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The premiere on 16 September 1987 at the International Engineering Fair in Brno marked a turning point for the traditional Czech company. With its state-of-the-art design, as well as the combination of front engine and front-wheel drive, the ŠKODA FAVORIT was on par with Western competitors in its class. The agile compact model also excelled in rally racing.

“The FAVORIT signalled the start of ŠKODA’s dynamic development, which has continued to this day,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. "Although the circumstances were anything but favourable, a team of passionate and enthusiastic engineers created a vehicle that could immediately compete on the western market. The progressive concept of the FAVORIT as well as the developers’ expertise and experience were decisive factors behind the Volkswagen Group’s interest in the ŠKODA brand in Czechoslovakia following the 1989 Velvet Revolution.”

The project of a modern passenger car with front engine and front-wheel drive was based on a decision by the Czechoslovak government in December 1982. The implementation deadlines were extremely short: The development stage was to be completed within two and a half years (by June 30, 1985) and production was to start within five years. As the team leader, experienced engineer Petr Hrdlička teamed up with a group of highly qualified and motivated employees who took on the task with great personal commitment. At least, they were not starting from scratch, as the engineers had previously dealt with this concept and developed the front-wheel drive prototype ŠKODA 780.

Attractive coat for modern technology: Design by Bertone
The design played a major role in the acceptance of the new vehicle. Following the trend of the early 1980s, ŠKODA decided to entrust the design of the new compact car to an Italian designer. The Turin studio ‘Stile Bertone’ was chosen to develop the body versions of the hatchback, estate, notchback and coupe, as well as several interior versions. In addition, the design studio was commissioned to construct a total of 19 prototype models in various designs.

A team from ŠKODA’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav was responsible for implementing the design in series production. The Czech engineers demonstrated a great deal of creativity and expertise in this area as well: Compared to the ŠKODA 120 rear-engine model, they reduced the number of press parts from 405 to just 227. In addition, the 40mm shorter FAVORIT had an interior space that was 85mm longer and a larger boot volume than its predecessor. The ŠKODA FAVORIT became a fully-fledged family car and formed an excellent basis for the subsequent ŠKODA FORMAN estate version.

Diverse international cooperation
The ŠKODA team worked closely with the Institute of Motor Vehicles in Prague (ÚVMV), where, for example, simulated test drives were carried out amounting to the equivalent of 100,000 kilometres within a week. Later, the prototypes were put to the test on actual roads, covering over a quarter of a million kilometres. Road trials were also conducted over the Alps and in the heat of the Italian Riviera. The brakes were tested for effectiveness and stability on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and the Turracher Höhe in Austria.

During the development phase, the ŠKODA engineers cooperated with many external specialists. Experts from Porsche, for example, contributed to the suspension of the engine, the geometry of the front axle and the reduction of the interior noise level. The final phase of the ŠKODA FAVORIT’s development involved dynamic tests on Porsche’s test track in Weissach.

Considerable attention was paid to the "heart" of the new model. This was the proven OHV four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1,289 cc and a power output of 43 kW (58 hp) or 46 kW (63 hp) – initially with a carburettor; from 1993, with fuel injection. ŠKODA satisfied the high demands of the European clientele in terms of reliability and the new exhaust regulations through the use of particularly durable materials for the valve seats, pistons with steel core, higher quality cylinder liners, stiffer cylinder and crank cases, a hardened crankshaft and many other optimizations.

Acclaimed premiere at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, 1987
The ŠKODA FAVORIT celebrated its official world premiere on September 16, 1987, at the
29th International Engineering Fair in Brno where hundreds of thousands of curious motorists and journalists from all over Europe took a closer look at the new model. Initially, a limited number of vehicles was built at Vrchlabí for homologation. Full production was launched in early December 1987. From August 1988, the FAVORIT series was also produced at the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The first FAVORIT 136 L (de Luxe) type vehicles headed to the dealerships in the fourth quarter of 1988 and were available starting at 84,600 Czechoslovakian crowns.

The modernised FAVORIT: continuously improving
Following the Velvet Revolution in November 1989 and the transition to a market economy, it quickly became apparent that only the entry of a strong foreign partner could ensure ŠKODA’s long-term competitiveness. After intensive negotiations with several interested parties, ŠKODA became a member of the Volkswagen Group in the spring of 1991. The ŠKODA FAVORIT, one of the few passenger cars of modern construction designed in the former Eastern bloc, proved to be an excellent base even after entering Volkswagen. Now, the model received upgrades in technology, appearance and quality. The first facelift rolled out in 1991, with the asymmetrically mounted logo being moved to the centre of the radiator grille. The major revision of January 1993 will be remembered by many drivers for its impressive advertising campaign: ŠKODA attached 548 flags to the FAVORIT– one for each improvement to the compact model.

