The facelifted Skoda Octavia (Skoda Laura to us Indians) was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last year.

The front end receives a sharp dynamic look that reminds us of the soon to be launched Superb in India. Inside, Skoda has redesigned the steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), all the controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console. Furthermore, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels.

Knowing that Skoda is from the Czech republic, you would expect their cars to be very popular on home turf and it has turned out to be just that. A look at the sales figures convey that the Fabia has been very popular as it has sold as many as 22,205 units in Jan-Nov in Czech Republic which helps it secure the numero-uno spot.

Following that is our very own Octavia (Laura to us Indians) which has sold 11,485 units, according to Car Importers Association (SDA) statistics. The Fabia has been performing well in India too as Indians open up to quality products.

It’s Christmas! But that won’t stop us from giving you content. In today’s Audio Cast, I talk about the 2010 Chevrolet Beat. Harry goes on and on about the G-Power Hurricane, which has taken the crown away from the Brabus Rocket as the world’s fastest sedan. Dave speaks about the Skoda Octavia Park Assist which has sent waves through the U.K. And what better way can there be to end today’s conversation than discussing what we’re shopping for the New Year!

The new Skoda Superb has received yet another award in the form of Sky Motoring’s Best Gadget honour.
Skoda’s innovative Parking Assist beat opposition from BMW and Renault to take the honour in the motoring website’s annual awards. Sky Motoring’s judges praised the Superb’s Parking Assistant system for its ease of use despite the car being ‘King sized’ and commented “It sounds destined for a slot on ‘It’ll never work’, but we tested it several times and, shock horror, it actually works.”

The Czech carmaker Skoda has begun production of its Fabia in China. The Chinese-made Fabia will sell from 85,800 yuan ($12,560) and is anticipated to become the best-selling Skoda in China.

Skoda’s recent makeover and facelift treatment for its range now extends to the Skoda Octavia RS (Skoda Laura in India). At the Essen Motor Show in Germany, Skoda presented a concept version of its flagship Octavia RS model, the Studie RS+(study). The existing international version of the Octavia RS, sadly has not made it to India.

This ain’t one of those Skoda Fabia’s that you see on the roads daily. This is the Skoda Fabia S2000, a car honed to conquer mud and dirt at next years International Rally Championships. Test Driver Juha HÄNNINEN from Finland put in a few laps, and just look how tail-happy this car is. The sound track is music to the ears. Enjoy!

Skoda has given the 8-year old C-segment Skoda Octavia liftback (aeroback) and estate a much needed facelift, for release in 2009. The Octavia had never been taken care of by Skoda in the recent past, so this facelift can help Octavia to atleast stand up against stronger rivals like Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis.

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