Έκθεση Γενεύης 2013: Skoda Octavia Combi

H Skoda στη Γενεύη μας παρουσιάζει την Octavia Combi, την οποία την είδες και μαζί με τα μοντέλα της Τσέχικης εταιρίας. Σε σχέση με τη προηγούμενη γενιά, η νέα Skoda Octavia Combi είναι κατά 90 mm μακρύτερη, 45 mm φαρδύτερη και διαθέτει 11 mm μεγαλύτερο μεταξόνιο.

Λόγω των αυξημένων διαστάσεων, διαθέτει 73 mm περισσότερο χώρο στα πόδια των πίσω επιβατών, ενώ ο χώρος των αποσκευών

Η 4×4 έκδοση θα φορά την πέμπτη γενιά του συστήματος Haldex που φορά και το νέο Golf 4Motion, ενώ μηχανικά θα φορά την ίδια γκάμα κινητήρων TSI και TDI κινητήρων που φορά και η sedan έκδοση. Στο περίπτερο της Skoda βρίσκεται επίσης η Octavia sedan, το Rapid αλλά και το Citigo. Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες μπορείς να βρεις στο δελτίο τύπου που ακολουθεί.

[Πηγή: Skoda]

New ŠKODA Octavia Combi

New ŠKODA Octavia Combi combines functionality with dynamic elegance› Spacious car has clear lines and precision› Commanding and striking appearance in the new ŠKODA design – space in its most beautiful form

Geneva/Mladá Boleslav, March 2013 – The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a new highlight in the world of compact cars. Like no other vehicle in this segment, the newest ŠKODA combines high levels of functionality with dynamic elegance, featuring clear lines, perfect proportions and highest precision down to the smallest detail. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a new, commanding statement by the designer team lead by ŠKODA design chief Jozef Kabaň.

​The new ŠKODA design is also conveyed in the new Octavia Combi. “This car is cast in one piece,” says Frank Welsch, ŠKODA board member for technical development. “Its clear, dynamic appearance helps it stand out from the masses and is also more practical than ever before. The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is the perfect interplay of form and function. A Combi that shows that even a large car can be beautiful,” explains Welsch.

As with the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine, the new Octavia Combi concentrates on the essentials artistic lines– both inside and out. The clear, precise forms, sharp edges and distinctive proportions immediately catch the eye. “You don’t need any gimmicks or excessive decorations to have an attractive car, but rather a clear style that is timeless and remains appealing over many years,”, says design chief Kabaň. “That is what the new Octavia Combi stands for.”

The front end of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi – more commanding and distinctive than ever

The front end of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi shows class, is commanding and assertive – without appearing pretentious. Accentuating details and emphasising horizontal lines has made the front end border on the prestigious. At the same time, the ‘face’ of the Octavia can be recognised unmistakably as that of ŠKODA Combi by its characteristic shapes and the arrangement of design elements such as the radiator grille, the logo and the headlights. The front of the Combi is identical with that of the Octavia limousine.

The new ŠKODA logo has been placed prominently on the bonnet – the “premium location,” as designers call it. At the same time, the logo is the origin of almost all the lines of the car. The logo already represents the ultimate in precision and clarity: it shows the finely detailed finned arrow in chrome on matte-black background, surrounded by a fine chrome line.

The radiator grille with its 21 vertically slats forms the centre of the vehicle’s front end. In the new Octavia Combi, the grille has grown slightly and is now placed a little higher than was the case still with the second generation. In addition, to give the grille added visual emphasis, the designers separated it more clearly from the headlights. Slight curves make the outer shape more dynamic. A fine strip of chrome surrounds the radiator grille – for an elegant, distinctive finish.

Together with the grille, the distinctively shaped headlights of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi form a closed, characteristic front-end graphic. Completely redesigned, with their precisely worked-out, sharply cut form and horizontal arrangement, the car’s completely redesigned headlights emphasise the width of the front-end of the Octavia. At the same time, the skilful design of the headlights again emphasises the subject of precision. The type of the surface finish and the working of precisely cut edges resemble that of cut glass. Deliberate variations on such crystalline design elements emphasises the roots of the vehicle in the Czech Republic, a country with a great tradition in crystal glass.