Thanks to the successive modifications, the FAVORIT series kept pace with customers’ increasing requirements regarding safety, comfort and design. This ensured the model family’s continued success in challenging markets; in Germany, sales between 1990 and 1991 almost doubled. Sales of the ŠKODA FAVORIT and the FORMAN estate version received a further boost with the introduction of special editions, for example, Sport Line, Black Line, Marathon and Excellent. 783,168 ŠKODA FAVORITs were built between August 1987 and September 1994. Alongside the FORMAN estate and commercial vehicle derivatives, including the PICK-UP model, ŠKODA built a total of 1,077,126 vehicles of this model before the ŠKODA FELICIA and the FELICIA COMBI took the baton.

Motorsport: ŠKODA FAVORIT at rallies – success even at the world cup
With the new FAVORIT, ŠKODA entered the rally world championship at the end of 1989, quickly continuing the successes of the Mladá Boleslav rear-wheelers. In 1990, the ŠKODA FAVORIT took part in selected rallies at the World Championship, the European Championship and the Czechoslovakian Rally Championship. Gradually, ŠKODA increased its involvement in motorsport; in 1994, the FAVORIT completed all the World Cup races for the first time. The model achieved its greatest success at the most famous rally in the world – the Monte Carlo Rally. The highly experienced duo Pavel Sibera/Petr Gross won in their class with the FAVORIT 136L four times in a row between 1991 and 1994. In 1994 the traditional brand succeeded in the biggest coup of all: in the category for vehicles with <2.0-litre displacement and a driven axle, the ŠKODA FAVORIT took the title in the FIA World Cup Formula 2.

ŠKODA AUTO is celebrating the anniversary of this model series, which is particularly significant for the company's history, with a special exhibition at the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav. From 18 September, various prototypes and documents will be on display. On 26 September at 17.30, a discussion panel, which will include leading figures from the early days of the model, will be speaking about the exciting time of change 30 years ago. They will be sharing their memories and providing a unique insight into the time when ŠKODA wrote the first chapter in its modern-day success story.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA’s new compact SUV serves Spanish cycling superstar as service vehicle. ŠKODA KAROQ makes Spanish cycling debut in Vuelta; first appearance on Spanish roads.

A ŠKODA KAROQ will be accompanying local hero and global cycling star Alberto Contador today in his time trial of the Spanish cycling race ‘La Vuelta’. The traditional Czech brand’s new compact SUV will serve the Spaniard's technical team as an emergency vehicle and carry important spare parts for Contador's racing bike. The Czech brand has specifically chosen the most prestigious 16th stage of the Vuelta to debut the ŠKODA KAROQ.On the route from the Circuito de Navarra to Logroño, the compact SUV will be driving not only for the first time at the ‘Vuelta’, but also for the first time on Spanish roads.

It will be at a crucial stage that the ŠKODA KAROQ enters the ‘Vuelta’ this Tuesday. Following the rest day on Monday, the cycling pros began their 40.2-kilometre individual time trial. The stage starts at the Circuito de Navarra and ends in Logroño. Alberto will be riding shoulder to shoulder with the new ŠKODA KAROQ. The KAROQ, which the professional team Trek-Segafredo will be using as a service vehicle at the ‘Vuelta’, was transported to Navarra directly from ŠKODA’s headquarters in the Czech town of Mladá Boleslav. The compact SUV is perfectly suited as a support vehicle due to its variability and above-average space.

The new ŠKODA KAROQ, which celebrated its world premiere in Stockholm in May, is a dynamically designed compact SUV. The design is characterised by crystalline elements, which are a fundamental component of ŠKODA’s modern design language. The highlights of the model include the 1630-litre boot volume, full LED front lights and programmable digital instrument cluster available for the first time at ŠKODA. In addition, the new KAROQ has a wide range of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems for safety, environmental protection and comfort.

At its market launch in October, ŠKODA is offering five engines between 85 kW (115 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp) for the compact SUV. Popular ‘Simply Clever’ solutions include the VarioFlex System for the rear seats that increases the luggage volume to up to 1810 litres, and this comfort feature allows the boot lid to be opened electronically.

