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<lastBuildDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:52:37 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Superb Estate]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - We reckon Skoda's new load-lugger is one of the very best cars made by the entire VW Group.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:52:37 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Frankfurt news: Skoda Superb Estate]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - It's an Estate version of a budget saloon from Skoda - yet it's getting us oddly excited. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:18:22 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Yeti, Sturdy Skoda]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - A tough, capable off-roader that's commendably green too, the Yeti is worth hunting down.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:03:19 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Yeti : ARE WE THERE YET?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda's entry into the small 4x4 fray is called the Yeti. Steve Walker takes a look.Legend has it that the high Himalayas are home to a mysterious ape-like creature. These desolate, snowbound mountains have thus far kept their secrets but the folklore of the abominable snowman or Yeti persists among the region's indigenous peoples. Skoda will wish that the market sector into which it pitches the Yeti's vehicular namesake was as deserted as a Tibetan mountainside but rather a lot of rival manufacturers got their small crossover 4x4s out there first. Skoda's Yeti could have rather a harder time getting noticed than the hairy version would if he turned up at Asda.Skoda had been talking about a compact 4x4 called the Yeti for years. We'd seen show cars (notably at the 2005 Geneva motorshow) dropping big hints about its looks and the Czech brand had even let members of the press loose in a development version. Then there seemed to be some confusion as to whether the Yeti would ever actually put in an appearance at all. Finally, it did and Skoda had its first 4x4. A good range of engine options is available with the Yeti. There's a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol to open proceedings and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 110bhp. These units are offered with the front-wheel-drive transmission but if you want a go-anywhere Yeti, you'll need either that less powerful diesel or one of the meatier engines. 140bhp and 170bhp versions of the 2.0-litre diesel are offered as is a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol. The 4x4 set-up is a Haldex system similar to that in Skoda's Octavia 4x4 model. At least some off-road ability is assured by the presence of hill decent control and an off-road driving mode that adjust the ABS and ESP systems to cope with loose surfaces. Ground clearance is measured at 180mm."The Yeti may be small but it makes the best use of what it's got"The Yeti is predominantly designed for use on the road and even with the 4x4 system fitted, it will operate in front-wheel drive mode until it detects wheel slip. Lots of the elements that drivers have come to appreciate in 4x4 vehicles are evident in the Yeti, such as the elevated seating position with its enhanced visibility but Skoda is pitching it as a crossover, that's somewhere between a full-blown compact 4x4 and an estate. This certainly isn't a huge gas-guzzling off-roader. With its 4,233mm length and 1,793mm width, the Yeti is surprisingly compact. It does have the key 4x4 styling cues sorted, however, from its front spotlights that overlap the main light clusters to its deep front bumper and rear skid plate. It looks pretty purposeful which is half the battle in this style-conscious sector. There are modern Skoda design touches too, such as the unapologetic chrome-topped grille and the blacked out roof pillars. The interior is roomier than you'd imagine considering the size of the Yeti and Skoda has done a lot of thinking about how to make the most of the space. A trio of tall adults can be accommodated in the rear and there's a 410-litre boot as well. The seats are of Skoda's VarioFlex persuasion and can be folded or removed completely to open up further load carrying options. They also slide fore and aft to adjust the amount of legroom and boot space on offer. Lift them all out and there's 1,760 litres of space in the Yeti which might be enough to persuade buyers against going for a larger vehicle. Quality dashboard materials and neat design top off a very accomplished cabin. There's a wide choice of Yeti models, spread across E, S, SE and Elegance trim levels, with 1.2 and 1.8-litre 105 and 160bhp petrol engines, plus 110, 140 and 170bhp versions of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Only the 1.2-litre version lacks the option of 4-wheel drive. All Yetis come with roof rails, front electric windows, power mirrors, ABS, driver and passenger front, side and curtain airbags, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat and a CD player. Unfortunately, ESP stability control is limited to plusher models. The task facing this Skoda is to tempt motorists out of their larger compact 4x4s while also putting up a fight in the smaller crossover 4x4 sector which seems lightly to expand further in the future. The likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Fiat Sedici, Daihatsu Terios and Kia Sportage will figure amongst its rivals but there's no shortage of other models aiming to fulfil a broadly similar remit. With a relatively wide engine range, fuel economy and emissions will vary but the Yeti's are efficient and modern units that should give good returns for the power available. The 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel should return close to 50mpg on the combined cycle with 140g/km CO2 emissions. There are a multitude of compact and sub compact 4x4s out there on the market today but Skoda will hope that its Yeti will become significantly more common than its Himalayan namesake. The manufacturer has good reason for optimism too with the Yeti looking a well resolved and practical little product with a particularly strong line-up of engines. The Yeti may be small but it makes the best use of what it's got from an interior space perspective. The passenger accommodation is roomier than expected in a car this size and the VarioFlex seating system adds useful flexibility. The road-biased running gear won't cope with serious off-road work but it should prove more than capable in the kind of conditions that owners will try to drive through.