Czech automaker Skoda Auto is helping parent company Volkswagen achieve its goals of greener transportation around the world. Skoda recently released information about its reconditioned Roomster and Fabia Estate models featuring greener drive systems. The Fabia Estate Greenline II and the Roomster GreenLine II do not feature hybrid drives but myriad features that drive down fuel consumption. For Volkswagen and Skoda Auto, the GreenLine IIs also reduce emissions enough to meet the European Union 5 standards set for European automakers.
The heart of Skoda Auto’s GreenLine II models is a 1.2-liter TDI diesel engine that is designed for maximum efficiency. Both vehicles feature Skoda’s new seven-speed automatic transmission that provides responsive gear shifts at high speeds. Skoda representatives highlighted the extraordinary fuel economy in both models due to this engine upgrade. The Fabia Estate GreenLine II has a fuel economy rating of 69 miles per gallon, thrusting the model ahead of competitors in the sedan market. The Roomster GreenLine II features a fuel economy rating of 56 miles per gallon.
Fuel economy is not the only selling point for Skoda Auto’s second generation of GreenLine vehicles. The stop-start system installed in both models turns on and off as drivers disengage and engage their clutches. Skoda Auto also incorporated an energy recuperation system into these vehicles to save energy produced while braking. Drivers will also be interested in the gear recommendation system featured in the Fabia Estate and Roomster GreenLines. This system informs drivers about gear shifts by the automatic transmission via the digital Maxi DOT display. Rather than using hybrid systems, Skoda Auto is juggling efficient parts and technology to reduce vehicle impacts on the environment.
The technology used in GreenLine II fits into the approach used by Volkswagen toward greener vehicles. Volkswagen is outfitting its most popular models with efficient engines and transmissions to slowly but surely improve fuel efficiency. Skoda Auto is using entry-level vehicles like the Fabia Estate and Roomster to introduce its fuel-efficient components at reasonable costs to consumers. This approach to green vehicle development is ideal in the short term with some consumers skeptical about new hybrid and electric models. As GreenLine II models hit the streets of Eastern Europe, we will see how successful this Trojan horse approach is in terms of sales numbers and purchases by new consumers.