The debut of the ŠKODA KAROQ during the important individual time trials underlines the brand’s passionate commitment to cycling, which dates back to the origins of the company. Even before the first cars had left the Mladá Boleslav production lines in 1905, the founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement were building high-quality bicycles. Today, the traditional Czech brand is one of the most important partners of the sport. ŠKODA supports world events such as the Tour de France and the Tour of Spain "La Vuelta a España", among others, as the official vehicle partner. In addition, ŠKODA promotes amateur and grassroots cycling and numerous other sporting events.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

At the IAA (12-24 September), ŠKODA is presenting its first purely electrically driven concept car that can drive autonomously at level 3 – the VISION E.

The design has been developed once more following the world premiere in Shanghai. The study goes one step further into the digital future and it is a connectivity pioneer. The most eye-catching design features are the absence of a B-pillar and the opposed-opening doors. Typical of ŠKODA are the generous amount of space, the modern assistance systems and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ solutions.

The design of the VISION E study displays distinctive characteristics of the new ŠKODA design language for electric vehicles. The opposed-opening doors and four individual swivel seats are striking features. Wing mirrors are a thing of the past – cameras relay what is happening around the car onto screens. The VISION E deliberately forgoes the B-pillar in favour of an even more generous feeling of space. Compared to the vehicle from the world premiere in Shanghai, the front has been developed further and now has even more character.

With the VISION E, ŠKODA is taking a big step into the digital future. The first electrically driven concept vehicle for autonomous driving in the company’s history shows a new level of connectivity. In addition to the dashboard screen and the central touchscreen display, which allows the driver and front passenger to read and operate all ŠKODA Connect functions and services, every occupant has their own display at their disposal. Using touchscreens, numerous convenience details such as vehicle data and entertainment can be operated. A Phonebox that charges smartphones inductively is integrated into each door. At the same time, the box serves as an interface that allows passengers to access their mobile devices’ personal settings, data and information conveniently on the individual touchscreen displays.

Many further features signal that the future is already here. The infotainment systems can be operated using voice and gesture controls, for example. Cameras monitor the driver all the time and check on their fitness and alertness using Eye Tracking. The Driver Alert system warns the driver of tiredness. The VISION E even comes with a digital doctor: the heart rate monitor slows the vehicle down automatically, should the driver experience any health problems. Just like in many ŠKODA production models, the VISION E occupants are of course ‘always online’ thanks to a Wi-Fi hotspot and LTE module.

With a length of 4,668 mm, a width of 1,924 mm and a height of 1,591 mm the VISION E exudes great presence. Due to the long wheelbase of 2,851 mm and the short front and rear overhangs the technicians were able to create – as is standard with a ŠKODA – an extremely generous and comfortable interior. Due to the concept, there is no transmission tunnel which creates a ŠKODA-typical generous amount of space in the front and the rear.

Electric motors with a total power output of 225 kW (306 PS) drive all four wheels of the concept car. The range of up to 500 km and the top speed of 180 km/h are impressive. The VISION E allows for autonomous driving at level 3. On motorways, the autopilot system enables the concept car to autonomously accelerate, steer, brake and even avoid obstacles. The Car Park Autopilot finds free parking spaces and directs the vehicle there automatically. The VISION E is charged inductively.

The ŠKODA VISION E celebrates its European premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt. The ŠKODA press conference takes place at midday on 12 September 2017 in pavilion 3.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Curtain up for the new ŠKODA KAROQ. The traditional Czech brand presents their new compact SUV at the IAA in Frankfurt.

The ŠKODA KAROQ will be making its public debut at the ŠKODA stand in hall 3. A first for ŠKODA: a digital instrument panel. The SUV also comes fully networked with LTE module and ŠKODA Connect. Its emotive and dynamic design with crystalline features characterises the brand's new SUV design language. ŠKODA will be presenting the SUV alongside a host of new models in hall 3 from 14 to 24 September.

The ŠKODA KAROQ is a sport utility vehicle with character: its emotional and dynamic design with numerous crystalline elements showcases ŠKODA’s new design language. The compact SUV measures 4382 mm in length, 1841 mm in width and 1605 mm in height. The long wheelbase of 2638 millimetres guarantees plenty of room for passengers. The boot has a volume of 521 litres with the rear seats in the default position. Folding the rear seats forward increases the boot capacity to 1630 litres. ŠKODA has incorporated several ‘Simply Clever’ ideas into the new compact SUV including the virtual pedal, which opens the boot hands-free and the optional VarioFlex back seats. In combination with the VarioFlex rear seat, the storage space is flexible and holds between 479 and 588 litres. The VarioFlex system consists of three separate rear seats that can be individually adjusted and completely removed – the compact SUV is then converted into a van with a maximum load volume of 1810 litres.

