Jump to content

A New Chapter - Skoda Singapore


Carbon82
 Share

Recommended Posts

One big factor may be that at least in countries like Germany, the cabbies OWN the cabs and pay for their own maintenance.

 

If we had the same system here I bet my our average Taxi would be in much much much better condition and drivers much less hiong on the roads.

 

Oh yea, now we know why there are so many reckless cabbies out there..

↡ Advertisement
Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you know that Skoda Auto has been around for 122 years (by 18 Dec 2017)? That make it one of oldest automotive manufacturer, after Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Ford. And so how did the company get started, how does it first product look like?

 

Laurin & Klement Slavia

slavia.jpg

Yes, I am not pulling your leg, it is a bicycle! And it started all because one of it founders, Václav Klement (originally a bookseller), cannot get spare parts for his bicycle, bought from Germany, decide to start his own bicycle repair shop (in 1894)!! OK, his partner, Václav Laurin, was an established bicycle manufacturer before the partner ship started.

 

Brief History

 
The ŠKODA story began not on four wheels, but two: a bicycle called the ‘Slavia’. The founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, built it in 1895. Besides their first names and a love for cycling, they had another thing in common: a strong inventive spirit.
 
From humble beginnings, the two friends went on to build some of the world’s formative motorcycles, which were soon winning races and breaking speed records. Encouraged by this success, they graduated to four wheels, and with the ‘Voiturette A’ started an automotive lineage that makes ŠKODA one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world.
 
In 1925, Laurin & Klement merges with Škoda Works of Pilsen and went on to achieve breakthrough success with the ŠKODA Popular. Through the entire 20th century, encompassing two World Wars and a socialist-era planned economy, the commitment from ŠKODA to building high-quality cars didn’t waver. A smooth transition to become part of the Volkswagen group in 1991 only reinforced another commitment: to sustain the inventive spirit that began well over a century ago.
 
 
 
Edited by Carbon82
  • Praise 10
Link to post
Share on other sites

I onli remember the Skoda Favorit. Desperate to buy car in the early 90s so went to test drive. It cured my desperation after 5 mins driving it.....LOL

post-1105-0-41710200-1511350510_thumb.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

I onli remember the Skoda Favorit. Desperate to buy car in the early 90s so went to test drive. It cured my desperation after 5 mins driving it.....LOL

 

All pre-Y2K Skoda basically cannot make it. My colleague used to own this Favorite, and I have drove it a couple of time too, the most appropriate description I can think off: a large size Gokart (Soap Box Derby cart hor)... Anything can just fail anytime, aircon, radio, lights, difficult to engage into the right gear, and even seat belt also cannot clip! My colleague claimed he spend more $$$ on maintenance than installment, per month! :omg:  :omg:

 

So I guess you might be curious why am I a covert now? [confused]  It all started when I took a ride in my colleague's (different one owning the Favorite) 3T Superb, and it is the lower end version 1.8 TSI. First thing it caught my attention is the amount of interior space it can provide, from leg space to headroom, and the boot is huge (almost 600L). Next, the twin door boot opening, very practical to me. On the move, although the engine only churn out 160ps / 250Nm, but the 7 speed DSG make it feel smooth and fast (err, it is indeed faster than normal 2.0 - 2.4L NA engine, with a century sprint figure of 8.3 sec), and the ride comfort and road handling is nothing like a Japanese / Korean ride then, sticking to the tarmac like superglue.

 

So when the time come to find a replacement for my ride, I took my family of 6 (including my parents) to view and test out the newly launch 2.0TSI version (with 200ps/280Nm & 6 speed DSG), and all walk out of the showroom with big smile on the face, it just tick all the box. And my close to 4.5 years of ownership further prove that my choice is the best one. I vividly remember the skeptical look of my relatives and friend, when I show them my new car. But after 4 years and numerous asking if anything broke, they get more and more interested in it, till the day I sold it... [nod]

Any news regarding the models and specs of the cars that Skoda Centre Singapore is bringing in ?

