By Theodore Opara

Skoda World, a burgeoning subsidiary of Stallion Motors, is taking the auto market by storm just as it unveiled two of Skoda’s most technologically-imbued models— Octavia and Rapid.

While the new Octavia is re-emerging as a third generation A7 family sedan, with a new design DNA, the Rapid is debuting as Skoda’s first model incorporating new design language with an embodiment of crisp lines.

The rapid became an instant hit shortly after its introduction into the international market.

Mr. Sanjay Rupani, Head, Sales and Marketing at Skoda World, Stallion Motors Limited, said the new generation Octavia stands out for its unique combination of most recent technologies and new design DNA with Skoda Autos’ harmonious lines of five-door body for those in search of dignified elegance, performance, safety and comfort.

There is also a clear emphasis on delivering the prefect experience in terms of quality, aesthetics and ergonomics, the marketing helmsman added.

Rupani explained that the new Octavia is the main pillar in the Skoda portfolio and a logical part of the automaker’s Growth Strategy 2018.

“This will significantly strengthen the brand’s position in the A-segment around the world, including Nigeria,” he said.

A highly acclaimed brand in Western Europe, Skoda has also being a success in the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia and currently making in-roads against established competition in other markets.

According to Rupani also said that the Octavia is targeted at customers, who naturally expect a spacious interior, timeless design and value for money.

He said: “It is only logical that most owners of previous generation Octavia (A5) will soon start to think of buying a new car.”

He added that the new generation Skoda would inspire a positive change in the way the brand is perceived.

Mounted on Volkswagen’s MQB platform similar to VW Golf and Audi A3, the new Octavia comes with independent suspension. (Macpherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.)

Though Skoda offers the new Octavia in a variety of eight engines, only the 1.8 TSI model generating 132kw/180 bhp turbo petrol engine will, at the moment, be available in the Nigeria market.

A lot of improvements have taken place in the new car. For instance weight has been significantly reduced due to the adoption of higher tensile strength metals in the car’s construction with some models shedding as much as 102kg of weight.