Just heard about this - cool marketing gimmick I think.

Aucklanders can now navigate the central city in unprecedented luxury when they hail a Škoda and are driven – at no charge – to their city destination.

One of Volkswagen’s leading brands and a European award winner for its design, engineering and customer satisfaction, Škoda is using the three-month ‘Free Fare’ campaign – running from March to May – to spearhead a new era for the make in New Zealand. A number of Škodas are strategically positioned around the CBD for commuters who need a quick ride.

The Free Fare Škoda campaign is all about hands-on experience. TV and magazine advertising might get your attention. But to really appreciate Škoda’s award-winning design and performance, you have to get inside.

Each driver has extensive knowledge of the Škoda, and will answer all passengers’ questions about why they should consider owning one. Once exposed to the car, most people are surprised at the enormous value for money offered by Škoda – so this is a great way to get Škoda noticed. What better way to have a break from the office, or seek respite from Auckland’s notoriously changeable autumn weather, than to be taken for a quick spin around town?

It's time to hail a free Skoda

Bet the local cabbies love that.

If they tried it here, Skoda would lose nearly 70% of there sales, as the remaining cabbies who are still prepared to buy Skodas would tell em where to go!

Nice way of promoting. Great Idea.

Bet the local cabbies love that.

I did wonder if Skoda might be using local cabbies as drivers though? Who else would know how to get from A-B?

great advertising idea

I did wonder if Skoda might be using local cabbies as drivers though? Who else would know how to get from A-B?

I would imagine so, probably very limited hours of work too.

Would have thought the ride would be a bit harsh for the average passenger.....

Would have thought the ride would be a bit harsh for the average passenger.....

It's funny, most people prefer the ride of a car with sports suspension, my passengers always comment on how well the Mondeo ST rides.

I think it's to do with the lack of body roll when cornering, stiffer suspension obviously means there's less roll so they dont generaly notice how fast your going round corners! (unless I get really silly, then they go sliding across the leather! )

And the roads in New Zealand are good

It's funny, most people prefer the ride of a car with sports suspension, my passengers always comment on how well the Mondeo ST rides.

I think it's to do with the lack of body roll when cornering, stiffer suspension obviously means there's less roll so they dont generaly notice how fast your going round corners! (unless I get really silly, then they go sliding across the leather! )

Nice one

And the roads in New Zealand are good

They certainly are on the South Island! I did a 2 week tour by motorcycle last November clocking up 1800 miles and they were a dream. Twisty, wonderful scenary and hardly any traffic, it was heaven!

It's interesting to note the different standard equipment fitted to the vRS in NZ.

The only options available are sunroof, heated front seats, hill hold control, silver roof rails (estate only), sun safe glass (whatever that is) and sunset glass (estate only).

Everything else is standard including in-dash 6 CD (Audience), front/rear parking sensors, xenons, maxi-dot, sensing wipers, cruise, 18" wheels, Jumbo box, and metallic paint, etc., etc.

List prices range from

I still can't afford one

It's interesting to note the different standard equipment fitted to the vRS in NZ.

The only options available are sunroof, heated from seats, hill hold control, silver roof rails (estate only), sun safe glass (whatever that is) and sunset glass (estate only).

Everything else is standard including in-dash 6 CD (Audience), front/rear parking sensors, xenons, maxi-dot, sensing wipers, cruise, 18" wheels, Jumbo box, and metallic paint, etc., etc.

List prices range from

Er..................

Welcome to Rip Off Britain

Want to feel even more cheesed off? check out the French Octavia Specs Škoda France

Colour sat nav standard on the L&K

There's less standard equipment on the French specs, but base price is similar.

I guess Skoda are trying to establish themselves in NZ partly by offering some really cheap deals (and they're right hand drive cars too!)

Yep - Skoda are still struggling here against the old reputation. I'm seeing a lot more around now the Mk2 is out.