Seat Leon X-Perience vs. Skoda Octavia (Typ 5E) Scout

2015 Seat Leon X-Perience

When the third-generation Seat Leon launched two years ago and being the first for Seat to wear the groundbreaking VW Group's MQB platform, the once five-door hatchback-only Leon has grown into different body styles ranging from the three door SC, high-performance Cupra, ST estate, and now this, the X-Perience crossover.

2015 Seat Leon X-Perience interior

2015 Seat Leon X-Perience

At first glance, the X-Perience looks nothing more than the rugged version of the Leon ST, the estate version, but for this model, this was made for those who are thrill seekers and those who want to go all out to experience their outdoor lifestyles their way. To differentiate it from the ST, the X-Perience is 27mm higher than the mentioned model and unlike any other cars that focused on toughening their looks for styling purposes and not for the outdoor-minded kind of way, the X-Perience is fitted with the permanent AWD system featuring a Haldex multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control.

Which means, this is unlike any other crossover variations that only comes with front-wheel drive and this is a great car to drive on a day-to-day basis, even when the weather starts to go wet or cold, or when facing against a tarmac, gravel, or snow. On the road, it's not afraid to face another road bump or pothole it face against although some thudding may occur and when taken off the road, you can really feel how its AWD system do its magic. It feels a lot mild to drive as well because this is an all-rounder that you can afford one for only 23,730 Euros in Spain. That sounds more expensive than the ST where it's based at but for an all-rounder, you can afford one than one of these I lined up...

2015 Skoda Octavia Scout

This is the brand new Octavia Scout from Skoda. Although this is priced at around 690,900 Kč or around 25,000 Euros, it still has the same all-wheel drive system as the Leon X-Perience as well as the increased height capable for a tall wagon like this. They both work well on and off the road but the differences between those two lies within their bonnets.

On the X-Perience, it's available with a turbocharged 1.8 TSi, a 1.6 TDi, and a 2.0 TDi engine with two different power outputs, where the top tier has 184PS of power output and mated with the double clutch gearbox. The Scout, on the other hand, has the same 1.8 TSi petrol and the 2.0 TDi diesel engine as the X-Perience with the high-end model has the same 184PS of power output and a 6-speed DSG gearbox as well! In terms of fuel economy, the X-Perience with the 2.0 TDi and DSG can achieve a combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100km while the Scout with the same spec as the X-Perience's can achieve a combined fuel economy of 5.1L/100km.

For the X-Perience with the said specs, 0-100kph takes about 7.1 seconds and top speed of 224kph while the Scout with the said specs can get to 100kph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 228kph. Looks like both of them can trade punches every time now, proving which one is better for a family outing during the long winter months.

2015 Skoda Octavia Scout interior

2015 Skoda Octavia Scout

So, while the bigger Scout has identical characteristics compared to the smaller X-Perience, what's like to drive the car that costs more than the X-Perience? Well, even if it's more expensive than the Seat, it still works very well either on and off the road and it has enough room for some emergency supplies in case the wind gets more briskier as well as enough room for an arctic commando to carry around with you if you need advice to set up a shelter on the snow. That sounds stupid but on these conditions, this sport utility wagon does work its magic very well and unlike its chief rival, the Subaru Outback, it feels more engaging than ever and a lot more fun to drive.

If this car works well for a ski holiday, I would want to have one of these but in case when the temperatures start to improve slightly, feels like its adventurous character is slowly fading and it's reverting into a car suitable to drive at your nearest grocery but it doesn't even matter because adventurous or not, the Octavia Scout knows that every day is an adventure. It's like a young man doing wakeboarding by day and goes to the office with his coat and tie ready while getting rid of water from his head after hours of getting wiped out during wakeboarding hours.

2015 Seat Leon X-Perience

2015 Skoda Octavia Scout

Of course, both the Leon X-Perience and the Octavia Scout have the same all-wheel drive, the same heightened ground clearance fit for crossovers too many, the same luggage space that works well with winter emergency supplies, and nearly the same engine choices but when it comes to price and performance, it's hard to sum up which one is better but either way, those sport utility wagons do work well on any road surface and they're nearly capable of being weekend dads just to pass the time. Try both and you decide before you buy.

