Skoda Roomster 2008 News

And it wasn’t done any favours by offering unusual looks and no automatic transmission. But Skoda is not giving up on it just yet. The little people mover has sold just 66 over the whole of 2008 and is lagging behind that sales level this year. “The numbers speak for themselves,” Skoda Australia head Matthew Wiesner admits. “We didn’t give it enough attention – probably through the fact that we had to focus on (medium-size passenger) Octavia to give us best cut-through and best return on investment. “Quite frankly, Roomster has suffered a bit because of that.” However Wiesner says that situation will change next year. “There will be a facelift in the new year – and some drivetrain changes and updates — which means we will then give Roomster the focus it requires, and give it the space to be a far better contribution to what we’ve been doing. Wiesner says that the Roomster has also been hampered by not having an automatic transmission. “Having it in manual only doesn’t help in the Australian market. People want an auto. “And it is a quirky design – you either love it or you don’t. “Is there a market for it? Yes, but it’s a niche market definitely. “But do you give up on it? No. Now that we’ve had a few focus groups, we now better understand who a Roomster owner is – and what they do and how. “They are very different to an Octavia buyer. We now don’t assume they will pick up on us as a brand by what we’re doing with Octavia, so we’ll start to target them specifically.” Wiesner says Skoda missed the mark in thinking there “might been some carryover between wagons, given what Roomster represents”. “But there is quite a distance even between a wagon buyer and somebody interested in Roomster – but their intentions, their motivations and interests are very different. “They are incredibly practical … we just need to be practical about how we talk to them. And we haven’t done that well yet. No question.”  

Skoda’s brand presence in Australia has surprised the local office by growing much faster than they expected. When the badge launched here late in 2007, they were aiming at a brand awareness of 60 per cent within two years, at a stage when they would have a range of additional models. They’ve hit that mark six months early, and with mainly only the Octavia model to work with. Although the quirky Roomster people mover has been on the market here, it hasn’t had a sales impact, moving just 66 over the whole of 2008 and lagging behind that momentum this year. “We’ve virtually had just one model, with a few variants, since launch – which is not ideal,” the carmaker’s local head, Matthew Wiesner says. “So our brand awareness hitting this level, this early, is much better than expected. Wiesner says that because Skoda’s limited range has not been able to rely on the exponential effect of having vehicles across a range of segments, there should be further boosts as they bring new models – like the large passenger Superb sedans being launched this week, and the Yeti SUV slated for next year.. “What generally will drive this further will be when you launch new product into new segments you don’t compete in — your awareness rises more then. There’s an exponential effect. “If you don’t have product in a certain segment you’re going to miss out on chunk of people, for a start. “And the ‘early rejecters’ (those who consider the brand but defer from buying) – a lot of that response is driven by segment spread. “So we are surprised by how well we’ve managed to cut through into reasonably good awareness numbers.” Wiesner says that as the badge’s profile is growing, the proportion of ‘rejecters’ is steadily decreasing. “The early rejecters were the most frustrating part for us and the dealers. They would go through the normal process and then run out of reasons not to buy,” he says. “They would be putting all the right ticks against the product, but then it would come down to ‘maybe not this time’. “They would see the brand as being ‘a bit quirky’, they ‘just can’t be sure’ and ‘it’s a big investment’. “They’re the people you see the second time around, and now we have more product in the market we can talk to them better. It’s all about being heard. “The only thing that will fix that is spending time in the market. What we need to do is prove ourselves, do it well, get the products right. “We just need to prove the brand here to stay, it’s a bloody good brand, and has a lot to offer.”

Fresh-faced and with stronger engines, the new car arrives here in September along with a new-look Scout wagon. The RS gets a contemporary look based on other models in the recently-released Octavia range. But it hits harder with a different valance, fog lights, body-coloured trim and LED tail lights. The punch is the choice of a 147kW direct petrol injection 2-litre turbo mated to either a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch or a six-speed manual transmission as Skoda moves closer to align drivetrains with parent Volkswagen. Optional is a 125kW 2-litre turbo-diesel with the same transmission choices. Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner says the company's range in Australia is being tightened and adjusted to maximise appeal. Speaking from the Czech Republic, he admits there are gaps in the range. The Scout, which arrives in its new form in September, still has no automatic option. "But its coming," says Wiesner. "It's only available as a manual from the factory _ it is not sold anywhere as an automatic _ but we've been fighting for an auto on the basis that Australia is a special market that needs this option. "Finally, there's clarity in the issue and I'd expect a DSG version perhaps within 12 months." Modifying the Skoda line up has seen the workhorse 1.9-litre turbo-diesel dropped from the Octavia range. The replacement as the entry-level model is the 1.6-litre petrol-engined sedan at $26,990 _ a price Weisner says gives entry into a price segment usually occupied by small cars. Octavia models now come as a 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol and the 2-litre 103kW turbo-diesel. The Roomster will be retained despite having a practically invisible road presence. "We're looking at some ideas with Roomster," Wiesner says. "It gets a face lift in mid-2010 and were prepared to persist because we see potential in this product. "It is possible that sales will increase when we get Yeti because they would complement each other," he says of the Skoda small SUV that's earmarked for Australia. Yeti will join the upmarket Superb saloon as new entrants. "Roomster is being bought by young people and retired people. It's very difficult to pinpoint it because its market is broad." Wiesner says the Yeti wasn't being considered as just another product line. Rather, it will give Skoda entry into a younger demographic of buyers. That would be assisted by the Yeti's two-wheel drive option _ it will come standard as an on-demand all-wheel drive _ that would offer the SUV package but at a reduced price. However, the 2WD could be seen as a future replacement for Roomster. Wiesner says the Volkswagen Group was holding up well on global markets and Skoda was part of that modest success. "Skoda has been helped in Europe because of the scrappage system which has helped new car sales, and also because of presence in China," he says. "We're in a better position than some because we are under exposed in places like the US and Japan." In Australia he says sales are steady, up 12 per cent for the year compared with the corresponding period in 2008. "Hopefully we're growing on a wave," he says.

