25th February 2010 - Superb Estate offer for business customers
« click image to enlarge
Škoda Finance has put together an amazing contract hire package for the new Superb Estate, with a headline offer of £279 per month (plus VAT) on the Superb Estate S 2.0 TDI 140bhp. And that’s not all: every Superb Estate purchased with Skoda Finance contract hire comes with free servicing and maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles (whichever comes sooner).
The figures below show how this offer is exceptionally competitive when compared with those for competitor models from other leading FN50 (Fleet News Top 50) car leasing and van contract hire companies. The addition of free servicing and maintenance means customers can avoid unexpected bills for up to three years, and reassurance that that all work will be carried out by Škoda experts using approved parts.
Comparison with other contract hire offers: Superb Estate S 2.0 TDI 140bhp £279 Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi Edge £308 Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160 Exclusiv Sports Tourer £326 Laguna 2.0 dCi Expression 110 Sport Tourer £280 Citroen C5 2.0 HDI 16V VTR 140 Tourer £326 Peugeot 407 1.6 Hdi 140 S SW Estate £330 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D T2 £292 Passat 2.0 TDI CR S 110bhp £308
11th February 2010 - Clearance Sale
« click image to enlarge
Due to the unprecedented demand for New Skoda’s thanks largely down to the Government’s Scrappage incentive and Skoda’s ‘VAT FREE / TAX FREE’ consumer offer, here at Bickerton Skoda we find ourselves with the problem of having far too much used car stock around the premises with not enough space to display them properly.
Consumer offers giving up to £3500 minimum P/X allowance against a selection of New Skoda’s for registration before the end of March, have increased our used car stock to levels that now need clearing to make way for fresh cars coming in
Any sensible offer will be considered helpful and all prospective used Skoda purchases should pay a visit to the dealership before the end of February.
Fabia, Roomster, Octavia and Superb models are all available at discounted prices so please come down as soon as possible!
All approved used Skoda models are fully serviced and MOT’d if required. They carry a manufactures approved 12 month parts and labour warranty and include RAC breakdown assistance.
14th January 2010 - Its "Snow Worries" at Bickerton Skoda!!
« click image to enlarge
It was all hands to the deck this morning, with Mechanics, Receptionists and Office Workers all helping out to clear the snow, to get Bickerton fully operational for all our customers
After 2 hours of shoveling snow and gritting the paths and drives we are happy to announce that Bickerton Skoda is open as usual.
Customers with any weather related issues, for example flat batteries, windscreen wipers needing replacement, blocked washer jets or any other M.O.T / Service releated items please give our Aftersales Department a call on the number below.
Please also note we are still offering the Bickerton Skoda FREE WINTER HEALTH CHECK promotion through January so please contact us for further details.
Call Now to Make Your Appointment on 0114 2701111
8th December 2009 - Škoda a double winner in Top Gear awards
« click image to enlarge
Škoda has picked up two of the most prestigious titles in this year’s influential Top Gear Awards. The Škoda Yeti was chosen as Family Car of the Year, and the new Superb Estate won the Luxury Car of the Year award. As Top Gear magazine said: “2009 is clearly Škoda’s year.” Top Gear magazine is read by around 175,000 people in the UK every month, so winning these awards gives a massive boost to our publicity for these two cars. The awards are carried in 24 international editions of the magazine, plus on Top Gear’s UK, US and Australian websites.
The Top Gear magazine team were blown away by the quality of both cars. Editor Conor McNicholas said: “The Yeti has been an instant hit with the Top Gear magazine office. We love the styling, the handling, the space, the clever touches and yes, the name. If you’re looking for a family car it should be top of your list to check out, simple as that. The Yeti feels like part of the Top Gear family.” Of the Superb, he said: “It’s in the ride, the refinement, the quality of the interior, the understated drama of the exterior – the Superb is all that, and in the estate form it makes even more sense. For the well-heeled or those of us that wish we were, the Superb Estate is a class act that really delivers. Don’t let the great price fool you!”
The Škoda UK PR team did a great job meeting Top Gear magazine’s requests for the awards issue. A Yeti was flown over to the USA for the reviewer to drive up the 14,115-foot Pike’s Peak, demonstrating the car’s winning combination of practicality and four-wheel-drive performance. Summing up the Yeti, reviewer Bill Thomas said: “The car has been superbly designed by Jozef Kaban and his team in Prague and stands out on the road... It’s not too heavy, has a range of effective and efficient engines and transmissions and is decently equipped. It is also beautifully made in typical Škoda/Volkswagen style, and is practical and spacious without being too big or unwieldy on the road. It is, in short, a winner.”
Thomas is convinced the Yeti will go down well with its target market. “This car will be a big hit with the thousands of British families who are sure to buy it and the big load capacity will be a major part of the appeal,” said Thomas. “But the quality that really grew on me was the thing’s character. I can imagine ‘the Yeti’ becoming an immediate hit with young families. ‘Let’s take the Yeti’. ‘We’re going in the Yeti’. It’ll be another member of the family in no time.” The PR team also sourced a Superb Estate in the Czech Republic, which was then loaded up and driven back to the UK, illustrating its comfort, refinement and load-lugging capabilities. Jason Barlow said of the Superb: “In 2008, Top Gear’s Luxury Car of the Year was the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. In 2009, it’s this: the Škoda Superb Estate… The Superb Estate is a thoroughly well-executed and uncommonly refined car.”
6th November 2009 - Massive Used Car Clearance Sale!
« click image to enlarge
2009 has proven to be one of our best ever years for New Car Sales. The combination of the Government's recently extended Scrappage scheme together with Skoda's very aggressive consumer offers which this year have included 'Tax Free- VAT Free' savings of up to £3500 discount off the price of a new Skoda and Free Servicing on some models, has resulted in a record year.
