The 76th Geneva Motor Show represents a milestone for Skoda in its more than 100 year-old tradition of car manufacturing. The Skoda Roomster takes to the stage and expands the model range of the Czech brand to include a sensational, completely independent fourth model. However, it is not just the expansion of the range which is worthy of note, what really counts is the content. The Roomster occupies its new position in the Skoda family with great self-assurance thanks to exceptional use of space, a uniquely variable VarioFlex seating system, modern engines and generous equipment levels. To prove that the Roomster is a unique package, it has a longer wheelbase than the Octavia, yet its total length is shorter. A turning circle of 10.3 metres makes it ideal for town driving.
The Roomster combines extraordinary levels of interior space with compact dimensions. Therefore, it is being given a great deal of space at its world premiere. Six versions with different equipment can be seen on the stand in the Palexpo exhibition halls of the Geneva Motor Show. An exhibition area of 723 square metres is reserved solely for the new Roomster. The colour range - from the elegant black, through the new Cappuccino Beige to the radiant Ocean Blue - emphasises the fact that the Roomster is as elegant as it is contemporary.
More Skoda models are on display on the upper deck of the stand. The sporty Fabia and Octavia RS variants are on show alongside the rest of the ranges. The Octavia hatchbacks stand out thanks to their bold designs, while the Octavia Combi 4×4 with its four-wheel drive system is ready for anything winter cares to throw at it. The impressive line-up will be crowned by Skoda’s flagship model, the Superb.
The Roomster owes its remarkable versatility to the new VarioFlex seating system. The seats can be moved in various directions, folded down or even removed completely. The angle of the rear seat backs can be adjusted individually to strike the perfect balance between passenger space and luggage demands. When you need to carry things, the Roomster provides all the solutions: the new five-door Skoda offers up to 1780 litres of storage space - a record-breaking figure for a car that measures only 4205 millimetres in length.
Even in the entry-level models, the equipment levels are generous, and, thanks to a wide range of special options, including leather seats, sports packages, and wheels of up to 16″, the Roomster can be personalised to suit the tastes and demands of every owner without losing its character.
The Roomster is offered with three petrol and three diesel engines. The range varies from the exceptionally economical 1.2 12V HTP/47 kW (64 bhp) three-cylinder petrol engine through to the powerful 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW (105 bhp). All engines are fitted with a manual five-speed transmission as standard. An automatic transmission will be available from September onwards.
In terms of safety, the Roomster has three-point seat belts on all seats as well as front and side airbags. All models are equipped with ABS and, depending on the market, ESP is also standard equipment. In addition, the Roomster fulfils all requirements in regard to pedestrian safety, specified in the regulations coming into force this year.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE BESTSELLER: THE FABIA
Skoda’s best selling model is the Fabia. More than 1.3 million customers have bought this exceptional five-door supermini since it was launched in 1999. It has lost none of its charm and, above all, none of its excellent value for money. On the contrary, the very latest Fabia is even more attractive. All EU market versions are fitted as standard with three-point belts on every seat while ABS (anti-lock braking system) is standard. A new immobiliser system improves the security level, while a new range of external colours has refreshed it further. And the improvements don’t stop there. From June 2006 onwards, the Fabia Saloon and Combi will be fitted with the 1.4 litre engine with 59 kW (80 bhp). This replaces the outgoing four-cylinder petrol engine with 1.4 litres and 55 kW (75 bhp).
VARIETY OF THE FINEST: THE OCTAVIA
There is no doubt that the Octavia has played a huge role in establishing Skoda’s as a quality brand that offers outstanding value for money. The second generation Octavia offers a wider range of choices than ever. First, there’s the choice of body style - hatchback or estate. Both are offered with four petrol engines ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres, and two diesel engines with 1.9 and 2.0-litre capacities. An interesting alternative for those who regularly have to drive in low-grip conditions is the Octavia Combi 4×4 with a four-wheel drive system that considerably improves traction and stability. The attractiveness of the second-generation Octavia has done nothing to dim the enthusiasm for the preceding model. Many price-conscious customers continue to choose this model, which is called Octavia Tour and is available both as a Combi and Combi 4×4.
However, the Octavia range only really became complete last year. The top model, the Octavia RS, is the fastest model ever to wear the famous winged arrow badge. Its 2.0-litre TFSI turbo engine generates 147 kW (200 bhp) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm throughout a remarkably wide rev range (1800 to 5000 rpm). The hatchback reaches a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) while the estate reaches a top speed at 238 km/h (147 mph). The Octavia RS is a car that offers an unrivalled combination of performance and practicality. Up to 1420 litres of luggage can be packed into the hatchback while the estate will take up to 1620 litres. In the normal configuration and loading to the top edge of the back of the rear seat, the hatchback can carry 560 litres while the estate has a capacity of 580 litres. A performance car with a difference.
FINER FILTER: THE DIESEL IS BECOMING EVEN CLEANER
With the introduction of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) at the end of last year, Skoda Auto made a considerable contribution to environmental protection. The DPF reduces the emission of particles in an extremely efficient manner. At just 0.5 milligrams per kilometre, the emissions rate is only one tenth of the allowable rate of five milligrams per kilometre. In future Skoda diesel engines will be offered with the DPF system.
[source: skoda-auto.com]
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