The vertical lines of the radiator grille fins continue in the vertical light lines of the bi-xenon headlights, including LED daytime running lights. This aesthetically pleasing continuation of the lines is reminiscent of eyelashes in their gracefulness and provides the new Octavia with a unique ‘face’.

The front fog lights fulfil an important optical function as they combine with the headlights to form a cloverleaf shape. This emphasises the “likeable” appearance of the new Octavia. The air intake with its honeycomb grille is located between the front fog lights. This structural arrangement provides functional advantages and makes the new Octavia sporty, youthful and fresh.

The commanding bonnet also conveys solidity and value. Shaped three-dimensionally, it elevates the front part of the vehicle and strengthens the appearance of the overall vehicle.

Dynamic elegance

The side view of the new Octavia Combi conveys pure dynamics, featuring the finely tuned interplay of lines, surfaces, window graphics and proportion. The elongated Combi shape also benefits the car.

Compared to the previous model, the almost 11 cm longer wheelbase (2,686 mm vs. 2,578 mm) emphasizes the new model’s striking proportions, as does the front overhang that is 886 mm shorter (Octavia II: 915 mm). The total length of the new Octavia Combi is 4,659 mm, which makes the third generation 90 mm longer than its predecessor. The Combi’s length and width are identical to the dimensions of the Octavia limousine. In fact, with a height of 1,465 mm the Combi is 4 millimetres higher than the limousine.

The Octavia Combi appears very clear from the side – a dynamically flowing silhouette from the front to the rear window, undisturbed by any unnecessary breaks or superfluous lines. In addition, the self-contained, the sharp side profile amplifies the effect of the high tornado line. It accentuates the powerful appearance of the new Octavia, stretching the car visually. The sharp emphasis of the tornado line creates an effective contrast of light and shadow.

The window line gently slopes downward and elegantly transitions into the D-pillars, a dynamic finishing touch that enables optimal utilisation of the cargo area. The rear end of the vehicle is extremely harmonious and natural, far from looking “bolted on.” The taillights extend from the rear area to the side of the vehicle and end directly at the tornado line.

The dynamic design of the new Octavia Combi does not come at the expense of the interior space. On the contrary, the third generation offers more space than ever before. Whether it is the interior length, legroom, or more headroom or elbow width, the new Octavia Combi expanded in all directions. The boot volume has increased to 610 litres – another best in class standard. The boot opening is now also wider and higher. At 631 mm x 6 mm, the loading sill is even lower than before, which makes loading extremely easier.

The rear – clear and clean style

The rear of the new Octavia Combi is clear, precise and clean. The new ŠKODA brand logo is located on the centre of the boot lid. The left side of the boot lid shows the ŠKODA company name, while the right side bears the Octavia model designation in new lettering. Everything is in its place.

The new Octavia Combi is immediately recognisable as a ŠKODA due to its C-shaped rear lights and the characteristic triangles on the boot lid. The taillights graphic is typical of ŠKODA with its distinctive C-shaped lighting contour and has been executed in the new Octavia with brilliant consistency. Like in the Octavia limousine, each taillight of the Octavia Combi now features two C-shaped light strips that enhance the graphic effect. In the top version, these strips are made from LED light strips. Crystal-like structures are visible in the taillights as well. As a supplement to the graphical arrangement of the lights, the new Octavia has two reflecting light strips. These ‘cat eyes’ run dynamically from the side of the vehicle into the bumper.

