subject: Skoda Fabia and Octavia get 4x4 systems [print this page] Skoda Fabia and Octavia get 4x4 systems Skoda Fabia and Octavia get 4x4 systems
Skoda has had a very good 2010, it aims to sell more cars this year than it has ever done before. It has already sold 702,400 units which is an increase of 12.3% on last year. Last month (November) alone it sold 64,200 cars, which is an increase of 15.8% on the year before.
2010 also saw the year Skoda won What Car? Magazine's "Best Manufacturer 2010", Skoda's model line-up also won individual accolades, the Octavia came first in the Small Family car group, the Skoda Octavia came second in the Estates category, the Roomster fourth in the highly-competitive MPV class and the Skoda Yeti an impressive fifth best SUV.
To expand its award winning models Skoda has now announced that it will be adding a four-wheel drive 2.0 TDI CR 140bhp engine with automatic DSG transmission to hatchback and estate versions of the Skoda Superb, Octavia Estate and Octavia Scout. The idea is to set the likes of the Octavia estate apart from its nearest competitor, by having four wheel drive the Skoda will hold a major advantage.
Power distribution is controlled electronically by a fourth-generation Haldex clutch. Under normal road conditions, 96% of power is directed to the front wheels. In adverse weather conditions the Haldex system reacts in a split second to redirect power to those wheels with better traction, greatly increasing traction and driver safety.
A Skoda Octavia dealer in London told us that the four wheel drive system on these cars will not be just for winter and slippery road use, the 4x4 technology can be utilised in the summer months when towing caravans. Because the electronically controlled system can disengage the rear wheel and become a 2 wheel drive vehicle fuel economy is greatly improved