 

No official announcement from VW Singapore about retailing Skoda Car in Singapore yet. Let give them till Jan 2018 to map out the plan.

  • Praise 9
Link to post
Share on other sites

All pre-Y2K Skoda basically cannot make it. My colleague used to own this Favorite, and I have drove it a couple of time too, the most appropriate description I can think off: a large size Gokart (Soap Box Derby cart hor)... Anything can just fail anytime, aircon, radio, lights, difficult to engage into the right gear, and even seat belt also cannot clip! My colleague claimed he spend more $$$ on maintenance than installment, per month! :omg::omg:

 

So I guess you might be curious why am I a covert now? [confused] It all started when I took a ride in my colleague's (different one owning the Favorite) 3T Superb, and it is the lower end version 1.8 TSI. First thing it caught my attention is the amount of interior space it can provide, from leg space to headroom, and the boot is huge (almost 600L). Next, the twin door boot opening, very practical to me. On the move, although the engine only churn out 160ps / 250Nm, but the 7 speed DSG make it feel smooth and fast (err, it is indeed faster than normal 2.0 - 2.4L NA engine, with a century sprint figure of 8.3 sec), and the ride comfort and road handling is nothing like a Japanese / Korean ride then, sticking to the tarmac like superglue.

 

So when the time come to find a replacement for my ride, I took my family of 6 (including my parents) to view and test out the newly launch 2.0TSI version (with 200ps/280Nm & 6 speed DSG), and all walk out of the showroom with big smile on the face, it just tick all the box. And my close to 4.5 years of ownership further prove that my choice is the best one. I vividly remember the skeptical look of my relatives and friend, when I show them my new car. But after 4 years and numerous asking if anything broke, they get more and more interested in it, till the day I sold it... [nod]

 

 

No official announcement from VW Singapore about retailing Skoda Car in Singapore yet. Let give them till Jan 2018 to map out the plan.

Sometimes i wonder if it would've been easier or cheaper for VW to just rebrand it after buying over instead of having to live w the brand's past?
  • Praise 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I onli remember the Skoda Favorit. Desperate to buy car in the early 90s so went to test drive. It cured my desperation after 5 mins driving it.....LOL

 

Yeah. The Mod scene back than was trying to see which compatible Japanese parts can be used on a skoda / Lada

 

Infact, some workshop specialises in these LTA friendly mods.

Link to post
Share on other sites

All pre-Y2K Skoda basically cannot make it. My colleague used to own this Favorite, and I have drove it a couple of time too, the most appropriate description I can think off: a large size Gokart (Soap Box Derby cart hor)... Anything can just fail anytime, aircon, radio, lights, difficult to engage into the right gear, and even seat belt also cannot clip! My colleague claimed he spend more $$$ on maintenance than installment, per month! :omg::omg:

 

So I guess you might be curious why am I a covert now? [confused] It all started when I took a ride in my colleague's (different one owning the Favorite) 3T Superb, and it is the lower end version 1.8 TSI. First thing it caught my attention is the amount of interior space it can provide, from leg space to headroom, and the boot is huge (almost 600L). Next, the twin door boot opening, very practical to me. On the move, although the engine only churn out 160ps / 250Nm, but the 7 speed DSG make it feel smooth and fast (err, it is indeed faster than normal 2.0 - 2.4L NA engine, with a century sprint figure of 8.3 sec), and the ride comfort and road handling is nothing like a Japanese / Korean ride then, sticking to the tarmac like superglue.

