From Middlesbrough to Geneva and back again
Tony Slack Managing Director speaks to our marketing man, Keith Palmer
A 24-hour round trip to Geneva, found Derek, Steve,
Craig and Tony at the 85th International Motor Show featuring world
premieres from the motor industry. ŠKODA’s appearance at this year’s
Geneva Motor Show, highlighted the brand’s stunning dynamics in shape of
the new ŠKODA Superb and the premiere of the sporty new Fabia Monte Carlo
and the racy Octavia vRS 230.
The new Superb brings the exciting design of the 'ŠKODA VisionC'
show car finally into production. The Superb’s outstanding design
and engineering qualities, (along with class-leading space) positions the
Superb as the new benchmark in the automotive mid-class range setting new
standards in room and comfort.
Tony explained how, “Whilst admiring the striking
sharp creases and surfaces, our attention was drawn to comparisons to the
delicate work of origami by an equally impressed admirer , we nodded in unison- while still trying to process such cultivated wisdom .”
“Folds in the front bumper are equally precise,
along with new high-tech lamps. The new Superb is similar in length to
its predecessor, but the wheelbase is now 80mm longer. Inside, the quality
continues with class-leading enormity, Being well over 6ft, the Superb’s
(best in segment) head and legroom didn’t go unnoticed, I resisted the
temptation to catch 40 winks in the back seat. I even spotted an umbrella
tucked away in each of the front doors. Definitely bound for the UK
market!”
“Safety features include standard multi-collision
brake, Front Assist, City Emergency Braking, Automatic Distance Control,
Proactive Occupant Protection, Lane Assist, Congestion Assistant, Blind
Spot Warning, Reverse Parking Assistant, Emergency Assistant, Fatigue
Detection, Speed Limiter, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist and
an Electronic Tyre Pressure Monitoring system. Did you get all that?”
“Very smart is the high-speed internet connection,
the Superb is the first ŠKODA hotspot on wheels using a new infotainment
system automatically connecting to your smartphone. Why would I ever feel
the need to leave this car! I’m told with the ŠKODA Media Command app, you
can operate the infotainment system from the rear using a tablet device.
Derek asked if someone could please explain but we replied how it’s a generational
thing.”
“The new Superb also boasts record values in
consumption and emissions. New engines (five petrol and three TDI
common-rail diesel), and weight reduced by up to 75kg, along with better
aerodynamics, means the new model consumes up to 30 per cent less fuel,
emitting less CO2 than previously. Despite the reduced consumption, the
new engines actually provide up to 20 per cent more power on the road.
Four-wheel drive is also available. Oh I just love it!”
This left Tony just enough time to mention the
powerhouse new ŠKODA Octavia vRS 230 also making its premiere in
Geneva. Tony added, “The racy design, and sporty interior, are equaled
only by modern technology and impressive power. The ŠKODA Octavia vRS 230
is the first ŠKODA to feature – as standard – an electronically controlled
front axle differential lock for more dynamic cornering. The
‘230’ designation relates to the new vRS special edition’s horsepower,
which helps accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 6.7 seconds with its 230bhp
two-litre petrol engine. The car’s top speed is 155mph, (not that you
would ever drive that fast- right?) making the ŠKODA Octavia vRS 230 the
fastest series-produced Octavia of all time.”
Before dashing off to another award ceremony in
Spain, Tony finished off mentioning the new, sporty Fabia Monte
Carlo. "Available in both saloon and estate versions the Fabia
really shows off in the Monte Carlo edition. With black 17-inch
alloy wheels, black design elements on the exterior, tinted rear and rear
side windows and a tinted panoramic glass roof it’s as mean as, well… a
really mean thing!”
He didn’t mention the interior includes, a
three-spoke sports leather steering wheel, black interior and sports seats
with individual design.
Tony Slack has left the building.
