Volkswagen Group Australia has issued a statement regarding a potential issue with braking performance in certain vehicles. The company has identified a risk of brake fluid leakage, particularly in vehicles that use DOT4 fluid. This fluid is flammable due to its composition, and if it leaks onto the hot exhaust manifold, it could result in an underhood fire. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their preferred retailer to arrange a service appointment. While the specific remedy for this concern has not been disclosed, it is likely that technicians will reinstall the heat shield.
Skoda, a brand that is older than Volkswagen, has also identified potentially affected vehicles. These include the Superb and Octavia models from 2020 to 2024, with a total of 3,801 units. Additionally, Cupra, a brand that is not available in the United States, has identified 26 units of the Formentor and Leon models from 2020 to 2022 as potentially affected.
Skoda and Volkswagen have a history dating back many years. Skoda, originally an arms manufacturer, began producing cars in 1925. The Volkswagen Group became the largest shareholder of SEAT, a Spanish automaker, in 1986.
The Cupra Leon can be considered the sportier version of the SEAT Leon. It shares similarities with the Volkswagen Golf, including a 2.0-liter turbo engine and Haldex-type all-wheel drive in the higher-performance models. Cupra’s first model unique to the brand is the Formentor, a crossover positioned between the Leon hatchback and wagon in terms of size.
Unlike the Leon, the Formentor offers the option of Audi Sport’s 2.5-liter turbo inline-five engine. Skoda’s Octavia and Superb models are available in both five-door liftback and wagon variants. The Superb, in its fourth generation, can be seen as Skoda’s interpretation of the B9 Passat, while the Octavia is more closely related to the Golf Mk8.
In Australia, the most affordable Octavia available in 2024 is the Style 110 TSI, priced at 41,890 AUD or 27,450 USD. Moving up to the larger Superb, the AWD-equipped Sportline 206 TSI starts at 65,590 AUD or 42,990 USD.
The Cupra Leon V, which comes with Volkswagen Group’s DSG dual-clutch transmission, has a starting price of 51,990 AUD or 34,075 USD. In comparison, the Formentor V starts at 64,990 AUD or 42,600 USD. While Cupra aims to transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030, Skoda plans to increase the proportion of its European vehicle sales that are electric to over 70 percent by the same year.
According to the Source autoevolution.com