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!

Subaru service North East and North Yorkshire

If you live in the North East or North Yorkshire and you’re looking to service your Subaru, then you'll want to be sure your Subaru pride and joy is the loving hands of people who know what they’re doing. Introducing Chris Harrison - the official number one Subaru technician in the country and working right here at Derek Slack Motors in Middlesbrough.

Chris fought off some stiff competition from other UK Subaru finalists before becoming the UK’s Subaru champion to go through to Subaru’s, ‘World Technician Competition’ in Japan. Chris is now recognised as one of the top 12 Subaru technicians in the world and we’re delighted to have him at Derek Slack Motors.

‘It was a fantastic opportunity for me and one I’ll never forget, said Chris, who’s been with Derek Slack Motors since 2011. ‘Progressing through the UK finals and then to be chosen as the sole UK Subaru finalist was a real dream come true. The invitation to attend the competition in Japan was a real honor and to meet so many fellow
Subaru technicians and enthusiasts from around the world was a truly wonderful experience.’