This has seen a much greater number of used cars being traded in and produced subsequent stocking and parking difficulties. We have decided that in order to help us clear some space for even further part exchanges during the run up to Christmas, we would hold our first ever MASSIVE USED CAR CLEARANCE SALE with many cars available at COST PRICE + £1 !!
This event is due to run between Monday the 9th of November and Monday 23rd. At the end of the event, any remaining vehicles will be repriced back up to their current market valuation. Please do not hesitate in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
5th November 2009 - Book your Free Winter Check and you could be a winner of an iPod Touch!!
« click image to enlarge
Remember remember, this November only..... Bickerton Skoda are offering a FREE winter health check to all current Skoda owners and for this November, also includes ALL MAKES AND MODELS ! Customers are being encouraged to bring their family and friends down with any makes of vehicle and they will also qualify for this current promotion.
Alternatively, you could take advantage of our 20 point winter health check that for only £14.95 not only includes checks on your Cooling System,Battery,Brakes,Lights,Tyres and Engine Bay but also comes complete with a FREE WINTER PACK (rrp £6.99), including Screen wash, Lock De-icer, Scraper, De-icer and De-mist cloth. subject to availability.
All customers booking a Winter Health Check this month will be entered into a prize drawer to win an Apple iPod Touch! Just in time for Christmas. Good Luck! Please book your WINTER HEALTH CHECK BY CLICKING HERE!!
22nd September 2009 - Yeti found in Sheffield!
« click image to enlarge
September the 17th saw the launch of our newest family member, the Skoda Yeti! Amongst the crowds of people that visited our showroom on the day, we were also priveledged to be joined by a very special visitor,Yeti himself ! Whilst in Sheffield for the day, Yeti took time out to visit Bramall Lane to soak up the atmosphere of the ground prior to the big Steel City Derby, have a cappuccino at Nonnas on Ecclesall road and even get himself a tattoo and a bag of chips! We have a very limited number of Yeti models to supply our customers this year and with prices starting from only £13,725 with front wheel drive or 4 wheel drive now being available, we expect all of these to be snapped up pretty quickly! On sale now! A true crossover, available in front-wheel or four-wheel drive Prices start from £13,725 Five stars in Euro NCAP
Combining all the rugged strengths of a traditional 4x4 with the practicality and running costs of a hatchback, Yeti is a true crossover vehicle. It is available in front-wheel or four-wheel drive, in a choice of five diesel or petrol engines and four trim levels. Equipment levels are high across the range with electric front windows and CD player, air conditioning, six airbags and Škoda’s hugely practical Varioflex seating standard on all models. Yeti also features a number of exciting technologies designed to make life on board Yeti even more rewarding. These include park assist, an electrically opening panoramic sunroof, an off-road button and touch screen displays that incorporate Bluetooth, all available as options. The four-wheel drive versions are underpinned by fourth-generation Haldex clutch that directs torque to the wheels that need it most, ensuring grip in even the poorest conditions. Yeti received five stars in recent EuroNCAP testing, with its result hailed as one of the best vehicles tested so far. “Škoda has shown that it provides an equal degree of protection for passengers of all sizes, sitting in various positions (in all seats),” says the Euro NCAP assessment report.
1st September 2009 - Euro NCAP gives Yeti five stars
« click image to enlarge
The Škoda Yeti has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, showing it to be one of the safest cars on the market. The Yeti was praised for its excellent adult and child occupant protection, as well as its protection for pedestrians. Thanks to its stable body structure made of high-strength steel, the Yeti received an excellent 92 per cent in the occupant protection category. The protection provided by its airbags helped the Yeti score maximum points in the side impact category.
The Euro NCAP assessment report said: “Škoda has shown that it provides an equal degree of protection for passengers of all sizes, sitting in various positions (in all seats).“ Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Škoda Auto board of directors member responsible for technological development , said: “The result shows our commitment to safety aspects at the development stage [including] seat geometry tests and the strength of the applied materials. We test various seat settings and work hard to improve the properties of the entire system. To ensure maximum possible protection, the system must be in perfect harmony. We use state-of-the-art technology and test methods, as safety is one of the key aspects in developing new Škoda vehicles.”
The Yeti's did particularly well in the whiplash test – a new category established this year to assess the stability of the seats and the degree of protection of the occupants from cervical spine injuries in rear impacts. The Yeti's result is one of the best of all the vehicles tested so far. Škoda engineers put great emphasis on active safety when developing the Yeti. As required by Euro NCAP, the passenger airbag indicator light comes on when the airbag is deactivated. On starting the vehicle, an ‘Airbag On’ display informs the driver that the airbag is activated. As a standard part of the vehicle's equipment, the Škoda Yeti is fitted with the ISOFIX system for mounting child seats onto rear seats.
27th August 2009 - First look at the new Superb estate
« click image to enlarge
Škoda Auto has released the first official teaser image of the estate version of the Superb. The company will unveil the new model at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (17 to 27 September 2009).
The car is a logical continuation of the Superb model series, offering an ideal combination of practicality and elegance.The estate version is set to continue the success of the hatchback. More than forty-two thousand Superbs have been sold in just over a year since its launch.
The newest addition to the Superb range follows in the tradition of timeless design and a spacious interior that customers have come to expect from Škoda; qualities that make the Superb estate ideal for every driver who requires a comfortable, reliable car in all circumstances.