Photo: SEAT, Skoda Auto

Skoda Rapid Spaceback and VW Golf VII Variant

As a rule, I only cover cars that were grown from the country where its made, well almost. Japanese cars speak Japanese, Korean cars speak Korean, American cars speak American, German cars speak German, you get the idea. As for the Skoda Rapid, released last year, I'm only focused on the original Czech version rather than the Indian remake because they're very different from how it's made. Mlada Boleslav-made Rapid is the original Rapid I'm tackling because, well you know the rule, we don't cover cars not sold from its home markets.

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback

This is the Rapid Spaceback model and this hatchback version is what you can expect only on the original Czech version. Apart from its hatchback looks, Skoda claims that the all new Spaceback is the “first Skoda hatchback in the high-volume compact segment,” which looks “dynamic and fresh for young customer groups.” Yeah. For young customer groups but how dynamic and fresh is the new Spaceback?

First and foremost, the new Spaceback costs 269 900 Kč, which is the same as the saloon model I've examined last year alongside its Spanish SEAT Toledo twin, and amazingly, even in an altered bodywork to accommodate more space in the back, you can still expect the same engine choices like the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine. Depending on the engine types, you can go for either a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed DSG.

The most powerful in the lineup was the one with the 1.4 TSi engine which has a 0-100kph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of about 203kph. Hmmm...Not quite exciting for a car like that though but the 1.2 TSi engine model is a moderate one that can be taken very seriously. Regardless of the specs, what's like to drive as a driver's car?

2014 Skoda Rapid Spaceback interior

By the moment you first drive the Spaceback, your first impressions isn't really a good one because judging by all means Czech, it feels as cruddy as the Korean cars and as confused as the low-cost machines, especially the one you can keep yelling "Good News" to your peers. It's like some of the things Jon Tickle's body can't do but for this Spaceback, there is one thing you can't do; to excite. It maybe a yuppie's car but trying to have fun in one of these is as...pre-school-ish as letting your baby do all of the things you can't. It feels like just another senior citizens' car or rather a future banger but despite that, it's still work as a family car.

With rear seats in place, the Spaceback offers 415L of space, more than enough to put your everyday groceries on the back but if you're in a bit of a leisure man, you can fold the rear seats down and attain 1380 litres of space, more than the present-day VW Golf has but less than its big brother, the Octavia. The interior maybe suffered from, what should I call it, cost-cutting-itis, but in terms of today's economy, it's a smart buy for those who want a new car that suits their budget. Hmmm... Cost-cutting-itis? I should better add that to the Big Book of Boo Boos. Don't judge me from this, this isn't some sort of kids show my baby's frequently watching, I'm in a middle of...this!

Anyway, the Rapid Spaceback maybe more of an Audi A3 on a budget but it's still doesn't worth the mettle to be a family car. Regardless from this, this is one proof that I only choose the original Czech Rapid rather than the Indian-dubbed remake. Same thing why I like the original UK version of Top Gear rather than the US version.

However, if I want a more practical family mover, I have to move to Germany and check this out...

2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant

It's the brand new Golf VII Variant, it's basically an all-new model based on an all-new Golf rather than a carryover from the previous model and oh, if you're from North America, nein. This new Golf Variant won't be called J_tt_ Sp_rt_w_g_n (some vowels blocked to avoid search query hijinks, again. I said this so I don't want to see some mess when I check my site's analytics, you get me?). Anyway, it maybe larger than the original Golf hatchback but thanks to its enhanced rear legroom, it's much better than the Rapid Spaceback as well.

The Golf has been proven to be a people power for the masses and this is the first to incorporate Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform which you can expect future models from the VW Group to wear this new outfit. The benefits include reduced weight (up to 105 kg lighter), optimised package (100 litres more cargo space), sharper body proportions, new safety and convenience systems, new petrol and diesel engines (up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient) and new running gear technologies.

With Volkswagen finally returned on Philippine soil, it seems the latest Golf will not come around until next year because so far, the only available VWs Filipinos can buy are The Beetle, the Touareg, the Tiguan crossover, the Jetta sedan, and the Touran minivan, which is essentially based on the Golf. One thing that really shocked me is that the petrol VW engines are not compatible with Philippine fuels because of, and we're not joking because Automobile Central Enterprises confirmed, manganese. Eewww...