Another rear-view features that is characteristic of the brand are the two cubistic triangles on the left and right sides of the boot lid that are detailed with precise lines. They connect the graphics of the taillights with the boot lid. These triangles at the rear of new ŠKODA models are an elegant eye-catcher. A black diffuser forms the tail end, integrating technical elements such as parking assist sensors and the optionally available trailer hitch and completely the exhaust system.Fresh interior space

Clean styling, timeless elegance and above all, lots and lots of space: these are features that are immediately evident in the interior of the new Octavia Combi. Each ŠKODA stands for spaciousness, especially the Combi. The designers were impressively successful in providing this space with a new definition in the Octavia. Everything is aesthetically appealing, precise and refined, whether it is control elements or air intake vents, whether dashboard, steering wheels, gear shift levers, panels, door openers or power windows. Everything is new and extremely functional, which was the motto of the interior designers.

The interior of the Octavia impresses with its horizontal orientation and generous space offering. There is none of the traditional subdivision of the dashboard by means of decorative trims. This provides the interior with a fresh feeling. It also means that the front-seat passenger has an optimised view of the instruments. “In other words, a democratisation of the interior,” says Jozef Kabaň. “The driver and the passenger have virtually the same rights. Our motto is equal comfort for everyone aboard.”

Ergonomics plays a major role: “The feeling you have in the Octavia is that of wearing a well-tailored suit,” says Kabaň. “Everything fits perfectly, and you feel great. The vehicle imparts a feeling of value and solidity that one does not necessary expect to see in this segment.”

Centrally located in the centre console, beneath the hazard warning flasher switch, is the radio infotainment system with all the necessary menu buttons and knobs. The newly developed systems feature touch displays of up to 8-inches in size with proximity sensors, depending on the model. Underneath the infotainment module are the controls for the air conditioning system. Clarity and precision are a recurring theme in all aspects of all elements of the interior. The white-backlit instrument panel has been redesigned. For the first time, the multi-function display Maxi DOT in the centre of the instrument cluster of the Octavia Combi can be ordered in colour.

The door panels in the new Octavia Combi also provide a feeling of quality. In the upper equipment packages, for example, elegant decor trims flows into the door handles. The power window controls are ergonomically easy to reach in the arms rests. On the driver’s side, the electric mirror adjustment controls sit underneath the door handle.

Variety and individuality

Three equipment lines are available for the ŠKODA Octavia Combi: Active, Ambition and Elegance. Wheel sizes vary depending on the line (15 or 16 inch, steel or alloy) as do interior colours (ranging from black to black-grey to black-beige), decor choices, air conditioning, storage compartments, instrument clusters, infotainment or safety equipment. The options for individualisation of the new Octavia Combi are almost limitless, be it chrome strips, nine steering wheel versions with three or four spokes, nine wheel designs and four wheel sizes, from 15 to 18 inches – no desires will remain unfulfilled.

Twelve colours are available for the exterior: three solid paints in candy white, corrida red, and Pacific blue as well as nine metallic paints, from topaz brown, race blue, platinum grey, brilliant silver, denim blue, rosso Brunello, cappuccino beige, and lava blue to Magic black with pearl effect.

› New Octavia Combi continues the ŠKODA model offensive› ŠKODA Octavia is in a class of its own – the qualities of a mid-sized car at a compact car price› The ‘heart of the brand’ sets standards in the compact segment› Market launch of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi at the end of May 2013› ŠKODA will also be presenting the ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4 in Geneva› Motor show premiere of the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine› Octavia limousine has already been successfully launched in several markets› 2012: sales record with 939,200 ŠKODA deliveries to customers (+6.8%)› ŠKODA in a 2,000 m2 stand in hall 2

Geneva/Mladá Boleslav, March 2013 – ŠKODA boldly continues model offensive in 2013. The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi will be celebrating its world premiere in early March at the International Motor Show in Geneva. The company will also be introducing its all-wheel drive version of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4. It will also be the first time the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine is exhibited at a motor show. The ŠKODA Octavia is by far the brand’s best-selling model. ŠKODA intends to continue to develop its international position with its third generation of limousines and estates. ŠKODA delivered 939,200 vehicles to its customers in 2012, which is a new sales record (growth of 6.8 per cent compared to 2011).

