Skoda Citigo in the North East

The Skoda Citigo is winner of The Sunday Times’, ‘Top 100 Cars 2013’ coming out number one in the ‘Top 10 City Car’ segment. The Citigo beat off rivals including, Volkswagen’s Up and SEAT’s Mii. Described as ‘the best value’ and being ‘smooth and fun to drive’, the Skoda brand keeps racking up the awards year after year. Watch this space for new Skoda models arriving in the new year. Plus, you can test drive the full Citigo range at Derek Slack Motors - the oldest Skoda dealer in the North East.

Subaru Forester North East

We thought we'd share this clever Subaru Forester advert from Australia. Don't forget you can see the new shape Forester in our showrooms at Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough. First choice for Subaru in Teesside, North Yorkshire and Durham.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback in Teesside and North Yorkshire

Not content with the launch of the affordable and spacious Rapid, Skoda quickly introduce its sister vehicle, the Rapid Spaceback with the same wheelbase as the Rapid, but 19cm shorter. On sale at Derek Slack Motors in early 2014, the new Rapid Spaceback enters the competitive hatchback market with a sporty body aimed at a younger audience, but with family practicality at its heart in the spacious design and affordable price tag. With near estate levels of space, BBC TopGear described the Rapid Spaceback as “perfect for the family” and we agree. Offering 415 liters of space with the seats up, rising to 1380 litres with the seats down, means it soundly beats its more expensive cousin the Golf – which offers 380 and 1318 litres. Where the Spaceback earns points with its cabin space with plenty of rear headroom and legroom (I can testify even six-foot adults won’t struggle for space), the front is similarly spacious, with wide and supportive seats offering a comfortable driving experience. A wide range of equipment will be available as standard including – 15” Dakara steel wheels, manual air conditioning, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, ESC (including ABS, MRS, ASR, EDS and HBA). Skoda’s include a host of other new styling features, with luxury trim, new electric power-steering and greater scope for personalisation. The Rapid Spaceback’s dynamic silhouette is marked by clear lines, a long wheelbase (2,602 mm) and a sharp, high tornado line. The Rapid Spaceback will be available in Middlesbrough in early 2014 with the three petrol and two diesel engine options. The TSI petrol engines will offer a great blend of power and torque combined with low CO2 and impressive fuel economy, whilst the 1.6 TDI CR 90PS GreenTech diesel engine emits just 104g/km of CO2.

Subaru XV Black Edition comes to the north east in Middlesbrough

The new - limited edition, Subaru XV Black has landed dressed in classy crystal black silica. Adding to the already robust looks, Subaru include eye-catching extras making the XV Black Edition even more seductive. Based on the SE model, the XV Black comes with the usual Subaru features including vehicle dynamic control, cruise, 17” alloy wheels and front, side, curtain knee bags. Additions include, silver under guards to the front, rear and side, with a cargo step panel and foldable cargo tray. The XV Black is available in both six-speed, 2.0 diesel and 2.0 petrol engines with lineartronic auto transmission. Prices start from £24,495. We’ll keep you posted as soon as the XV Black Edition arrives at Derek Slack Motors in Middlesbrough.

Superb Estate wins 2014 Towcar of the Year award

Derek Slack Motors are pleased to announce the Superb Estate has won the 2014 Towcar of the Year award as voted for by The Caravan Club. The Elegance 2.0 TDI 170PS 4x4 DSG topped both the £25,000-£31,000 and all-terrain under 1,800kg categories. The vast-yet-capable estate was singled out for its impressive all-round ability, as the judges’ comments explain: “With a loading limit of 100kg on the roof, 80kg on the towball and a boot that scored maximum marks, it’s a very tough act to follow. You wouldn’t know you were towing a caravan!” The new Octavia was also a category winner with the 1.2 TSI 105PS SE hatch. It came first in the £16,000-£20,000 class, with the judges being particularly impressed by the engine’s performance. This year’s nine-strong judging panel included caravan and motoring journalists, as well as members of the Caravan Club. Call 01642 256100 to arrange a test drive in the Skoda Superb Estate at Derek Slack Motors

New Subaru Outback heads to Middlesbrough with makeover & diesel auto

Launched in Europe in 1996, the original Subaru Outback pioneered the ‘Crossover’ concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle.   Upgraded for the 2014 model year, Subaru engineers have now realised further improvements to the Outback, enhancing the car’s handling characteristics with revised suspension components and the latest incarnation of Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control.  The model also features a revised design for both the interior and exterior. However the most significant change for the Outback is the introduction of a new powertrain pairing.  A world first, Subaru engineers have combined the popular 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) – bringing improvements in driveability, fuel economy and emissions while also widening the car’s appeal immensely.  With the new engine and gearbox combination the 2014 MY Subaru Outback will return 44.8 mpg and 166g/km CO2 on the combined cycle.  Visual refresh The Outback line-up has received a visual upgrade, refreshing the vehicle’s looks.  Emphasising the Outback’s sense of toughness and its ability to tackle all roads and conditions, the latest model features body-coloured cladding in place of the previous iteration’s black plastic.   Customers now have a wider range of colours to choose from – including two new colours: Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic – while larger fog lamps and the addition of a gloss black finish to the front headlamps give the car greater road presence than before.  The alloy wheels now have a gunmetal finish as standard. The upgraded cabin of the latest Outback features clearer and more modern instrumentation – including the addition of a liquid crystal instrument cluster display and new materials for a number of dashboard elements.  Black metallic panels bring about a more modern and premium appearance and feel, while instruments within the cockpit have been moved to improve user-friendliness.   Engaging handling, in all conditions Subaru engineers have worked hard to further improve the Outback’s ride and handling, notably through alterations to the car’s front and rear suspension.  The result is a more stable ride and increased comfort for occupants.  The engine and front and rear suspension systems – the latter with a self-levelling feature as standard – are mounted on their own sub-frames, bringing about reduced vibration and noise.  The fourth-generation Outback’s double-wishbone rear suspension is compact enough to give buyers a 526-litre luggage area (with the rear seats upright). The Outback continues to offer a significant 200mm of ground clearance, while the placement of the compact, horizontally-opposed engine and transmission afford a typically Subaru-like low centre of gravity, endowing the Outback with high levels of cornering stability.   Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system features on all Outback models.  For those equipped with a manual transmission, the AWD technology is accompanied by Active Torque Split, and for those with the Lineartronic CVT it is coupled with a centre differential with viscous limited slip differential.  Both drivetrain layouts deliver reassuring driving dynamics in all conditions, both on- and off-road. High levels of standard equipment The 2014 MY Subaru Outback 2.0D Lineartronic variant will feature a new trim level, the SX.  High levels of standard equipment are featured inside and out. For the exterior there are new 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, along with body-coloured bumpers, body-coloured power folding door mirrors (with integrated LED indicator repeaters), and matching colour-coded door handles.  Silver roof rails and a roof spoiler are other exterior accents, while a power-sliding glass sunroof (with sunshade) and UV protected front, side and rear glass also feature.  Self-levelling automatic HID headlamps and rain sensing wipers add convenience for the driver. Further highlights include front fog lights, pop-up headlight washers, heated mirrors, rear window defogger with timer, front and side window defrosters, and a windscreen wiper de-icer function. Inside, the new SX model provides the Outback with a wealth of useful equipment.  Audio and cruise control functions are present on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while new sports seats at the front are heated to provide extra comfort when the weather turns cold. For further comfort and convenience of driver and passengers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth® hands-free system, audio system with USB connectivity and a VGA centre display with rear vision camera are all present.  New speedometer and rev counter dials feature in the Outback’s upgraded instrument binnacle, while a one-touch lane change facility has also been added which activates the indicators to flash three times. Additional features of leather interior and satellite navigation are available as dealer fit options if the customers wish to upgrade. Derek Slack Motors will keep you posted when the new Subaru Outback lands in Middlesbrough-Teesside

40 years of Skoda in the north east

Our recent itv commercial celebrating 40 years service, was not only well received by customers old and new, but we also had great fun in the making. The film production crew spent a long busy day producing film for the commercial and subsequent advertising in the new year. A big thank you to everyone involved in the making and to all those who took advantage of the special Skoda Fabia 13 reg offer at just £6973. As the north east’s oldest Skoda dealer we’re looking forward to many more years as your local family dealer.

Derek Slack Motors itv commercials September 2013

To celebrate 40 years as the North East's oldest Skoda dealer, Derek Slack Motors have produced two new TV commercials aired during September 2013.

Skoda Yeti

Another brilliant Skoda TV commercial that brought a smile...

New Skoda vRS TV commercial

The new Skoda commercial brought a smile to everyones face at Derek Slack Motors- -Skoda showroom. 

ŠKODA Octavia vRS Does the Hillclimb

Save over £4000 on the Skoda 1.2 SE Roomster in Teesside

If the recent heat-wave left you gasping for breath, here’s another hot offer you might warm to. SKODA have reduced the cost of the 2013 SKODA Roomster 1.2 SE TSi to only £9990, that’s a staggering saving of over £4,000. Derek Slack Motors have acquired the bulk of the special limited edition UK vehicles and will be supplying on a strictly first come first served basis.

Available in Metallic Silver and Shark Blue, special features include: Radio CD/MP3 player, Varioflex seating system, Electric front windows, Remote central locking, Body coloured bumpers, Air conditioning, 15” Alloys, Rear sensors, Chrome pack, Panoramic sunroof.

Vehicles are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. For more information call 08433 201267

Motorsport journalists take thrilling SKODA rally drives at Goodwood

Leading motorsport journalists are raving about the ŠKODA-sponsored Forest Rally Stage at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. They were taken round the two-mile course at break-neck speeds by rally aces Freddy Loix, Sepp Wiegand and Robert Barrable in a Fabia S2000, the same car that powered Andreas Mikkelsen to back-to-back Intercontinental Rally Challenge titles.

Play the video below to watch. For those of you who like a challenge, try to count how many gear changes Sepp makes in that time.

SKODA'S 3 BIG REASONS special offer

SKODA’S 3 BIG REASONS promotion proves instant hit with SKODA customers in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Sedgefield and Durham.

Main dealers for SKODA on Teesside and the north east’s oldest SKODA dealer, Derek Slack Motors have enjoyed a buoyant start to July with customers taking full advantage of SKODA’S ‘3 BIG REASONS’ offer, available across the SKODA range. Tony Slack, dealer principle began by saying, “ More people are now switched on to the SKODA success story. When a fantastic triple offer in the shape of, 0% finance, 3 years’ servicing and prices starting from only £69 per month, you know your heading for a busy time.” 

“For example, the SKODA Citigo has brought customers to our showroom with Ford Fiestas, Vauxhall Corsas and Fiat Pandas as part exchange models. With the VW Up being significantly more expensive than the Citigo, there’s been a dramatic increase in the Citgo’s position in the small car market. Our respected position as one of the last few remaining family run dealerships with a reputation for putting the customer and their requirements first has brought new Skoda owners from Sedgefield, Darlington and Durham to our showroom.”

 What Car? described the SKODA Citigo as a “fantastic city car that’s good to drive and has a high-quality and attractive interior. It’s cracking value for money, too.”

To discover more about the full Skoda range visit Derek Slack Motors main dealers for Skoda in the north east at, Prospect Place, Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough TS3 8AR.

Subaru XV £2,300 price reduction in Middlesbrough

Subaru have annouced a price reduction of £2,300 off the Subaru XV range which means the new entry model now starts at just £18,995. Derek Slack Motors can reveal the price reduction was made possible through favourable exchange rates offering even greater value for money.

The price reduction means the XV now undercuts other crossover models such as the BMW X1 with around £2,500 saving on equivalent vehicles.The XV comes fitted with permanent all-wheel drive as standard, and when fitted with the 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel, it's capable of 50mpg on the combined cycle and 146g/km of CO2. The XV comes as standard with 17-inch alloys, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers and front, side, curtain and knee airbags. The more premium SE models come with additional cruise control, electric mirrors dual-zone air conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth and privacy glass.

All XV models also come with Subaru’s five-year 100,000 mile warranty.

New pricing for the Subaru XV by model is as follows:

Diesel models  Price (OTR)
2.0D S  £21,995
2.0D SE  £23,995
2.0D SE Lux Premium  £27,695
  
Petrol models 
1.6i S  £18,995
1.6i S Lineartronic  £20,415
1.6i SE  £20,995
1.6i SE Lineartronic  £22,415
2.0i SE  £21,995

Skoda scoops top Which? award

Once again, Skoda have beaten off stiff opposition, to be named best car manufacturer for 2013 by respected UK consumer champion Which? Skoda came first ahead of BMW, Ford and Volkswagen to win the award. Tony Slack, dealer principle at Derek Slack Motors, main dealers for Skoda on Teesside said, “Being recognised by Which? is not just a mark of excellence but also a measure of good quality service and value-for-money motoring in what are still difficult economic times. I believe all those on the 2013 list of winners, reflect companies prepared to go the extra mile to offer outstanding customer service, something Derek Slack Motors passionately believe in. It’s no wonder in 2013 we’re celebrating 40 years of service as the North East of England’s oldest Skoda dealer.”

Best car manufacturer: Skoda

Best home appliance brand: Bosch

Best retailer: John Lewis

Best computing brand: Samsung

Best audio-visual brand LG

Best financial services provider: NFU Mutual

Best telecom services provider: Tesco Mobile

Best supermarket: Aldi

Best photography brand: Panasonic

Best customer care: Amazon

New Skoda Octavia vRS on Teesside

No sooner were we holding our breath over the new Octavia, and in powers the high performance, Octavia vRS hatchback and estate, both models faster and more fuel efficient than their producers. As usual there’s a choice of both petrol and diesel, the petrol 2.0 TSi offering a staggering 217bhp while the diesel 2.0 TDI provides 181bhp, both models giving exceptional fuel economy. 

In about the same time it takes me to get out of my chair (6.8 seconds) the vRS can excellrate from 0-62 also beating the Golf GTI on top speed and I daren’t tell you what it manages flat out, so be careful on the roads.

The Octavia vRS has lowered suspension and new stylish alloys, xenon headlights, dual exhausts, sports suspension, electronic locking differential, red brake callipers all giving the vRS a sportier look. Inside you’ll find black sports trim, sport seats, leather steering wheel, steel pedals and sill kickplates and custom vRS branding.

The estate model boats 610 litres of space with more head and legroom for front and rear passengers. As always, safety is paramount with the new Octavia accumulating a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. We’ll keep you posted as soon as both models arrive at Derek Slack Motors, main dealers for Skoda on Teesside and the oldest Skoda dealer in the North East.

Isuzu D-Max towing capacity increased to 3.5 tonnes

Isuzu has announced from the 1st July 2013, towing capacity of the award winning Isuzu D-Max will be increased by 500kg, adding to its already impressive list of credentials. The increase has come as a direct response to customer feedback and to satisfy commercial users demanding extra towing capacity.

Jed Thirkell, Isuzu Sales Executive at Derek Slack Motors says, "All D-Max models will be able to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes with the new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max pick-ups (excluding 4x2 Single Cab) registered from 1st July 2013. With confirmation of the new cetification to tow 3.5 tonnes, the Isuzu D-Max becomes the most capable pick-up in the market".

For more information, please contact Derek Slack Motors, Isuzu Centre of Excellence in Teesside-Middlesbrough on: 08433 201267

Skoda Yeti Adventure

Looking for adventure?

Strange tracks have been discovered in Middlesbrough close to the entrance to Derek Slack Motors, Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough. Experts now agree the tracks could belong to a strange Yeti like creature with it’s lair somewhere along the A66. Tony Slack, dealer principle at Derek Slack Motors admitted, ‘It’s no secret, the Yeti’s been with us for several years now and although we’ve never tried to cover up its existence, tracks left during recent snow showed the new Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4x4 Adventure can get around even in the very worst conditions'.

We asked Tony if conditions were right for us to catch a glimpse of the Yeti. ‘Sure', said Tony, 'I’m not very busy at the moment, follow me’. We slowly, tip-toed, tracing Tony’s own steps across the forecourt, holding our breath as he paused, eyes twitching left to right. ‘Have you seen it?’ we whispered. Tony turned with a smile so chilling it could have sent a shiver down the back of a penguin. ‘It’s over there’, he said pointing to a distant white shape across the forecourt. If adventure was staring us in the face, then you could forget bungee-jumping in the Alps, or Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. The Skoda Yeti Adventure was like nothing we could have imagined with numerous features including ‘Reef’ exterior package, with Matterhorn 17” alloys, silver roof rack and side panels with chrome strips as well as seat covers with silver trace design.

Our jaws hung open. ‘It’s incredible’, we gasped as Tony nodded in agreement. ‘How many are known to be in existence?’ we questioned in low whisper. ‘Only 1,680', came Tony’s sad reply and with £2,265 worth of outstanding free equipment, soon there wont be any left at all’.

For updates on the Skoda Yeti Adventure story follow this blog.

Subaru Boxer engine

See the Subaru Boxer engine in action like never before....

New Skoda Octavia better than Golf

The new Skoda Octavia has received a 5 star rating from ‘WHATCAR’ motoring press, the classy, spacious interior, with its huge boot, low company car tax bills and driving quality making the new Octavia a firm favorite. Although closely linked with the Golf using the same fuel-efficient 2.0 diesel engine with almost identical interior fittings, the Octavia’s extra family space and cheaper lease costs position it well ahead of the Golf.

In a recent company car review ‘WHATCAR’ April 2013, the Octavia was described as the cheapest with the Mazda 6, MG 6 and Golf all coming in more expensive as a leasing options. For family buyers no other car offers better value. It’s roomier and more advanced than its best-selling predecessor yet still manages to undercut the Golf. The Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol offers higher levels of space and specification for £1300 less. The range kicks off with a choice of two turbo petrol 1.2 and 1.4 engines, along with two diesel engines 1.6 and 2.0.

Froogle families and businesses will no doubt give the new Ocatvia a closer look over the coming months. With a starting price of just £15,990, a fuel efficient, economical engine annual road tax of only £30, and £40 a month less in company car tax, the Octavia offers value for money motoring.

To sum up, ‘WHATCAR?’ added, “we can hearlty recommend the new Octavia, quite possibly the most sensible car in the world.”

AM Licence and the Microcar

For many teenagers reaching their 16th birthday presents the opportunity to drive a moped or scooter on Britain’s roads for the first time. However, with parental concern based on safety, mams and dads might be interested in learning a new category of moped licence known as the AM Licence means 16-year-olds can now drive certain vehicles that look and drive like a car, but are no more powerful than a moped and not allowed to go faster than 28mph (45km/h).

The new category of moped licence introduced earlier in the year, and already popular in some European countries, known as the AM Licence means applicants can apply for the AM provisional licence eight weeks before their 16th birthday. The same provisional guidelines apply with a CBT test followed by a theory exam and a practical road evaluation test. However, it’s important to stress the road test is taken on a moped and not a four wheel vehicle.

Parents considering such a purchase might be interested in the Microcar range available at Derek Slack Motors which offer more safety than a two wheel moped. With an airbag fitted as standard and four wheel stability, robust body strength and class leading suspension and full driver external protection, the Microcar MGO and M8 (avilable in both petrol and diesel models) offer a safer alternative to the scooter or moped.

For more information on the new AM Licence and requirements to drive at the age of 16 call Derek Slack Motors or visit the link at:http://www.nidirect.gov.uk

Isuzu D-Max voted Pick-up of the year 2013

The Isuzu D-Max, (recently short-listed for the annual VansA2Z awards) has beaten stiff competition becoming 2013’s ‘Pick-up of the Year’. Facing a credible challenge from, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hi-Lux and Mitsubishi L200, the D-Max brushed aside any ‘also rans’ in what turned out to be a one-horse-race. Described by VansA2Z as, “A vehicle that can tackle a hard day’s graft and come back for more the next day” we think the D-Max is a worthy winner.

Jed Thirkle-Isuzu Sales Executive at Derek Slack Motors said, “ VansA2Z described the D-Max as a ‘workhorse and not a show pony’ and that’s an accurate description. The solid D-Max deserves the title as ‘Pick-up of the Year’. With a 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine and new six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox’ the D-Max is more than nimble to drive. Combined with a 3.0 tone towing capacity and a payload capacity of over a tone and improved fuel figures, plus a generous five year/125,000-mile warranty, it certainly ticks all the right boxes for the work orientated pick-up driver.”

Available in a choice of three body styles, including four-door, five-seater double cab, two-door single cab and also a single rear-wheel drive model with a stretched single cab, you can budget your workhorse around your business needs. Lease-hire prices start from only £193 per month. Call Derek Slack Motors on: 01642 256100, Isuzu’s only Dealer of Excellence in Teesside and North Yorkshire. 

2013 New Subaru Forester in North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough

Heading out onto the A66, it’s a long drive from Derek Slack Motors to the Tochigi prefecture, 5,874 miles to be exact (and that doesn't include the side roads) but this is the setting for Subaru’s secret test development centre in Japan. Hidden from prying eyes, the facility sits inside a mountain which Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru’s parent company), purchased over 20 years ago. They cut the top off and hid the facility inside. Contained within are numerous industrial buildings and an amazing array of roads with a steeply banked 2.5 mile high-sped oval rimming the dug-out mountain. This was the venue which greeted a select group of motoring press who drove several fourth-generation Subaru Foresters on and off road on the handling course, 40-degree slopes and the BIG oval.

The verdict?...Numerous changes define this new generation Forester beginning with a more muscular outer shell. Most noticeable are the new headlights, grille and hood with the largest change being the relocation of the external pillars. This offers a more streamlined profile and nearly 4-cm taller. 

2.5 litre petrol and 2.0 litre turbo diesel boxer engines are unchanged other than the diesel’s maximum torque arriving 200-rpm earlier at 1600-rpm. There’s also the return of a 2.0 litre base petrol option - the first time since 2003, producing 110kW/198Nm. The range-topping XT model will also drop to 2.0 litres.

Mechanically, the biggest news is the addition of Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the auto choice, replacing the outdated four-speed (five-speed on S-EDITION) torque-converter unit used on previous models. Only the 2.5 litre and 2.0 turbocharged petrol XT models will be available with an automatic transmission. The 2.0 litre base petrol will be available with six-speed manual, and the 2.0 turbo-diesel continues with the six-speed.

Good news on fuel consumption (which is lower for all models), assisted by the introduction of stop/start function. The thirstiest 2.5 litre petrol engine now returns 8.1 l/100km, turbo-diesel models 5.9 l/100km, and new 2.0 litre petrol variants return 7.2 l/100km. These figures all compare well with Forester’s immediate competition. The 2.5 litre models sit comfortably ahead of all key automatic all-wheel drive petrol alternatives, aside from the CX-5’s 6.9 l/100km figure (but with a smaller 2.0 litre engine).

No need to visit Tochigi, as the new 2013 Subaru Forester will arrive in our Middlesbrough showroom sometime in the spring. We’ll keep you updated.

New Skoda Octavia takes centre stage in Middlesbrough

The launch of the new Skoda Octavia took place on Saturday 16th March at Derek Slack Motors. Supported by VIP invitations, local radio and press advertising, anticipated turn out exceeded all expectations as Octavia customers filed through the showroom throughout the day. The motoring press had already whipped up media frenzy with accolades coming from every quarter. Ian Jarvis- Sales Manager at Derek Slack Motors said, ‘Prior to the launch we already had a long list of telephone bookings for test drives.’ There was no way to accommodate everyone on the day, but we have sequenced the bookings over a period of weeks.’  Anyone wishing to book a test drive should call now on 01642 256100

New Skoda Octavia launch in Middlesbrough

Visit Derek Slack Motors this weekend to view the Octavia evolution. As the oldest Skoda dealer in the North East, the Octavia story unfolds in Derek Slack Motors’ showroom with a vehicle from each generation spanning over 16 years. To celebrate the launch of the new Octavia, our sales team have been busy assembling the Octavia story in the shape of five different models. Phil Cross, Car Sales Co-ordinator said, the Octavia has won over ‘canny’ car buyers through a combination of engineering quality, space and attractive price tags.

The vehicles in our showroom line up were all sold and serviced by Derek Slack Motors, many belonging to families who’ve purchased not one, but many vehicles over the years.  The new Octavia is full of clever technology, packaged elegantly into the timeless angles and lines showcasing Skoda’s new design language.

Call in for this not to be missed Octavia legacy story and witness the latest generation Octavia that pushes the boundaries of safety and space like no Octavia ever before.

Derek Slack Motors, main dealers for Skoda, Subaru and Isuzu celebrate 40 years of trusted service in Middlesbrough

Derek Slack Motors are celbrating 40 years of service. Established in 1973, Derek Slack first began trading as a vehicle repair centre in Coral  Street, Middlesbrough, specialising in Reliant Robins. The business is now the last remaining family run motor retailer in Middlesbrough, as well as being dealers for Skoda, Subaru and Isuzu.

The growth Derek Slack Motors have enjoyed over the past four decades echoes the rise and rise of the Skoda brand. Derek Slack Motors is the oldest Skoda dealership in the North East and still a  family run business with Derek’s son Tony now at the helm.

“When I decided to take on board the Skoda franchise, I felt it would be a sound investment as VW had just taken a share stake offering long term stability and investment, giving us the opportunity to grow, said Derek Slack - Managing Director at the Cargo Fleet dealership. The success Skoda enjoyed and the demand for Skoda cars exceeded all my expectations. It has enabled us to grow and expand into bigger and better facilities-and we’re still 

growing with plans for further expansion in line with Skoda’s own growth strategy”. Derek Slack Motors will be firmly on the map as one of the leading Skoda operations during the next decade. 

The dealership has received numerous awards and accolades over the years for levels of outstanding customer service including, the prestigious title as ‘Number One Skoda Dealer in the UK for Customer Satisfaction’. Not content with receiving awards for customer service, Derek Slack Motors have also received recognition for staff development. 

“We’re proud to have two of the countries’ official, best Subaru technicians, Chris Harrison and Mike Lamb working in our Subaru workshop, said Tony Slack- Dealer Principle at the Cargo Fleet dealership. Working alongside them in our Skoda workshop is Graeme May, one of the first Skoda Master 

Technicians in the UK”.

March is also set to be an exciting month for the new ’13’ registration plate, with Skoda, Subaru and Isuzu all putting together some fabulous offers. Skoda have introduced the new Citigo, Rapid and 

to be released in March the latest Octavia to the line up, whilst Subaru have added the stunning BRZ and 5 years manufacturers’ warranty across the range. Isuzu have also launched a new special  edition D-Max Huntsman, designed for those working outdoors or with outdoor field pursuits, with some rather special bespoke features.

Tony added, “We’ve tried never to take our finger off the button and with the help of customer feedback, hope to remain an independent, family run garage for many years to come”.

Skoda Citigo Sport

Skoda have reveiled a new 2013 version of the Skoda Citigo, fittingly called the ‘Sport’. Available in a choice of three special colours including, Tornado Red, Candy White and Deep Black and all with coloured sport stripes, the Citigo Sport will soon be dashing along the roads of the north east. The Citigo Sport will also be available in three and five door models with a choice of 44 kW (60 hp) or 55 kW (75 hp) three-cylinder 1.0 MPI petrol engine, capable of returning 4.1 l/ 100 km and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km – with the Green tec package included. 