2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant interior

Anyway, back on the new Golf Variant because for the first time, it comes with the XDS+ electronic differential lock which corrects the car every time when it faces the corners. You can opt in for the DCC dynamic chassis control in which at the touch of a button, you can make it more comfortable on the normal roads or sportier on the open roads but as for me, no matter which mode, it feels almost the same as none. You want to have a more comfortable ride or a sportier ride but by default, it feels a bit more of a default. Oh and if you're going old-school, there's also the sport suspension which drops the car by just 15mm. Lower height makes it a well-cornering act but be warned, it does make you feel uncomfortable on your back because when you hit the bumps, expect your ribs to be transplanted on your head.

There are so many engine types offered on the Variant like the 1.2 TSi, a 1.4 TSi, a 1.6 TDi, and a 2.0 TDi engine but for those who want a well-balanced car should go for the one with the 1.4 TSi with 122PS of power. 0-100 takes about 9.7 seconds and flatout, it will do about 204kph, faster than the Rapid Spaceback's but there's a twist and that's the stupid 7-speed double clutch gearbox which is as swift as a metro aide clearing the roads from the falling leaves. Do I have to be bothered by this? Well, there are so many choices available for the new Golf Variant but it might be best not to go to a more complicated ones.

Unlike any other big wagons available, the new Golf Variant is worth a value for the masses and with 18,950 Euros of starting price, that makes it a great value so it's your choice; if you want a family car would you consider a Czech hatchback with a different back or a true German family car that is worth noting than nothing? Good luck, pals.

Photo: Volkswagen Group

Skoda Yeti facelift 2014 announcement

2014 Skoda Yeti

The Skoda Yeti. In the world of Top Gear, it's been proven it's faster round Donington than a Ferrari, more room than a Maybach, does off-road better than a Range Rover, won't melt an ice cream when driven through a burning building, and best of all, makes it a perfect helicopter landing pad.

Now, Skoda announced a minor change for the Yeti and for the first time ever; there are two kinds of Yeti to choose from; the city-focused Yeti and the offroad-focused Yeti Outdoor. Both gained a new Skoda logo, new grille, and new headlamps to keep the Top Gear favorite updated for some new challenges.

Skoda says that the 2014 Yeti facelift comes with seven engines - four diesels and three petrol units - ranging from a 1.2-litre TSI with 105bhp, to the 2.0-litre diesel producing 170bhp. A manual tranny is standard while a DSG tranny is an option. Also an option is an Haldex-coupling all-wheel-drive.

The 2014 Yeti facelift is set for Frankfurt Auto Show debut this fall.

Source: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/new-skoda-yeti-facelift-2013-08-14

Škoda Octavia (Typ 5E) RS

2014 Skoda Octavia RS and 2014 Skoda Octavia Combi RS

Once again, I'm disrespecting another high-performance version of an everyday car and this time it's the turn of the hot version of the third-generation Skoda Octavia. RS or vRS, whatever you call it, returns for the all new Skoda Octavia and what I'm unaware is that Skoda claims that this new model is the most powerful Octavia in the world (*at this moment in time). Hmmm... The most powerful Octavia in the world, huh? I'm not so sure if this kind of superlative makes sense and to find out, I have to dissect the vRS' potentials one by one by one.

Starting first on how it behaves or misbehaves in a mindless kind of way. Okay, while Skoda says this is the ultimate version of the new Octavia, which is nothing more of a Volkswagen Golf for the elder gentlemen, there are two kinds of engines available for the new Octavia RS. One is a turbocharged two-litre petrol engine and the other one is a two-litre diesel engine which doesn't make any sense for this superlative.

2014 Skoda Octavia RS

First of all, the 2.0L TSi engine, that's what we're focusing at, develops 220HP of power and when mated with a six-speed manual, it takes 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds, that's a 0.4 second improvement over the previous model and with the 248kph flat out speed, it's faster as well. No wonder I was agreeing to this kind of superlative though. Hmmm...This is the most powerful Octavia ever made, I had to be careful not to let my brain explode...

So, what about the diesel version? Well, for the downside, you'll sacrifice power over fuel economy because this diesel engine develops 184HP of power, 0-100kph in 8.1 seconds, 232kph flat out speed, and 119g/km of CO2 emissions, which some say it's a 19% improvement over the old model.

At first glance, I thought I was going to disrespect this machine but it wasn't worth it. This machine really loves to play silly tricks on its sleeves and driving one of these feels like you are in a one way trip to Hallucination-ville. Or perhaps, the way it behaves feels like you've been running through an olympic-sized pool...filled with custard. Whoops. Just saying the old "walk through a pool full of custard" stuff. Where did I heard that from?