​”The Octavia is ŠKODA’s best-selling model – the heart of the brand,” says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. “Just a few weeks after the world premiere of the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine, we will be launching the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi and ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4 in Geneva. The third generation of this ŠKODA bestseller sets standards regarding its space offering, quality, design, technology, and price-value ratio. Like the Octavia limousine, the Combi is an enormous leap forward and is now, more than ever, a car with middle-class qualities at a compact car price. With the new ŠKODA Octavia and our broad and modern range of cars, we have a good basis to strengthen our brand position in difficult markets as well, ” states Vahland.

The Combi is extremely important for the success of the ŠKODA Octavia and therefore the brand as a whole. The sale of over 1.3 million units and almost 3.8 million units worldwide can be attributed to the ŠKODA Octavia today. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi has become a bestseller since its market launch in 1998, especially in Europe. 23.7 per cent of all European sales of the ŠKODA brand in 2012 were attributed to the ŠKODA Octavia Combi, and 25.2 per cent in Western Europe. In Germany, Europe’s largest ŠKODA market and the second largest market after China worldwide, the share of Octavia Combi sales were more than 92 per cent in 2012. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi was the bestselling import car in Germany last year, with 42,200 car registrations. In Switzerland, the ŠKODA Octavia Combi was the top selling car within the Combi range with 9,446 delivered vehicles.

ŠKODA Octavia Combi sets standards in the compact estate segment

Whether front-wheel drive or a 4×4, the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi as well as the limousine stands for all of the brand’s best qualities: timeless and elegant design, ample space for passengers and cargo, quality, precise design, lots of ‘Simply Clever’ details, innovative technology and an outstanding price-value ratio. “The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a great addition to the compact estate segment,” states Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. “The car perfectly combines high levels of functionality with dynamic elegance, making it the perfect answer to the increasing customer demands in this vehicle class that is growing so fast worldwide and especially in Europe,” states Eichhorn.

The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is not only considerably larger than its predecessor, it also sets new benchmarks in terms of room. Compared to the existing Octavia Combi, boot volume has grown by five litres, or twenty more than in the limousine. With the rear seats folded down, loading volume in the Combi increases to an impressive 1,740 litres (hitherto 1,655 litres). Many ‘Simply Clever’ details also play a role here; for example, there is a double floor in the cargo area that, for the first time ever, is variably adjustable. The design is dynamic and timelessly elegant. The car has a refined appearance with clear lines, precision and perfect proportions. In addition, the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi features the latest technology. With regard to safety, there are numerous electronic assistance systems as well as numerous electronic comfort, infotainment and navigation systems. The newly developed engines are up to 17 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous generation. The range of engines available for the Octavia Combi comprises four petrol and four diesel engines, including a fuel efficient GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of only 87 g/km. Three different engines are available for the Octavia Combi 4×4, which features an all-wheel drive with a fifth generation Haldex clutch.

2018 growth strategy continues to be successful – record sales in 2012

The new ŠKODA Octavia is a key element of the ŠKODA growth strategy. ŠKODA intends to increase its worldwide sales to at least 1.5 million cars per year by 2018. To do this, the company has launched the largest model offensive in its corporate history, introducing three completely newly developed vehicles on the market in the new ŠKODA Octavia as well as the new Citigo and Rapid models in the last twelve months alone. “By 2015 we will be launching a new or revised ŠKODA model about every six months,” says Vahland. “Our model offensive is the best recipe against weak markets.”

ŠKODA achieved a new sales record with 939,200 delivered vehicles in 2012. Deliveries to customers increased by 6.8 per cent compared to 2011.2013 characterized by the model offensive – growth strategy at a glance

For ŠKODA, 2013 will be all about the model offensive. In all, ŠKODA is to launch eight new or revised vehicles this year. The first half of the year will be marked by the production start-up and sales launch of the new ŠKODA Octavia. ŠKODA wants to continue to expand its international market position throughout the entire year. “2013 will not be easy,” says Winfried Vahland. “We will continue to expand at top speed and introduce new models even in these economically difficult times.”