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Yeti range PRICES: £13,750-£22,120 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-9 CO2 EMISSIONS: 140-180g/km [est] PERFORMANCE: [TDI 140] 0-60mph 10s / Top Speed 115mph [est] FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 50mpg [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver, passenger front, side and curtain airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4233/1793/1691]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Superb Range : WHAT'S IN A NAME?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda's Superb was always big but now it's bigger. Jonathan Crouch reportsSkoda's Superb has always been a family four-door offering executive standards of space for Mondeo money. The fact that you could only have a saloon put off some who wanted five doors from trying the first generation version but the mark two model brings a design that offers the best of both. There's also extra quality and more technology. It's not the still not the sharpest car to drive but it is exceptional value for money.Back in the late Nineties, Czech President Milos Zeman, embarrassed at having to use a German car for his official duties, went knocking on Skoda's door asking if they could do him a stretched version of their Octavia family five-door. Initially, he had no luck. The Octavia then, as now, was based on the underpinnings of a VW Golf and expecting to create a limousine out of it was asking a bit much. What could be provided however, thanks to Skoda's membership of the Volkswagen group, was the basis for a stretched MKV VW Passat. This had already been created for the Chinese market, the engineers extending the wheelbase by 95mm. All the Czechs then had to do was to Skoda-ise this package. So was born the Skoda Superb, a saloon with the space of a BMW 5 Series for the cost of a Renault Laguna. Originally, this was to be a one-off, `toe-in-the-water' effort from Skoda into uncharted upper class market territory but so successful was it that we've now the second generation version that I'm looking at here. It's a fact: Britain's roads are the worst in Western Europe, except perhaps for those in the Czech republic. Small wonder then, that it's taken a Czech maker to produce a car that rides beautifully here. Over-large wheels with stiff suspension that produces a supposedly `sporty' drive sound great on paper but can be a misery to live with, day-in, day-out. The Superb, in contrast, dispenses with all this nonsense and offers up wonderfully supple suspension. The comfort emphasis isn't just focused on ride either. Refinement is outstanding. As a result, it's a great car for long distances - or even better, to be driven in."The Superb's executive car pretensions are underlined by a silky ride quality and hushed interior "On the road, though the Superb certainly feels big, we've found that it shrinks around you. The controls are light and accurate and the whole car really feels solid. What it isn't is particularly sporty to drive, but then if you're after that, then this Skoda is unlikely to be on your shopping list in the first place. Unlike its predecessor however, it's now on a par with a Volkswagen Passat in this respect and there's the option of the VW Group's creamy smooth seven-speed DSG twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. The Superb is front wheel drive in standard guise but 4x4 versions are offered further up the range for those seeking greater traction. The Superb's size immediately strikes you. The first generation version was hardly compact but this model is 35mm longer still. From some angles, the shape isn't particularly graceful - though from others, it looks, well, superb. Either way, once you're sat inside, it's hard not to be impressed, in contrast to the MK1 version which in places, felt built down to a price. This time round, Volkswagen and Audi design cues are evident all around the interior and the general feeling of quality is tangible. In the rear, fortunate passengers will enjoy legroom of a level only usually found in luxury saloons. There's 19mm of extra kneeroom over the old Superb and space for even the preposterously tall to get comfy. Hatchback or saloon? It's the perennial poser for buyers in the medium range sector but the Superb neatly sidesteps it in a way we really like by being both bodystyles at the same time. With their `Twindoor' system, Skoda have engineered a novel rear opening for the car which provides access to the large 565-litre luggage bay in the style either of a saloon or a hatchback. Press one of the buttons on the Superb's rear and a conventional bootlid lifts open. But if you continue to press until the high-level brake light flashes, your upward pull releases the whole of the rear windscreen as one with the boot lid to form a conventional tailgate, thus giving you a full-size hatch opening. This novel arrangement adds greatly to this car's practicality. Fold down the rear seats and a huge 1,670-litre space presents itself. The `executive car for medium range money' premise that has been so central to the Superb's success down the years holds firm with the latest car. The engine range, like much of the Skoda Superb, does look very Volkswagen. At the bottom of the petrol line-up, there's a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that through some dark magic manages to produce 125bhp and moves this one and a half tonne car with some alacrity. Next up is a meatier 1.8-litre turbo offering 160bhp, sitting below a minority interest 3.6-litre V6 that tops the petrol range with 260bhp. As with the Passat, most Superb customers will be after a diesel and here there's an aged 105bhp 1.9-litre option (also used in the eco-focused `Greenline' version) along with two far more satisfactory 2.0-litre TDI units. The 140bhp version will be chosen by most but for some, the pull of the 170bhp option may be tough to resist. The 2.0-litre TDI is an advanced common-rail injection unit, the first ever in a Skoda, with high standards of refinement as well as a mid-range that's punchier than Ricky Hatton. All models include seven airbags, an alarm, Climatic air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo, alloy wheels, electric windows all-round, electric mirrors, the ESP stability programme and front foglights. The desirable 168bhp common-rail 2.0TDI diesel engine is an appealing option, not least because of its fuel economy and emissions. Considering the performance on offer, its 48.7mpg on the combined cycle and 153g/km of CO2 are very good and hardly different from the figures returned by the rumbly old 1.9-litre TDI entry-level unit. If you really can't face a diesel, the entry-level 125bhp 1.4 TSI petrol unit is a good option, returning CO2 emissions of 157g/km and 41.5mpg on the combined cycle. The