New Skoda to cost $5995

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 19

New Skoda to cost $5995

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This month sees the launching of the new Skoda. The Skoda 120 LS replaces the 110, which has been a steady seller in New Zealand for many years. The 120 will sell for §5995, compared with the 54698 of the 110 L. but it will still be an attractive proposition, with the nearest four-door 1200 cu cm competitor costing several hundred dollars above that price.

The 120, which went into production in 1976, is a solid-looking car with fairly old-fashioned styling — it has a stubby tail, high waist-line and quite thick pillars.

It is rear-engined, and its 58 h.p. 1174 cu cm motor pushes it to a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93 m.p.h.). It will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 17 seconds. The LS returns a basic fuel consumption of

8.6 l/100km (33 m.p.g.). The new Skoda has two compartments for luggage — under the bonnet at the front and behind the rear seat, ahead of the motor, in the rear. The back of the rear seat folds down to extend the freight area. The car is a full fiveseater, with four doors. It is likely that the 120 will have improved handling characteristics on the 110, after Skoda reacted to criticism of the first 120’s handling on release in Britain in 1976. The Royal Automobile Club, along with sections of the motoring press, criticised the car’s handling under severe conditions. In response to this Skoda changed the wheel size ‘ from 14 inch to 13 inch and modified the suspension for much improved handling. According to Skoda, the 120 LS incorporates the latest in safety features,

with the bodywork designed with front and rear impact zones for maximum protection for occupants in a collision.

The 120 LS has moulded reclining front seats with head restraints, and four easy-to-read instruments — speedometer, tacho-

meter, fuel and temperature gauges. The interior of the 120 is larger than that of the old 111), and interior noise is said to be less also. The 120 LS has twin quartz-halogen headlights.

Dimensions are: Length 4160 mm, width 1595 mm, height 1400 mm, wheelbase 2400 mm.

The first 20 120 s were due in Christchurch this month, but shipping delays may see their introduction here delayed until next month. Initially the cars will be imported fully built up, but next year assembly will start at New Zealand Motor Holdings’ Palmerston North plant, which is in mothballs at present.