Classics 1935 Skoda 935

The major attraction was of course the Skoda 935 Dynamic prototype, a streamlined concept dating back to 1935 which was carefully restored back to its original condition by Skoda themselves. This is after all the only one in existence globally, with its last public appearance set back in October 1935 at the Motor Show in Prague where the Skoda 935 Dynamic made its debut. With its teardrop-shaped body, the 935 was exhibiting one of the most progressive designs in the auto industry at the time.

The mid-engined concept is using a body made out of aluminum/steel composite which kept the weight figure down at 1170kg. The water-cooled flat-four 2.0-litre engine is mounted in front of the rear axle and produces 54hp, enough the take the aerodynamic 935 at speed up to 140km/h. Measuring 4.86m in length, 1.68m wide and 1.54m high, this Skoda prototype is a testament of the innovative power that fuelled Skoda back then.

The car was a part of a private collection from 1939 and up until 1968 where the then newly-founded Skoda Museum bought it with Skoda deciding a full restoration back to its original glory in 2012.

Skoda showcased nine cars in total, with the rest of them to be the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A (1905), Laurin & Klement Type S (1911), Laurin & Klement 110 (1925), ŠKODA 645 (1930), ŠKODA Rapid Cabrio de Luxe (1937), ŠKODA Superb OHV (1939), ŠKODA Felicia (1961) and the ŠKODA 1100 MBX (1969).

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Skoda Rapid Spaceback

The Skoda Rapid isn't even a genuine C-Segment car, and yet people are clearly appreciating its practicality, and perhaps even its looks. Skoda sold 18,834 Rapids in Europe in Q1 of 2015, a total that surpasses that of the KIA cee'd, Hyundai i30, Mazda3, Nissan Pulsar, Honda Civic and Citroen C4 - in that order.

Speaking of which, how about this Skoda Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine version with its "outdoor" appearance? It features plastic elements for the exterior, 16" & 17" alloy wheels, plus a few other subtle changes.

"The combination of ŠKODA's practical features and fresh designs have convinced a great number of customers," said Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Werner Eichhorn, before adding that "We plan to build on this success with the ScoutLine edition."

The mods aren't as adventurous as on previous Scouts, but you do get matte-black front and rear bumpers, matte black textured plastic fixtures on the sides, 16" 'Rock' or 17" 'Camelot' wheels, silver mirror housings and a full range of exterior colors, including 'pistachio green'.

Also, all drivetrains are available with the exception of the GreenLine engines. So you can choose between three petrol units (90HP/110HP/125HP) and two diesels (90HP/116HP) when you're deciding on which Skoda Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine you want to purchase.

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All-New Skoda Superb Combi

The most important update of the new Superb Combi is the increased space, with the large estate offering more room in the front and rear thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous generation model. The boot capacity of 660 liters (23.3 cu-ft) is a record in the segment and exceeds the previous Superb Combi's capacity by 27 liters. With the rear seats folded flat and loaded up to the roof, the Superb Combi can carry 1,950 liters (68.8 cu-ft) worth of stuff. Skoda also says the new model is more comfortable than ever, thanks to new features such as the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) including Driving Mode Select and a completely new air conditioning system (with three-zones in the range-topping model).

The new Skoda Superb Combi is also available with an optional electric panoramic glass roof, auxiliary heating, heated seats (front and rear), wireless heated windscreen and heated washer jets, among many other features. "Simply clever" solutions include an umbrella in each of the front two doors, a manually retractable tow bar, a tablet holder in the rear, a tablet storage compartment in the Jumbo Box in the front, a USB port and a 230-V socket in the rear, single-handed opening for a 0.5-liter bottle and an extra high-vis vest storage compartment in all four doors.

In terms of engines, the new Skoda Superb Combi offers five TSI petrol and three TDI diesel units, all EU6-compliant and fitted with stop-start technology and brake energy recovery as standard. Petrol engines range between 125PS and 280PS, while diesel have outputs between 120PS and 190PS. With the exception of the entry-level petrol unit, all powertrains are available with dual-clutch transmissions. Four of the available engines (1.4 TSI 150PS, 2.0 TSI 280PS, 2.0 TDI 150PS and 2.0 TDI 190PS can also be had with an all-wheel drive system based on the Haldex 5 clutch.

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All-New Superb Skoda

The All-New Superb is a bigger, more elegant-looking and tad more luxurious car than Skoda's existing Octavia, with the two cars positioned slightly below and above the mid-size segment respectively. At the end of the day, they both target the likes of the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat and Mazda6.

To that extent, it's a shame that Skoda didn’t give the Superb the same rakish looks as last year's dramatic VisionC Concept, even if it would have come at the expense of passenger and luggage space. Instead, the Czech carmaker borrowed some key design elements and themes from the study such as the front-end styling and the taut surfacing treatment applying them on a more conventional three-box sedan.

And whereas the VisionC had a sexy slanted rear end, the Superb gets a brick-like design. On the other hand, this allowed Skoda to increase the Superb's boot space by 30 liters over the previous generation model to a capacious 625 liters.

The Superb gets a host of what Skoda describes as "Simply Clever" solutions and features, which range from the hidden umbrellas in each of the two front doors and the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, to plenty of storage solutions, a USB port and 230 V socket in the rear and a mechanically retractable towing device.

Available features for Skoda's flagship include the brand’s first adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with Driving Mode Select, three-zone air conditioning, electric tailgate, electric sliding and tilting panoramic roof, rear-view camera, electric parking brake and a new infotainment and connectivity system with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Skoda says that the third generation Superb has shed as much as 75kg (165 lbs), while its new engine range that mirrors the Octavia offers up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption and emission figures.

The lineup includes 1.4-liter, 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged petrols delivering between 125PS and 280PS (123hp to 276hp), and a range of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter diesels producing from 120PS to 190PS (118hp to 187hp). The most frugal version at launch will be the Superb GreenLine that returns 3.7 l/100 km (76.4mpg UK or 63.6mpg US) and emits 95 g CO2 per km.

With the exception of the entry-level petrol engine, all other units are available with a dual-clutch transmission, while four engines will be offered with all-wheel drive based on the Haldex 5 clutch.

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