30th July 2009 - Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI
« click image to enlarge
What is it? It’s the facelifted-for-2009 Octavia Scout, the slightly high-rise, more overtly off-road variant of Skoda’s pleasingly honest, practical and affordable estate. Think Audi A4 Allroad, but without the badge kudos and minus nine grand or so off the asking price. As well as cosmetic changes inside and out, the latest Scout gets the new, fourth generation Haldex clutch system also found on the Octavia 4x4 estate. It’s mated to an unchanged 2.0-litre diesel engine and a smooth six-speed manual gearbox with sensibly spaced ratios.
What’s it like? Practical, comfortable and versatile, among other things. The familiar 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit is a respectable performer and returns decent economy, with 50-plus mpg easily achieved on a gentle motorway cruise. On top of that, 17-inch alloys and a tyre profile more at home on a farm track than a race track mean it’s a relaxing ride, too. Externally, the Scout’s modified suspension raises both the ride height and ground clearance over the standard Octavia 4x4, while chunky but understated bodywork add-ons increase both width and overall length by a few millimetres. All this adds up to a genuine smattering of off-road ability; you wouldn’t want to enter the Dakar Rally in it, but towing a horsebox or caravan across a rutted field would be well within its remit. Inside, you get a model of restrained, contemporary cabin design. Trim fit and finish punches well above the Scout’s asking price, with excellent seats, a clear, comprehensive dash, useful trip computer functions and a satisfyingly tactile steering wheel, albeit lacking in fingertip controls for the otherwise excellent stereo. The front seat passenger even gets a chunky handle on the dashboard to hang on to when the going gets really rough; a light peppering of neat ‘Scout’ badges completes the interior effect.
Should I buy one? It’s certainly worth considering. Estate car practicality is common to all the Octavia estates, but the Scout’s very real, if limited, off-road potential marks it out as an option for those who need something capable of performing when the going gets rougher than a muddy country lane. As a rugged, rural towing car that is otherwise barely compromised in everyday on-road use, the Octavia Scout is an impressive, endearing and great value piece of kit.
21st July 2009 - NEW ŠKODA YETI AT BICKERTON SKODA
« click image to enlarge
CUSTOMERS CAN TRACK DOWN NEW ŠKODA YETI AT BICKERTON SKODA THIS SUMMER Customers in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area offered a sneak preview of new Škoda Yeti a month before it goes on sale
Bickerton Skoda is offering customers in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area a unique opportunity to preview Škoda’s new Yeti ahead of its official UK launch in September. Yeti – the fifth and newest member of the Škoda family – will be uncaged for a short time before launch, and will be on a UK-wide tour this summer. Combining all the rugged strengths of a 4x4 with the practicality and running costs of hatch, Yeti is a true crossover vehicle that drivers will love to own.
Yeti has attracted extremely strong reviews in the motoring media where it has proved it is just as at home conquering the urban jungle as it is in the wilderness. The Škoda Yeti will be at Bickerton Skoda on Tuesday 4th August for one day only, so customers should be sure to take their chance to hunt it down and see it in the metal.
For further information Škoda customers should should contact Bickerton Skoda on 0114 2701111-www.bickertonskoda.co.uk-enquiries@bickertonskoda.co.uk
8th May 2009 - The Bickerton Scrappage Scheme
« click image to enlarge
New Skoda from only £5995!* Payments from only £59 per month* The Bickerton scrappage scheme What’s the idea? The government has recently brought in a car scrappage scheme, which offers drivers a cash incentive to scrap their old cars and replace them with shiny new ones. Your car will be eligible as long as you meet the following criteria: • The vehicle must have been first registered in the UK on or before 31 August 1999.
• The claimant keeper must have been registered keeper for at least 12 months before new vehicle order date.
• The claimant must have a UK address on the registration certificate (V5C).
• There must be no outstanding finance on the vehicle.
• The vehicle must have a valid MOT.
Is your car old enough?
To save you digging out your registration documents, this guide is a quick way to see if your car is old enough to qualify for the scrappage scheme. Remember, it has to be ten years old or more. For starters, if you have a “new style” number plate, your car will be too young, as these plates were introduced late in 2001. You can easily tell a new style plate – they start with two letters, rather than a letter followed by a number. Otherwise, if your car was registered before 31st August 1999 your car is old enough. You can tell the age from the letter at the beginning of the plate (prefix). The last prefix letter which qualifies is ‘T’.
How to scrap with Škoda
If you’ve owned your car for more than 12 months, and its ten years old or more, the next step is to pop into Bickerton Skoda on Penistone rd in Sheffield. We will talk you through all your options over a nice cup of tea and a biscuit. We can arrange a test drive for you, of any Škoda model you like, tell you about finance options and delivery and, of course, what you need to do to get the Škoda scrappage £2,500 cash incentive. (In a nutshell, you have to bring your old car and all its documents into our showroom so we can check it qualifies. As long as it does, when you place your order for your shiny new model the £2,500 scrappage discount will be applied. Your old car will be scrapped when you have taken delivery of your shiny new one.) When you replace your old car with a shiny new Škoda you will get a whopping £2,500 off a brand new car. This saving includes £1,000 from the Government incentive and a whopping £1,500 happy scrapping discount from Škoda. There are even a few models with up to £2,630 off. Why? Because we reckon the car scrappage scheme is a great idea. It’ll help boost the economy (hurrah!) and get greener, safer, more economical cars on the roads (hurrah!).
Why scrap with Škoda?
Well, for one thing, we’re offering a total ‘happy scrapping’ discount of at least £2,500. This saving includes £1,000 from the Government incentive and a whopping £1,500 happy scrapping discount from Škoda. To start with, whichever model you choose, you can be sure you won’t regret it. 98% of our drivers would recommend us to a friend. We were also voted the top manufacturer in the 2009 Auto Express/Daily Telegraph Driver Power satisfaction survey in which over 20,000 car owners took part. As for individual models, only the premium Jaguar XF could beat our own previous generation Superb (second place) and new Octavia (third). No shame in that, then. Apart from our cars themselves, here are a few more reasons why we’re ‘the manufacturer of happy drivers’.