New attractive special edition models: Fabia Combi Monte Carlo and Roomster Noire

The model offensive is being accompanied by attractive new special edition models. ŠKODA will be exhibiting the Fabia Combi Monte Carlo and the Roomster Noire in Geneva for the first time.

Like the Fabia Monte Carlo, the ŠKODA Fabia Combi Monte Carlo is an homage to the brand’s 112-year history of successes in motor sports. The special edition model is based on the Ambiente design package and has a sports suspension. The black plastic guards with a glossy finish lining the lower part of the vehicle, black centre pillars and black 16″ Comet design alloy wheels emphasize the car’s sporty character. The black-tinted headlights, front grille, rear-view mirrors, and the roof rack continue the car’s black theme. The car’s roofline ends as a large integrated rear spoiler. The windows are tinted black (SunSet package). The Fabia Combi Monte Carlo comes in eight colours: Corrida Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Black Magic, Cappuccino Beige, Sprint Yellow, Steel Grey and Race Blue. All of the current Fabia engines area available in the special edition model. The interior features black and red Sports seats. The roof lining and floor are also black. The Fabia Monte Carlo Combi also features a small leather package; the 3 spoke steering wheel, emergency brake handle and gearshift knob feature perforated leather and red stitching. The door sill panels and pedals are stainless steel.

The special edition ŠKODA Roomster Noire model will also be premiering in Geneva. The base model is the Ambition design package, and the engines are similar to the currently available Roomster engines. The Roomster Noire features tinted windows and the SunSet package, black 16′ Comet design light alloy wheels, black-tinted headlights and black fog lights. The front grill and rear-view mirrors are also painted black. There is a black spoiler on the front bumper, and a black diffusor on the rear bumper. The centre pillars are sheeted in black. It comes in five colours: Corrida Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Black Magic and Cappuccino Beige. Optionally, a black roof can be chosen. Similar to the ŠKODA Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, the interior of the ŠKODA Roomster Noire is features black and red Sports seats and the small leather package (the 3 spoke steering wheel, emergency brake handle and gear shift knob are covered in leather and stitched with red seams). The front door sill panels and pedals are also stainless steel.

Investments in international markets and the domestic Czech market

To aid its growth plans, ŠKODA has been investing in the international markets and at home in the Czech Republic, focusing especially on the growth markets of China, Russia and India. In China, the brand will be launching the Chinese version of the ŠKODA Rapid this year and later the new ŠKODA Octavia. In Russia, the ŠKODA Yeti compact SUV has been coming off the production line of the Russian automobile plant in Nizhny Novgorod for the past several weeks. In the future, the new ŠKODA Octavia will also be manufactured for the Russian market in Nizhny Novgorod. The production start is scheduled for the middle of 2013. Production of the new ŠKODA Rapid is planned for the Russian market starting in the spring of 2014. In India, the Rapid compact limousine, among other vehicles, has been coming off the production line at Pune plant since late 2011.

ŠKODA has also invested heavily in its Czech production sites. A few months ago, the company laid the foundation stone for a new assembly testing centre as part of its expansion of its existing technology and development centre in Česana near the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. It has also invested heavily in the area of production, modernising and expanding the capacity in key production areas at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav to prepare for the Rapid and the new Octavia models. ŠKODA has been manufacturing double-clutch transmissions for Volkswagen Group at its Vrchlabí production plant since the middle of October 2012, expanding the facility into a high-tech site within the span of one year.

Motor sports: ŠKODA to race in the WRC-2 and World Rally Championship

ŠKODA continues to step on the accelerator in international rally racing. To start off the 2013 WRC-2 season, the German driving team of Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in the WRC-2 world championship category in a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Two Finnish drivers, Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm, take part in selected WRC-2 races as works drivers for ŠKODA Motorsport in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler make up the second ŠKODA factory team. They will be participating in selected races of the European Rally Championship (ERC).

