The New Skoda Octavia

As a world premiere, Škoda Auto presents a facelifted version of the Škoda Octavia at the 2008 Paris Motor Show (2-19 October, 2008).

Produced or assembled in altogether eight countries, the Škoda Octavia is a bestseller. The rejuvenated version is now coming with a more emotionally powerful design. "The Škoda Octavia has always had a special position among Škoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide. Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology," said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member responsible for technological development.

When looking from the front, the key enhancements include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The innovation of the rear part of the vehicle is mainly about new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated cat eyes.

The interior offers an innovated line of Škoda audio and navigation systems. The steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), the air conditioning controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels (Classic, Ambiente and Elegance).

New adaptive xenon headlamps enhance the vehicle's active safety, passive safety has been improved by installing front WOKS headrests for effective rear impact protection (in all equipment levels).

Innovative changes are to be found also under the bonnet of the new Škoda Octavia - a brand new 1.4 TSI/90 kW engine. Turbocharged 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol engines can be combined with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic DSG transmission.

The New Skoda Superb

Škoda has unveiled the first official photographs of the all-new Škoda Superb. Offering generous interior space and a striking new look, the 2008 Superb looks set to shake up the upper medium segment.

At 4,838mm long and 1,783mm wide the new Škoda Superb is 35mm longer and 18mm wider than its predecessor. It stands at 1,461mm high and has a wheel base of 2,761mm - 8mm lower and 42mm shorter respectively than the model it replaces.

As customers have come to expect from the Czech firm's products, the new Superb features a number of smart technological solutions including adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, automatic parking assist and much more that will be revealed over the coming weeks. Safety was one of the top priorities in developing the new Superb, and with nine airbags altogether it is now safer than ever.

A total of up to six engines will be available in the new Superb - three petrol and three diesel. Outputs will range from 105bhp to 260bhp and the units will be combined with a selection of manual or DSG transmissions. The full UK engine line-up will be announced closer to the model's UK launch date.

The Škoda Superb will be manufactured in the car maker's Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic and will be on sale in the UK in September 2008.

It will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 4 and 5 March 2008.