Skoda Ireland unveiled its new range of 4X4 vehicles at last month’s Ploughing Championships. Available now to test drive across its retail network Skoda’s 4X4 range is powered by the latest common rail diesel engines coupled to the innovative Haldex clutch that distributes drive between the front and rear wheels as required.
Following the chaos created due to last winter’s driving conditions, Skoda aims to meet the needs of Irish motorists by providing real mobility solutions and safety through its 4X4 technology while maintaining low emissions and fuel economy.
Low emissions and economy are key to affordability and Skoda’s range is sub 163g/km ensuring the Octavia and Yeti derivatives all fall into band C with annual road tax of €302, while the Superb achieves band-D with annual road tax of €447.
Commenting on the launch of the 4X4 range by Skoda, marketing manager Raymond Leddy, said: “The manoeuverability and reliability of 4X4 driving was once the preserve of the large SUV. Increasing fuel prices and CO2 based taxation has since seen their popularity decline. Skoda’s 4X4 capability coupled with low tax band and fuel efficient diesel engines offers an affordable alternative to traditional SUVs this winter.”
The new 4X4 range is available across a number of Skoda models and includes a 2.0 TDI, 170 bhp 4x4 Superb at €34,410, a 1.6 TDI, 105bhp 4x4 Octavia at €28,210, a 2.0 TDI, 140bhp 4x4 Octavia Scout (€31,815 ), and a 2.0 TDI, 170bhp 4x4 Yeti at €29,545.
People are encouraged to call into their local Skoda dealer and test drive the new 4X4 models which will be available during an open week at local dealerships from November 1 to 5. Those who undertake a test drive will receive a free winter driving pack which will be particularly useful in the months ahead.
The cornerstone to Skoda's 4X4 offering is the application of the Haldex clutch. During normal driving approximately 95 per cent of the torque is delivered to the front axle and the remaining five per cent to the rear.
When a given wheel or wheels lose traction, the Haldex clutch instinctively redistributes the torque to wheels that have traction. Four wheel drive combined with ESP stability systems enable Skoda 4X4 drivers to safely manoeuvre in difficult road conditions similar to what was experienced last winter.
Leading the charge for Skoda's 4X4 range is the Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 170bhp. Residing in tax band C, the Skoda Yeti 4x4 results in an annual road tax of €302 for motorists.
The Skoda Yeti 4X4 comes with a wide range of features as standard including: seven airbags, including curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag; an impressive Bolero touch screen sound system with integrated 6-CD changer, SD and MMC card reader; a flexible and adaptable seating and transporting solution; 17” Spitzberg alloy wheels; and dual zone climate control.