The 2012 season became one of the most successful in ŠKODA motor sport history, with the team winning its third consecutive IRC title in the manufacturers’ category. This makes ŠKODA the most successful brand in the history of the IRC. ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 driver Andreas Mikkelsen was crowned IRC champion for the third year in a row. ŠKODA factory driver Juho Hänninen and his co-driver Mikko Markkula won the European Rally Championship early on, and ŠKODA chalked up additional wins in an extremely successful 2012 rally season with its victory in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) as well as six national rally championships (Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey and Bulgaria).

ŠKODA at the 83rd International Motor Show 2013 in Geneva:

› ŠKODA stand: PALEXPO Convention Center in Geneva, hall 2, stand 2160› ŠKODA floor space: 2,000 m2 on two levels› ŠKODA press conference: March 5, 2013, 10:00 a.m.› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on the first press day: 10 vehicles (including the new ŠKODA Octavia: six Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Octavia Combi 4×4s)› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on the second press day: 13 vehicles (three Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Rapids, two Citigos, one Yeti L&K, one Superb Combi L&K, one Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, and one Roomster Noire)› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on general-public days: 13 vehicles (two Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Rapids, two Citigos, one Yeti L&K, one Superb Combi L&K, one Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, and one Roomster Noire)› Press days: March 5-6, 2013› General-public days: March 8-17, 2013

New Octavia Combi continues the ŠKODA model offensive› ŠKODA Octavia is in a class of its own – the qualities of a mid-sized car at a compact car price› The ‘heart of the brand’ sets standards in the compact segment› Market launch of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi at the end of May 2013› ŠKODA will also be presenting the ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4 in Geneva› Motor show premiere of the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine› Octavia limousine has already been successfully launched in several markets› 2012: sales record with 939,200 ŠKODA deliveries to customers (+6.8%)› ŠKODA in a 2,000 m2 stand in hall 2

Geneva/Mladá Boleslav, March 2013 – ŠKODA boldly continues model offensive in 2013. The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi will be celebrating its world premiere in early March at the International Motor Show in Geneva. The company will also be introducing its all-wheel drive version of the ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4. It will also be the first time the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine is exhibited at a motor show. The ŠKODA Octavia is by far the brand’s best-selling model. ŠKODA intends to continue to develop its international position with its third generation of limousines and estates. ŠKODA delivered 939,200 vehicles to its customers in 2012, which is a new sales record (growth of 6.8 per cent compared to 2011).

​”The Octavia is ŠKODA’s best-selling model – the heart of the brand,” says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. “Just a few weeks after the world premiere of the new ŠKODA Octavia limousine, we will be launching the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi and ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4 in Geneva. The third generation of this ŠKODA bestseller sets standards regarding its space offering, quality, design, technology, and price-value ratio. Like the Octavia limousine, the Combi is an enormous leap forward and is now, more than ever, a car with middle-class qualities at a compact car price. With the new ŠKODA Octavia and our broad and modern range of cars, we have a good basis to strengthen our brand position in difficult markets as well, ” states Vahland.

The Combi is extremely important for the success of the ŠKODA Octavia and therefore the brand as a whole. The sale of over 1.3 million units and almost 3.8 million units worldwide can be attributed to the ŠKODA Octavia today. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi has become a bestseller since its market launch in 1998, especially in Europe. 23.7 per cent of all European sales of the ŠKODA brand in 2012 were attributed to the ŠKODA Octavia Combi, and 25.2 per cent in Western Europe. In Germany, Europe’s largest ŠKODA market and the second largest market after China worldwide, the share of Octavia Combi sales were more than 92 per cent in 2012. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi was the bestselling import car in Germany last year, with 42,200 car registrations. In Switzerland, the ŠKODA Octavia Combi was the top selling car within the Combi range with 9,446 delivered vehicles.

