Unfortunately Skoda got a very very bad name because their cars were crap. Along came VAG and let them raid the parts bin - voila! sucess!.

Skoda built some fine cars before VAG ownership, all VAG did was take advantage of the fall of communism to invest cheaply in a forward thinking and well respected entity. The fact that Skoda product and design was stifled by its masters during the cold war is what led it to be lumped with the likes of Lada and Trabant in the eyes of less well informed Europeans.

Anyone who as actually looked into Skoda and Skoda engineering's history will see that they have always been at the forefront of technological excellence, and I would say that whilst Skoda received the investment from VAG it was probably VAG that got the technology and to a certain extent the quality. It is only because of the ill informed that they decided to use the advertising tag lines about it now being a VW as an easy and quick way to turn around the brands perception, wether VAG ownership had indeed improved things or not.

Unfortunately it would now seem that VAG are going to be the ones to stifle Skoda as they are overtaking their masters once again, not only in quality, (I think I am correct in saying they always bet VW in the JD power survey), and value for money, but now that the General Public are buying them instead of the VW (or dare I say Audi) equivalent, it would seem all the advertising as done its job too well.

Unfortunately it would now seem that VAG are going to be the ones to stifle Skoda as they are overtaking their masters once again, not only in quality, (I think I am correct in saying they always bet VW in the JD power survey), and value for money, but now that the General Public are buying them instead of the VW (or dare I say Audi) equivalent, it would seem all the advertising as done its job too well.

If Skoda did a 3.0tdi Quattro, I would have taken it over the Audi. But I think Audi will continue to keep a certain distance between itself and the rest of the stable, either by it’s engine choice or it’s earlier adoption of it’s latest technologies. It certainly would be cutting it’s own throat to share everything and wouldn’t be able to charge it’s prices either.

Fwiw I always ranked them in the order Audi, VW, Skoda then SEAT, but of late the boundary between VW and Skoda has blurred a bit (I got the Octy over the Golf after all). I think VW will want to stop this if it is to retain its top end of the market appeal.

it was probably VAG that got the technology and to a certain extent the quality. .

Utter piffle, Skoda have only made cars of a comparable quality to the mainstream contenders since around 2000, when the first of its cars based on a VAG platform was released

These were unprofitable untill the VAG's japanese based production lines had been implemented along with the QC and associated supplier control ( JIT parts supply etc etc )

Essentially as Skoda had a huge market share ( built on its communist based monopoly ) VAG saw the opportunity to get its products into the market by simply buying the Skoda name and attaching it to VAG products. Basically a badge engineering excersise to buy a market share and use existing products rebranded to suit

VAG certainly didnt gain technology or quality from the pre-VAG Skoda group!!!

Altho now they seem to be better exponents of the production line quality than the other facets of the VAG group!

Utter piffle, Skoda have only made cars of a comparable quality to the mainstream contenders since around 2000, when the first of its cars based on a VAG platform was released

Wrong, skoda only sold cars of comparable design and material quality after VAG, or rather after the lift of communist rule.

These were unprofitable untill the VAG's japanese based production lines had been implemented along with the QC and associated supplier control ( JIT parts supply etc etc )

Essentially as Skoda had a huge market share ( built on its communist based monopoly )

Wrong, Skoda where too good for their Russian counterparts and where strangled in order to enhance the position of Lada.

VAG saw the opportunity to get its products into the market by simply buying the Skoda name and attaching it to VAG products. Basically a badge engineering excersise to buy a market share and use existing products rebranded to suit

VAG certainly didnt gain technology or quality from the pre-VAG Skoda group!!!

Really,

Which was the only company who dared to quote and build the Hub for the London Eye?

Which company rallied with so much success before the merger?

Which company produced some of the most fearsome tanks in ww2 not to mention artillery

If you ever get the chance to visit the factory and museum you will see some of the vehicles Skoda could have produced prior to VAG, had they been allowed.

Published on this very site

http://kn.theiet.org/magazine/issues/0919/evolution-of-skoda.cfm

I'm not doubting their technical know how, or running the comapny down , as I truly love my octy and believe it to be one of the motoring bargains of the last 5 years but the fact is they couldnt and didnt produce a car comparable to be best of the competition until the Octavia, once fully integrated with VAG and their methods ( albeit adapted to local philosophy, ie the red button etc )

Thats a fact. Nothing from pre VAG Skoda was adopted across VAG unless you care to enlighten me?

I think Skoda in the pre VAG days did what it did, very well, but it certainly didn’t produce cars that where of comparable quality or technical advance to VAGs own cars of that time.

As for Ladas, I love the Niva

I'm not doubting their technical know how, or running the comapny down , as I truly love my octy and believe it to be one of the motoring bargains of the last 5 years but the fact is they couldnt and didnt produce a car comparable to be best of the competition until the Octavia, once fully integrated with VAG and their methods ( albeit adapted to local philosophy, ie the red button etc )

Thats a fact. Nothing from pre VAG Skoda was adopted across VAG unless you care to enlighten me?