2014 Skoda Octavia Combi RS

Anyway, while this is like running through a pool full of custard, it's still a Czechoslovakian sub machine-gun disguised as a laptop. You'd never know what will hit you next but thanks to all those character-building traits, the Octavia RS is made for the mad, the bad, and the downright stupid. Whether if you were in the saloon version, which costs 619,900 Kč, or in the station wagon version, the Combi, which costs 654,900 Kč, the choice of having either a 2.0L petrol or a 2.0L diesel, mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed double clutch AT, it's still one of the best Skodas to have since the Fabia.

2014 Skoda Octavia RS interior

So, after driving this, I had to realize which is funnier than driving the Octavia RS. Is it hot chicks blowing too much caravans? Blokes peeing on a wounded man on the street? Putting a CD on a microwave? I don't know but this isn't all brainy stuff because driving the Octavia RS will give drivers the same feelings you'd expect on the ones I'd mentioned. Even though it has the best of both worlds, your desire to abuse this in the name of science remains inevitable.

Thank you Skoda, and thanks for dropping by.

Photo: Skoda Auto

Škoda Octavia (Typ 5E)

2014 Skoda Octavia

Now, let's take a look at the brand new Skoda Octavia. Now on its third-generation, you might think that the newly regenerated Octavia would be about as promising as a luxury car three times its pricing but it wasn't. It needs a lot of consideration and determination to figure out what's what about the new Octavia. What to consider about the new look is its design. First of all, it was designed by the same man behind the ultra-fast Bugatti Veyron so you might think this is going to be the "other" Veyron but don't be silly because it isn't. This is just an average midsize car made by Volkswagen...or rather a cousin to the Passat...maybe not.

It's rude to call it the cousin of the Passat but the new model is now built on the brand new MQB variable platform first applied on the Seat Leon, Audi A3, and the VW Golf VII so this new model is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor.

2014 Skoda Octavia interior

Which means, that with this new platform, the new Octavia from Skoda sets interior spacing benchmark which is about the equivalent of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Let's just put in other words, okay? I mean, look at this new interior, it's well matured and it's about as comfortable as the E-Class but sadly, I'm referring to the W210 E-Class but still the new Octavia interior feels a bit more generous. Take a look at the seats, it feels perfectly angled and the space on the back is just fine. If this car's went on sale in China, the rear legroom is a plus one for this car because in China, space in the back matters most than everyone. Anyway, forget about that space in the back commotion, let's go back to the basics...

First of all, the new Octavia, built in Mlada Boleslav, designed by the man behind the Bugatti Veyron, and available for 334,900 Kč, it is available in two body styles to choose from; the sedan version for those who are feeling a bit upperclassman or a Combi version for the posh mom who spends some time buying something at the groceries.

2014 Skoda Octavia Combi

Either way, they're both offered with a choice of either three petrol engines (1.2, 1.4, 1.8) or two diesel engines (1.6, 2.0) and depending on which engine choice, transmission choices include either a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed double clutch or a 7-speed double clutch transmission. An Octavia with a 1.8L petrol engine has a 0-60mph time of under 7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph so it's not what you called quick but it is somewhat faster than the Volkswagen Passat B7 with that same kind of engine. Hmmm...not bad though...not bad. Not only that, it's lighter than the Passat B7 as well. Bonus!

Anyway, let's not get too bonus-y about the specs because it's now time to find out how well the Octavia is as a driver's car. Well, being a saloon car, it has a lot of concessions for comfort to keep the passengers feel fine as if they were like taking themselves to the prom at their nearest high school in the neighborhood. Surprisingly, on the normal roads, the Octavia's well too comfortable and it's not that bad to drive. It maybe fine on normal roads but on open roads, it's a tad old-fashioned. It maybe not as exciting as a Mercedes but the new Octavia is more than welcomed for those who want to cruise around for some quiet time.

2014 Skoda Octavia

So for my final verdict, the new Skoda Octavia is far enough to become a global midsize car that uses the new platform as applied on the VW Golf. It may not be worth a redeemable saloon car, it may not be quite agile, it may not be exciting to look at, and it may not be a cheaper alternative to uber-luxury saloons from Germany but it has all of the luxury amenities far from being premium and it's a just-size for any driver no matter how tall they are. So, the question is, would you go for this one more than the VW Passat B7? Jury's out...