Scrappage deals include the following offers but please visit us at Bickerton Skoda 1 Gilpin St Penistone rd Sheffield, www.bickertonskoda.co.uk (new car offers) or ring directly on 0114 270111 for the latest up to date terms and conditions: Fabia now from only £5995 saving over £2600 off the normal on the road price! Roomster from only £7955 saving £2500 off the normal on the road price! Octavia from only £8995 saving over £2500 off the normal on the road price! Superb from only £13405 saving over £2500 off the normal on the road price! Deposits available from NIL! Payments available from only £59 PER MONTH! Scrappage finance Solution packages include the following examples but again, the best possible advice is to visit us in our showroom and discuss your individual requirements with a member of our sales team: Fabia 1 1.2 12 v 60bhp / Large deposit £59 per month/ 10% deposit £92 per month/ Nil deposit £111.57 per month Roomster S 1.2 70 / Large deposit £109 per month /10% deposit £155 per month/Nil deposit £181.08 per month. Octavia S 1.4 16V /Large deposit £129 per month / 10% deposit £179 per month/ nil deposit £209.23 per month * Please ask for full details when visiting the dealership.
Are you a Happy Scrapper?
1st May 2009 - First Škoda Yeti drive impresses Autocar
« click image to enlarge
'It’s a glorious spring day in Norway – somewhere just north of Oslo – and I have the fascinating task of trying out two of the very last ‘validation’ prototypes before Škoda’s Yeti mini off-roader goes into full production in a few week’s time.'
'Golf-based, and a modest 4.2m long, the Yeti might just be one of those unexpected ‘landmark’ cars. After a couple of hours on the road it’s clear that the Yeti has a very fine chassis which balances ride comfort (first rate) with a lack of body roll. It’s an especially impressive combination when you think that the car has both a raised ride height and a raised driving position.'
I’ve also just had a quick off-road run around a course built in a disused quarry. When equipped with the off-road kit (which includes hill descent control) the Yeti really can cut it in the rough stuff. All of which makes me think this car could be bigger than Škoda’s own planners think (a view also held by some senior Škoda bosses). The Yeti is compact, well-made, good quality inside, has excellent head and leg room and – with the Haldex 4 all-wheel drive – has enough off-road ability for 95 per cent of the population.
This is the kind of vehicle many people need and many will be able to afford. When you drive this, you realise that this is what an SUV should be rather than the oversized Range-Rover wanabees that most ‘compact’ SUVs end up being. It’s not cheap – nothing Golf based will be – but £16k should get you a 4x4 diesel (these new engines are exceptionally refined) model with the kind of go-anywhere capabilities that will only be defeated by axle-deep mud.
27th April 20069 - Cup Winners!
« click image to enlarge
Handsworth Old Boys Under 18 A, sponsored by Bickerton Skoda win the Brian Bradley Cup!
In the Brian Bradley Cup Final at the Memorial Ground Penistone, Handsworth Old Boys, under 18 A romped into a 5-0 lead at half- time with goals from Josh Anderson, Delano Stewart Jones, Alex Rippon and Lanzel Reid.
Handsworth also hit the woodwork four times and Darfield hit the post just before the break.
Despite a spirited fightback by Darfield, Handsworth scored two more goals in the second half through Jack Heald and a second from Reid to finish 7-0 winners
The match was played in a great spirit with man of the match going to Chris Telling of Handsworth
16th April 2009 - Skoda voted No1 on Roada !!
« click image to enlarge
SKODA has beaten motoring’s elite to be voted the UK’s Number One car brand. The Czech manufacturer has Britain’s happiest and most satisfied owners, a survey found. More than 20,000 drivers were asked to rate their own cars on everything from reliability to build quality and running costs.
Skoda took the top manufacturer’s title and also had two cars in the top three individual models — with the Superb second and Octavia third. They overtook luxury brand Lexus after finishing second last year in the poll by Auto Express. Skoda’s UK boss Robert Hazelwood said: “The firm were delighted but not surprised by the award. “We put customers first in everything we do from design to quality and the reliability of our cars.” Jaguar’s XF saloon was voted overall Best Car.
The top five brands are: 1 Skoda; 2 Lexus; 3 Porsche; 4 Jaguar; 5 Honda. Top five models: 1 Jaguar XS; 2 Skoda Superb (pre-2008); 3 Skoda Octavia; 4 Landrover Discovery; 5 Lexus RX.
14th April 2009 - Free servicing on Octavia and Superb for quarter two
« click image to enlarge
From 1 April, our three year or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first) free servicing offer on new Octavia MY09 (excluding vRS Limited Edition) and Superb is available to all retail customers, regardless of how the customer chooses to buy the car. This offer runs until June 30 2009. This excellent deal offers customers the reassurance of knowing that all servicing for their car is included free of charge – meaning no nasty unexpected service bills. They’ll also benefit from the knowledge that their service work is being carried out by Skoda experts using approved parts.
14th April 2009 - Škoda Superb is What Diesel’s Best Large Car
« click image to enlarge
Škoda’s flagship Superb has scooped Best Large Car at the What Diesel Car of the Year Awards 2009. The Superb beat 17 other contenders, including the Ford Mondeo and Citroen C5, to take the top spot thanks to its design, unique Twindoor boot system, outstanding fuel efficiency and great range of diesel engines. Ian Robertson, Editor of What Diesel, said: "It's a fine drive, with a good choice of TDI engines and the unique Twindoor system adds to its versatility. With its spacious, airy cabin, huge boot and limousine ride, it is a superb choice."