Skoda name may still be a handicap to the Superb when it comes to residual values. Despite the rejuvenation in its public perception that's taken place since the dark days of the 80s and early 90s, the marque is still seen by some as a cheaper alternative to the mainstream and residuals are unlikely to be overly strong. Having said that, you're paying a lower price than many rivals will ask (and getting more car into the bargain). This, along with competitive servicing and repair costs, may well offer up a very competitive set of whole life costs once you finish all your sums. A lot of emphasis is placed by journalists on cars being sporty but Skoda's Superb is a model that unashamedly isn't yet remains an extremely desirable choice nevertheless. On grounds of comfort, quality and interior space, it's right up with the best, yet it's brilliant value. There's also an outstanding collection of modern engines to choose from. In other words, the Czechs have produced a car that does a fine job of getting the things that matter to its target market right. A superb job you might say - and we wouldn't argue.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Superb PRICES: £15,905-£26,885 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-235g/km PERFORMANCE: [TDI 170] 0-60mph 8.8s / Max Speed 138mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDI 170] (urban) 36.7mpg / (extra urban) 58.8mpg / (combined) 48.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Nine airbags, ABS, ESP, EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4838/1817/1462mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Estate Range : CZECH OUT THE REAL ESTATE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda's latest Octavia Estate is bigger, better and more attractive than ever. Andy Enright reportsThe cat is well and truly out of the bag. Take a quick look at Skoda's sales figures for the last couple of years and you'll see that buyers all over Europe accept the brand and recognise it as offering Volkswagen group build quality for decidedly un-Volkswagen pricing. Of course, the sensible Skodas are still a far easier sell than those that appear to `reach a little' shall we say, image-wise, and that should put the latest generation Octavia Estate on a very sound footing indeed.Built on the same platform and sharing the same recent styling revisions as its hatchback stablemate, the Octavia estate eschews the current trend for long wheelbase estate versions and instead concentrates on offering solid value for money and practical interior solutions rather than headline grabbing gimmickry. A split/fold rear bench isn't the most exciting feature but it can free up a huge amount of space - some 1,620 litres all in - and even with the seats in place, there's 580 litres available to stuff with bags. The load bay is not only large but also sensibly shaped. Instead of the wheelarch intrusion that so many estate models suffer, the Octavia Estate features a large, flat load space, carpeted and trimmed with rails so that heavy items can be slid into place. Lashing eyes mounted on the floor ensure that heavy objects can be firmly stowed and all the fixtures and fittings look beefy enough to last the course. The sheer attention to detail is impressive. The low loading lip is thoughtfully contoured so that heavy items can be rested there for a moment without danger of slipping. Beefy gas struts keep the tailgate well out of your way so you've got plenty of room to manoeuvre. The rear overhang has been extended a little further to give the Octavia Estate better load capacity. Passenger room is similarly generous - and that's important since the prodigious luggage space of the original Octavia required rear seat passengers to pay in kind. The wheelbase of the latest model has been teased out by another 66mm, endowing it with admirable rear legroom even when long limbed adults occupy the front seats. Rear headroom is better than the swooping roofline would suggest, helped in no small part by a slightly more generous seat back recline than in many such cars."The Octavia Estate majors on solid value for money and practical interior solutions rather than headline grabbing gimmickry"It's no secret that the Octavia rides on Golf MkV mechanicals but there was always the suspicion that Skoda's Volkswagen Group paymasters obliged it to tone down the `surprise and delight' features on the Octavia so as to avoid impinging on the Golf. In its original form, this Octavia was on the unexciting side but the facelift, which introduced styling elements of the Superb executive saloon, has improved matters. There's a more imposing grille, topped with a thick band of chrome and the substantial headlamps flank it to form a band across the Octavia's nose. The bumpers and side mouldings have also been tweaked and C-shaped light clusters adorn the rear. The Octavia is still no extrovert but it's a much more eye-catching prospect. The interior revisions have, if anything, an even greater impact. Enhancements to the switchgear, entertainment systems and trim send the cabin up in class a good few notches. The gap between this and the acclaimed interiors of Volkswagen and Audi products is not a big one. The Octavia drives pretty much as you'd expect - assured, comfortable but nothing too sporting. These days, even the more comfort biased chassis are so competent that it takes a genuinely hamfisted development to result in a car that's no fun to drive. The latest Octavia benefits from Volkswagen's quest to endow the Golf chassis with Ford Focus-style driving manners. Even with the wick turned down a good few notches, it can't help but feel extremely capable when stitching a series of bends together. And under the bonnet? Well, petrol is mounting something of a fightback after a good few years of diesel dominance and engines like the Volkswagen Group TSI units are in the vanguard. Two of these units are available with the latest Octavia. First comes a 1.4-litre TSI unit with 122bhp. Big deal, we hear you cry, but the engine's advanced turbocharged configuration allows it to produce its 200Nm maximum torque at just 1,500rpm for diesel-style low end grunt. It's a similar story with the 1.8-litre TSI but with 160bhp, this unit will feel more muscular all round. Pride of place in the petrol range continues to be occupied by the 2.0-litre TFSI engine with 197bhp. It powers the vRS models. Diesel should not be discounted as its light thirst and surging torque will still be just what the doctor ordered for many and the latest 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI common-rail injection engine is right on the cutting edge of oil-burning technology. A 170bhp version of this unit is offered in the vRS version, while the older 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI unit is offered in entry-level variants. Of course, the 2.0-litre TDI 140 diesel is the car that many will be drawn to as it also offers a version of the VW Group's fantastic DSG dual clutch gearbox, albeit without the F1-style paddle shift. There are even all-wheel drive models with a Haldex electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that uses sensors around the car to determine the amount of drive needed for the rear wheels. If you can't run to a Volvo XC70 or a Subaru Forester, this Skoda estate 4x4 or Scout derivatives represent a very worthy alternative and they're a good deal more capable than that part time drive system would suggest. Whichever Octavia Estate model you opt for, you're buying quality and capability. The value for money aspect is common knowledge. The secret's out.