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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

Skoda Singapore offered Mycarforum members the opportunity to take the all-new Kodiaq out for a spin and learn all about the car. Working together with Sgcarmart and Mycarforum, Skoda Singapore organised a cozy sharing session in its showroom located at 26 Leng Kee Road. Mycarforum members were invited to the showroom to get up close with the all-new Skoda Kodiaq at this Mycarforum Hangout event. The event was kicked off on an upbeat note with an opening address by Mr. David Nah, the Brand Director of Skoda Singapore. Offering excellent utility with plenty of style, the Skoda Kodiaq has always been a popular mid-size SUV around the world, and especially so in Singapore. The spotlight was shining on the Kodiaq - built on the MQB Evo platform, which underlies many of Volkswagen Group’s latest models, it is now bigger and better than ever before. At first glance, those not as familiar with these cars might mistake the Kodiaq as a facelift, as it has retained the split-headlight design of its predecessor. However, the new Kodiaq is now longer than before, resulting in a 70-litre increase in cargo capacity - it now offers 340 litres of boot space with all seats up, and expands to a maximum of 2,035 litres. Along with the increase in cargo capacity, is a slew of smart features that have been introduced in the Kodiaq. The Travel Assist feature, an extension of the typical Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering assistance, is one of the most user-friendly and capable driving assist feature out there - the Kodiaq is able to come to a complete stop and move off autonomously while following the car in front of it! Also unique to the new Kodiaq are Smart Dials - physical knobs with a display in the middle, and these could be toggled to control various functions with a quick press as well. All these impressive features and equipment that the Kodiaq offers were shared with the attendees of the event by Mr. Ernie Chua, Senior Trainer at Volkswagen Group Singapore. After the passionate and detailed presentation about the Kodiaq by Ernie, Zhi Xuan from Sgcarmart’s Editorial Team shared his favourite features of the car - the Smart Dials and the generous boot space, with the crowd. But one can only know get to know so much about a car from a third-person’s point of view - after the sharing session and some refreshments, it was time for the test drive! Attendees took the new Skoda Kodiaq and the Skoda Enyaq, to the roads to experience for themselves the easy drive and comfortable journey that these cars offer, and came back all smiles. As the morning with Skoda was nearing to an end, it was time for the prize presentation - being the first to complete the Skoda-themed crossword puzzle correctly, Roy Tng walked away with exclusive Skoda merchandise! Mycarforum Hangout events held in conjunction with popular car brands such as Skoda are great opportunities for you to learn more about the latest cars from your favourite car brands. Keep an eye out for the next event and make sure you do not miss the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest cars!

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.

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

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/kodiak/88859/skoda-vision-s-concept-previews-7-seat-skoda-kodiak-suv Just came across this....will be launched end this year...but doubt will make it to our shores cos Skoda got no distributors here liao

The Skoda Karoq will launch this May with an all-new exterior design, advanced driver assistance technology and four new turbocharged engines. Ditching the unique exterior shape of its predecessor, the Yeti, for a more conventional SUV body, the Karoq shares many features with the larger Kodiaq, which it sits below in Skoda’s line-up. The Karoq has space for five passengers and has a boot capacity of 521 litres or 1630 litres with the back seats folded down. This comfortably beats the car’s main rival, the Nissan Qashqai, which offers 430 and 1585 litres respectively. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, shared with models such as the Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca, the Karoq comes with a choice of five turbocharged engines, four of which are new to Skoda. The new petrol engines are an entry-level 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder with 113bhp and 129lb ft and a 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp and 184lb ft, with the latter enabling an 8.4sec 0-62mph time and featuring active cylinder technology. There’s a new diesel 1.6-litre TDI that produces 113bhp and 184lb ft while emitting just 118g/km of CO2, and a new 2.0-litre TDI that outputs 187bhp and 295lb ft, enabling a 7.8sec 0-62mph time – the quickest available. These new Skoda units are joined by a 2.0-litre TDI that’s familiar to the brand, which produces 148bhp and is the most fuel-efficient engine, offering 64.2mpg combined and outputting 115g/km CO2. The Karoq comes in two and four-wheel drive guises and with a choice of a six-speed manual of seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. In higher-spec it comes with Skoda’s Drive Mode Select system, which enables the car’s drivetrain to be switched through Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow. Driver assist systems include a radar-based adaptive cruise control, blind spot detect and front assist, which includes automatic city braking with a pedestrian braking system. There’s also hill hold control to prevent roll back and emergency assistance, which can intervene if the driver becomes incapable of driving and adaptive cruise control and lane assist are on. In-car, technology includes gesture control for certain functions, wireless phone charging, as well as a mobile online connection that works with the infotainment. In top spec, the infotainment has a screen of up to 9.2in and three other displays, including a new digital instrument cluster that makes its debut in a Skoda. Skoda is yet to confirm pricing, but the Karoq’s expected to follow the brand’s aggressive pricing strategy and undercut the Nissan Qashqai, and therefore stick closely to the current model's £17,770 starting price. The Kodiaq, which starts at £21,565, is around £1300 cheaper than its main rival, the Nissan X-Trail.