Robert Hazelwood, Škoda UK Brand Director said: “This is another prestigious award for the Superb. What Diesel is a well trusted and much-read publication and, along with the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year accolade that Superb won last year, this confirms what we already know – that the Superb is a fantastic car – a great choice for fleet and retail buyers alike.” The Superb has now won nearly 30 top awards across Europe since its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Most recently it has been named Car of the Year 2009 in the Czech Republic.
Škoda has sold over 20,000 new Superbs across Europe since the car was launched. Its performance has also been strong in the UK, with sales performing ahead of target. What Diesel said: "Škoda has quite simply reinvented the large car as we know it. Which do you prefer: businesslike saloon or handy family hatchback? With true innovation, the Superb contrives to be both at once. Its USP… is that clever hybrid rear door with switchable opening. It lets you decide whether you want it to operate as bootlid or tailgate, and we think its brilliant.”
23th March 2009 - Free Vehicle Health Checks for Everyone!!!
« click image to enlarge
How often do you check your tyres, oil, water, brake pads etc. We all know we should check them regularly but never seem to have the time.
Let us carryout a safety check for you for FREE while u wait and enjoy our hospitality. There is no obligation to have any defects rectified that we find but we will quote you a fair price guaranteed.
Have an oil & filter change while we carry out the health check for only £49.95 (ask for details)
This offer is open to every member of your family and friends.
You constantly tell us how professional we are and pleasurable to deal with, so please let others know.
12th March 2009 - Škoda unleashes Yeti at Geneva Motor Show
« click image to enlarge
What is the Yeti? The Yeti is a clever compact SUV. Škoda Auto celebrates the extension of its model range to five with the introduction of Yeti at Geneva. The 4.2 metre long, five-door vehicle distinguishes itself with very agile handling coupled with high safety reserves as well as with the stylish exterior. Compact, attractively styled and full of surprises – that is the new Yeti.
What does the Yeti look like? An impressive front end with a ribbed grille and friendly looking headlamps confidently demonstrate Yeti’s relationship with the Škoda family. Sturdy flanks and distinct wings give Yeti its robust and solid look on 17 inch wheels, without coming across as heavy.
It meets the demands for a cleanly styled body, a high seat position and versatile operating options with a design, which despite its robustness, exudes lightness rather than bulky shapes. The Yeti also meets the needs for environmental care, luggage space, safety and great road holding. The luggage compartment volume is flexible; up to 1760 litres is available by removing the rear seats. A carefully balanced running gear concept allows the driver to implement what the design implies: fun and dynamic to drive.
The Yeti will be available with the following engines: Petrol: 1.2 TSI 105bhp (front-wheel drive) 1.8 TSI 160bhp (4x4) Diesel: 2.0 TDI CR 110bhp (front-wheel drive and 4x4) 2.0 TDI CR 140bhp (4x4) 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp (4x4)
30th January 2009 - Good News……………………What Credit Crunch
« click image to enlarge
After a difficult end to 2008 here at Bickerton Skoda, we were all bracing ourselves for some more challengers during the first month of 2009. It does seem however that Skoda customers and in particular, South Yorkshire Skoda customers, are bucking the trend and refusing to be brow beaten in to depression by the state of the current economic climate and all the doom and gloom scare mongering in the media.
Bickerton Skoda have just recorded their most successful January in over 8 years and sold over 72 cars! VAT free* brand new Octavia, 3 years free servicing*, the launch of the 2009 all new shape Skoda Octavia, ltd edition Fabia Blueline with over £750 of free extras and thousands of £’s to be saved on nearly new Skoda’s purchased direct from the manufacturer, are just some of the reasons Bickerton has seen an increase in their sales.
‘A lot of our customers have been telling us that the interest that they were making on their savings has disappeared to almost nothing’ says Chris Lumb, Sales Manager with Bickerton Skoda. ‘they have just decided that if they are not going to benefit from leaving their money where it is, then they may as well spend it now and benefit from the great offers that are currently available’.
* for further details of all the current offers that are now available, some of them exclusive to Bickerton Skoda, please contact us for further details, click on the link to our latest add or pop down to the showroom for a coffee and a chat.
17th January 2009 - On the up – worldwide sales grow in ’08
« click image to enlarge
Škoda Auto sold 674,530 vehicles worldwide in 2008 – a 7.1 per cent increase on 2007 and a record for the manufacturer. The company said it was pleased with what it called an “excellent result” given current economic circumstances. Most of the company's growth was in China and Eastern Europe. Škoda delivered 59,284 vehicles in China in 2008, 117 per cent more than in 2007. A further 16,051 were delivered to customers in India (31.9 per cent up on 2007).
Sales in Eastern Europe grew by 30.1 per cent to 123,630 vehicles. The fastest-growing market in 2008 was Russia, where the company sold 50,733 vehicles – a year-on-year increase of 84.2 per cent. With 344,857 vehicles sold (11.3 per cent more than in 2007), the Octavia (hatch and estate) was Škoda's best-selling model overall in 2008. The Fabia sold 246,561 units – 5.9 per cent up from 2007). There were 25,645 new Superbs sold and 57,647 Roomsters.
Fred Kappler, Škoda Auto BOD member responsible for sales, said: “Despite the current difficulties, we have managed to keep positive sales trends in many of our markets. We are going to continue monitoring Russia, China and India. Although the future sales trends are difficult to estimate now, we believe that the demand for small vehicles such as the Škoda Fabia will grow worldwide, as this category offers financial savings and is in line with the growing environmental awareness. We are looking forward to success with our new models in 2009.“
15th January 2009 - Škoda beats Bentley!
