Christmas Delivery at Phoenix Park – New Skoda Octavia’s for An Garda Síochána | Season 4 – Episode 99
Wheels Dec 27, 2024
There was an early Christmas delivery at An Garda Síochána Headquarters in Phoenix Park, with four new 242-registered Skoda Octavia Combi estates arriving. These Skodas continue to replace the underpowered 1.7 Hyundai i40 Tourer Estates, which were widely regarded as unsuitable for the demanding operational requirements of An Garda Síochána.
GARDA FLEET
As of 30 September 2024, the Garda Fleet Management Section oversees a total of 3,520 vehicles distributed across various Garda Divisions and specialist units. Among them, 1,043 are marked squad cars. The newly delivered Octavia’s, specified and modified to meet An Garda Síochána’s operational standards, will join this fleet.
Each week, we travel far and wide to bring you our unique Irish transport stories, today we were in Phoenix Park to see the new delivery of Garda cars. If you’d like to help cover travel costs, please consider subscribing for just €2 a month via www.irelandmade.ie —less than the price of a cup of coffee!
SKODA OCTAVIA
Over 27 years of production, the Octavia has become Skoda’s most successful model, with more than seven million sold worldwide. Now in its fourth generation—and recently facelifted for 2024—the Octavia Combi estate chosen by An Garda Síochána is a proven performer.
GARDA SPEC
These Octavia Combis are configured to Garda operational requirements and offer 360-degree blue light visibility via powerful LED lights integrated into the front windscreen, grille, tailgate, and number plate area, all complemented by a three-tone siren. A “Light Sync System Function” ensures that multiple cars at an incident scene can display identical light patterns, helping to safely direct oncoming traffic.
For enhanced visibility and safety, the cars feature full LED Matrix headlights with an Adaptive Front Light System (AFS). Inside, the vehicles boast Skoda’s latest infotainment system, displayed on a 10-inch central screen. The Virtual Cockpit instrument panel is also standard, allowing drivers to customise the information layout. Other comfort and convenience features include heated front seats, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with DSG paddles and chrome-knurled switches, plus a spacious 640-liter boot—ideal for carrying traffic cones, signs, and related equipment.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Factory-fit enhancements include the integration of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras to identify uninsured drivers. Another option extends air conditioning to the rear compartment, creating air-conditioned kennels for specialist dog handling units.
Each week, we travel far and wide to bring you our unique Irish transport stories, today we were in Phoenix Park to see the new delivery of Garda cars. If you’d like to help cover travel costs, please consider subscribing for just €2 a month via www.irelandmade.ie —less than the price of a cup of coffee!
TOP OF THE RANGE?
It remains unclear whether this batch of Octavias are the de-badged vRS variants equipped with a 245PS (241.6 hp) petrol engine and DSG transmission—achieving 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds—or if they are the 2.0 TDI 200PS (197 hp) DSG models with available four-wheel drive. The vRS spec typically includes wireless smartphone integration, Adaptive Cruise Control and front and rear parking sensors with Manoeuvre Assist.
In 2025 will An Garda Síochána further expand their Skoda fleet by introducing the electrified Octavia vRS iV DSG model, offering 245PS (241 hp)? Only time will tell.
If you have an idea for a story, please email Kevin [email protected]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As we approach the end of Season 4 (and our 400th video-story) here on Ireland Made – stories of Irish transport I want to give sincere thanks to all of my followers, subscribers, contributor’s and to Dennison Trailers for sponsoring our website – thank you one and all.
Each week, we travel far and wide to bring you our unique Irish transport stories, today we were in Phoenix Park to see the new delivery of Garda cars. If you’d like to help cover travel costs, please consider subscribing for just €2 a month via www.irelandmade.ie —less than the price of a cup of coffee!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sources of Information and Photo Credits:
Fleet News UK
Garda Siochana Fleet Photos – Facebook page
Garda.ie
Top Gear