Photo: Skoda Auto

A selection of wild cars from the 2013 GTi Meeting

Every year, in Austria, a group of GTi enthusiasts come togethere for a special even presented by the Volkswagen Group. GTi Meeting or Worthersee Tour, whatever you want to call it, it's all about the noise, the girls, the smokes, the speedo boys, the celebration, and some wild modified concepts presented by the Volkswagen Group as part of saying "thank you" for their loyalty. This year though promises to be even more because here are a small selection of cars as seen on this year's GTi Meeting...

Design Mission GTi Concept - The star attraction of this year's GTi meeting because it maybe a hyped-up version of the Golf VII GTi but with 299kph of top speed and 503PS of power, which is less than 2007's GTi W12 Concept,  you might be surprised that VW sure knows how to make a GTi even more wilder...

Skoda Rapid Sport - How do you make the Skoda Rapid more hotter for this year's meeting? The Sport Concept, that's for sure! The red and white paint scheme adds a nice touch on it!

Golf GTi Cabrio Austria - A group of rookies from all sorts spend the whole year creating this car which is based on the Golf VI GTi Cabrio and hard work pays off.

VW Amarok Power Pickup Concept - From the looks of it, the Amarok Power Pickup doesn't look quite as sporty as expected to be but it comes with a body kit and large 22-inch wheels, together with some sporty upgrades om the interior and the fitment of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel (TDI) that churns out 268hp and a peak torque of 600Nm.

Seat Leon Cup Racer - Using the latest generation Leon, the Cup Racer version adds some racing peripherals on it as well as the 330PS engine equipped on it.

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy - The race-spec version of the Ibiza SC was made to compete in one-make races in Spain and Italy. It was rigged with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 200 PS (197 hp) mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Audi TT ultra quattro Concept - Guess this Audi TT's taking too much Zumba sessions and losing so much weight really means more fun for this kind of TT here...

New Skoda Rapid and New Seat Toledo

This is the first of one of today's offerings. It's the new age of Skoda, the first of its kind, a compact sedan. The Skoda Rapid. It maybe essentially a production version of the MissionL concept car as seen on 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show but this one though is a bit more clever than that...

2013 Skoda Rapid

Now, if you're from India, then to you, your India's Rapid is different from our Rapid. As I want to say, the real Skoda Rapid we'll talk about is the new one. The real one. The made-in-Mladá Boleslav one. The one from the Paris Motor Show. Not the poor man's Rapid which was made in Pune. Indian Rapids had the old Skoda badge on it while the Rapid that was made in Mlada Boleslav, Czech, has the new Skoda trademark front as well as the new Skoda logo. See the difference? Yep, it stays true to its brand slogan; "Simply Clever".

Hopefully, I don't want anyone from India reading this article or searching for it. Anyway, this new Rapid is coming back fighting and the most powerful version as of now is the 1.4 TSi model that produces 122PS of power, 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds, and top speed of 206kph. Most fuel efficient is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine mated with the 5-speed manual that promises combined consumption of 23.8km/L (4.2l/100km). There are other engine types available such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, and a 1.6 TDi with 105PS power output and whichever engine you're on, transmission offerings will be a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a 7-speed DSG.

Prices start at about 289,000 Koruna or about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the basic Skoda Rapid Active 1.2 MPi 5MT varnat up to 459,900 Koruna or about an estimated 18,210 Euros for the top of the line Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSi 7-speed DSG model.

2013 Skoda Rapid interior

It looks nice though and somewhat practical because what's underneath the Rapid is a chassis from the current generation Volkswagen Polo, which means there's a bit of cleverness going on. Sure, Skoda is the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Germans have done it again to keep the new Rapid well-made for the developing markets, even China's going to get one of these soon.

2013 Skoda Rapid

It may look like a saloon car but it is essentially a 5-door liftback promising a luggage capacity of 550 litres. That makes it a good compact car all-round for everyday use and I think the all new Rapid could claim to be Czech's first of its kind.

However, it must now face this. A car that seems to be the identical twin of the Skoda Rapid...

2013 Seat Toledo

The se habla español SEAT Toledo. It's back. The compact saloon is back and now it uses the same aesthetics from the Skoda Rapid. It might be more of the production version of the concept version as seen from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but by the looks of it, the Seat Toledo's dramatic design blows the Rapid out of the water. It looks even more premium and stylish unlike any other compact saloons in this category.

