Skoda Makes a Comeback to Singapore With a Stunning Line Up of Four Models

Skoda is back in Singapore! The Czech brand brings to the table a four models in its initial line-up, from a sensible hatchback, the Rapid Spaceback, two sedans, the Octavia and Superb with lift back-style bootlids and a compact seven-seater SUV, the Kodiaq.

While the brand may be sitting under the Volkswagen umbrella (and in the same showroom), there is much work for Skoda to establish itself again in our local motoring scene, especially in the current face of greater competition, namely from sub-luxury European brands.

The new showroom occupies 940 sqm of floor area, at the Volkswagen Building at 247 Alexandra Road, and is modelled after Skoda’s global brand identity.

The Rapid is Skoda’s entry level car, powered by a Volkswagen Group 1.0 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, similar to the one found on the 1.0 Golf, but in a lower state of tune, and a 7-ratio DSG dual-clutch gearbox, delivering an impressive 21.3km/l combined fuel consumption figures.

Standing out from the crowd, as a slightly longer-at-the-boot-than-normal hatchback (think Audi A3 Sportback), offering owners the advantage of 415 litres of cargo space, extendable to 1,381 litres with the rear seats folded, the Rapid comes feature-filled, with a rear view camera and Park Distance Control (PDC), to aid in parking. Cruise control is also standard, as are daytime running lights and a multi0function steering wheel, to take full advantage of its 6.5-inch ‘Swing‘ infotainment system.

The Rapid retails for: $ 103,400

No surprise here, the Octavia is a Volkswagen Golf-based sedan, and built on their very clever MQB platform. For a start, the Octavia gets a frugal 1.0 turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. Just like the 1.0 Golf, the Octavia’s 1.0 also produces 200Nm of torque, and also gets a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG transmission, driving the front wheels.

Not only does it have a long 2,686mm wheelbase, quite a bit longer than the Golf’s 2,620mm, the Octavia offers 510 litres of cargo room, similar to Volkswagen’s Jetta, and a convenient lift back styled boot lid for easier access.

Numbers aside, the Octavia delivers on quality, with its tight fit and finish. Other spoils include an 8” infotainment system, reverse camera, cruise control and Park Distance Control (PDC).

The Octavia retails for: $ 109,400

Skoda’s flagship sedan offers Passat-rivalling luxury, while adding on value with its lift back styled tailgate, rear passengers too benefit from additional legroom. The Superb is 50mm longer in-between the wheels over its Volkswagen Passat cousin.

Not only does the Superb deliver on impressive passenger accommodation, cargo space is an equally impressive 625 litres (the related Passat is less, accommodating 585 litres).

Under the hood, a 2.0 turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission drives the Superb. Boasting a superb (pun intended) 7-second 0-100km/h sprint, the Superb not only delivers the goods in terms of space, but in performance as well.

Adding to value, ventilated electric front seats, park assist, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for better-controlled handling characteristics, blind spot detection and even a phone box with wireless charging makes the Superb an attractive proposition, for those who are looking for a full-sized sedan.

The Superb retails for: $ 159,900

Topping the range, the Kodiaq SUV offers value to the buyer. The seven-seater SUV is able to hold up to 2,005 litres of cargo with both rear and middle row seats folded. Built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, and similar to the five-seater Tiguan, the Kodiaq’s wide grille, and sleek headlamp treatment gives the car a strong road presence.

Under the hood, a 2.0 turbocharged, mated to a 7-speed automatic and driving all four wheels, the Kodiaq ensures sure-footed handling, while delivering a very respectable 8.2 second 0-100km/h.

Driver aids include an area view camera for easier parking, front assist with adaptive cruise control and blind spot detect with rear traffic alert. And the Kodiaq is loaded with creature spoils like 10-colour ambient light, panoramic sunroof, phone box with wireless charging and WLAN.

In keeping with its designed for the family brief, the Kodiaq also features driver profile selection, allowing different drivers to customise their settings to their preferences.

The Kodiaq retails for: $ 167,900

Credits: