The Subaru XV has been voted the best SUV of 2013 by 4x4 Magazine.

4x4 Magazine, published by Kelsey Publishing said of Subaru's SUV;

"The SUV class in 4x4 Magazine's 4x4 Of The Year test is one of the most competitive. The Subaru XV was an interesting new arrival in that class, which did much to impress the judges. For a vehicle which obviously spends most of its time on road, it is such an enjoyable drive, involving the driver in a positive manner. It also boasts promising fuel economy potential. When we took it off road, given the obvious limitations of ground clearance, the Subaru completed our test route with ease. But what nailed it for the brightly coloured XV, was Subaru's ETCo (Everything Taken Care of) customer service package, which has to be one of the best around. So, well done the Subaru XV, 4x4 Magazine's SUV Of The Year 2013." For a closer look at the Subaru XV visit Derek Slack Motors.

Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement Teesside

Don’t look now, but there’s a another Yeti heading your way!...well the new Skoda Yeti Laurin & Klement to be precise.  Skoda enthusiasts will already be familiar with the luxurious trim of Laurin & Klement range. Founded in 1895 Laurin & Klement went on to merge with Skoda and the sub-brand offers extensive features to emphasise eye-catching details. The new Yeti Laurin & Klement is no exception with 17” Annapurna alloy wheels,  L&K inscription on front mudguards, black side protective moulding with chrome ledge and silver roof rails and that’s just the exterior. 

Inside, the new Yeti L&K includes, Columbus satellite navigation with DAB radio, heated windscreen, panoramic sunroof, park assist, gorgeous black leather seats with L&K lettering, shall I go on?...Okay, black leather jumbo box with silver stitching, 3-spoke, multifunction black leather steering wheel with silver stitching, inlays with L&K logo in piano black or wood, and L&K scuff plates. Believe it or not there’s even more, but you’ll need to come and see it for yourself at Derek Slack Motors in the new year. We’ll keep you posted nearer the time, but for now, we can tell you it’s available on  the 1.8 TSI 4x4, 2.0 TDI 140PS 4x4 DSG and 2.0 TDI 170PS 4X4

Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab

The Isuzu D-Max extended cab is now available from Derek Slack Motors. The opening side access panels, offer easy acess into the rear of the pick-up. With no pillars and clever ‘occasional seating’ it can comfotabley seat two adults. The rear seats also fold up out of the way offering even more under floor storage.

With new levels of fuel ecomomy, the 2.5 twin turbo diesel engine ofers 163 PS (that’s 400 Nm of torque) Off road, the new D-Max has a switchable 4x4 system, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) with ABS. For more information, visit Isuzu at Derek Slack Motors in Middlesbrough, or call us on: 08433 201267

Skoda Superb Outdoor

The Superb Outdoor, a new, rugged addition to the Skoda range will soon be available from Derek Slack Motors in Middlesbrough. With sturdy bumpers and other features to deal with difficult conditions, this estate-only model adds rugged features to the refinement that’s made the Superb famous. The Superb Outdoor makes a formidable impression with 18-inch alloy wheels and protective bumpers on all sides. Permanent 4x4 driving provides outstanding ride and grip in demanding conditions. Available in a choice of engines, 1.8 TSI 160PS 4x4 manual, 2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4x4 DSG, 2.0 TDI CR 170PS 4x4 manual.

The Superb Outdoor also comes with the following equipment on top of the current SE trim:

• Four-spoke leather steering wheel for radio and telephone with Bluetooth
• 18-inch ‘Luxon’ alloy wheels
• Sunset glass from B pillar back
• Hill hold control
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Heated washer nozzles
• Integrated front headlight washers

For more information on the Skoda Superb Outdoor, call Derek Slack Motors on: 08433 201267

Stokesley Show

One of the region’s oldest shows got underway in Stokesley on Saturday 22nd September. Derek Slack Motors were once again in attendance displaying some of the latest Subaru, Isuzu and Skoda models. For many, Stokesley Show is the highlight of the calendar year with origins going back as far as 1859.

This year’s show survived the fate of many others in 2011 with glorious sunshine and not a drop of rain. The trade stand area received a record number of requests with many new and existing exhibitors. Tony Slack, Dealer Principle at Derek Slack Motors said, ‘The show goes from strength to strength and this was on of its best ever. Even before Derek Slack Motors had a stand at the show, my family and I would visit, usually spending the entire day. It really is a great day out for the whole family.’ 

There was lots of interest in some of our new exciting models.

For some, It was the first glimpse of the much acclaimed Subaru BRZ a motoring collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. Equally, the new Isuzu D-Max was drawing the crowds. The engine offers new improved fuel efficiency, 2.5 twin turbo,163ps with 400 NM of tourque. With a towing capacity of 3000kg. Skoda also shone with new models including the exciting new Skoda Citigo. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who visited us at the show as we look forward to the next show in 2013.

Skoda Rapid - North East England

No Split of opinion during Croatian visit to see new Skoda models.

Derek Slack Motors recently attended a showcase premier in Split-Croatia, featuring no less than six Skoda models sporting the brand’s stylish new design. With five models set to be launched by the end of 2013 it represents yet another exciting stage in Skoda’s development. “It all came as somewhat of a surprise”, said Tony Slack-Dealer Principle at Derek Slack Motors. “We thought we’d come to view the new Skoda Rapid, but the surprise cat-walk actually featured seven up and coming models. Obviously the star of the show were the two soon to be launched Rapid models, a hatch and the Spaceback.”

The World Dealer Conference gave dealers the opportunity to see how Skoda’s ambitious growth plans are set to make the brand go from strength to strength over the coming years. With five new models and the new Skoda Rapid it represents a new dawn for Skoda.

The following morning drivers got behind the wheel of the new Rapid and drove up the mountains above Split. “The rapid was a lovely car to drive”, continued Tony. “ It’s a real family car with lots of room and diamond-sharp edges, on the wheels, the roof line and down the side of the car. It offers the modern family, space, style and great value too.”

Skoda’s new cars and design have once again raised the benchmark for affordable quality. Tony finshed by saying, “There are some very exciting times ahead and Derek Slack Motors are pleased to be a part of this exciting future.”

Subaru BRZ arrives in the North East

Since its arrival, the new Subaru BRZ has caught the attention of everyone visiting Derek Slack Motors. Personally, I’m unable to walk through the Subaru end of the showroom without pausing, touching, ooh-ahing. For the moment I’m talking purely aesthetics. Yes, it’s beautiful, but there’s something else going on with this Subaru /Toyota collaboration. There’s a strong, almost disturbing desire to get in behind the wheel. I’m pleased to say I’m not alone with this fixation. The sound of the BRZ driver’s passenger door opening and closing has become a familiar echo in our dealership. The driving position is wonderful and I have to admit there’s a deep sense of longing to be alone on the open road. Sorry, that was me day dreaming again! Under the body (and now we’re talking technical) is the Subaru 2.0 flat-four front- mounted engine which goes under the code-name of FB20. Sounds a little like thunderbirds, but once you drive it, you’ll agree it’s fitting. The BRZ engine sits 12cm lower than the Impreza and a full 24cm further back, resulting in a 45.55% weight distribution. Thanks to the Toyota derived cylinder head and direct injection, the 200bhp BRZ speeds up faster than even I could have imagined. It’s also not without good reason, Subaru place a huge rev counter in front of you. 7000rpm produces 200bhp with a maximum torque of 151ib ft at 4000rpm.

AutoExpress descibed the BRZ as...”Subaru should be applauded for reigniting the classic rear-wheel-drive, front-engine sports car spark with the driver-focused BRZ.”

My apologies go out to the families of the Derek Slack Motors sales team if teas have gone by way of the dog. Taking turns of an evening sitting behind the wheel of the BRZ (however sad), has now become a way of life. Until you see it for real you’ll simply never understand why grown men behave they way they do with cars. It’s worth mentioning the Subaru BRZ has the exact same effect on the ladies too. If you’d like to stand in the que to sit behind the wheel of the Subaru BRZ, please visit Derek Slack Motors, home to Subaru in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

Isuzu D-Max Teesside and North Yorkshire

The all new Isuzu D-Max has landed in Middlesbrough at Derek Slack Motors. There’s a very good reason why Isuzu have adopted the strap line ‘The Pick-Up Professionals’. Isuzu not only produce class leading pick-ups, but build a range of vehicles to suit every possible outdoor use. From builder to farmer, from business user and those working in extreme conditions, Isuzu have a pick-up to suit all. Okay, so here’s some of the technical stuff...the engine offers new improved fuel efficiency, 2.5 twin turbo,163ps with 400 NM of tourque. With a towing capacity of 3000kg, the pure pulling power makes the D-Max a class leader. Isuzu have introduced a single cab, extended cab (with a clever side access panel) and double cab model. There is also a new switchable 4x4 system, electronic stability control and traction control system with ABS. As you would expect from Isuzu, those tough external features are also matched by high levels of comfort. The ‘Eiger’ double cab has all the features you’d expect in an executive car, including Bluetooth, alloys and iPod connectivity, while it’s big brother the ‘Yukon’ double cab also has leather steering wheel, cruise, six speaker radio. The flagship model ‘Utah’ includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, 17” alloys and automatic climate control, but to be truthful, the real reason you’re looking to buy an Isuzu pick-up is because of the legendary hardworking, dependable reliability. From our location at Cargo Fleet in Middlesbrough, we’re ideally placed to serve Isuzu customers in North Yorkshire, Cleveland coast, Durham, Darlington and Teesside. We’ve already taken lots of orders for the entry level D-Max 4x2 priced from only £14,499, a snip when you consider what you’re buying into. If you’d like to see the new Isuzu D-Max or book a test drive, please call us on, 08433 201267, or visit our dealership on Cargo Fleet Middlesbrough.Or visit the Derek Slack Motors website.

ŠKODA Rapid

The new ŠKODA Rapid will make its debut in Europe before the end of this year with the UK version expected to look almost identical to the MissionL concept pictured left. When the Rapid arrives at Derek Slack Motors, it will sit between the Fabia and Octavia in the ŠKODA range, offering a family-orientated model in a segment that is growing in all markets around the world. However, few people realise that the new car’s name is steeped in history. The original rear-wheel drive Rapid was produced in Mlada Boleslav from 1934 to 1947,and had several facelifts and cutting-edge engine options, just like today's ŠKODA range. With engines ranging from 1.2 to 2.2 litres, the original Rapid evolved to develop 61 PS, enough to whisk the car to 81mph and ensure the Rapid wasn’t just used as a family car, but also for racing and long-distance touring.

In 1935, Mr Bohuslav Jan Prochazka drove his 1.4-litre Rapid around the world in 98 days, covering more than 17,000 miles in the process – a considerable test of a car’s reliability. The car's only modifications were an extra-large fuel tank – which allowed him to drive 1,000 miles between fill-ups – and a secret compartment containing two handguns and a Thompson submachine gun.  As well as overcoming the challenges of long-distance driving during the interwar period, Prochazka had to deal with the Russian weather (see bottom right) and Soviet paranoia. He had to drive through Russia at night escorted by a soldier because Stalin was convinced he was a spy, and most of the country's roads had been left as muddy tracks to slow down any potential invasion. Long journeys and high mileages were only made possible by the Rapid’s technical features, which were far more advanced than those on other cars at the time. The cylinders, for example, used a replaceable ‘wet liner’ system, which, coupled with independent suspension, helped make the Rapid a huge success – one that will hopefully be repeated when the Rapid name reappears on our roads later this year.  The new Rapid perfectly embodies the brand’s values: fresh design, functionality, roominess, ingenuity, and price-to-value ratio typical for our cars. It’s an ideal car for families. Watch this space for more news.

Skoda Yeti top in the Auto Express Driver Car Power Survey.

Skoda Yeti is top in the Auto Express Driver Car Power Survey. Once again Skoda stole the show in the 2012 Auto Express Driver Power car ownership survey with the Skoda Yeti securing top place, closely followed by the Superb, (swapping positions from last year’s previous awards). It’s amazing to think it’s only taken the Yeti two attempts to win top place and one of those second. Winning three categories including, handling, reliability and ease of driving. Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: "Skoda clearly knows a thing or two about keeping its customers happy. It builds cars people love, while its dealers do all they can to please owners. Skoda's advertising says that it's the manufacturer of happy drivers - this year's Driver Power survey shows it to be correct!" To find out more about the Skoda Yeti range including the new Urban Special Edition with £2,450 worth of extra equipment and the first ever Skoda to be sold in the UK with digital radio as standard, call Derek Slack Motors on 08433 201267 or visit our main website at: www.derekslackmotors.co.uk

82nd Geneve Motorshow

A whistle stop tour of the 82nd Geneve Motorshow and Derek and I are back in Middlesbrough, with the wind still in our hair. I think the show gets better each year and I’m always amazed at the number of people who visit. Top of the list of ‘must see’ vehicles was the new Skoda Citigo 5-door. Making its world premier, the Skoda Citigo is already proving a big hit with the motoring press. Skoda certainly know how to tick all the right boxes. Described in the motoring industry as the ‘city segment’, the Citigo consumes just 4.1 litres of fuel every 100km with only 96g/km of CO2. The 1-litre three cylinder engine can also produce 75bhp, so for those looking for a fuel efficient, dashing city car, the Citigo is certainly worth closer inspection. We’ll let you know as soon as the Citigo arrives in Derek Slack Motors’ showroom.

There were plenty of other exciting premiers at the show, including the new Isuzu D-Max Pickup, the Subaru Impreza AWD (which will be available in a 1.6 petrol engine), and the jaw dropping Subaru BRZ. Jointly produced with Toyota, the 2.0 BRZ boxer engine purrs over 200bhp. It can accelerate from 0-100 in seven seconds, (which is about the same amount of time it takes to get out my chair these days) and with a staggering top speed of 225km/h (which is fairley fast by any standards) and drooling good looks, it’s all set to be a winner. Although you won’t ever be able to put the figures to the test on UK roads, you will be able to enjoy the low centre of gravity, which makes handling so easy.

It was a great show, and we’re really excited about the arrival of all four vehicles to our showroom over the coming months. You can see more from the show by visiting this link.

Skoda's 100 year History

If you’re interested in the 100 year history of Skoda, (with origins going back to the 1890‘s) watch this short video covering Skoda’s from 1905-2008, including rare glimpses of unfamiliar models, plus some old favorits too :-) The video starts with Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement’s motorcycle factory in Mlada Boleslav in Czech Republic, covering production through WW2, the following communistic era and the partnership of VW in 1991. To make the story complete, call into Derek Slack Motors’ showroom to see the full 2012 range of Skoda’s, not to mention the arrival of the new Skoda Citigo.

Subaru XV Crossover, Teesside and North Yorkshire

The exciting new Subaru XV AWD Sports Crossover has arrived at Derek Slack Motors’ Subaru showroom, offering class leading fuel economy & C02 emissions - plus, it’s also the lightest vehicle in its class. Fuel economy is also improved by the instant auto stop-start technology which switches the engine off rather than idling.

The Subaru XV boasts an impressive 220mm ground clearance, bringing better off-road and obstacle-clearing ability, it also brings a commanding driving position for a clear view of the road ahead. The Subaru XV is also a confirmed winner of the coveted Euro NCAP 5* award for crash protection. Not only is the XV the natural choice for the urban family who enjoy getting out and being active over the weekend, but the surefooted and respected Subaru Symmetrical AWD system found on Forester and Outback, really can help keep the family safe.

Available in three different trim levels chosen to offer customers the best fit for their lifestyles... S, 1.6i FB petrol 114ps, SE 2.0i FB petrol 150ps and SE LUX PREMIUM 2.0 Boxer diesel 147ps. For more information or to see the new Subaru XV, please contact Derek Slack Motors on: 08433 201267 or visit our main website at, main website.

Happy New Skoda, Subaru and Isuzu

Here we are in 2012 and already the dealership is buzzing with news and activity. The Subaru Forester was named Junior Crossover of the year during December 2011. Facing some stiff competition, the symmetrical all-wheel drive and sheer versatility of the Forester made it an easy decision for the judges in the end. The new Subaru XV also caused something of a storm at the recent Frankfurt Motorshow and is set to arrive in the UK sometime in early Spring (we’ll keep you posted).

For commercial users, the Isuzu Rodeo is now for only £245 + VAT per month, making it even more affordable to get your business on the road.

Skoda’s big fat zero 0% VAT and APR on selected models is proving extremely popular with the motorists in Middlesbrough, Stockton on Tees and North Yorkshire. The offer is set to run until 31st March 2012, so there’s still time to purchase an award winning Skoda with the big fat zero offer!