 

So when the time come to find a replacement for my ride, I took my family of 6 (including my parents) to view and test out the newly launch 2.0TSI version (with 200ps/280Nm & 6 speed DSG), and all walk out of the showroom with big smile on the face, it just tick all the box. And my close to 4.5 years of ownership further prove that my choice is the best one. I vividly remember the skeptical look of my relatives and friend, when I show them my new car. But after 4 years and numerous asking if anything broke, they get more and more interested in it, till the day I sold it... [nod]

 

 

No official announcement from VW Singapore about retailing Skoda Car in Singapore yet. Let give them till Jan 2018 to map out the plan.

lets give Skoda time to hire bro @carbon82 first so that he can do the plan haha
Link to post
Share on other sites

I onli remember the Skoda Favorit. Desperate to buy car in the early 90s so went to test drive. It cured my desperation after 5 mins driving it.....LOL

 

My first introduction to Skoda was in the 80s when the Rapid was a common enough sight on Singapore roads.

 

 

post-89311-0-41633100-1511442092_thumb.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sometimes i wonder if it would've been easier or cheaper for VW to just rebrand it after buying over instead of having to live w the brand's past?

 

In Europe Skoda has a very good reputation, known for reliability and value. That's after almost 20+ years (since mid-90s) of making good cars and good marketing.

 

Only around here people still remember the bad old days. Not helped by the lousy previous dealer.

Link to post
Share on other sites

In Europe Skoda has a very good reputation, known for reliability and value. That's after almost 20+ years (since mid-90s) of making good cars and good marketing.

 

Only around here people still remember the bad old days. Not helped by the lousy previous dealer.

Since they are also using the same gearbox as VW, will their reliability also be affected now?
Link to post
Share on other sites

Bro,

 

which ride did you move on after superb?

 

All pre-Y2K Skoda basically cannot make it. My colleague used to own this Favorite, and I have drove it a couple of time too, the most appropriate description I can think off: a large size Gokart (Soap Box Derby cart hor)... Anything can just fail anytime, aircon, radio, lights, difficult to engage into the right gear, and even seat belt also cannot clip! My colleague claimed he spend more $$$ on maintenance than installment, per month! :omg:  :omg:

 

So I guess you might be curious why am I a covert now? [confused]  It all started when I took a ride in my colleague's (different one owning the Favorite) 3T Superb, and it is the lower end version 1.8 TSI. First thing it caught my attention is the amount of interior space it can provide, from leg space to headroom, and the boot is huge (almost 600L). Next, the twin door boot opening, very practical to me. On the move, although the engine only churn out 160ps / 250Nm, but the 7 speed DSG make it feel smooth and fast (err, it is indeed faster than normal 2.0 - 2.4L NA engine, with a century sprint figure of 8.3 sec), and the ride comfort and road handling is nothing like a Japanese / Korean ride then, sticking to the tarmac like superglue.

 

So when the time come to find a replacement for my ride, I took my family of 6 (including my parents) to view and test out the newly launch 2.0TSI version (with 200ps/280Nm & 6 speed DSG), and all walk out of the showroom with big smile on the face, it just tick all the box. And my close to 4.5 years of ownership further prove that my choice is the best one. I vividly remember the skeptical look of my relatives and friend, when I show them my new car. But after 4 years and numerous asking if anything broke, they get more and more interested in it, till the day I sold it... [nod]


 

No official announcement from VW Singapore about retailing Skoda Car in Singapore yet. Let give them till Jan 2018 to map out the plan.

 

  • Praise 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Sometimes i wonder if it would've been easier or cheaper for VW to just rebrand it after buying over instead of having to live w the brand's past?

 

Its a rich historical heritage that will help in promoting a buyer experience.

 

Of course, if you have technology advancement like Tesla, who cares where you evolve from.

 

But, if you come from a car company that competes with everyone else, its a struggle.

