, the rugged OCTAVIA SCOUT and the sporty OCTAVIA RS will be added to the range. TECHNOLOGY New: head-up display and two 10-inch screens The OCTAVIA is the first ŠKODA model to feature a head-up display. This projects important information such as the speed or navigational information directly onto the windscreen in immediate view of the driver, allowing them to read it without taking their eyes off the road. The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems offer optional streaming services for radio and TV as well as completely cable-free smartphone connection using wireless SmartLink+ technology. Media devices or USB sticks can also be directly linked to the infotainment system via the two USB-C ports in the front out of the up to five USB-C ports; a 230-V socket in the rear is optional too. The acoustically optimised interior and the new optional Canton Sound System ensure perfect sound. ŠKODA has further improved the Virtual Cockpit for the new OCTAVIA. The latest generation of the digital and individually customisable instrument panel comes with a 10-inch screen and is now even more user-friendly. The driver can choose from four different layouts – Basic, Classic, Navigation and Driver Assistance Systems – and specify their desired content using the controls on the multifunction steering wheel. Users can now also opt to display the navigation system’s maps on the Virtual Cockpit and the central display measuring up to 10 inches in two different levels of zoom. Climatronic can be operated via an integrated bar at the bottom of the infotainment display. Via a new touch slider at the bottom of the infotainment system’s display, the volume can be adjusted using one finger and the navigation map can be zoomed in and out using two fingers. DSG with shift-by-wire technology The new OCTAVIA is the first ever ŠKODA to use shift-by-wire technology to operate its DSG transmission. The gear selector is no longer connected to the gearbox mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. In place of the familiar DSG lever, there is therefore a new control module located in the OCTAVIA’s centre console with a small rocker switch for selecting the drive modes – R (reverse), N (neutral) and D/S (drive/sport) – as well as a button for the parking mode, P. Premiere for innovative assistance systems such as Collision Avoidance Assist and Exit Warning The fourth generation of the OCTAVIA sees the introduction of several new and innovative assistance systems, some of which are making their debut in a model made by the Czech manufacturer. The new Collision Avoidance Assist supports the driver by actively increasing the steering moment in the event of an impending collision with a pedestrian, cyclist or another vehicle – ideally preventing the accident with a controlled evasive manoeuvre. The Exit Warning system lets the driver know if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind when opening the car door. Using Hands-on Detect, the car is able to check whether the driver is touching the steering wheel consistently or whether they no longer have control of the vehicle due to a potential medical emergency. If such an emergency occurs, Emergency Assist can bring the car to a stop. ENGINES Modern engines with increased efficiency and premiere for mild-hybrid technology The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA features modern TDI and TSI engines with increased efficiency that, thanks to significantly improved aerodynamics, lower fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. In addition to the diesel and petrol engines, there is also a particularly eco-friendly variant with CNG drive, plug-in hybrid variants and, for the first time at ŠKODA, engines featuring mild-hybrid technology. When fitted with the 7-speed DSG, the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI producing 81 kW (110 PS) and the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI outputting 110 kW (150 PS) make use of a 48-V belt-driven starter motor and a 48-V lithium-ion battery. This makes it possible to ‘coast’ with the combustion engine completely switched off, recover energy whilst braking and support the engine with an electronic boost. At the same time, the engine is able to start more quietly and with fewer vibrations. Both engines are also available in combination with a 6-speed manual gearbox without mild-hybrid technology. The gearbox that comes with the 1.5 TSI was newly developed for engines that deliver high levels of torque and is being used in conjunction with the OCTAVIA’s diesel engines too. The 2.0 TSI with a power output of 140 kW (190 PS) is exclusively available with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG. All of the TSIs are fitted with a petrol particulate filter. Plug-in hybrid with two different power variants Following on from the first ŠKODA plug-in hybrid, the ŠKODA SUPERB iV, the Czech brand is also offering the new OCTAVIA with a 1.4 TSI petrol engine – the OCTAVIA iV features an electric motor too – and even comes with two different power variants. As well as the model with a power output of 150 kW (204 PS), another version outputting 180 kW (245 PS) is planned to be added to the portfolio. Both variants will come with a 6-speed DSG. Diesels from the new EVO generation of engines emit up to 80 per cent less nitrogen oxide For the OCTAVIA, a total of three new diesel engines provide power outputs ranging from 85 KW (115 PS) to 147 kW (200 PS). The TDIs each have a 2.0-litre cylinder capacity and are from the newly developed EVO generation of engines, which have plenty of torque, and are both efficient and particularly clean. In addition to a diesel particulate filter, the engines are equipped with a new development stage in SCR exhaust gas treatment. Using what is known as ‘twin dosing’, AdBlue is specifically injected in front of two SCR catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other. This method and the use of the second catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by around 80 per cent in comparison to the previous generation of each engine. As a result, the EVO engines provide the technical preconditions to fulfil the future Euro 6d emissions standard. The variants delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS) are available with all-wheel drive as an option. G-TEC: CNG variant ŠKODA is also offering the fourth generation OCTAVIA as a G-TEC model with particularly eco-friendly CNG drive. Compared to a car running on petrol, the OCTAVIA G-TEC will thereby once again produce around 25 per cent less CO2, significantly less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and no soot particles. The 1.5 TSI providing 96 kW (130 PS) is designed to run on CNG. The total capacity of the three CNG tanks is 17.7 kg. If required, the car can make use of its 9-litre petrol tank too. Both body design variants of the OCTAVIA G-TEC are available with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission. Three chassis options and Dynamic Chassis Control Besides the standard chassis, ŠKODA is offering two other options for the OCTAVIA, a 15-mm-lower sports suspension and a Rough Road chassis providing 15 mm more ground clearance. Dynamic Chassis Control – which constantly adjusts the suspension and damping, provides a range of different profiles for Driving Mode Select – is available as an option. When fitted with DCC, the ground clearance remains unchanged in plug-in hybrids, all other variants are lowered by 10 mm. SIMPLY CLEVER Sleep package, convenient filler tube for AdBlue and USB-C port on the overhead console True to ŠKODA’s guiding principle of Simply Clever, the new OCTAVIA offers the highest degree of functionality as well. Several brand-typical Simply Clever solutions make day-to-day mobility easier for the driver and passengers. The Sleep package is available as an option for the first time in the OCTAVIA, giving the back seat two comfortable, larger headrests and a blanket. For the estate, an improved net package with comfortable use in the boot and an automatically retractable load cover are also new. A multifunction storage pocket below the boot cover offers further space for stowing items. Child safety locks for the rear doors can be operated electronically and the rear passengers can make use of two smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks. Two USB-C sockets are available in the front and, as an option, two in the rear; another optional USB-C port on the overhead console above the rear-view mirror is brand new. One classic ŠKODA feature is the umbrella in a storage compartment in the driver’s door; there is now space in this compartment for a hand brush as well, which is also a genuine ŠKODA accessory. The funnel integrated into the lid of the windscreen washer tank is present in the OCTAVIA too, whilst the optional tow bar can be electrically unlocked by pushing the corresponding button in the boot. The car also comes with a new, convenient filler tube for AdBlue, enabling it to be filled up using lorry pump nozzles too. HISTORY In January 2019, the OCTAVIA celebrated 60 years since its start of production. The first units of this legendary model range rolled off the production line at the plant in Mladá Boleslav at the beginning of 1959. In the mid-1990s, the first OCTAVIAs of the modern-day generation inherited the legacy from the popular compact car. The Czech car manufacturer has built more than 6.5 million OCTAVIAs since its launch in 1959. Over the past few years, the third generation of the large compact car has sold about 400,000 units a year worldwide, accounting for about one third of ŠKODA’s total sales. Currently, the OCTAVIA is the overall bestselling model in the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Serbia and Belarus. The leading role in this success story is played by the COMBI variant: nearly two thirds of all OCTAVIA buyers opt for this body design. The OCTAVIA is the bestselling estate in Europe and the most popular import car in Germany. Therefore, ŠKODA AUTO will first launch the COMBI variant of the bestseller’s latest edition; the hatchback will follow a few weeks later.

