Skoda Superb Range Enhanced with More Fuel Efficient and Cleaner 2.0 Turbo Diesel

A revised 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that incorporates the latest Common Rail diesel technology and produces 140 horsepower is replacing the 2.0 TDI of the same output in the Skoda Superb saloon and Combi models.

The Volkswagen Group's Czech brand said that with the new engine, combined fuel consumption for the Superb 2.0 TDI CR has improved by 4.4mpg to 52.3mpg UK (5.4 lt/100km or 43.5mpg US), while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 12g/km to 143g/km.

At least in what concerns the UK market, these improvements have been made without affecting the Superb's price, which starts from £18,205.

The new Superb 2.0 TDI CR 140HP is available for order in Britain from 18th February with a choice of six-speed manual or twin-clutch DSG transmissions, in hatchback or estate bodystyles and in S, SE or Elegance trim.

The latest diesel engine option joins the existing 1.9 TDI PD 105HP and 2.0 TDI CR 170HP diesel engines that are offered in the Superb line-up.

READ MORE - Skoda Superb Range Enhanced with More Fuel Efficient and Cleaner 2.0 Turbo Diesel

Skoda Facelifts Fabia and Roomster Models, Adds New Gasoline and Diesel Engines

At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Skoda will lift the wraps off the refreshed Fabia hatchback and Combi station wagon models as well as their MPV-esque sibling, the Roomster.

All three models benefit from some minor cosmetic tweaks up front that include a restyled grille, a new bumper design and revised headlights. The new alloy wheel and hub cap designs along with the expanded palette of exterior finishes round off the exterior changes.

The most important updates are hidden under the hood as Skoda has adopted the VW Group's new 1.2-liter 12v and 1.2-liter TSI that replace the naturally aspirated 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter gasoline units, and the 1.2-liter and 1.6-liter TDI that take the place of the 1.4-liter and 1.9-liter TDI diesels.

The 1.2-liter 12v gasoline unit produces 86HP (there's also a 70HP version) while its turbocharged TSI counterpart delivers an output of 105HP and can be optionally combined with VW's 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

The new 1.2 TDI diesel churns out 75HP while the new 1.6 TDI is offered in two flavors, with 90HP and 105HP.

Further details about the availability and prices on the updated Fabia and Roomster models are to be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

READ MORE - Skoda Facelifts Fabia and Roomster Models, Adds New Gasoline and Diesel Engines

Czechmate: New Skoda Fabia RS with 1.4 TSI 180HP in both Hatchback and Estate Forms Head to Geneva

The latest generation of Skoda cars are -rightfully, in our opinion- considered by most consumers as budget-priced Volkswagens under disguise, a notion that has helped the Czech automaker go from post-Communist joke to a global success story. Their newest "VW Group Transformer" is the 2010 Fabia RS that will make its world debut at this week's Geneva Motor Show

The sportiest version of the Fabia range shares a common platform as well as its engine, transmission and other hidden hardware with the VW Polo GTI and Seat Ibiza Cupra models (and certain parts with the Audi A1...).

But with one significant difference: whereas the Polo GTI and Ibiza Cupra are available only as hatchbacks, the Fabia RS also offers a Station Wagon model that could open up a new market for Skoda.

Like its German and Spanish siblings, the Fabia RS hatchback and Estate models are motivated by the VW Group's 1.4-liter double-supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers an output of 180 horsepower.

A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission with paddle-shifters transfers power to the front wheels.

Skoda said that 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration comes in 7.3 seconds for both versions with the hatchback reaching a top speed of 225km/h or 140mph, and the Estate 227km/h or 141mph.

Combined fuel consumption for both models is estimated at 6.4lt/100km, equal to 36.8mpg US and 44mpg UK.

It's worth mentioning that the previous Fabia RS model was offered exclusively with a diesel engine.

Being a sporty model and all, Skoda's err VW's engineers tweaked the Fabia's suspension and brakes and added the firm's new XDS electronic differential which is also found on the Ibiza Cupra and Polo GTI cars.

In the styling department, both versions of the Fabia RS features subtle cosmetic upgrades that include the new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, tinted windows and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust.

Depending on the color of the body, the roof, rear spoiler and wheels for the Fabia RS hatchback can be finished in black, white or silver.

As for the interior, both cars get sports seats with "RS" logos on the backrests, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

READ MORE - Czechmate: New Skoda Fabia RS with 1.4 TSI 180HP in both Hatchback and Estate Forms Head to Geneva

Skoda Begins Full Production of Fabia in Russia

The facelifted version of the Fabia supermini has become the second model in the Skoda range after the Octavia to enter full-cycle production at the VW Group's Kaluga plant in Russia, the automaker announced today. Full-cycle production includes welding and painting.

The Volkswagen Group opened the factory in Kaluga in November 2007, and its planned capacity is 150,000 cars a year.

"The Skoda Fabia is such a popular vehicle in the Russian market and we happy to say that it is now the second all-Russian car of our brand," said Petr Janeba, Head of Skoda Russia.

The 2010 Fabia will be available at all official Russian dealerships from the beginning of May 2010.

READ MORE - Skoda Begins Full Production of Fabia in Russia

Skoda to Bring Special Fabia RS+ and Octavia RS+ at Wörthersee Meeting

The VW Group will be going full force at next week's GTI tuning event at the Austrian lake Wörthersee. Aside from the two special VW Golf GTIs and seven Audi A1s, the German group will also showcase conceptual versions of the new Fabia RS and the Octavia RS.

Inspired by the S2000 rally model, the Fabia RS+ design study will be wrapped in a two-tone vinyl with matching green alloy wheels. The hot hatch will also feature an aero kit that includes a new bonnet with air vents, front spoiler, side skirts and a rear diffuser, as well as an updated interior boasting bucket seats and a sportier trim.

No word if Skoda's engineers fiddled around with the Fabia RS' mechanical hardware, but as a reminder, the standard version is powered by a 180HP 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine that drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission with paddle-shifters.

The Octavia RS+ will feature similar mods including an aero kit, new alloy wheels in a green tint and an upgraded interior. Again, Skoda did not say if it made any performance updates to the car's suspension and/or the 200HP 2.0 TSI engine.

We'll have full details and pictures of both cars at next week's Wörthersee event.

READ MORE - Skoda to Bring Special Fabia RS+ and Octavia RS+ at Wörthersee Meeting