No one can argue that the Favorit Rapide etc where comparable to the best western vehicles, my arguement was in the describing them as crap cars, from by association a crap company, when in fact they where the cars where the best product possible under the constraints of the time.

I have no idea what technical advances Skoda may or may not have designed and developed pre VAG for motor cars, however having seen some of their concept cars their design was not far off had they been allowed to go into production.

It is not a case of how much was carried over from Skoda into VAG but what did Skoda have in the background or subsequently design and develop for the group. Everyone seems to like the idea that their Skoda is really a VW, do you really think that all Skoda was or is, is an assembly line?

Edited 13 April, 201016 yr by postmanpat

My work colleagues will get together and take the mick "you seen that white skip in the car park?" "sorry about your car mate - no nothing just sorry about your car" but the second they're alone the story changes, "It is nice your car" "I'd love something like that" "wow it's nice that - how much? REALLY?! Bl**dy hell thats not bad at all!" I know they're insults are just jokes and I can sit back knowing I've got one of the nicest and most talked about cars at the station

Skoda cars seem to sell themselves and sell themselves well but I amongst others have noticed how their prices are creeping up all the time and now I read how specs are secretly being reduced which is sad. It's almost as if VW don't want you to buy one! Funny how VW ads are on TV ALL the time - can't say I've EVER seen a Skoda ad on TV (although I think there have been some).

Skoda also engineers all the gearboxes for the VW Group.

The DSG gearbox was designed by Skoda and another specialist company.

As others have said Skoda have made plenty of other things besides cars to prove their worth.

As for making good cars of comparable quality prior to 2000. I always thought the early Octavia MKs where better than Ford Escorts of the time. The Felicia was always miles ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa and was a lot more car for the money and didn't go wrong.

Or maybe it's just me being biased as I genunely like the brand and feel strongly about it. Skoda have kept me fed and watered since 2003!

Take a look at www.thetimesonline/driving this week - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

No one can argue that the Favorit Rapide etc where comparable to the best western vehicles, ER YES THEY CAN< THEY WERE AN UTTER PILE my arguement was in the describing them as crap PLEASE SAY WHERE I SAID THEY WERE CRAP?cars, from by association a crap company, when in fact they where the cars where the best product possible under the constraints of the time.

I have no idea CORRECT FROM YOUR POSTS what technical advances Skoda may or may not have designed and developed pre VAG for motor cars, however having seen some of their concept cars their design was not far off had they been allowed to go into production.DESIGN IS NOT PRODUCTION!!!

It is not a case of how much was carried over from Skoda into VAG but what did Skoda have in the background or subsequently design and develop for the group. NOTHING Everyone seems to like the idea that their Skoda is really a VW, do you really think that all Skoda was or is, is an assembly line? YES

The dsg wasnt designed by Skoda for VAG. Conceptually it came from before the second world war but was never used in a car, ( Andolphe Kégresse, a former citroen employee ), porsche then used them in their le mans cars and audi looked at one in the s1 sport quattro

The modern dsg as used in the VAG group was developed by Borg Warner for the audi tt 3.2 v6 ( and mk4 r32 golf ) then more widespread across the VAG family so Allams Skoda, really you need to do some research before you come out with twaddle!

ps octavia's didnt come out till after 1996 and the interior was not good quality on early ones, they use a VAG platform, so I totally agree, anything made pre VAG was not comparable to a Ford, vauxhaul or VW.

Edited 13 April, 201016 yr by VRsMatt32

Jesus! All I said was they used to build crap cars

..........which they did, in a similar fashion to LADA. Yes they were strong but by God they were awful to drive, didn't handle and you needed to be a bit of a brand fan to buy one.

Now its a different matter but like I said previously, VAG are cutting them off a little because of the success. Sad but true and will only get worse. Look at the lack of underbonnet soundproofing, deletion of folding mirrors etc.

Anyway, one of the little scroats at work admitted today that he would really like a Golf GT TDI. I spent ages telling him that even the bloody floor mats from my VRS would fit the Golf and vice versa but he said "not being funny mate but there is no way I'd have a Skoda badge on my car"

You can lead a horse to water...........

and you can drown it.

I remember after buying my 1st Octy in 1998 I was never bothered by petty remarks but on many occasions on returning to my car after say a lunch break on a long journey there were several people milling around with curiosity and ALL asking constructive questions which I answered positively. Perhaps I am partly responsible of the Octy population explosion :-)

Now that I have a far superior version - a brand new L&K 1.8DSG estate in that beautiful Rosso Brunello shade, nobody makes any comments whatsoever. Perhaps they are now far too common and not worthy of comment.

Which was the only company who dared to quote and build the Hub for the London Eye?

Which company rallied with so much success before the merger?

Which company produced some of the most fearsome tanks in ww2 not to mention artillery

They also built the turbines at Niagara Falls

On the point about Skoda cutting costs even more, just look at the forthcoming "new" Fabia VRS... a car which is still based on the Mk4 Polo platform even though VW, Audi and even Seat have moved on to the next generation platform for their superminis.