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Octavia Estate range PRICES: £13,595-£21,350 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: [2.0 TDI] 159g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TDI] Max Speed 129mph / 0-60mph 9.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 TDI] (average) 47.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Front and side airbags, ABS, ASR, MBA, MSR. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4595/1769/1462mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia 1.2 : FABIA MINOR]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda's latest Fabia 1.2 offers a cut-price entry point into one of the smartest superminis around. Andy Enright reportsIt wouldn't be an overstatement to say that the Fabia is the rock upon which Skoda builds its church. Without this model, there would be no budget for vehicles like the wacky Roomster, the dashing Octavia and the faintly puzzling Superb. Launched in 2000, it was certainly a world apart from any compact car the Czech company had ever produced before. Designed by the stylist responsible for the Bentley Continental GT, this spacious supermini offered a simple recipe.As well as being very well screwed together, it was also one of the longest cars in its class and had the interior space efficiency to capitalise on those extra inches. At the time, anything much larger would have strayed into the next class up - Golf, Astra and Focus family hatchback territory - so it had the supermini market pretty much taped, if space was a priority and you didn't have deep pockets. Since then, Renault's Clio has muscled in on this formula and Skoda has responded - and how. The latest Fabia moves the game to another level at prices starting from £8,090 in 1.2-litre petrol form. As promising as the basic Fabia formula might seem, the notion of big car, small engine is rarely a recipe for fun. In this instance, it's remarkable what a difference 10bhp makes. The Fabia is actually offered with two 1.2-litre petrol engines. There's a 60bhp 6-valve unit (yes, this is a three cylinder engine) that should be avoided unless you're really cash-strapped or there's a 70bhp 12-valve engine that's significantly more satisfying. Where the 60bhp unit struggles when the car is loaded, the 70bhp has enough about it to carry the day. It'll get to 60mph in 14.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 102mph and while those aren't standout figures, there's an enthusiasm and honesty to this powerplant that is extremely rewarding. If you want the Estate model (that commands a premium of around £500 over the equivalent 5-door hatch), then you'll need to go for the 70bhp variant."If you can stretch to the punchier engine you've got the best budget supermini by quite a considerable margin"The basic underpinnings, a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear, haven't changed a great deal from the old Fabia but tuning to the damping means this car rides a good deal more smoothly. The steering wheel requires a bit of arm twirling lock-to-lock but it's a decently accurate helm and the gearchange is one of the best in its class. The driving experience may be good but the design touches are, if anything, even better. It's easy to see where Skoda is going with their design language. If you've been paying attention to any of their show cars and concepts in the past few years, the shape of the Fabia will come as no great surprise. The front end mimics that of the Roomster mini-MPV while the rear end is a lot cleaner, offering a more conservative tack than the Roomster's weird kinked window line. In fact, the splayed shoulder line of this car and neatly sawn-off rear pillars aren't dissimilar to the Suzuki Swift. It's a very tidy styling job and serves to make the old Fabia look positively archaic. It's a notably bigger car too, the subsequent growth of the family hatch in size giving this Fabia a bit more room to let its belt out and remain a fully fledged supermini. Skoda claim more rear knee and headroom than any rival, helped by the fact that the Fabia is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the model it replaces. Boot capacity stands at an impressive 300 litres with the seats in place or a massive 1,163 litres when they're folded. For the Estate version, the figures are 480 litres and 1460 litres. Despite the success of the Fabia, Skoda still recognise the limits of their badge equity - the upmarket Superb saloon taught them a key, and rather expensive, lesson here - and the Fabia is priced realistically while recognising the need to nudge the brand incrementally upmarket. Equipment levels were never the Fabia's strong point, Skoda relying instead on solid no-nonsense build quality. This time round there are items like electronically-controlled Climatronic air-conditioning and an MP3/iPod-compatible stereo but if you go to your Skoda dealer expecting to be granted a view of the state-of-the-art in small car electronics, you're likely to be disappointed. Unimpeachable build quality, on the other hand, you can take for granted. You don't buy a 1.2-litre Skoda Fabia and then expect to be clouted by high running costs and initial impressions suggest that this will be one of the cheapest superminis to run on a long term basis. For a start Fabias have always held very firm when it comes to residual values, used buyers valuing the Volkswagen Group input and resolute build quality. Secondly, as this is the entry-level petrol engine family, insurance is very cheap. Finally, there's economy. The 1.2-litre 16v model manages to return a figure in the region of 48mpg on the combined cycle which is something many small diesels would be proud of. Naturally this figure will take a dive if you load the vehicle up and are a little enthusiastic with the throttle but it's a very good base point given how big the Fabia body is. Rather surprisingly, the less powerful 60bhp 1.2-litre unit isn't markedly more economical. The supermini market has changed beyond all recognition from when Skoda unleashed its original Fabia back in 2000. Twentieth-century designed superminis knew their place. They were small and savagely built down to a price as manufacturers didn't want them to cannibalise sales from the bigger family hatches which they viewed as their cash cows, to be protected at all costs. The Fabia changed the way we looked at superminis. The latest model takes the old Fabia's strengths of space, solid build quality and minuscule running costs and improves on them. The 1.2-litre models are a mixed bag, with the 12v powerplant being a lot more appealing than the rather frenetic 6v engine, but if you can stretch to the punchier engine you've got the best budget supermini by quite a considerable margin. Expect certain manufacturers to be going back to their drawing boards when they analyse this.