Skoda sprucing up its range

SKODA has revealed a raft of changes to several models in its line-up, including a new Fabia range for 2018 and a new version of its Superb family model.

There is also a range-topping version of the Kodiaq plus an innovative new digital instrument display for the Octavia, Kodiaq and Superb ranges.

The Superb is to be offered with a new two-litre petrol engine mated to a sophisticated seven-speed automatic gearbox, whilst the high-performance Octavia vRS now comes with a Challenge Plus package.

Skoda says it is also working on a completely new SUV that is a hybrid, but an unusual one.

It couples a CNG (compressed natural gas) fourcylinder, turbo engine with an electric drive that achieves particularly low fuel consumption and emissions.

The Fabia is its best-selling model and gets a modified design at the front and rear. This incorporates LED headlights and LED rear lights for the first time.

Inside, there is a newly designed instrument cluster and redesigned seats.

The company appears to have ditched its diesels, saying simply: “From now on the hatchback and estate will be powered by a choice of four petrol engines ranging in power outputs from 60bhp to 110bhp.’’

The large Kodiaq SUV range gets a new flagship version, called the L&K after the company’s founders (Václav Laurin and Václav Klement), and comes with special 19in Sirius alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, a radiator grille with chromed slats as well as model-specific front and rear bumpers. Inside is leather upholstery with uniquely designed decorative strips.

This model also gets a choice of new petrol engines in the guise of a 1.5litre unit producing 150bhp and a larger two-litre unit generating 190bhp.

In addition to the new two-litre petrol engine choice, the Superb range is to be offered with keyless entry, start and exit plus ambient lighting.

The sporty Octavia vRS now comes with an optional Challenge Plus package, which incorporates new design and equipment features inside and out.

There will also be a new high-performance engine choice for the vRS in the form of a 245bhp petrol unit plus an electronically regulated limited-slip differential.

Finally, the new instrument panel fitted across several ranges can be individually programmed to show information relating to the road speed, engine speed, fuel, navigation, sound system, telephone or assistance systems on a screen behind the wheel.

The company makes no mention of any price changes.