All pre-Y2K Skoda basically cannot make it. My colleague used to own this Favorite, and I have drove it a couple of time too, the most appropriate description I can think off: a large size Gokart (Soap Box Derby cart hor)... Anything can just fail anytime, aircon, radio, lights, difficult to engage into the right gear, and even seat belt also cannot clip! My colleague claimed he spend more $$$ on maintenance than installment, per month! :omg:  :omg:

 

So I guess you might be curious why am I a covert now? [confused]  It all started when I took a ride in my colleague's (different one owning the Favorite) 3T Superb, and it is the lower end version 1.8 TSI. First thing it caught my attention is the amount of interior space it can provide, from leg space to headroom, and the boot is huge (almost 600L). Next, the twin door boot opening, very practical to me. On the move, although the engine only churn out 160ps / 250Nm, but the 7 speed DSG make it feel smooth and fast (err, it is indeed faster than normal 2.0 - 2.4L NA engine, with a century sprint figure of 8.3 sec), and the ride comfort and road handling is nothing like a Japanese / Korean ride then, sticking to the tarmac like superglue.

 

So when the time come to find a replacement for my ride, I took my family of 6 (including my parents) to view and test out the newly launch 2.0TSI version (with 200ps/280Nm & 6 speed DSG), and all walk out of the showroom with big smile on the face, it just tick all the box. And my close to 4.5 years of ownership further prove that my choice is the best one. I vividly remember the skeptical look of my relatives and friend, when I show them my new car. But after 4 years and numerous asking if anything broke, they get more and more interested in it, till the day I sold it... [nod]

 

No official announcement from VW Singapore about retailing Skoda Car in Singapore yet. Let give them till Jan 2018 to map out the plan.

 

true. If you selling on price, and the lack of long-lasting quality parts, especially during the euro block days, even alfa CMI.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Its a rich historical heritage that will help in promoting a buyer experience.

 

Of course, if you have technology advancement like Tesla, who cares where you evolve from.

 

But, if you come from a car company that competes with everyone else, its a struggle.

 

 

true. If you selling on price, and the lack of long-lasting quality parts, especially during the euro block days, even alfa CMI.

I thot Skoda's 'heritage' was a liability rather than an asset. It took quite some time in Europe to turn around Skoda's past dodgy reputation to what it is today. In SG, skoda's name is less than stellar w the crappy Favorit & Rapid of the past and previous AD's lackluster performance. Would be interesting to see how the skoda would be marketed in SG. Small market w 3 similar competing products for every model from VW, seat & skoda. And with the dry DSG fiasco still fresh on ppl's minds....
Link to post
Share on other sites

Skoda reliability seems to be better than VW, Seat and Audi, according to statistics in UK, even though they use the same parts.

 

"J.D. Power 2017 Dependability Ratings & Awards

 
The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) examines issues reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles. This study measures car reliability by analyzing problems experienced over the past 12 months of ownership in such areas as: features and controls; engine and transmission;entertainment and navigation; heating and cooling; the overall driving experience, and more. "

 

post-91312-0-00651800-1511489722_thumb.jpg

  • Praise 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

Skoda reliability seems to be better than VW, Seat and Audi, according to statistics in UK, even though they use the same parts.

 

"J.D. Power 2017 Dependability Ratings & Awards

 

The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) examines issues reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles. This study measures car reliability by analyzing problems experienced over the past 12 months of ownership in such areas as: features and controls; engine and transmission;entertainment and navigation; heating and cooling; the overall driving experience, and more. "

 

2017103_1.jpg

That is why i comment earlier they are one of the most reliable conti car, even surpass japanese car maker. However, such impression doesnt seem equivalent to what see here. E.g. silver cab removed them from their fleet

 

Still remember the 1.8T superb was selling like 89k which i missed the boat

Edited by Lotr8445r
Link to post
Share on other sites

Skoda reliability seems to be better than VW, Seat and Audi, according to statistics in UK, even though they use the same parts.

 

"J.D. Power 2017 Dependability Ratings & Awards

 

The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) examines issues reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles. This study measures car reliability by analyzing problems experienced over the past 12 months of ownership in such areas as: features and controls; engine and transmission;entertainment and navigation; heating and cooling; the overall driving experience, and more. "

 

2017103_1.jpg

BMW is the least reliable?
↡ Advertisement
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...