2013 Seat Toledo interior

Even though the new Toledo, like the new Rapid, comes with the same engine choices such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine but when it comes to dimensions, the Toledo is longer than the Rapid thanks to its long wheelbase.

2013 Seat Toledo

However, there are a couple of chinks behind the Toledo's elegance; while the Rapid costs about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the entry-level grade, the entry-level grade for the Toledo will cost you 13.990 Euros, that's more than the Rapid even though they are made at the same line and they used the same A05+ platform. Also, the Toledo's less wider than the Rapid. You really can't tell which one has a wide stance.

But still, the Toledo is much more better looking than the Rapid because while the Rapid is focused to be more simple but the new Toledo is very stylish, very practical, and very emotional in every corner. These two compact saloons is what the Czech and the Spanish are capable of in the midst of the Euro Debt Crisis that hampering European carmakers for days but would they work in today's economy? You'll have to find that out soon...

Photo: Skoda Auto, SEAT

Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo interior

This is Skoda's version of the Volkswagen up! compact car that is the first of its kind and this would be the cheapest Skoda ever built to address the likes of the triplets Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, and Peugeot 107. Adopting the "City Clever" concept, the new Skoda Citigo is a nippy little compact car that changes the game.

This is the first production car to be fitted with the new Skoda logo and this new Citigo compact car is surely revolutionize the Czech arm of Volkswagen group forever. However, in terms of design, the Citigo is just another Skoda because of its familiar face. The rear view seems to be more like the designers are playing MineCraft because of its squarish proportions. Here on the interior, it seems to be a little simple with some extras such as a navigation system. However, on the three-door version, there is a new Easy Entry system that provides access to the rear seats. There are lots of conveniences on the Citigo such as the special handbag hook integrated in to the glovebox opening mechanism, and a photograph holder on the central console, are two clever interior elements.

The Citigo is powered by a 1.0L MPi petrol engine that produces 44 to 55 PS of power and 95Nm of torque. It can go 0-100km/h in 14.4 to 13.2 seconds and flat-out the Citigo can go as much as 160 to 171km/h. It is mated with 5-speed manual transmission only.

The Citigo is the first Skoda to imply Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and the new City Safe Drive with emergency braking that allows the Citigo to brake automatically to avoid collisions. This technology is similar to Volvo's City Safety implied on the Volvo S60 and V60.

At the start, the Skoda Citigo is available in four colors; Zelená Spring metalíza, Černá Deep s perleťovým efektem, Žlutá Sunflower, and Červená Tornado.

My Comment:
The Skoda Citigo is how you say "Volkswagen up!" in Czech and this is the cheapest Skoda offered. Sales will start on its home market, Czech Republic, before the end of this year and the rest of Europe in the second half of next year. Initially, the three door is offered but word is that there will be a 5-door version next year.

The cheapest Skoda may sometimes be not so cheerful because once you get inside, you might think that this micro-mini is a bit rubbish. Most people living in the Czech Republic are looking for some fuel efficient cars, then welcome to the future, young people. The Citigo can go as much as 22.2km/L (4,5 Liter/100 km) of combined fuel economy and this would be okay if you're on the long haul. This city compact is tiny, cheap, and sometimes, it saves you a lot of money, well almost.

Photo: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

How the Fabia was made

Most European car enthusiasts know about how the Skoda Fabia is made, and no, we're not going to Mlada Boleslav to see how the Skoda Fabia is made, some TV commercial is showing how the second generation Fabia is made, by means of cake made from lovely stuff, such as raisins, marzipans, and sugar.

Months after the launch of the facelifted Skoda Fabia Mk2 and the return of the vRS variant in the form of a turbocharger+supercharger engine equipped hot hatch, it seems the Cake ad from the Skoda Fabia is evolved into something...mean...

...very...very...mean...

"Made of meaner stuff", sounds scary but awesome! On the new Skoda Fabia vRS ad, we see how this hot hatch is made; door's made by tough men, rims made of swords, vultures doing the body frame, twincharger engine made of snakes, roof colored black thanks to the motorcycle burning rubber, windshield wiper made of crossbow bolt, and the newly built Fabia vRS roared. Now that's a monster.

I always like the way the new Skoda Fabia vRS is, its a monster used the same 1.4 TSi twincharger engine as the Volkswagen Polo GTi (and soon, the Audi A1), but the price is cheaper than the Polo GTi. Europeans are going like the way how the Skoda Fabia vRS is made. It's a monster, I can tell, but it's fun to keep this monster hatch if you have the urge to have it.