« click image to enlarge
The Škoda Superb has claimed its biggest victory in a road test yet. Autocar magazine this week pitched the Superb against three rivals supposedly way out of its league – a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Audi A6 Quattro and BMW 750Li – and the Superb has beaten the lot.
The Škoda Superb has claimed its biggest victory in a road test yet. Autocar magazine this week pitched the Superb against three rivals supposedly way out of its league – a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Audi A6 Quattro and BMW 750Li – and the Superb has beaten the lot. Reviewer Andrew Frankel said: “Škoda… has engineered the Superb blind to the knowledge that you can’t make a luxury car for less than £40k, let alone for only a little more than £20,000.”
The Superb beat the Audi and BMW for space, comfort and refinement, and ran the Bentley close in many areas. Frankel said: “Its ride quality is several streets ahead of the Audi, better even than the BMW and a close match for the Bentley.” He also praised the car’s cabin, calling it “a fine place to pass the time, thanks to the best driving position of the lot.”
The Superb’s all-round performance made it the winner, with the Bentley second, the BMW third and the Audi fourth. “[The Superb] has competed hard on merit, out-riding the BMW, offering more space than the Audi and refinement levels close to the Bentley’s,” said Frankel. “It is a proper luxury car, and for the space, comfort and quiet offered for the money being asked, it is the most impressive here. Škoda beats Bentley is an odd thing to write, but its victory is real and deserved.”
20th January 2009 - Skoda Octavia Clearance now VAT free !
« click image to enlarge
Skoda are continuing to scrap VAT on its remaining 08 model year Brand New Octavias for buyers looking for a fantastic New Year Bargain!
The entire Skoda Octavia line-up - including the vRS and four-wheel-drive Scout – will be available with the VAT-free price reduction until either the 31st of March or are all sold out.(Whichever comes soonest!)
As car buyers scour the market in search of great deals we are responding to their needs and covering the cost of VAT on any of our 08 model year Octavias that are purchased before the end of March,” commented Rob Hazlewood, Skoda UK’s brand director.
The cost of VAT on options and delivery prices will also be covered by Skoda, so savings of up to £3000 are possible on new range-topping Octavias
This offer replaces any previously advertised offer/s and buyers wishing to take advantage of these massive savings should contact the dealership in the first instant for availability and full terms and conditions.
8th November 2008 - ŠKODA SUPERB COMES TO LIFE AT NIGHT
« click image to enlarge
• Superb equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights and AFS system unique to Škoda • Bright, adaptive light beam makes night time driving safer and less tiring • Standard on Elegance, optional on S and SE trims Coinciding with the arrival of dark wintry evenings, Škoda has released pricing for Bi-Xenon headlights and Adaptive Front Light System (AFS) which have recently debuted on the brand new Superb. The front light system, priced at £850 on the S trim, £680 on the SE trim and standard on the top of the range Elegance trim, significantly improves driver visibility and makes the Superb an easier and safer car to drive in the dark. The system also benefits other road users as it limits the dazzling effect of headlights to oncoming traffic.
Bi-Xenon headlights provide a long, bright and well adjusted beam in both low and high mode while the AFS system, unique to Škoda, automatically adjusts the alignment and illumination of the front light beam depending on vehicle speed and weather conditions. The following modes are used while driving: • Interurban – default headlight position for speeds between 0 – 9 mph and 31 – 55 mph. • Urban – light beam shortens and widens for better illumination of pavements and junctions in built-up areas; active between 9 – 30 mph. • Motorway – light beam gradually lengthens and narrows as vehicle speed increases to improve distant vision; light beam lights the lane to the right of the car to facilitate overtaking; active above 56 mph. • Cornering lights – headlight geometry changes and light beam illuminates the curve of the road depending on vehicle speed and steering wheel angle (active from 6 mph); activated by indicators, the fog light strengthens and fades during tight cornering, increasing visibility and highlighting hazards and obstacles in the road. • Rain function – headlight modules rotate down and light beam shortens to limit the glare from the road; activated by windscreen wipers (after two minutes) at speeds between 0 - 43 mph. • Tourist function – using the maxi-dot computer, driver can switch between right hand drive and light hand drive headlamp angle when abroad.
The latest accessory pack from Škoda also includes headlight washers, rain sensors and maxi-dot computer on the Superb S and headlight washers and rain sensors on the Superb SE. The new Superb, priced from just £15,490, is packed with clever features and smart technology. As well as Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS, standard on Elegance and optional on S and SE, the vehicle features Škoda’s unique ‘Twindoor’, which turns the car from a hatch to a saloon at the touch of a button, and optional Park Assist, which assists the driver during parallel parking.
30th October 2008 - Fabia GreenLine
« click image to enlarge
Over a third of used car buyers are looking to counteract rising motoring charges and challenging economic conditions by downsizing to a smaller, more cost-effective car. In a survey carried out this month on www.glass.co.uk, 38 per cent of buyers cited fuel prices and rises in road tax for heavier polluting vehicles as factors motivating them to swap their car for a more compact and efficient model. The poll also revealed that a growing number of motorists are switching to diesel as a way of cutting running costs. Of those surveyed, 29 per cent stated an intention to exchange their petrol vehicle for a diesel model, expecting to take advantage of significant reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
This new survey illustrates how attitudes towards higher-polluting cars are hardening. Household budgets are being squeezed ever-more tightly, and consumers are looking for new ways to reduce their outgoings. The findings highlight just how keen motorists are to cut the cost of owning and running their cars. Concerns about running costs are not likely to go away, and we expect further shifts in demand during the short and medium term. There are certainly benefits for those thinking of moving to diesel, such as greater fuel efficiency and lower vehicle excise duty – or ‘road tax’.