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Fabia 1.2 range PRICES: £8,625-£11,325 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 1-2 CO2 EMISSIONS: 140g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.2 16v] Max Speed 102mph / 0-60mph 14.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 16v] (combined) 48mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 3982/1646/14971mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia Scout : SCOUT ABOUT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda has pulled the old 4x4 styling accessory trick with its Fabia Estate. Steve Walker checks out the resulting Scout model.Practical but forgettable pretty much sums up the Skoda Fabia Estate, so how could the Czech manufacturer go about jazzing it up a bit? One option would be to take elements from a type of vehicle that has a little more character about it, a compact 4x4 perhaps, and graft them onto the extended supermini. The result wouldn't alter the Fabia in any major way but it might gain a little extra desirability, maybe even a modicum of street-cred. The vehicle could be called the Skoda Fabia Scout in honour of its pseudo-adventurous appearance and it could top the Fabia estate rage starting at under £13,000. Job done.The supermini-based estate car hasn't been a huge money-spinner for car manufacturers in the UK market. It's a slightly unusual idea in that the point of a supermini is that it's compact and the point of an estate car is that it's got extra space for luggage and stuff, the sort of space that's hard to engineer into an inherently compact car. Still, there is a place in the market for models like the Skoda Fabia Estate. It's primarily with customers who want supermini running costs and dimensions plus a bit more room, but the task these vehicles face has become more difficult of late with the advent of supermini MPVs and sub-compact 4x4s which do the extra practicality thing in more interesting ways. The Skoda Fabia Scout is an attempt to inject a little of that interest into the dull but worthy Fabia Estate, so how successful is it? Only the range-topping engines from the Fabia Estate are available with the Fabia Scout but you can put your flameproof racing overalls back in the wardrobe along with the stick-on Nigel Mansell moustache because they aren't a lively bunch. Proceedings open with an 85bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit that takes 12.7s to achieve 60mph from standstill. It's a sound engine but many will deem the extra cash needed to get a diesel worthwhile. The 1.4-litre HDI has only 80bhp and takes 13.7s to do the 0-60mph but its 195Nm of torque at 2,000rpm is 62Nm more than the petrol produces at 3,800rpm, so it's stronger off the line and in the 30mph ballpark. The 1.9-litre TDI engine has 105bhp and 240Nm leading to a 11s 0-60mph time."â€¦the Scout model does bring a slight whiff of 4x4 to Skoda's affordable family car"The Estate is only 20kg heavier than the hatch and the Scout's modifications over the estate are purely cosmetic, so it will drive much the same. That's pretty darn well, for those unfamiliar with Skoda's supermini. The Fabia's suspension handles rough surfaces with some grace but remains composed through the corners with less body roll than you'd experience in a taller supermini-based MPV. The pointy steering also helps the car deliver a pleasant driving experience. It's no ball of fire regardless of the engine you pick but it has the basics nailed down, making it an amiable companion across the full range of UK road conditions. The styling of the Fabia Estate follows on from the hatch. It's more distinctive than Fabia models past which just looked like the budget Volkswagens they, in essence, were and today's car has evolved its own themes. The trademark feature is the blacked-out roof pillars and these are still in evidence on the Scout version but it adds silver roof rails and body mouldings down the flanks. It isn't a dramatic transformation but the 16" alloys that are also included help the Scout's cause. On the inside, the Volkswagen influence is in evidence with an upmarket element to the switchgear and the materials. Again, the Fabia isn't exactly brimming with that elusive wow-factor but there are elegant touches including aluminium finishes for the door handles and air-vent surrounds. The Scout versions get special Scout upholstery to further raise the tone. If room is your thing, the Fabia is a good supermini to go for, so it follows that the estate bodystyle that the Scout is based on isn't short of capacity. It's actually nearly 24cm longer than its hatchback relative and viewing the two cars side by side, you can believe it. The Scout looks altogether lither and less stubby with its extra side window and the shallow angle of its tailgate. The extra dimensions have helped Skoda engineers achieve a 480-litre boot capacity with the seats up, some 180 litres more than you'll cram into the hatchback. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats flat (a less than straightforward operation that involves removing the headrests) and there's an Albert Hall-esque 1,460 litres. That's 297 litres up on the hatchback. All Fabia Estate models get central locking, electric windows at the front, height adjustment for the driver's seat, height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel and a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility. Safety equipment includes ABS along with front and side airbags. The Scout trim level add posh extras like cruise control, tinted glass, electric windows, alloy pedals, a centre armrest and a leather steering wheel. It's unlikely that the Fabia Scout model will lure two many buyers away from proper small 4x4 vehicles but it might give the Fabia Estate more of a fighting chance against small MPVs and other supermini estates. Alternatives like Renault's Clio Sport Tourer and Peugeot's 207 SW are its key rivals and the 207 SW even employs a similar trick to the Scout with its Outdoor derivative. Both the Peugeot and the Renault do sporty more convincingly than the spacious Skoda which may just have the edge on build quality and value. The engine range in the Fabia Scout definitely errs towards economy rather than performance. The absence of a high tech diesel engine means than none of the units can dip below the 120g/km barrier for emissions but the 80bhp 1.4 TDI unit lands right on that mark and gets over 60mpg on the combined cycle. The range-topping 1.9 TDI diesel is well-suited to the Scout's load lugging role and its 57mpg economy just about makes it the pick of the line-up. You'll get 43mpg from the 1.4-litre petrol, along with 154g/km emissions. Fabia models have always held very firm when it comes to residual values, used buyers valuing the Volkswagen Group input and resolute build quality. Insurance is unlikely to break the bank and all models come with a 3-year 60,000-mile warranty. A package of roof rails and plastic body cladding isn't going to swing too many extra sales in the Skoda Fabia Estate's direction but the Scout model does bring a slight whiff of 4x4 to Skoda's affordable family car. Forget about the styling accessories and you're left with a well built and economical vehicle with a whole load of boot space tagging along behind. So what if it isn't the most thrilling object on the road. Part of the Fabia Estate's appeal is that it is refreshingly free from gimmicks and the Scout model could put a dent in that, depending on your point of view. It certainly isn't about to be mistaken for a Land Rover Defender and there's something flawed about the logic that says 4x4s are trendy, so sticking 4x4 bits on a small estate will make that trendy too. In the end, the Fabia Scout is a likable vehicle that offers little over a standard Fabia Estate. Thankfully, it doesn't cost much more and there's extra equipment as well as the styling add-ons.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Fabia Scout PRICES: £12,815-£14,380 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 2-4 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 120-154g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.4] Max Speed 108mph / 0-60mph 12.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9 TDI] (combined) 57mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4229/1642/1498mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia - Long Term Test : TIP FOR THE TOP?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Skoda's 1.6-litre Tiptronic Fabia had to convince the doubters on its long term test. Steve Walker reports.Cars have never been available in a wider range of shapes, sizes and specifications or driven by a wider variety of engines and gearboxes. It all adds up to a baffling array of choice across the market. Even within individual model lines, there can be a wealth of options to select from and while some combinations of engine, transmission and trim will fly out of the showroom, others will inevitably prove less popular. When our Skoda Fabia long term test car arrived with a 1.6-litre engine, a Tiptronic automatic gearbox and a white roof atop its blue bodywork, let's just say that we weren't expecting to see many other identical Fabias out on the road.1.6-litres is a relatively big engine for a supermini. It wouldn't be unusual in a hot hatchback or even a moderately warmed over one but the Fabia 2 is neither. With 105bhp, the engine falls between the realms of the sporty and the economical which is likely to limit its appeal. What the 1.6-litre engine can offer within the context of the Fabia range is an automatic transmission. With a self-shifting gearbox installed, the smooth and punchy 1.6-litre engine starts to make more sense. The Skoda Fabia probably isn't a natural choice for long distance journeys but over the course of our test it shaped up well on the motorway. The gearbox is unobtrusive and the engine has plenty of guts for maintaining a steady speed up inclines. The Fabia doesn't blot out the sound of its engines as well as some other superminis but it rides smoothly and a long periods spent at the wheel are far from uncomfortable. If motorway munching accounts for the major part of your driving, a larger car than the Fabia would be a good idea but the advantage of the Fabia's compact size is that it can also turn its hand to low speed work quite effectively."On the whole, the strong basic appeal of Skoda's Fabia shines through the unorthodox specification of our car."Around town, the automatic gearbox is even more of a boon. The chore of continuously clutching and de-clutching in stop-start traffic is eliminated at a stroke and the Fabia's pointy steering makes it adept a darting through gaps. When you do need to get smartly off the line, the gearbox may be a little slow to respond but as long as you drive smoothly, it acts in a predictable manner. Our Fabia is capable of a 115mph top speed and can tackle the 0-60mph spring in 11.5s which is no more than respectable for a supermini these days. We'd been borderline convinced by the Fabia's unusual engine and gearbox combination but when it came to the looks of the car, the jury had gone AWOL. What it boils down to is that, as a general rule, a MINI Cooper can get away with a white roof but a Skoda Fabia can't. The Fabia is a nice enough car to look at and its blacked out pillars even serve to differentiate it from other superminis but it doesn't really have the youthful exuberance to carry off a roof in a contrasting colour - that's in our opinion anyway. Besides, that white roof is a £350 option - we'd sooner just have the whole car in blue. Although it's small in the grand scheme of things, the Fabia is quite a size by supermini standards. Skoda claim more rear knee and headroom than any rival, helped by the fact that the latest Fabia is 22mm longer and 47mm taller than the model it replaced. Boot capacity stands at an impressive 300 litres with the seats in place or a massive 1,163 litres when they're folded. The Fabia definitely has space on its side but the interior itself is less impressive. We're not talking from a build quality standpoint here as the fascia and the whole of the interior generally seems impeccably screwed together. The problem is the materials themselves with the Fabia employing a plethora of uninviting hard plastics that do little for the ambience. They're certain to wear extremely well but a little more quality in the materials could have brought the best out of