The sport trim includes, black 15-inch Auriga alloy wheels, a new body styling kit with front and rear spoilers and a rear diffuser section. With contrasting racing stripes along the hood, roof and smaller stripes along the sides and tailgate, the Citigo Sport has the look of a real supermini 

The sporty touches arn’t limited to the exterior, inside you’ll find a leather steering wheel, gearshift level and handbrake. The seats also have a sport trim with combination of red, grey and black.

Moving inside, there’s a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gearshift level and handbrake handle, with the seats receiving a sport’ textile design in a combination of red, grey and black. The Skoda Citigo will land in Middlesbrough during the spring, so watch this space for updates.

Isuzu D-Max Huntsman North East

Isuzu have introduced a new D-Max special edition the ‘Huntsman’ based on the range-topping Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Utah double cab. The vehicle endoserd by Mike Robinson from ITV’s Countrywise Kitchen is already hitting the headlines benefting from some rather unique features making it an ideal choice for both town and country.

Selecting a vehicle which is not only ideally suited for the country environment but also reducing it’s impact on the environment is helped by the efficient 2.5-litre Euro 5-compliant twin-turbo diesel engine, delivers 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, but equally importantly, emits only 194 g/km of CO2 and returns class-leading fuel economy of 38.2 mpg (combined). Many customers who purchase Isuzus from Derek Slack Motors often live or work in the more rural areas of North Yorkshire, Teesside and Durham. The modifications made to the Huntsman have all been carefully designed to make a real difference in the day-to-day life of a people working or with outdoor pursuits in the field.

To begin, all the vehicle’s chrome finished exteriors have been wrapped in matt-black vinyl – including the front grille, door handles and rear bumper. The 17” alloys are also matt black and fitted with all terrain tyres. So no danger of glare from chrome.

Inside are many new features for keeping binoculars and other gadgets close at hand. One of the most ingenious hidden features is the secure gun box in the cabin which offers a safe and secure storage for rifles, scopes and lights. Once locked the draws are hidden from view when tailgate shuts making life more difficult for thieves.

Below the tailgate there’s a reversing camera and sensors making parking in tight places a great deal easier. The towbar is also slighty raised so if you’re pushing the Huntsmans through its off-road capabilities, you won’t hit the ground on landing.

The Isuzu D-Max is also fitted with a unique load-bay drawer system, winch and ramp, for loading heavy items into the back of the pickup. The winch is also powerfull enough to pull a car from a ditch. To keep the payload secure and cool, it’s protected by a ventilated Truckman Grand Hard Top. So for those looking for a dependable workhorse pick-up which is robust, utterly reliable and virtually unstoppable off-road. The Huntsman is the ultimate vehicle.

Andreas Mikkelsen picks up second Intercontinental Rally Challenge trophy

Andreas Mikkelsen picked up his second Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers’ trophy in two years at an end of season awards ceremony in Paris – along with the additional award of the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy Driver of the Year.

Ola Fløene also in the famous luminous green ŠKODA tie collected his second successive co-drivers’ title, having guided Andreas to all his IRC successes.

Andreas began by saying, “I’ve just completed two fantastic years in the IRC with ŠKODA. It was a big opportunity coming with them in 2011 and I felt like I’d won the series when I got that drive. We’ve been very successful and won two championships. These years with ŠKODA UK have meant everything to me and if it wasn’t for them I’d still be driving in the Subaru Cup in Norway.”

The new Skoda Octavia 2013

After eight years of sales and critical success, the second generation Octavia is making way for the third generation; the most important car that ŠKODA has ever launched.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform, the new Octavia boasts levels of technology and specification never before seen in the ŠKODA range, as well as ground-breaking CO2 and efficiency figures. 

That’s not all; the new Octavia has more luggage and passenger space than any other car in its segment, and stunning exterior design that continues the new design language introduced with Rapid. The new Octavia is set to land in Derek Slack Motors showroom in early March, but we’ll keep you posted.