This reminded me of when I was young and addicted to the Asphalt racing games. Remember how you’d boost with nitro and ram into the side of your opponent to prevent them from getting past you? This one is like that, but with less cool cars. What happened? On 5 May 2023, a Skoda Octavia on the ECP Expressway tried to overtake a camcar and ended up getting pit manouevred, causing it to hit the railing. The Skoda was initially keeping a safe distance behind the camcar, moving left to enter another lane. To the Skoda’s credit they used their signals for this move. However, when trying to overtake the camcar, the Skoda misjudged its speed and turned in too early, with the back end of the car still within reach of the camcar. We can’t see if the Skoda turned on its turn signal in the footage. If it did, some blame can be shifted to the camcar for not slowing down for it. But looking at the footage, we can also see the Skoda took no time to check if it cleared the camcar and went for the overtake very quickly. So regardless if the camcar made a mistake, the majority of the blame is still squarely on the Skoda. Fortunately the accident does not seem severe, as the Skoda got away with some minor damage to it’s exterior. Online chatter Some netizens seem to think that the camcar sped up in the footage, and that they were hogging the lane. Others just blame the skoda for being impatient and overtaking. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

@AriesGoat hey bro. Any latest news for the VRS estate launch? Saw the 2 mk4 red sedan and estate on a trailer last week.

