latestskodacars

Modularer Querbaukasten  (MQB) is a many-splendored thing. Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture has brought us many cars of many sizes, but the new Škoda Kodiaq stands as one of the outliers, the biggest so far to be spun from this web of shared componentry this side of the long Škoda Superb flagship and the forthcoming Volkswagen Atlas and the first to have three rows of seating. It won’t be coming to the States—our lobbying on behalf of the Škoda brand in Americaclearly still has a ways to go—but it does give us a sneak preview of the extended-wheelbase version of the VW Tiguan, which will share the Kodiaq’s seven-seat platform when it arrives next spring. We’d previously driven only VW’s five-seat European version of the new Tiguan. HIGHS Useful, if small, third-row seats in a relatively compact package; VW chassis dynamics. LOWS Cheesy trim and materials, no steering feel, not coming to America. Škoda Auto traces its his...

Unlike last year’s limited edition RS230, the Skoda Octavia RS245 is a permanent addition to Skoda's small car family that adds more poke and equipment to the familiar Czech-built and owned sedan. It also comes in the same specification in wagon guise if you need more boot space and a longer loading area, but we’re testing the liftback which is already well endowed with room. The Octavia RS is something of a mature performance choice in Australia. Though early model sales weren’t thundering the brand has picked up momentum and with an engine sourced from parent company Volkswagen’s Golf GTI hot hatch, there’s plenty to convince the shrewd petrol head. Vehicle Style: Performance medium hatch and wagon Price:  $43,390-$46,890 plus on-road costs Engine/trans:  180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol Fuel Economy Claimed:  6.7 l/100km  As tested:  9.9L/100km. OVERVIEW With the rear-wheel drive Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon well in the rear view ...