ŠKODA Octavia Combi sets standards in the compact estate segment

Whether front-wheel drive or a 4×4, the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi as well as the limousine stands for all of the brand’s best qualities: timeless and elegant design, ample space for passengers and cargo, quality, precise design, lots of ‘Simply Clever’ details, innovative technology and an outstanding price-value ratio. “The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a great addition to the compact estate segment,” states Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. “The car perfectly combines high levels of functionality with dynamic elegance, making it the perfect answer to the increasing customer demands in this vehicle class that is growing so fast worldwide and especially in Europe,” states Eichhorn.

The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is not only considerably larger than its predecessor, it also sets new benchmarks in terms of room. Compared to the existing Octavia Combi, boot volume has grown by five litres, or twenty more than in the limousine. With the rear seats folded down, loading volume in the Combi increases to an impressive 1,740 litres (hitherto 1,655 litres). Many ‘Simply Clever’ details also play a role here; for example, there is a double floor in the cargo area that, for the first time ever, is variably adjustable. The design is dynamic and timelessly elegant. The car has a refined appearance with clear lines, precision and perfect proportions. In addition, the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi features the latest technology. With regard to safety, there are numerous electronic assistance systems as well as numerous electronic comfort, infotainment and navigation systems. The newly developed engines are up to 17 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous generation. The range of engines available for the Octavia Combi comprises four petrol and four diesel engines, including a fuel efficient GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of only 87 g/km. Three different engines are available for the Octavia Combi 4×4, which features an all-wheel drive with a fifth generation Haldex clutch.

2018 growth strategy continues to be successful – record sales in 2012

The new ŠKODA Octavia is a key element of the ŠKODA growth strategy. ŠKODA intends to increase its worldwide sales to at least 1.5 million cars per year by 2018. To do this, the company has launched the largest model offensive in its corporate history, introducing three completely newly developed vehicles on the market in the new ŠKODA Octavia as well as the new Citigo and Rapid models in the last twelve months alone. “By 2015 we will be launching a new or revised ŠKODA model about every six months,” says Vahland. “Our model offensive is the best recipe against weak markets.”

ŠKODA achieved a new sales record with 939,200 delivered vehicles in 2012. Deliveries to customers increased by 6.8 per cent compared to 2011.

2013 characterized by the model offensive – growth strategy at a glance

For ŠKODA, 2013 will be all about the model offensive. In all, ŠKODA is to launch eight new or revised vehicles this year. The first half of the year will be marked by the production start-up and sales launch of the new ŠKODA Octavia. ŠKODA wants to continue to expand its international market position throughout the entire year. “2013 will not be easy,” says Winfried Vahland. “We will continue to expand at top speed and introduce new models even in these economically difficult times.”

New attractive special edition models: Fabia Combi Monte Carlo and Roomster Noire

The model offensive is being accompanied by attractive new special edition models. ŠKODA will be exhibiting the Fabia Combi Monte Carlo and the Roomster Noire in Geneva for the first time.

Like the Fabia Monte Carlo, the ŠKODA Fabia Combi Monte Carlo is an homage to the brand’s 112-year history of successes in motor sports. The special edition model is based on the Ambiente design package and has a sports suspension. The black plastic guards with a glossy finish lining the lower part of the vehicle, black centre pillars and black 16″ Comet design alloy wheels emphasize the car’s sporty character. The black-tinted headlights, front grille, rear-view mirrors, and the roof rack continue the car’s black theme. The car’s roofline ends as a large integrated rear spoiler. The windows are tinted black (SunSet package). The Fabia Combi Monte Carlo comes in eight colours: Corrida Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Black Magic, Cappuccino Beige, Sprint Yellow, Steel Grey and Race Blue. All of the current Fabia engines area available in the special edition model. The interior features black and red Sports seats. The roof lining and floor are also black. The Fabia Monte Carlo Combi also features a small leather package; the 3 spoke steering wheel, emergency brake handle and gearshift knob feature perforated leather and red stitching. The door sill panels and pedals are stainless steel.