MORE POWER BABY! SgCarMart is back with yet another video review, and boy do we have something special for all you motorheads today. If you're looking for maximum horsepower, but are still shopping within a reasonable budget (because you know, real life and stuff) look no further than the Skoda Octavia RS 245! As you'd expect, a performance saloon has to be practical, and the Skoda delivers practicality by the buckets (as all Skodas do of course) with its liftback tailgate. But will James fit inside the boot? Hell yes! And even from here I can hear James asking me to paint him like one of my French girls. Oh no! His face looks glum. Does voice recognition work in the Skoda? You'll just have to watch the video to find out! And of course we take the car out for a good spin! Is 241bhp enough to deliver thrilling performance in this sedan? The faces of our three musketeers seem to suggest so! I leave all of you with a final incentive to watch the video. Damm, you know that sensation when you just stand on the accelerator? Do leave a like and drop a comment!

More than 75 MyCarForum (MCF) members, together with their partners and family, gathered at the Skoda showroom at 26 Leng Kee Road on Saturday for yet another entertaining MCF MarkDown with Skoda. It was during this time when everyone present got the opportunity to get up close and personal with the comprehensive range of Skoda cars, such as the Octavia and the Karoq. Given that young families and several enthusiastic fans of MCF MarkDown made up the crowd that morning, it was natural to see them so eager to learn more about the cars from the Czech Republic carmaker. sgCarMart Editor, Julian Kho, also took this opportunity to share with the guests his experience with the Skoda Octavia and the Skoda Karoq. More importantly, he gave his honest opinions about how he feels about the Octavia. “With its well-engineered and well-thought out development, the Skoda Octavia may have discovered its own spectrum of remarkability. It’s the sort of car that’s made by the common people, for the common people,” Julian said. More excitingly for the guests, they were given the opportunity to test drive a number of Skoda models, such as the Octavia 1.4, Octavia RS245, Karoq, Kodiaq and even the Rapid Spaceback - all done to allow them to have a personal touch and to let the guests have a feel of the cars themselves. Skoda has proven to be a suitable brand for families. Needless to say, like all MCF Hangouts, guests were treated to a mouth-watering buffet spread, as well a variety of activities to spice up the day, including quizes. Guests also took back a goody bag to remember the event by.

After showing bits and pieces of the 2013 Skoda Octavia, the Czech automaker has finally revealed the new sedan in one piece. Anyone familiar with new Skoda Rapid will instantly recognise the new model as a skoda even with the logo covered. It is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor and rides on a wheelbase that is 108mm longer. The MK3 Skoda has an evolutionary design whose side profile reminds me of the B5.5 Passat while the tail light design resembles those of the C6 Audi A6. Although the design elements are not new, the whole package comes across as a solidly put-together sedan that would do the VW Group proud. The interior has a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel together with a new gear stick. Panorama glass roof is available on the option list. The Octavia also has the best-in-class cargo capacity of 590 liters. Nine engines will be offered on the new Octavia but Skoda only confirmed two of them at the moment. They are the 1.8-litre TSI with 179bhp and the 1.6-litre TDI with 110bhp. All engines will be mated to a DSG transmission.

Skoda has released a set of new teaser images for its 2013 Octavia sedan. These images highlight the design of its grille, side mirror, C-pillar and LED tail light assembly. The only interior shot reveals the existence of steering-mounted paddle shifter, voice command buttons and a large infotainment screen. Skoda has indicated that the new Octavia will move upmarket with higher quality interior as the newly introduced Rapid will take over the segment currently occupied by the MK2 Octavia. The new generation Octavia will also gain in physical dimension to take on the big boys in the medium sized class such as the Camry and Accord. The Czech automaker is expected to unveil the new Skoda Octavia at the 2013 Geneva motor show in March. The new model is based on the same MQB platform as the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and is expected to inherit a range of TSI four-cylinder petrol and TDI engines from it.

Skoda has a new concept car out called the Skoda MissionL. This new car basically previews future Skoda design and it also shows us what the next Skoda Octavia will look like. According to Skoda the MissionL is a 5 door hatchback like the Octavia, is almost production ready and initial markets will be Europe and China. It looks like a typical Volkswagen group car to me. If you put on a VW or an Audi badge on it it would certainly be at home as one of those brands. The VW DNA simply shines through especially those clean styling and very distinct shoulder line. You get a fluted bonnet and a vertical grille to differentiate it as a Skoda from one of those People's Car. Badge it as a 'Jetta' and people will buy it. That statement is especially true over here in this region, which is why no one buys Skoda and everyone running for a Passat, Jetta or a Polo instead of a Fabia, Octavia or a Superb no matter how good of a value they are. Blame it on the COE and other taxes as people aren't going to plonk down a wad of dollars for a car with no image especially since its going to cost a bomb with those taxes and whatnots. In short the Skoda MissionL is one of those cars that may be a great drive but it going to have a tough time finding people to drive it if it goes on sale around these parts of the world. Anyone out there willing to give a decent Czech car a chance? But don't count on me buying one as my sights aren't on any of the VW group cars at the moment.