SCOOP: Facelifted 2012 Skoda Superb and Octavia Snapped Testing in the Alps

While the Volkswagen Group is keeping itself busy with new introductions such as the VW brand's Up! and the soon-to-be launched Skoda MissionL (albeit under a different name), the company has not forget about its current portfolio and is working on improving its offerings in all segments.

This time, our team of spy photographers snagged the 2012 Skoda Superb facelift in sedan form undergoing testing in the Alps.

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IAA 2011: Skoda MissionL Concept

Czech car manufacturer and member of the VW Group, Skoda, is on a…mission at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to preview its upcoming compact sedan model with a close to production ready concept car named MissionL.The production model will be positioned between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia challenging the likes of the Focus sedan in Europe, Russia, China, and India. Skoda said the as-of-yet unnamed compact sedan will launch in India by the end of 2011 and the rest of the world in the beginning of next year.
“We have taken a very pure approach to this design study – we have structured the surfaces simply, but impressively,” says Skoda Board of Directors Member for Technological Development Eckhard Scholz.
“The car has a strong, sporty look which conveys a beautiful simplicity and a youthful and contemporary appearance. Many people look for clean, minimalistic lines, and the MissionL concept offers all that,” Scholz added.
Albeit Skoda makes no mention in the teaser press release, given the positioning of the model as well as certain details of the design, it appears that the MissionL is the Czech variant of the VW Jetta.
Skoda has not yet released any information on the car's specifications but future buyers should expect the usual mix of diesel and gasoline engines found throughout the Volkswagen Group.
“This premiere kicks off ŠKODA's model offensive for the coming years," said Skoda Board Chairman, Winfried Vahland. “This new compact model, along with other new products to follow, will enable us to accomplish our goal of increasing global annual sales to 1.5 million vehicles by 2018. We are going to present a new car approximately every six months over the next few years.”

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IAA 2011: Skoda MissionL Concept Previews New Compact Sedan [Updated Gallery]

Czech car manufacturer and member of the VW Group, Skoda, is on a…mission at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to preview its upcoming compact sedan model with a close to production ready concept car named MissionL.

The production model will be positioned between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia challenging the likes of the Focus sedan in Europe, Russia, China, and India. Skoda said the as-of-yet unnamed compact sedan will launch in India by the end of 2011 and the rest of the world in the beginning of next year.

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IAA 2011: Live Photos from the VW Group's Frankfurt Preview Event

The Volkswagen Group has readied a little something for everyone at this year's 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, from the tiny Audi Urban concepts and the production VW Up!, to the striking Seat IBL study and the brand new Porsche 911.

At a special preview event in Frankfurt, the VW Group rolled out some of its most important goods including the new Bentley Continental GTC, the limited edition Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 ST Trofeo, the Audi RS5 facelift and A2 Concept,while the Germans even brought along the bespoke Bugatti Veyron L'or Blanc.

Hop over the jump to check out a high-resolution gallery with more than 70 photos.

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Skoda Small Sedan Concept at Frankfurt Auto Show

A new concept model that previews an upcoming small sedan will be the star attraction for Skoda at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The MissionL Concept will lead to a production vehicle that will be the sixth model in the Czech automaker's range after the Fabia, Octavia Classic, Octavia, Yeti and Superb

The new car is a C-segment model similar in size to the Focus sedan that bridges the gap that exists between the Fabia and the Octavia. Like the Octavia, it will sport a five-door, liftback body-style.

“Revealing the look of our new compact model, the MissionL shows exactly the direction our brand is going to take”, said Skoda Chairman Dr. Winfried Valhand. “The world premiere in Frankfurt gives a clear signal that Skoda is going full steam ahead now.”

The production version of the MissionL will be available in Europe, Russia and China, with different specifications for each market. Moreover, a special version will be sold in India.

Dr. Vahland also revealed that Skoda “will present a new model every six months over the next two or three years.” The company’s plan is to expand its operation, in a move it calls “model offensive”, and reach 1.5 million worldwide sales by 2018.

In 2013, the Yeti compact SUV will be launched in China, where it will also be produced. In addition, Skoda, in cooperation with Shanghai VW, will manufacture a new compact model for the local market, increasing the brand’s Chinese range to five models.

But Skoda’s expansion doesn’t stop here: in order to achieve its ambitious 2018 goal, it will increase production in Russia by manufacturing the Yeti locally with the help of VW Group's joint venture with GAZ.

Finally, the company is also increasing production capacity at its home factory in Mlada Boleslav, where it will add a third model line while, from late 2012, it will begin production of the twin-clutch DQ200 gearbox at its Vrchlabi plant.

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Skoda Electric Octavia E Line Test Fleet

Skoda announced that it has begun production of the Octavia E Line, the company’s first fully electric car that was first saw in concept form at last year’s Paris Motor Show.
Starting this fall, the Czech automaker will manufacture a test fleet of 10 cars that will be used for evaluation of the emissions-free technology. This will help the Skoda collect valuable data to be used in future applications that will reduce its average CO2 emissions.
“Emission-free mobility is one of our key goals for the future, and my opinion is that electric vehicles are the right answer o the increasingly stringent emission limits”, said Skoda’s board of directors member for Technological Development, Dr. Eckhard Scholz.
Based on the Octavia Combi, the E Line features a 26.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack placed under the floor and an electric motor with a constant output of 60kW (80HP) and a maximum power of 85kW (110HP). As with all electric motors, its torque (270 Nm or 199 lb-ft) is available immediately.
With this setup, the Octavia accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 12.0 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph), while its maximum range is about 140 km (87 miles).
The Octavia E Line also features a sound generator that simulates the noise of a regular internal combustion engine at speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in order to warn pedestrians.

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Skoda to Unwrap New MissionL Small Sedan Concept at Frankfurt Auto Show

A new concept model that previews an upcoming small sedan will be the star attraction for Skoda at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The MissionL Concept will lead to a production vehicle that will be the sixth model in the Czech automaker's range after the Fabia, Octavia Classic, Octavia, Yeti and Superb

The new car is a C-segment model similar in size to the Focus sedan that bridges the gap that exists between the Fabia and the Octavia. Like the Octavia, it will sport a five-door, liftback body-style.

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Skoda Begins Production of Electric Octavia E Line Test Fleet

Skoda announced that it has begun production of the Octavia E Line, the company’s first fully electric car that was first saw in concept form at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

Starting this fall, the Czech automaker will manufacture a test fleet of 10 cars that will be used for evaluation of the emissions-free technology. This will help the Skoda collect valuable data to be used in future applications that will reduce its average CO2 emissions.

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