More new Škoda models next year

Škoda’s all-new Octavia sedan and wagon range, launched in Australia this week is the first in a series of new models to arrive by the end of next year.

In what appears to be a busy mid-year for the Czech brand, the second quarter of 2014 will see no fewer than three new models hit local Škoda showrooms, including the new Rapid Spaceback, revised Yeti, and warmer Octavia RS.

“We will bring the [Rapid] Spaceback only, and we will bring it with the Octavia RS in Q2 [2014],” said Škoda Australia Director, Michael Irmer.

“The Yeti, which receives a comprehensive product upgrade, is also due in Q2, and for the Superb, we are expecting [it to arrive in] the second half of next year.”

The Rapid Spaceback is a new small car for Škoda that will fit in between the current Fabia and Octavia ranges. Given the significantly cheaper entry price of the new Octavia, now from $21,690 plus on-road costs, a ‘realignment’ of the Fabia’s current entry price (from $18,990) is expected.

To be priced from under $20,000, the Rapid Spaceback will likely be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and will go head-to-head with a swathe of small hatch models.

Škoda’s Yeti compact SUV will also receive a significant overhaul around the same time.

The facelifted model, which was debuted at the Frankfurt motor show earlier this year, is to benefit from smoothed-out styling, a revised interior, new technology and equipment, plus two distinct model packages – one aimed at city-dwellers and the other at country folk.

A warmer version of the recently-released Octavia, known as ‘RS’ in Škoda parlance, will also arrive at the same time.

Like the current Octavia RS, the new model will draw motivation from a 162kW Volkswagen Golf GTI driveline for petrol models, and a 135kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol Octavia RS is claimed to hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The trio of new models will be followed in the second half of 2014 by the facelifted Superb and in “late 2014 or early 2015” by the new Octavia Scout crossover.

The large Superb sedan, whose updated looks were premiered at this year’s Shanghai motor show, is the recipient of a mild nip and tuck outside, cleaner interior styling and modernised engine technology including idle-stop and kinetic energy recuperation. Škoda says the combination will improve fuel economy by up to 19 per cent.

Where the Octavia Scout is concerned, however, details are scarce. We do know the model will mimic closely the formula set out by the current model, offering a raised suspension profile, all-wheel drive and more rugged looks.

Following the batch of new models will be Škoda’s first attempt at a large SUV. The all-new model, which is expected to share it fundamentals with the upcoming seven-seat Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept, could even premiere the brand’s first diesel-electric hybrid technology. But according to Škoda Australia it’s at least a couple of years away.

“To be honest, we rely on the factory and when it will make the product available globally, and then different markets come at slightly different times,” clarified Irmer.

“It’s too early for us to make a definite statement on timing but what the international press department has been stating is the current valid statement for us as well.”

Finally, the on-again, off-again Škoda Citigo seems no closer to making a comeback locally. The pint-size city-car came close to going on sale here in 2012 as a competitor to the Volkswagen up!, and other sub-light rivals like the Suzuki Alto and Mitsubishi Mirage.

But Škoda Australia stood by its decision to leave the Citigo in Europe, saying there’s insufficient volume in the segment for a strong business case.

“At the moment it’s not on the cards,” Irmer reiterated. “It’s to do with the size of the segment. We want to focus on our pillar models rather than just adding another one to the organisation. We might reconsider it in a couple of years.”

What’s coming from Skoda:
Rapid Sportback -- Q2 2014
Octavia RS -- Q2 2014
Yeti Series II -- Q2 2014
Superb Series II -- H2 2014
Octavia Scout MkII -- Q4 2014 / Q1 2015
New Large SUV -- 2016-17

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