A Superb effort
Skoda are upbeat about their flagship saloon
T
here is a danger in grim times such as these to get sucked in by
the doom and gloom brigade. But while the pessimists are currently
having a field day, there are still pockets of optimism left within the
automotive industry.
Skoda, for example, are over the moon with the performance of their
flagship Superb Saloon. The executive express easily beat its sales target
for the first couple of months of the year and Skoda have subsequently
increased the fleet sales forecast for the model to 2000 vehicles this year -
more than 40 per cent higher then they had initially hoped for.
The fact of the matter is that the Superb is fast becoming the preferred
choice of operators and users looking for luxury at a reasonable cost.
What’s more the recent launch of the GreenLine edition is expected to fuel
demand further, as growing numbers of motorists switch on to the many
benefits of owning this stunning saloon.
Powered by a Volkswagen developed 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine
John Grimason of Glasgow, taking delivery of his
offering 105 horsepower, it can travel up to 67 miles on a single gallon
brand new Skoda Superb S model at The Taxi Centre.
on the open road. With many businesses trying to reduce costs at
every turn of a coin, this Superb can certainly play an important part in it would make many other cars in its class blush with embarrassment.
minimizing transport bills. Better yet, the Superb is also good to drive and boasts impeccable
road manners. Most people will drive a Superb all day long and love
But it is not just the fleet boys who are recognizing the benefits of the it, especially taxi drivers. Skoda have worked hard in recent years to
Superb, because family guys are also making the switch. Built to the transform their image, and now they are rightly reaping the rewards.
same exacting standards as a Volkswagen or an Audi, this exceptionally
spacious saloon comes with a much lower price tag. As well as boasting For further information please call Allan McGinness, Sales Director
one of the classiest cabins around, it also has so much rear legroom that of The Taxi Centre on 0141 847 6999.
Ford Transit Tourneo
Nothing short of excellent
It’s testament to the quality of the new Ford form. A gutsy 130bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine stability programme, traction control all came
Transit that you’re reading this road test of provides a huge wedge of pulling power - 228lb/ as standard, while remote central locking and
the Ford Tourneo at all. After all, the Transit is ft worth at an exceptionally low 1750rpm. That power steering helped to make driving easy.
better known for its load-lugging abilities than means the bulk of the engine’s grunt is available If you’re looking for a people mover with more
passenger car comfort. But the new Transit low in the rev range. This power is fed through a than your usual seven seats, the Tourneo is one
is nothing short of excellent, and when it’s five speed gearbox to the front wheels - something of the few practical choices.
combined with a bundle of fancy bits, you get that saves space as the drivetrain doesn’t have
something that can worry more conventional to run through the vehicle. For further information please call Allan
MPVs. While most private buyers would choose McGinness, Sales Director of The Taxi
a Galaxy over the Tourneo, the Tranny-in-a- It wasn’t short on kit either. ABS, electronic Centre on 0141 847 6999.
sharp-suit finds favour with businesses looking
to ferry customers from hotel to airport, or office
to function suite. Our 8-seater test van came
with comfortable leather seats, and rear access
was excellent thanks to two huge sliding doors.
Drivers can sling plenty of gear in the boot,
and the tailgate lifts upwards rather than the
conventional twin slide-hinged door format.
From the driver’s seat things were remarkably
car-like, with a steering wheel and gear knob
you’d expect to find in a Mondeo. The dash is
clearly laid out and the controls well marked.
There are loads of storage spaces too, but this
is where the Tourneo reveals its more humble
underpinnings - there’s space for clipboards
and other paraphernalia of the delivery
driver or tradesman. Outside the Tourneo is
certainly striking - from the front, at least. Huge
headlights flank an even bigger grille, but it all
goes a bit flat around the sides and rear; they
about the same as the outgoing model.
James Jackson from Glengarnock in Ayrshire receiving his brand new Ford
Transit Tourneo from Colin Beck, Sales Executive at the The Taxi Centre.
But the Tourneo is more about function than
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