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The newest member of the expanding ŠKODA family, the Rapid Spaceback, has officially joined the line-up.

Mladá Boleslav, 21st August 2013 – The first customer cars have left the production line at the brand’s main factory in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic.

The Rapid Spaceback will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday the 10th September 2013, and will launched in retailers across Europe from October. The car will be on-sale in the UK from early 2014.

The start of manufacturing marks ŠKODA’s eighth production launch this year. “Our whole team, from purchasing, technical development, to production and logistics as well as quality assurance, has once again done a great job to ensure that this launch of an extremely important model was carried out reliably, to the highest quality and on time,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production.

In order to accommodate the Rapid Spaceback, ŠKODA has adapted its operations and expanded facilities at the Mladá Boleslav plant. The car is produced alongside the current Fabia model on one production line. The Spaceback’s sibling, the ŠKODA Rapid, is also assembled on site, plus the all-new third-generation Octavia Hatch and Estate models.

Upgrades to accommodate this year’s new models have included new equipment for car body production, a fully-automated paint shop and a new ultra-modern press line. Since April, a new logistics warehouse has been in operation, ensuring the supply of parts to vehicle, and powertrain production is faster, more flexible and more efficient than ever before.

The Rapid Spaceback is a ŠKODA through and through, offering owners generous interior space, the highest safety standards, low fuel consumption and great value for money. It’s also an engaging car to drive, packed with ‘Simply Clever’ solutions for modern drivers’ needs.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

This innovative system turns off the engine when it is not needed, for example when the driver is stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. When a normal car is stationary, the engine will idle, which in turn consumes fuel and generates emissions. The Stop/start system cleverly cuts out this unnecessary work by stopping the engine automatically when the car is stationary, in neutral and the clutch pedal is released. The Stop/start system does not inhibit a quick getaway either. As soon as the driver presses the clutch to put the vehicle in gear, the engine immediately starts up so acceleration is as instant as if the car had been idling.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

The Superb can be fitted with up to 9 airbags to protect the occupants. The driver is protected by a front airbag in the steering wheel, while the front passenger airbag (with the optional deactivation) is mounted in the dashboard. Side airbags, placed in the front seats of both driver and passenger provide effective protection of pelvis and thorax in case of side impact. The driver's knee airbag is mounted in the lower part of the dashboard, under the steering wheel column, protecting the driver's legs in case of frontal impact. Head airbags cover the side windows area and car's inner structures from the front A-pillar all the way back to the C-pillar.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler put on a superb performance to take their fourth victory of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season at the Sibiu Rally in Romania.

Sibiu, 27th July 2013 – This latest success has extended the ŠKODA pairing’s lead at the top of the overall standings and gives them an excellent opportunity to win the championship.

“That was a really tough race – the course is demanding and the temperatures are high. With lots of loose stones around, there is a high risk of puncture. Yet we were able to overcome all that and secure another ERC victory for ŠKODA this year. It’s fantastic,” said Kopecký. “I would also like to thank my co-driver Pavel and the entire team, because in these conditions everyone has to give 100%.”

In the first outing in Romania, the team once again produced a convincing display in the ŠKODA Fabia S2000. After a careful start spent establishing a 15.4 second gap between them and Frenchman Francois Delecour over the first day, Kopecký and Dresler continued to extend their lead in the second half of the rally.

The Czech team avoided making any mistakes on the extremely difficult dirt roads, which are also littered with large rocks. Cheered on by thousands of fans engrossed in the action, they were able to win 10 of the 13 stages. One stage was cancelled due to safety concerns.

The triumph in Romania was the ŠKODA duo’s fourth in the ERC this season, after victories in Austria, the Canary Islands and the Azores. The Czech team also had a second place finish in Corsica. This represents a perfect start to the second half of the season for Kopecký, who has now extended his lead at the top of the Driver’s Championship. The Sibiu Rally was the first of six ERC events taking place in the second half of the season; the best four results will go towards the final standings.

The ERC’s next stop is in the Czech Republic for the Barum Rally, which will be taking place from the 30th August to the 1st September. ŠKODA’s Kopecký and Dresler will have home advantage in what will be the stand out race of their season. Kopecký commented: “Although the pressure on us will be incredibly high, we’re looking forward to our home rally.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

Using a camera mounted behind the rear view mirror, the Traffic Sign Recognition (as part of the Columbus satellite navigation system) recognises traffic signs relating to speed limits and overtaking limits on the road. These are then displayed on the infotainment device and the Maxi DOT computer.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

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