VGA to dumb down next Gen Skoda models

[BottomScratcher]

VRS in UK has no cruise, no 3rd rear headrest, no electric rear windows, no climate control, multi function steering wheel, parking sensor. All are options.

Older models I can't say, but not so the current model, which has the above as well as Bi-Xenons, black cornering lights, front assist, and lane guidance all standard.

[pologti18t]

Older models I can't say, but not so the current model, which has the above as well as Bi-Xenons, black cornering lights, front assist, and lane guidance all standard.

Whoops was referring to Fabia VRS.

[readerr0r]

Personally I'm excited about the new Octys coming in November, fingers crossed for the vRS!

[muli]

It was the success of the well built Felicias and Octavias of the mid-1990's that prompted VW to buy Skoda in 2000.

At that time VW was losing European fleet sale tenders to Skoda, who had made a good name fast since The Velvet Revolution in '91.

The first gen Felicia and Octy were the game changers for Skoda, and were up and running 6 years before VW ownership of Skoda.

VW bought 1/3 of skoda in '91, i think they owned 2/3rds by mid 90's and those 80's rear engined boxes were nothing to rave about.
Rally cars werent exactly stock.
They were still cheap eastern european cars back then and really you might as well driven a lada, talbot etc


What are they planning on removing when most korean wonders are already better equipped and the japs probably not much behind.

[dArK5HaD0w]

Older models I can't say, but not so the current model, which has the above as well as Bi-Xenons, black cornering lights, front assist, and lane guidance all standard.

i hope u talking about the mk3 octavia?

the current model in oz, the mk2, never had bi-xenons, or lane guidance. not just in oz, but worldwide.

[MountainBikeMike]

Personally I'm excited about the new Octys coming in November, fingers crossed for the vRS!

Theres not really any reason for them to discontiue Octy RS here is there? Wouldnt think so..

[readerr0r]

Theres not really any reason for them to discontiue Octy RS here is there? Wouldnt think so..

I meant more I hope it arrives November with the other models

[2009fsi]

I've never understood VWs product range in Australia as it seems to me they were always destined to compete against one another.

Skoda's lack of marketing by VW, particularly of the Superb Elegance models in Australia has been stupid. They should have gone hard after the Holden/Ford customer base with Superb Elegance from day one. What marketing they did was wrong, deeming it a "quirky & large sedan". If one looked within VWs range; at a Passat versus the Superb Elegance, why would you buy the cramped, shorter wheelbase Passat? One can draw similar comparisons for Golf/Octavia.

As a long time performance Ford owner, I looked & if my choice had been limited to Passat or a car without all the mod cons included in virtually all Australian, Jap & Korean cars these days, I would not be driving a car from anywhere in the VW suite of vehicles.

At the end of the day it is clear, the Skoda is more a threat to VW than anyone else because of VAG stupidity, and the old Teutonic arrogance of VW HQ now instituting a strategy to demean some of its own products, just to defend the VW badge. To me, the Skoda range, all based on the Octavia chassis, are much better suited to the Australian market than the bulk of the VW range.

I have MY10 Superb Elegance V6 & think it fantastic, as do all who get into it. I won't be replacing it with a VW, if that is what Mr. White thinks. Sadly, I think Mr. White is but a puppet to HQ & doesn't understand his market or customers as well as he or VW think they do. Making Skoda a minimalist peoples car in the true image of Hitler's orginal concept will kill any support, customer base & credibility it currently has.

Up yours Mr White. I am not impressed with your customer service, parts price gouging or the alternate products under the VW badge you want to steer me to. I think I might be turning Japanese or Korean in future.

[MountainBikeMike]

/rage...

[pologti18t]

Cheaper skodas? Don't think so.

Latest Yeti pricing for UK.. Prices are up up up

Skoda Yeti 2014 price revealed | Auto Express

[dArK5HaD0w]

Cheaper skodas? Don't think so.

Latest Yeti pricing for UK.. Prices are up up up

Skoda Yeti 2014 price revealed | Auto Express

Pricing in da UK is no reflection of how its going to b priced here.
Past, present & future, all skoda models r alot cheaper than vw in europe.
The Australian market is totally different ball game, and with VW Group Australia controlling Skoda Australia operations - its no surprise which brand they'll protect!!

[The Speedfighter]

Up yours Mr White. I am not impressed with your customer service, parts price gouging or the alternate products under the VW badge you want to steer me to. I think I might be turning Japanese or Korean in future.

haha this just reminds me of Breaking Bad yo!!!

[brenno]

This is great news - I support the dumbing down of the range.

After VW seems hell bent on limiting options on the range, it puts the spotlight on Skoda to peg themselves where VW is leaving a gap.

I can only hope Skoda start introducing simple, basic models without things people don't need - Satnav, climate control, DSG, electric tailgates etc. Just a manual, diesel in every range without all the unnecessary items would be tops!

[mmmRacer]

This is great news - I support the dumbing down of the range.

After VW seems hell bent on limiting options on the range, it puts the spotlight on Skoda to peg themselves where VW is leaving a gap.

I can only hope Skoda start introducing simple, basic models without things people don't need - Satnav, climate control, DSG, electric tailgates etc. Just a manual, diesel in every range without all the unnecessary items would be tops!

Pure and simple I'm not interested in a base model with no options. Would go back to a japanese car if that happened.

[brenno]

Pure and simple I'm not interested in a base model with no options. Would go back to a japanese car if that happened.

I think this attitude reinforces my point - the market is flooded with over-specced vehicles. Despite what VW marketing folk have discovered, there are still people that want basic models with basic attributes.

Case in point - I want a manual mid-size wagon, preferably diesel. In the current market in Australia, there are next to no options available.