SKODA has this week started production of the new third-generation Octavia model at its plant at Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic.
The Mladá Boleslav factory has been substantially expanded and revamped in order to handle increased production both of the latest Octavia and the smaller Rapid. The two cars are made on the same line and its capacity is being increased from 800 cars per day to 1,200.
Business car buyers should check out the 89g/km CO2 GreenLine diesel – rock bottom company car tax and 83mpg.
As well as a new body shop, there’s a fully automated interior painting line, and a new press line will come into operation early next year. Besides the Octavia and the Rapid, Mladá Boleslav is also responsible for production of the Fabia.
The new Octavia is crucial to Skoda’s success – the current model already accounts for over 40 per cent of the company’s sales, and since the first modern Skoda Octavia appeared in 1996, over 3.7 million have been sold. The latest car, which draws upon the Volkswagen group’s new modular MQB architecture, is up to 102 kg lighter than its predecessor, but is better equipped and bigger in almost every dimension.
A wide range of engine choices will be offered, including a sporty RS model – roughly the equivalent of the GTI in the VW Golf range – but business car buyers are likely to be especially interested in the 89 g/km GreenLine diesel version.
Read the full road test of the new Octavia, and find out more about Skoda’s business car ambitions.