The ŠKODA KAROQ is the most digitalised vehicle in ŠKODA’s model range. This is the first time a fully customisable digital instrument panel has been offered in a ŠKODA. The displays can be personalised and are linked to the infotainment system. The vehicle’s extensive network ensures a comfortable and safe ride for driver and passengers alike. All connectivity solutions serve to improve the flow of information, and enhance the entertainment and safety. The ŠKODA KAROQ offers the latest infotainment systems. All capacitive touch displays feature ŠKODA’s characteristic glass design. ŠKODA KAROQ passengers are always online thanks to the LTE module and WLAN hotspot, to which each passenger’s mobile device can connect.

The new mobile online services of ŠKODA Connect are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide the information and navigation; the Care Connectservices provide assistance in breakdowns and emergencies. For example, the Emergency call feature automatically calls for assistance in the event of an accident. Additional online services are available on the ŠKODA Connect app, enabling users to remotely check, configure and find the car via their smartphone.

Intelligent networking between car and smartphone reaches a new level in the ŠKODA KAROQ. The phone box with inductive charging links the smartphone to the roof antenna and simultaneously charges it wirelessly.

The ŠKODA KAROQ also offers new driver assistance systems. Among others, Park Assist, Lane Assist and the traffic jam assistant enhance driving comfort. Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with innovative pedestrian protection and the emergency assistant increase safety on the road. The compact SUV offers a comfortable light concept with full-LED headlights and rear lights, as well as ambient lighting for the interior.

Five engine variants are available, including two petrol engines and three diesel engines with outputs ranging from 85 kW (115 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). Both petrol engines and two of the diesels are new to the programme. The displacement capacities are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 litres. With the exception of the most powerful diesel, all powertrains can be ordered with a manual 6-speed gearbox or 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) comes as standard with 4×4 drive and 7-speed DSG. The new 1.5 TSI offers cylinder deactivation.

The ŠKODA KAROQ chassis sets new standards in its segment, demonstrating its quality even off the beaten track. From the Ambition equipment line up, driving profile selection with the modes Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow (4×4) is available on request.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

A first for ŠKODA: a freely programmable digital instrument panel. ŠKODA KAROQ celebrates trade fair premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show, and continues brand’s SUV campaign.

A customizable technology is celebrating its premiere in the new ŠKODA KAROQ at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Breaking with analogue tradition, this is the first time ŠKODA has installed a digital instrument panel in the cockpit. Four different layouts are available and can be individually programmed. Passengers also have the option of always being online. ŠKODA Connect offers an automatic emergency call function, navigation in real time and remote access to the vehicle. ŠKODA is continuing its SUV campaign with the ŠKODA KAROQ. The compact SUV can now be ordered in two equipment variants with a choice of five engines.

For the first time, a ŠKODA can be customized with a digital instrument panel. In the ŠKODA KAROQ, four different layouts are available that can be modified as desired: “Classic”, “Digital”, “Infoprofile” and “Reduced”. These four layouts provide the framework for the notifications, and the driver can scroll through the interactive display of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) to set which notifications appear in which area of the panel and their sizes. Information on the audio system, phone, assistance systems (Lane Assist, Front Assist, etc.) and vehicle status can also be set to appear on the right, left, or in the centre.

The following layout variants can be set in the digital instrument panel:

The classic layout presents both the tachometer and the speedometer as round instruments to the right and left of the display. The area between can be configured – for example with a display of the current entertainment programme or navigation map, which also has a zoom function.

The digital layout has a main display covering the entire width of the panel – for example with the current entertainment program or navigation map. Above and below, there is still space for small digital displays, for instance, for the current speed, gear recommendation, traffic sign recognition, distance remaining, distance to the next turn on the programmed route or the distance remaining to the destination.

The info profile layout has a large display in the centre, which can display the navigation map, among other things. Additional information can be placed to the left, right, and above the map. The driver may choose to display the current speed, a navigation display with pictograms, gear selection, traffic sign detection (e.g. speed limits, overtaking ban) or total driving time.

The reduced layout shows two large displays – such as the current speed and the distance remaining. Additional basic information can be displayed at the top and bottom of the display. If the route guidance is activated, the navigation arrow will be displayed in the centre.

The ŠKODA KAROQ continues the brand’s SUV campaign, and is now available to order. Two equipment variants are available with Ambition and Style. Customers can also choose between two petrol and three diesel engines. In addition, passengers in the ŠKODA KAROQ have the option of always being online. ŠKODA Connect automatically calls for assistance in the event of an emergency, allows remote access to the vehicle and, if necessary, provides alternative route recommendations.

The ŠKODA KAROQ is celebrating its trade fair premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The ŠKODA press conference takes place on 12 September 2017 at 12:00 in hall 3.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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