Barcelona Motor Show 2009: Skoda

The Czech brand managed to make its mark at the Barcelona Show thanks to the promotion it gave its crossover Yeti, although its stand looked quite similar to the one it used at the Geneva Show in March. But Skoda does not live on the Yeti alone, which is why it also brought along the other models in its range, which also had news, several of them special editions.

With the Yeti, Skoda presents a very particular way of making a compact SUV whose design is very characteristic of the brand and changes little from the homonymous prototype it comes from. In addition, it makes very good use of the interior space, which reaches up to 1760 litres of boot capacity with the rear seats folded down, without giving up some elements that identify it as an off-roader. It has excellent visibility thanks to the slim pillars and its elevated driving position. The quality of the materials in the cabin is also noteworthy, at least in the unit on display at the Show.

Its engine range consists of two petrol and three diesel units. The former are a 1.2 TSI producing 105 CV that consumes 6.7 litres per 100 km and emits 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre, and a 1.8 TSI producing 160 CV that consumes 8.3 litres per 100 km and emits 193 grams of CO2. As for the diesels, there are three versions of a 2.0 TDI with Common Rail producing 110, 140 and 170 CV, with consumption of 6 litres (except the 110 CV front-wheel-drive version, which consumes 5.3) and emissions of 159 grams of CO2 (except the 110 CV front-wheel-drive version, which emits 140). All will be available with a manual gearbox and some of them with the DSG gearbox as an option.

The Yeti is also loaded with technology, examples of which include its optional Haldex 4×4 traction, front fog lights with “Corner” function for speeds of up to 40 km/h, the Maxi-DOT display of the on-board computer, the Columbus Navigation that incorporates a 6.5-inch high-definition touchscreen with a 30 GB hard drive or an SD card reader, and the two-zone air conditioning. Prices have not yet been disclosed, but Skoda promises good value for money when the Yeti goes on sale in September.

Slightly tucked away was the new Octavia Greenline, the eco version of the Czech saloon. It features a 1.6 TDI four-cylinder engine with Common Rail that produces 105 CV and 250 Nm of torque at 1900 rpm. Combined with modifications to the car’s transmission and aerodynamics, as well as low-rolling-resistance tyres, the Octavia Greenline achieves a consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km and emissions of 116 grams of CO2 per km, a feat in its category. There are still no prices for Spain.

Then there was the Orbea special edition of the Roomster, aimed at bicycle enthusiasts. The Varioflex seat system allows the seats to be moved so that up to two bicycles can fit inside the vehicle at the same time, secured with the bike rack included. On the exterior there are specific side decals and an “Orbea” logo on the rear. It also features sports seats, a height-adjustable steering wheel, an MP3 player and an iPod port.

And finally, the Fabia Sportline, a version of the compact available only in five-door form and equipped with the 1.9 TDI engine producing 105 CV, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. On the outside it stands out for its two-tone paintwork (Fire Red with white roof or Magic Black with silver roof and mirrors), black side mouldings, 17-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights with the “Corner” function. Optionally it can be fitted with a front spoiler in body colour, a rear spoiler in roof colour and a black rear diffuser.

Inside you will find the “Sportline” logo on both the door sills and the floor mats, Pulse upholstery in red or blue, sports seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, steel pedals and leather trim on the gear lever knob and handbrake. It will go on sale after this summer.

Photos | Highmotor