Skoda Fabia II RS

2011 Skoda Fabia II RS Hatch and Kombi

                                                

The year 2010 marks the return of the Skoda Fabia's flagship variant, the RS (commonly called vRS), changes the game in the world of sport compacts. With the Volkswagen Polo V gained its much-awaited GTi variant, Volkswagen's Czech arm, Skoda, has a few different tricks to its sleeves. Following with the Fabia II entering its second phase, the Skoda Fabia II brings back the RS variant that dates back to the first-generation Fabia.

The new Skoda Fabia II RS comes in hatchback and Kombi and it comes with the same engine you normally seen on the VW Polo V GTi, the super turbo (a turbocharger and supercharger fused into one) 1.4 TSi engine producing 180HP of power output that is about the same as the Polo V GTi. While the Polo V GTi has the 7-speed DSG, the Skoda Fabia RS also comes with the 7-speed DSG as well! Talk about these two hot hatches separated at birth but share the same knowledge!

With the same suspension, same technology, and same expertise, what differentiates the Skoda Fabia II RS to its siblings? With the Seat Ibiza Cupra's pricing is 23,540 Euros (about over 3.8 Million Pesos) and the Polo GTi's pricing is about 22,500 Euros (about 3.5 Million Pesos), the Fabia II RS hatch's suggested retail price is 21,890 Euros (that is about 3.35 Million Pesos) and 22,490 Euros (3.49 Million Pesos) for the Kombi grade. This kind of Fabia is the cheapest alternative to the VW Polo V GTi and the Ibiza Cupra you can get. This car declares checkmate against all odds but one question is would it be enough to tackle the likes of the Renault Sport Clio/Lutecia?

My thoughts about the Fabia RS:
The pricing of these VW-engineered blood brothers reached its agitation point because the Fabia RS's SRP is cheaper than the Polo GTi and the Ibiza Cupra, despite these three hot hatches shared the same frame, same technology, same engine, and same expertise. Most European men who are willing to purchase the Polo V GTi may think twice because the Fabia RS's pricing will tempt them to buy this Czech wonder. The Fabia RS is the second of the Skoda RS line-up carried from the medium-sized Octavia sedan and Kombi.

Photo: Volkswagen Group

Skoda Yeti

When most of the adventurous people think about the yeti creature, they know that the yeti (abominable snowman) is yet the scariest creature travelers in snowy places feared of its appearance. From Volkswagen's Czech automaker, Skoda, the Yeti crossover is one small SUV other SUVs may fear of its ruggedness.






Despite the Yeti name, which the yeti is mostly scary for children to think of, the design of this Czech utility crossover did not scare most of the European families, but the ruggedness is the only monster of this caliber. What captures the Yeti's presence is the interior of this intimidating beast.






The interior of the Yeti is a beauty within the beast's exterior, aside from being practical for the whole family or individuals looking for some adventure. Take a closer look on:

1. Those who navigate through lost areas with the help of an optional navigation system,

2. Using the air conditioning to cool down the whole family through hot summer nights or warm themselves through breezy nights everywhere,

3. Watch the birds flying high with the panoramic sunroof,

4. Listen to their favorite music with the use of the sound system with MP3 connectivity,

5. Moreover, arrange the seating arrangements suitable for their schedules, such as placing heavy boxes and put them all up for some recreational fun on their camping trip through the woods.






There are several points of the Yeti to take part for its dependability:
1. A choice of available engines o choose from, such as the 1.2 TSI, 1.8 TSI, and 2.0l TDI diesel engine.
2. 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP
3. Bi-xenon headlamps,
4. Nine airbags,
5. Electronic stability program,
6. Hill Driving Assistant,
7. ABS Off-road,
8. ASR and EDS Off-road,
9. Starting Assistant allows the Yeti to start the car on difficult situations, from tarmac, gravel, snow, mud, sand, rocky roads, and so on.
10. Lastly, the Yeti has the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission and Volkswagen's 7-speed DSG auto transmission.
Without these main points, the Yeti would be nothing but a weak creature that cannot scare most of the thrill-seeking adventurers.

The ups of the Yeti: The families and adventurers' high on the road, innovative features, best safety features, it brings out the beauty within the beast.

The downs of the Yeti: It looks cute, not cool.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/189