what is an attractive and functional design. In Fabia 2 trim with the 1.6-litre engine and automatic gearbox, our Fabia costs under £12,000. Add the white roof, 16" alloy wheels, cornering headlights, Climatronic air conditioning and trip computer and our model comes in at around £13,000. That's not cheap for a supermini but the equipment list is generous and that auto `box will be deemed worth the extra outlay by many buyers. Economy and emissions are mediocre as you might expect with 37.7mpg and 180g/km emissions being roughly what you can expect. On the whole, the strong basic appeal of Skoda's Fabia shines through the unorthodox specification of our car. This is a spacious, practical and well-built supermini that acquits itself well across a range of driving conditions. If you must have an automatic gearbox, the Fabia's unit is a good one and the 1.6-litre engine suits it well but together, the two installations don't deliver the performance or the economy that we'd like to see in this type of vehicle. The joy of the huge range of choice contained within new car model ranges these days is that everyone can specify their vehicle to their own personal taste and there will doubtless be some buyers out there for whom a 1.6-litre Tiptronic Fabia 2 is absolutely ideal. Good luck to them, it's a capable car, but the white roof might still be a tick too far on the options list.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Fabia 2 1.6 Tiptronic PRICES: £11,725 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 4 CO2 EMISSIONS: 180g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 115mph / 0-60mph 11.5s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 37.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 3982/1624/1498mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia Estate : FABIA CARRIER]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Is there still a market for supermini-based estate cars? Skoda thinks so and it's hard to argue with its Fabia Estate. Steve Walker reports.Do you believe in love at first sight? If you don't, Skoda's Fabia has never been the car most likely to persuade you otherwise. Despite being almost spookily competent when it came to things like practicality, build quality and value for money, the Fabia has never been a supermini to set your heart pounding and your bottom lip drooling after the briefest encounter. The latest model follows along these low key lines and as you'd imagine, grafting on an estate bodystyle does little for its charisma quota. You discount the Fabia Estate at your peril though. This highly user-friendly car might have the capacity to seduce you on the sly.Being too straight-laced was the only criticism that the old Skoda Fabia received with any regularity. Otherwise, it was a fine supermini and in estate form it had even more practicality to call upon. There was even the suspicion that the car's lack of obvious sparkle could be attributed to Skoda's Volkswagen Group paymasters wanting to protect sales of the Polo. The latest Fabia addressed this to an extent with its curvier lines and distinctive blacked-out A and B pillars. The Estate version inherits this look but still lacks the verve of rivals like the Renault Clio Tourer, Peugeot 207 SW and MINI Clubman. In the main, power options for the Fabia Estate mirror those of the Fabia hatch. 70bhp is the starting point as the amount delivered by the 12-valve 1.2-litre HTP engine and from there, petrol buyers can step on to a 1.4-litre 16-valve with 85bhp or the 1.6-litre 16-valve with 105bhp. Anyone after rip-snorting performance shouldn't really be looking at a Fabia Estate in the first place but if you want a bit more muscle for getting heavy payloads off the line, on of the 70bhp 1.4 TDI, 80bhp 1.4 TDI or 105bhp 1.9 TDI diesels should suffice. These direct injection oil-burners lack refinement not being the supermini sector's most advanced units but they don't come up short of mid-range urge. Even the 70bhp option turns in 210Nm at 1,600rpm. The petrol engines are smoother but the 1.2-litre has to work hard to get a fully loaded Fabia Estate moving. Thankfully, Estate does with out the weedier 60bhp 1.2-litre unit offered in the hatchback."The strengths of Skoda's Fabia supermini are its interior space, build quality and value for moneyâ€¦"The Estate is only 20kg heavier than the hatch, so it drives much the same - that's pretty darn well, for those unfamiliar with Skoda's supermini. The Fabia's suspension handles rough surfaces with some grace but remains composed through the corners with far less body roll than you'd experience in a taller supermini-based MPV. The pointy steering also helps the car deliver a pleasant driving experience. It's no ball of fire regardless of the engine you pick but it has the basics nailed down making it an amiable companion across the full range of UK road conditions. If room is your thing, the Fabia is a good supermini to go for so it follows that the estate isn't short of capacity. It's actually nearly 24cm longer than its hatchback relative and viewing the two cars side by side, you can believe it. The estate looks altogether lither and less stubby with its extra side window and the shallow angle of its tailgate. The extra dimensions have helped Skoda engineers achieve a 480-litre boot capacity with the seats up, some 180 litres more than you'll cram into the hatchback. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats flat (a less than straightforward operation that involves removing the headrests) and there's an Albert Hall-esque 1,460 litres. That's 297 litres up on the hatchback. The styling of the Fabia Estate follows on from the hatch. It's more distinctive than Fabia models past which just looked like the budget Volkswagens they, in essence, were and today's car has evolved its own themes and character. The Fabia Estate does classy about as well as a small estate car can with its chrome grille and the roof bars on the plusher models but it's palpably no MINI Clubman. The looks should be engaging enough for what will be bought primarily as functional vehicle and the Fabia Estate is more impressive still on the inside. The Volkswagen influence is in evidence in the cabin with an upmarket element to the switchgear and the materials. Again, the Fabia isn't exactly brimming with that elusive wow-factor but there are elegant touches including aluminium finishes for the door handles and air-vent surrounds. There are three trim levels available with the Fabia Estate, conveniently called 1, 2 and 3 by the ever pragmatic Skoda but a 4x4-a-like Scout version is also available. All models get central locking, electric windows at the front, height adjustment for the driver's seat, height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel and a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility. Safety equipment includes ABS along with front and side airbags. The step up to the Fabia 2 yields 15" alloy wheels, air-conditioning, body coloured exterior parts, remote central locking, a trip computer and those natty roof rails. Meanwhile, Fabia 3, gives you climate and cruise control, front fog lights, 16" alloys, parking sensors and curtain airbags. The Scout is based on the Fabia 2 but has roof rails and body cladding. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is offered with the tiptronic clutchless gearbox otherwise, it's a 5-speed manual. The market for small estate cars has suffered in the wake of the small MPV sector's growth. Where vehicles like the Fabia Estate are basically superminis with extra boot space, MPV models tend to offer passenger-orientated features like clever folding seats and additional storage solutions. The taller shape of the MPVs tends to produce a higher driving position but the estate options usually retain the sharper driving dynamics of the lower, sportier superminis that spawned them. If you want a supermini with more room out back, the Fabia will be ideal but you'll also have alternatives like Renault's Clio Touring and Peugeot's 207 SW that do sporty more convincingly than the spacious Skoda which may just have the edge on build quality and value. The engine range in the Fabia estate definitely errs towards economy rather than performance. The absence of a high tech diesel engine means than none of the units can dip below the 120g/km barrier for emissions in their standard form but the 80bhp 1.4 TDI unit lands right on that mark. You can also order this unit in eco-friendly `GreenLine' guise where, for a premium of around £200, it will deliver you around 69mpg and emit just 109g/km of CO2. The entry-level 70bhp diesel is actually slightly less economical and heavier on the emissions even than the standard 1.4 TDI 80bhp unit, so consider this before taking the cheaper option. The range-topping 1.9 TDI diesel is well-suited to the Estate's load lugging role and its 57mpg economy just about makes it the pick of the line-up. You'll get 61mpg from the 80bhp 1.4-litre TDI, 48mpg from the 1.2-litre petrol and even the 1.6-litre petrol manages 40mpg with the manual gearbox. Fabia models have always held very firm when it comes to residual values, used buyers valuing the Volkswagen Group input and resolute build quality. Insurance is unlikely to break the bank and all models come with a 3-year 60,000-mile warranty. The strengths of Skoda's Fabia supermini are its interior space, build quality and value for money. All of which bodes well for the Estate version which grafts on additional practicality courtesy of its extended boot. A potential capacity of 1,460 litres with the rear seats folded is not to be sniffed at and neither are the high quality cabin and the lengthy equipment list. The latest Fabia drives well and the Estate version inherits that poise on the road along with a better defined styling direction that Fabia models of yesteryear. A Skoda Fabia Estate isn't the most exciting ownership prospect out there but it does what it sets out to do very efficiently. The styling may seem bland in comparison to some rivals but the extra bulk of the Estate is well integrated and as you climb the range, the addition of roof rails and larger alloys improves matters. The diesel engines lack refinement but the whole range is strong on economy and pricing is competitive, particularly at the lower end of the line-up.Facts At A Glance CAR: Skoda Fabia Estate PRICES: £9,360-£14,380 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 2-4 CO2 EMISSIONS: 109-180g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.4 16V] Max Speed 115mph / 0-60mph 11.5s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9 TDI] (combined) 57mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4229/1642/1498mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Yeti]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Skoda's Yeti crossover designed to take on the abominable school run.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:58:44 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia TDI Range : SMOOTHLY DOES IT?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Range : IT AIN'T HALF OCT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Greenline : GREEN GETAWAY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia Sport Range : CZECHS AND BALANCES]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Scout : THE GREAT SC-OUTDOORS]]></title>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia : SAFE AND SOUND]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Superb 4X4 : GET A GRIP]]></title>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 16:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Amazing 'invisible' Skoda]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - A resourceful student has created a 'see through' car using nothing but a few shades of paint.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 08:05:27 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Roomster : BUDGET SPACE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Roomster 1.4 Range : ROOM AT THE TOP]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia Greenline : THE GREEN MILES]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Yeti is an all-terrain beast]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Geneva saw Skoda unleash the Yeti, a family 4x4 that's altogether kinder to the environment.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/04032009/36/skoda-yeti-terrain-beast-0.html</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:50:34 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 : GRIP PARADE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia Scout: final report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - It's time to say adios to our Skoda Octavia Scout this month as it completes its stint in our care.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/06022009/36/skoda-octavia-scout-final-report-0.html</link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:23:02 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Roomster Range : ROOM WITH A VIEW]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI vRS : TORQUE REALLY IS CHEAP]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Fabia Range : AB FAB]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI : OCTUNG BABY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skoda Octavia vRS Range : CRAZY GOLF]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
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