Wheels Gold Star Cars 2012

[RSOK]

Anyone catch the latest edition of Wheels mag?

Wins for Skoda in 4 out of the 5 categories they competed in for the Gold Star 'Value' awards:

Light car under $25k WINNER - Skoda Fabia 77TSI
Medium car under $35k WINNER - Skoda Octavia 90TSI
Large car under $45k WINNER - Skoda Superb 118TSI
Large car under $65k WINNER - Skoda Superb 4x4 V6

And the Skoda Yeti took out 2nd place in the light SUV segment behind the Mitsubishi ASX.

[loz1304]

This probably doesn't surprise many of us - great value cars that are well made, well designed, interesting etc etc. I might have to buy the mag now.

[MarksVRS]

It came in the mail yesterday and I had a quick flick through when I got home. Great to see the Skodas gracing the pages of Wheels, they are often included as ideal "alternatives" when reviewing new cars. They also now have a long termer to test (Yeti from memory??).

Still waiting to see the Octavia RS TDI in a comparo with other turbo diesels... I think at this stage there is little chance of this happening. They will wait until the new release now.

[RSOK]

Many Aussies still see Skoda as waaaaaay too 'alternative' for them to stump up and own one. Don't know whether that's down to badge confidence (ie not wanting to own anything other than the usual Mazda/Toyota/ Holden etc that everyone else owns) or just lack of research by the general public when buying a car.

(Possibly also owing to slightly high RRP imposed by VAG Aust!! Cut a thou or two off each RRP and you'll see Skoda sales double I have no doubt that's all it will take at this end of the market).

But still the Gold Star awards have consistently shown year after year that Skoda vehicles represent some of the best value buying to be had in today's market, even if you leave aside their great driving dynamics and ummmm arguably oddball exterior styling!

[MarksVRS]

I think the public in general are heavily influenced by TV advertising and word of mouth. There have been some good campaigns on telly but it needs us owners to reinforce the message. Yes prices need to always undercut the equivalent VW offering as the Skoda was introduced as the lower cost alternative (no one will change that so it should be embraced).

Any further exposure in magazines is always good, particularly when I have never seen a bad review from any Aussie magazine (other than the price point).

[Mysticality]

I'm a mobile I.T. tech, and every time I go to leave, the client asks something along the lines of "What the hell is that?!"

Then, I proceed to tell them about the 4L/100km highway, the fact its quicker than a V6 Commodore, and just how good it looks.
One family is looking at new cars soon, and they'll put the Octavia on the list. (Though they'll probably get the Superb, instead)

[bobski]

I don't know how big the market actually is for Skoda. Being a fringe brand is a really big problem that takes time and money to resolve. Most people will buy what they know or socially acceptable when it comes to such a big decision.

I'd love to see stats on car buyers nationalities, sex, age etc. That stuff would be gold and probably just prove that most people are stereotypical and sheepish. The market for free thinkers or risk takers is probably very small, which is where Skoda is pitching for the moment.

[gldgti]

I'd love to see stats on car buyers nationalities, sex, age etc. That stuff would be gold and probably just prove that most people are stereotypical and sheepish. The market for free thinkers or risk takers is probably very small, which is where Skoda is pitching for the moment.

Why not, since you cant buy a Saab anymore Free thinkers yes... risk takers?... well, only in the eyes of the un-enlightened.

I don't care who buys all that other garbage that seems to be good at getting in the way.... give me some more Skoda owners to wave at.

When I got the octy tinted last week, the tint guy talked to me for ages about the car, and told me after crawling around in it all afternoon, he was very tempted to replace his commodore wagon with one.

[K1W1]

Is Wheels magazine still being published?

[bobski]

risk takers?... well, only in the eyes of the un-enlightened.

I wouldn't call Skoda drivers as enlightened. Its not like Skoda is the car Jesus would drive. (what would Jesus drive? LOL). Just pointing out that its in a much smaller segment of the market than we think it is. The vast majority of buyers would see Skoda as a risk or not understand it at all. Hence the constant comments of "what is that?".

[gldgti]

I wouldn't call Skoda drivers as enlightened.

Nor would I, indeed. What I mean is that until you own a Skoda, you are un-enlightened, regarding the fact that it is not a risky car to buy/own (that is, if you are previously un aware that it is just a VW and therefore not risky anyway).

I suppose you could further suppose then, that if you are unaware of that link, you are fairly unlikely to even consider buying a car you don't just see everywhere.

I would call something like an Alfa Romeo 'risky'

[PassatB6]

I wouldn't call Skoda drivers as enlightened. Its not like Skoda is the car Jesus would drive. (what would Jesus drive? LOL). Just pointing out that its in a much smaller segment of the market than we think it is. The vast majority of buyers would see Skoda as a risk or not understand it at all. Hence the constant comments of "what is that?".

I think he means enlightened in a sense of being more informed than most people. I would agree with that.