What comes to mind when you think of Croatia? To tell you the truth, up until a couple of years ago, not very much. Recently, with the immense popularity of the Game Of Thrones (GOT) TV series, Croatia has become a tourist hotspot thanks to the fact that many scenes were shot in Croatia. However, a lot of those locations are in Dubrovnik, the capital of the country. I am in Split, the second largest city in Croatia, as part of the global media presentation of the brand new Skoda Scala. Yes, there is one touristy GOT filming location in the city centre, but beyond that I'm not quite sure what to expect from this city. Heading into the downtown area, my first thought is that Split has a hint of the French Riviera, especially with the Adriatic Sea framed by dramatic mountain ranges and fronted by several marinas packed with yachts. As I sit on the balcony and watch the sun set as we wind down our first day here, I'm also struck by the tranquil serenity of the place. There's a certain romantic appeal about the town that I can certainly appreciate. However, the sheen of romance and prosperity is punctured the next morning as we head out of the downtown area to test drive the Skoda Scala. Pristine beachside roads lined with palm trees give way to run down houses and deeply industrial factories in a blink of an eye. Just 30km out, the roads transform once more. Cluttered city highways give way to quiet mountain roads. And yet, these windy and empty mountain roads prove to be great fun, allowing me to drive the Scala unencumbered by traffic. Of course, the beautiful backdrop accentuates the sense of freedom. As we tumble our way through a valley and back towards the coast, I'm somewhat amazed by the distinct variation in terrain and personality of Croatia. Within the space of a 100km or so, with urban, rural, and mountainous roads, it feels like I have traveled through three countries. With our drive done, we headed into the old town part of the city the next morning, where the 1,714-year old Diocletian Palace is located. Once more, the conflation of old and new is clear, with modern shops and restaurants nestled in the facade of Roman architecture. As our tour guide takes us on a walking tour around the palace grounds (or what remains of it), it dawns on me that while we romanticise about the beauty of these old structures, the architecture of the place is bred out of deep necessity and practicality rather than vanity. You can see the various periods of architecture, built atop the previous one, telling the story of the place - a story of change, development and advancement. It seems a fitting conclusion to my three-day stint in Croatia with the new Scala. With the Scala, Skoda is building on its reputation of delivering smart, practical solutions to its customers, while also looking ahead as it adopts a new and more distinct design language. The car too offers high-tech modern equipment and solutions without compromising the key qualities that customers demand - practicality, ease-of-use and affordability. Sitting on my balcony watching the sun set across the horizon of the Adriatic Sea, it’s hard not to be struck by the beauty of Croatia. Framed by expensive yachts docked in the harbour immediately in front of me, the 1,714-year old Diocletian Palace to my west, and dramatic mountain ranges at my 6 o’clock, I’m also immediately struck by the surprisingly multi-faceted nature of Split, Croatia. The Scala feels the same way. While undoubtedly traditional in certain regards, it manages to surprise by taking those traditional elements and putting its own modern spin on it. And so I end my trip glad that I've been pleasantly surprised throughout. Sipping on my (rather lovely) local craft beer, I smile at the thought that Croatia is more than just a GOT filming location. It's got plenty of life and personality all of its own. Na zdravi!

Anyone buy? 149900 at current COE level......80K

Anyone driving skoda yeti or superb? Need a review on the two models as i am considering passing my fit to my sis and changing.