The special edition ŠKODA Roomster Noire model will also be premiering in Geneva. The base model is the Ambition design package, and the engines are similar to the currently available Roomster engines. The Roomster Noire features tinted windows and the SunSet package, black 16′ Comet design light alloy wheels, black-tinted headlights and black fog lights. The front grill and rear-view mirrors are also painted black. There is a black spoiler on the front bumper, and a black diffusor on the rear bumper. The centre pillars are sheeted in black. It comes in five colours: Corrida Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Black Magic and Cappuccino Beige. Optionally, a black roof can be chosen. Similar to the ŠKODA Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, the interior of the ŠKODA Roomster Noire is features black and red Sports seats and the small leather package (the 3 spoke steering wheel, emergency brake handle and gear shift knob are covered in leather and stitched with red seams). The front door sill panels and pedals are also stainless steel.

Investments in international markets and the domestic Czech market

To aid its growth plans, ŠKODA has been investing in the international markets and at home in the Czech Republic, focusing especially on the growth markets of China, Russia and India. In China, the brand will be launching the Chinese version of the ŠKODA Rapid this year and later the new ŠKODA Octavia. In Russia, the ŠKODA Yeti compact SUV has been coming off the production line of the Russian automobile plant in Nizhny Novgorod for the past several weeks. In the future, the new ŠKODA Octavia will also be manufactured for the Russian market in Nizhny Novgorod. The production start is scheduled for the middle of 2013. Production of the new ŠKODA Rapid is planned for the Russian market starting in the spring of 2014. In India, the Rapid compact limousine, among other vehicles, has been coming off the production line at Pune plant since late 2011.

ŠKODA has also invested heavily in its Czech production sites. A few months ago, the company laid the foundation stone for a new assembly testing centre as part of its expansion of its existing technology and development centre in Česana near the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. It has also invested heavily in the area of production, modernising and expanding the capacity in key production areas at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav to prepare for the Rapid and the new Octavia models. ŠKODA has been manufacturing double-clutch transmissions for Volkswagen Group at its Vrchlabí production plant since the middle of October 2012, expanding the facility into a high-tech site within the span of one year.

Motor sports: ŠKODA to race in the WRC-2 and World Rally Championship

ŠKODA continues to step on the accelerator in international rally racing. To start off the 2013 WRC-2 season, the German driving team of Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in the WRC-2 world championship category in a ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Two Finnish drivers, Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm, take part in selected WRC-2 races as works drivers for ŠKODA Motorsport in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler make up the second ŠKODA factory team. They will be participating in selected races of the European Rally Championship (ERC).

The 2012 season became one of the most successful in ŠKODA motor sport history, with the team winning its third consecutive IRC title in the manufacturers’ category. This makes ŠKODA the most successful brand in the history of the IRC. ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 driver Andreas Mikkelsen was crowned IRC champion for the third year in a row. ŠKODA factory driver Juho Hänninen and his co-driver Mikko Markkula won the European Rally Championship early on, and ŠKODA chalked up additional wins in an extremely successful 2012 rally season with its victory in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) as well as six national rally championships (Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey and Bulgaria).

ŠKODA at the 83rd International Motor Show 2013 in Geneva:

› ŠKODA stand: PALEXPO Convention Center in Geneva, hall 2, stand 2160› ŠKODA floor space: 2,000 m2 on two levels› ŠKODA press conference: March 5, 2013, 10:00 a.m.› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on the first press day: 10 vehicles (including the new ŠKODA Octavia: six Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Octavia Combi 4×4s)› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on the second press day: 13 vehicles (three Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Rapids, two Citigos, one Yeti L&K, one Superb Combi L&K, one Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, and one Roomster Noire)› Number of exhibited ŠKODA vehicles on general-public days: 13 vehicles (two Octavia limousines, two Octavia Combis, two Rapids, two Citigos, one Yeti L&K, one Superb Combi L&K, one Fabia Combi Monte Carlo, and one Roomster Noire)› Press days: March 5-6, 2013› General-public days: March 8-17, 2013