I say to people when talking about my Fabia, "It's a VW Polo with a different badge." (oh and a bit cheaper)

The mkII fabia is based on the UK MK6 (true mk 4) 9N platform not the UK MK4 which the VW Fox is still based on, The 9N platform has only just been replaced by VW in the new polo. From what i understand the actual new platform under the Polo and Ibiza is a heavily reworked 9N platorm as it is. Pre communism Skoda was a very advanced company in terms of engineering so much so that when Hitler invaded what is now the Czech republic he took over Skoda and gave it to Goering who actually made the company work with F.A. Porsche. Before this they were actually a Rolls Royce rival and also built cars for hispano suiza.

In terms of what it bought to vw during the takeover was actually quite a lot of engineering history which had been held back under communism. The Favorite had to be design in something like 3 or 6 months due to the way communism was run. Communism also dictated that Skoda had to keep rear engine design for so long. When VW took them over there was a story that VW took their best engine and Skoda's 1.3 OHV ran them side by side at maximum revs, the VW engine lasted about two weeks before breaking and that they couldn't actually break the 1.3 the only damage being a chipped crank case.

In terms of today they have built and designed the 1.2 6v and 12v, 1.4 TDI PD, and the new 1.2 TSI for the whole group. They also build the 5 speed manuals, finish the 2.0 TDI PD 140 and think they have designed a new 6 speed manual for small engines in the group.

Also ment to say that I don't think that people make as many snobby comments now mainly cause I take no notice or give them a lecture about Skoda Lol.

Edited 13 April, 201016 yr by Fabia00

I will also be looking to another Skoda in four years.........as long as the cost cutting hasn't gone too far

I had an MG ZS for 5 years before the VRS so I'm used to badge snobbery and everyone taking the mick!

But hardly anyone I've spoken to has laughed at the Skoda badge. Most people know they are good cars and have VW underpinnings.

Wak

I don't even bother trying to justify my beautiful Octy to snobs. The car speaks for itself, its simply unbeatable for the price, and I loves it. Simples

I personally think the fact that its a Skoda makes it cool, the people who count will know what it is and understand how good they are, and the people that dont know............................ well they don't matter

Simples

Personally I'm glad people are short sighted,

I've just bought a mint 55 plate Vrs mkII TFSI in red, genuine 32k miles uk car with sat nav, maxidot, dual zone / jumbo box, cruise control, 18'' zeniths and a multichanger and it's just had the MK60 ABS unit replaced with a 2 year skoda guarantee for £7,600.

Such a lot of car for the money - a similar spec golf would have been about 11K and it's no quicker and a lot less spacious, not to mention the huge boot on the octy.

I always smile to myself when I see another octy as I know the owner has made a great choice !

Edited 17 April, 201016 yr by sko-with-go

The worst case of snobbery I came across was when I bought my first Scooby Turbo in the mid 90’s. Everyone laughed at the farmers car (even though it had a big bonnet vent and ‘huge’ 15” alloys I even drove around with a copy of Farmers weekly and Horse and Hound on the parcel shelf.

It was even better when coming away from Donnington Park one very wet Sunday evening (I had been working there, not spectating :( ) Anyhoo I came to a set of lights and a then current, M3 pulled alongside. Before I knew it, we were going rather quickly side by side and he was stunned that he couldn’t pull away from me. Well not until I went into 4^th gear and he stormed away into the distance. At the next set of light I caught him up again and made a point of looking up at the heavy rain. He must have realised that if he wanted to outdrag me in the wet, he wouldn’t stand a chance getting away from a standstill. He smiled nicely at me and gave me a wave to say ‘after you’. A bit of fun with no other cars on the road and of course we didn’t break any speed limits. Bet he didn’t laugh at Scoobys any more after though.

I always smile to myself when I see another octy as I know the owner has made a great choice !

Me too, I feel all emotional, like a kindred spirit.

The dsg wasnt designed by Skoda for VAG. Conceptually it came from before the second world war but was never used in a car, ( Andolphe Kégresse, a former citroen employee ), porsche then used them in their le mans cars and audi looked at one in the s1 sport quattro

The modern dsg as used in the VAG group was developed by Borg Warner for the audi tt 3.2 v6 ( and mk4 r32 golf ) then more widespread across the VAG family so Allams Skoda, really you need to do some research before you come out with twaddle!

ps octavia's didnt come out till after 1996 and the interior was not good quality on early ones, they use a VAG platform, so I totally agree, anything made pre VAG was not comparable to a Ford, vauxhaul or VW.

And you quoted me for this response because?? Ah because you didn't read and research, you just jumped maybe?? I think actually you will find that Octavias came out many years previously to 1996 but as a Johnny come lately who isn't interested in history or FACTS but only in telling your neighbours that it is really a VW then we shouldn't be suprised.