Skoda sold nearly 38,000 new cars in 2005, a new record for the brand in the UK.

The brand’s UK market share of 1.6% was also a record-breaking achievement.

Skoda’s sales total of 37,803 represents an increase over 2005 sales of 8%.

All three of Skoda’s model lines posted sales increases compared to 2004. The Fabia supermini sold 18,541, up 1%; the Octavia recorded sales of 16,379, up 16%; the Superb, was up 13%, with sales totalling 2,883.

Sales of Skoda’s vRS range totalled 3,826, equal to 10% of total sales. The Fabia vRS, with its 1.9 TDI 130bhp engine, made up the majority of vRS sales at 2,961, while the first-generation Octavia vRS accounted for the rest. The new-generation Octavia vRS will make its debut on January 23.

Brand director Chris Craft said: "I am delighted with the sales result, which is a testament to the quality, value and appeal of our expanding model range. Of greater significance to me personally is the fact Skoda broke new ground in 2005 by becoming the first manufacturer to achieve a top five position in the J D Power Customer Satisfaction Survey for 10 years in succession.

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Model update

Skoda has added new engine and trim prices to its Octavia and Superb ranges.

An additional trim level has been added to the Octavia range, the Classic 1.6 FSI. Available in both hatch and estate, the new model will be priced at £11,990 on the road for the hatch and £12,480 for the estate version. The Classic 1.6 FSI will have the same standard equipment as other Octavia Classic models, including electro-mechanical power steering, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, driver and front passenger airbags and central locking.

Prices for the rest of the Octavia 1.6 FSI range have been reduced. The Ambiente 1.6 FSI is now priced at £12,990 and the Elegance at £13,990, a reduction of £725 on both models.

The Ambiente adds features to the Classic such as front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, tinted glass, 15-inch alloys, trip computer, cruise control and a six-CD autochanger. The Elegance adds 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and auto dimming rear view mirror with rain sensor wipers and fog lights.

All Octavia models include Skoda’s ‘extra bit of car’, with litre water bottle holders in the front door pockets, a ticket holder inside the front windscreen and extra storage compartments.

In addition to changes to the Octavia 1.6 FSI, the price of the Octavia Sport 2.0 FSI has been reduced to £15,800, a saving of £350 on 2005 prices.

The Superb range is being expanded with the addition of 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp in Comfort trim. The 2.5 V6 TDI Tiptronic is now available on Classic and Comfort Superb as well.