The Fabia Greenline is equipped with a modified version of the 1.4-litre TDI PD 80bhp engine and is the most fuel-efficient car that Škoda has ever produced. It can return 68.9mpg on the combined cycle and has a CO2 output of just 109g/km. The Fabia GreenLine sits in VED Band B, which means owners pay just £35 road tax.
The Fabia GreenLine specification (1.4 TDI only) includes, in addition to Fabia 1: • 14” ‘Fun’ alloy wheels • Remote central locking • Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) • Air conditioning • 4 additional speakers • Tyre repair set
29th October 2008 - New Octavia gets Auto Express thumbs-up
« click image to enlarge
Auto Express has given the facelifted Octavia the thumbs-up in its first drive of the car. After testing the 1.4 TSI Elegance version of the car, the magazine said: “There are few cars in the class that are as comfortable or as refined as the Octavia.” While acknowledging that the existing Octavia has been an excellent vehicle, Auto Express said that the new styling is very welcome and pronounced it a great success. “The big grille is bold without being garish, the headlights and sharp and imposing, and together with a jutting lower air intake and sculpted bonnet, it’s a classy look.”
Reviewer Diether Rodatz also praised the new touches inside the vehicle: “There are next decorative strips on the doors, new upholstery fabrics, while the dashboard and controls have been redesigned. With clear instruments and the same ambience as the upmarket Superb, the cabin is a classy affair – one that worthy of BMW or Audi.”
29th October 2008 - Superb short-listed for 2009 Car of the Year
« click image to enlarge
The new Superb has been short-listed for the 2009 Car of the Year (COTY) award. This international award, judged by 59 senior motoring journalists from around Europe, is one of the most prestigious in the industry. The winning vehicle is the one that the judges consider to be the outstanding new car to go on sale in Europe in the past 12 months. There are no categories, sub-divisions or class winners. From the 37 new cars that went on the market in the past 12 months the panel short-listed seven: Superb, Alfa Romeo Mito, Citroën C5, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Mégane and Volkswagen Golf.
In selecting the winner the judges look at each car’s design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price. Technical innovation and value for money are particularly important factors. The COTY panel includes six journalists from the UK: Paul Horrell of Top Gear; John Simister of The Independent and 4Car; Autocar’s Steve Cropley; Ray Hutton of the Sunday Times and Motor Trader; the Daily Telegraph’s Andrew English; and Car magazine’s Phil McNamara.
The Škoda UK Press Office started working with the UK judges back in April this year in order to present the all-new Superb to them. The Press Office took five of the six UK COTY judges to the CzechRepublic to drive the Superb around the city of Prague and the surrounding Czech countryside. The judges was also able to interview Škoda Board Members from the Czech Republic about the design and technical aspects of the car. The COTY journalists were the first UK journalists to drive the car, before its international and UK launch. The Press Office produced press information packs specifically for the COTY judges with key messages about Superb, enabling the judges to understand more about the car and the UK positioning before they got behind the wheel, and has provided a number of Superbs to the UK judges for testing. The winning car will be announced on 17 November
28th October 2008 - What Car? rates New Superb
« click image to enlarge
What Car? has delivered a glowing verdict on the New Superb saying: "If outright space and a classy cabin are your priorities, it will be right up your street. The new Superb does everything well and gives buyers a lot of car for their money." The magazine tested the 2.0 TDI PD SE Superb along with three of its main rivals – the Ford Mondeo, Citroën C5 and the Volkswagen Passat. The test assessed the cars for space, quality, driving pleasure and refinement, with the New Superb performing well in every category.
The Superb's main attraction for the reviewers was its impressive size. What Car? wrote: "If space is luxury, then Škoda's all-new Superb promises to be the most luxurious family car ever built. Its vast dimensions treat those on board to limousine-style legroom, yet it's available for family-car money."
For load-carrying, the Superb leaves its rivals standing, with the innovative twindoor boot also coming in for praise. "These cars all have large boots, but none is as big or clever as the Superb's," said What Car? "Simply click an extra button and, hey presto, the upper section and rear window lift up, too. This turns the Superb into a hatchback that gives easy access to a huge area into which you can load all your stuff. With the rear seats in place, the Superb's 565-litre boot capacity dwarfs even the Mondeo's and Passat's – no easy feat – and makes the C5's 439-litre boot look puny."
But it wasn't just its practicality that impressed. What Car? also liked the Superb's ride and handling. "On twisty roads, the amount of body roll is tightly controlled and, although you do have to muscle it into corners more than we'd like, the steering provides plenty of feedback. The Superb also does the business on day-to-day commutes because it feels planted when cruising at speed and takes the sting out of most bumps and potholes."
The Superb's specification also scored highly. "In mid-spec SE trim the Superb is very well equipped," said What Car? "The Superb's dashboard lives up the car's name. It's clutter free, clearly labelled and easy to navigate." In summary What Car? said: "Hugely roomy cabin; good to drive; lots of luxury kit; strong residual values; brilliant driver environment."
28th October 2008 - Special Edition Fabia is a headturner
« click image to enlarge
• Special Edition Fabia BlueLine is released • White roof, new alloys and lowered suspension create a funky look • Only 500 cars to be made
Škoda has just released a funky special edition Fabia BlueLine, guaranteed to turn heads in the street and bring a smile to drivers who are in for a £750 treat of additional equipment at a price of just £160. Based on the Fabia 2, this little blue wonder comes with unique Pacific Blue paint, white roof, 15 " ‘Line’ alloy wheels and lowered suspension, all of which add to the BlueLine’s smart look.