The Czech brand's flagship model is set to join the Octavia and Roomster in the return of the brand to Australia. Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner said they had the “full intention of launching the successor here”. The new Superb successor will be launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and available here next year. “If we wanted to we could get it here this year, but it is probably more sensible to wait to target next January,” Wiesner said. Like the new Mondeo, the Skoda sedan is actually a hatchback, or a liftback with a large rear door and cargo area. Liftbacks were fashionable in the 1970s and now seem to be making a comeback. The striking Skoda features an imposing grille and aggressive wraparound headlights. Inside, there will be plenty of kit, including a touch screen multi-media interface with a hard drive to store music and an iPod-compatible connection. It has a choice of six VW-sourced engines — three petrol and three diesel. Wiesner said they would probably go with a similar mix to what they have chosen for the Octavia which is a 1.9 and 2.0 turbo diesel, 2.0 petrol and 1.8 and 2.0 turbo petrol. “Diesel will be very important for us,” Wiesner said. “There are some new engines which we are looking at such as the big new V6 which would be under consideration so long as it fits in our price and product position. “But we may not consider some of the smaller engines.” Among the petrol engine options are the 1.4-litre TSI engine from the Golf GT, 2-litre turbo and the 3.6-litre V6, while there will also be 2-litre four-cylinder and 2.7-litre V6 diesels. The standard line-up of five and six-speed manuals will be joined by the quick-shifting DSG semi-auto. The cars appear to be quite large, with a tall ride height and significant overhangs and will come in front-wheel drive and VW's Haldex all-wheel drive. However, Skoda highlighted the Superb's bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front light system (AFS), retractable integrated headlight washer units with an automatic rain sensor and Maxi Dot display. AFS changes the geometry of the light beam to suit different driving conditions. There are four modes — Intercity, City, Highway and Rain — each with varying beam widths and penetration and actuated at varying speeds. They also feature rotating headlights that turn with the steering to light up corners. Skoda sold 115 Octavia medium-sized cars and 34 Roomster small people movers in the three months since launch. Wiesner said “the numbers are the numbers”. “The point is what we are hearing back from the dealers and the market,” he said. “We're on track and I'm happy.” Wiesner said at the launch in early October that he expected Roomster would represent about 20 per cent of sales, but it is running slightly higher. At launch, Wiesner said they had 10 dealers nationwide with one each in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, plus two in Sydney, two in Melbourne and one each in Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. “We're now looking at five or six new dealers by April and on target for 20 to 23 by the end of the year,” he said. “That's important to raise the level of awareness of the brand.” Wisener said a Skoda dealer in Townsville would be in the target 20 and should be added by the middle of the year.  

However, the Australian debut of Skoda at the Australian International Motor Show in October has done just that. The fast-growing Czech carmaker is taking up residence in Hall 6 of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre, along with parent company Volkswagen and its ultra-luxury Bentley brand. "We are looking forward to having a significantly enhanced presence at the Sydney show," said the managing director of the VW Group in Australia, Jutta Dierks. "Our group display is an appropriate reflection of our recent rapid growth in Australia and signals our ambitions to grow further," she said. "We are excited about having our own dedicated hall and we're making a big display effort." Hall 6 has been re-christened The Pavilion in honour of the transformation it will undergo at the hands of the three brands' highly creative stand designers. Skoda has built a reputation in Europe for quality and innovation and its display in The Pavilion will reflect those brand values. "The Sydney show will mark the public debut of Skoda on the Australian market, so we are doing what we can to make sure consumers notice and remember our new cars," said the head of Skoda Australia, Matthew Wiesner. "Skoda will bring European design and quality to market segments traditionally the preserve of the Japanese and Korean brands. We think that's a combination that will appeal to a broad range of Australian consumers." Skoda will launch two production models at the show: the mid-sized Octavia sedan and hatch and the Roomster, a small crossover wagon. Underlining its design-forward credentials, Skoda will also display its Yeti concept car - a small Sports Utility Vehicle which strongly hints at the brand's future direction. "One of the key values of the Skoda brand is additional interior space and ergonomic design, and the Yeti and Roomster are great examples of that," Mr Wiesner said. The establishment of The Pavilion by Volkswagen, Skoda and Bentley means the 2007 Australian International Motor Show expands to become the biggest ever. "The expansion of the auto brands into The Pavilion has allowed us to change and improve floor arrangements, making the show look and feel substantially different from past years," said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar. "Visitors walking the floor of the show will find more variety and greater interactivity amongst the displays. "The Volkswagen Group, including Bentley and Skoda, are to be commended for the vision and entrepreneurial spirit they have displayed in establishing The Pavilion," Mr McKellar said. CARSguide.com.au provides the official website for the 2007 Australian International Motorshow - www.australianmotorshow.com.  

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November.