Interior features over the Fabia 2 include ‘Magic’ upholstery, climate control air conditioning, glasses storage compartment and storage boxes under front seats, making the little Fabia both funky and functional. With a price tag of just £9,990 for the 1.2 70 bhp petrol engine and £11,450 for the 1.4 80 bhp diesel unit, Škoda is releasing a car which is small on price and CO2 emissions but big on economy and value.
Warren Richards, Product Marketing Manager at Škoda, comments on the latest addition to the Fabia family: “The BlueLine is a great looking car at an incredibly good price which offers a touch of individuality in the crowded supermini market. “The Fabia BlueLine will only be available for a short period and limited to just 500 cars, so anyone on a hunt for a stunning supermini should contact Bickerton Škoda on 0114 2701111 now.”
26th October 2008 - Škoda’s annual report marks major milestone
« click image to enlarge
This year’s annual report is the 100th issued by Czech carmaker, Škoda. It was way back in April 1908 that Laurin and Klement issued their very first business statement to the world, and while the figures are vastly different, some things remain the same.
Laurin and Klement – the company that would later become Škoda – was obliged to issue the report a century ago as it had recently been floated as a joint stock company. It contained key financial information, including a pre-tax profit of 220,887 Czech crowns (Koruny). That’s just £6,880 in modern money. Compare that to 2007’s pre-tax figure of around £607million, and you see how much the company has grown.
Other interesting figures featured in the 100-year-old report include the average Mlada Boleslav worker’s wage of one Koruny per hour (just over 3p) and the list price of the firm’s entry-level ‘A’ car – 3,600 Koruny or £112. Today’s Škoda range starts at £7,900 for the 1.2-litre Fabia 1.
Something that hasn’t changed in the last century, however, is the firm’s commitment to quality and expansion into new and emerging markets, as this extract from the 1908 report shows: “An aspect that is certainly worth mentioning is that most of our sales were achieved abroad where we compete against well-established automobile manufacturers. Besides the high quality of our products, these achievements are a result of our presence at automobile exhibitions in Leipzig, Paris and Berlin.”
25th October 2008 - Škoda sweeps board in Driver Power survey
« click image to enlarge
• Dealer network scoops second place in prestigious Auto Express poll • Average score of over 85% suggests customers are very happy indeed • New Octavia is the 2008 Auto Express Driver Power survey ‘Car of the Year’ Not content with being awarded the title of ‘Car of the Year’ in Auto Express’ Driver Power survey, Škoda has also finished second in the magazine’s review of dealers. Over 32,000 drivers submitted their views on around 6,000 car sales and service centres nationwide and, despite some tough competition, Škoda finished on the podium yet again.
Last year the Czech firm placed a respectable third, but this time round the 135-strong dealer network impressed visitors even more. ‘Communication’, ‘standard of workmanship’ and ‘technical knowledge’ were three of the areas in which customers thought Škoda dealers excelled. This great news comes on the back of a plethora of customer satisfaction accolades that have already been bestowed on the carmaker. For example, Škoda was second in the 2007 JD Power customer satisfaction survey run by What Car? (top five for the last 12 years) and was also named ‘Best Manufacturer’ by Top Gear readers last year.
An example of the comments submitted by respondents comes from James Dixon of Sheffield, South Yorkshire: “Excellent before and aftersales service. Bickerton Sheffield staff are friendly and keep you informed, and they gave me a superb deal on my car. The purchase price was as good as any I could find on the internet. I would recommend my dealer to anyone.” Auto Express, Britain’s biggest selling car news weekly, said: “Is there any part of the Škoda ownership experience that doesn’t come up to scratch? It doesn’t look like it! The Czech firm’s Octavia has topped the Driver Power 2008 car satisfaction survey, and now the brand’s dealers have scored another amazing result. Matching this success in next year’s survey will be a real challenge.” Škoda UK’s Managing Director, Robert Hazelwood, was delighted by the achievement. “We strive to offer our customers a friendly and warm reception every time they enter a showroom. This survey shows how good a job our dealers are doing in this regard and that we really are the manufacturer of happy drivers. Anyone who is yet to try the Škoda ownership experience should look at these results and ask themselves ‘what am I missing out on here?’” he said.
2nd October 2008 - Škoda Superb wins Caravan Club Towcar of the Year!!!
« click image to enlarge
The New Superb 2.0 TDI has won the overall title in The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2009. The car, which also won the £20,000 to £25,000 class, beat 37 rivals to the title, including the defending champion, the Ford Mondeo Titanium X 2.5 T Estate.
The Superb’s stylish design, load-carrying capability, practicality and outstanding value for money were all praised by the judges, who said: “Superb buyers will get a stylish, modern and practical car with great fit and finish. One of its best features is the rear load compartment. The ‘caravanability’ judges found it would take a full load of caravanning equipment, and loved the Škoda’s unique rear tailgate design that can be opened as a conventional saloon boot or hatchback.
“The Superb is what you’d call a thoroughly nice car. There is acres of room for everyone, comfortable seats and the driver is rewarded by a powerful but quiet engine and one of the slickest six-speed gearboxes around. Our guess is that it will become one of the all-time caravanning favourites.”
Now in their 26th year, The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards are among the most influential honours in the sector. The overall title guarantees fantastic publicity for the winner, with pride of place in a special supplement sent out to every one of the Caravan Club’s almost half a million member households. Winning the award should provide a fantastic boost for sales in what has been a growing market over the past few years, with many young families in particular discovering the joys of caravanning.
Škoda UK Brand Director Robert Hazelwood said: “We are very proud to have won this prestigious award. The Superb offers class-leading levels of space, comfort and equipment, and is sure to be a winner in the towcar market.”