ŠKODA is beginning its major SUV campaign with the ŠKODA KODIAQ. The 4.70-m-long SUV is a real all-rounder. It offers the largest boot capacity within its class.
With the optional third row of seats, it has yet another unique selling point in the segment. The ŠKODA KODIAQ represents all of the brand’s strengths – expressive design, a high degree of functionality and many ‘Simply Clever’ features. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ, which will go on sale at the beginning of 2017, new emphasis is being placed on infotainment, assistance systems and connectivity. 

With the ŠKODA KODIAQ, ŠKODA is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, the company wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market shares and further strengthen its position in international markets. The ŠKODA KODIAQ demonstrates where ŠKODA stands today, and it also points to the future – with a variety of new technology and future-oriented features in terms of connectivity, including mobile online services for the best information and safety. 

Our new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV is a great all-rounder,” said ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “It combines an active sense of vitality with the brand’s classic qualities – a high degree of functionality and an outstanding amount of space. As always, in the design process we have focused on offering a little bit more car, and as a result, the best vehicle in the segment. In addition, with its emotive design, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is a strong presence on the road.” 

Full of character: transfer of design language into the SUV segment 
Even at first glance, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is a true ŠKODA: with a design that is full of character and emotion, and thereby brings the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment. In day-to-day use, it offers a variety of qualities for family, leisure and business. Whether as a five- or seven-seater, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has plenty of space for everyone and everything. In addition, with a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater boasts the largest boot within its class. The longitudinally adjustable rear seats come as standard, the backrests can be tilted as required. 

Ease of use, excellent workmanship and the ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy are ŠKODA’s defining characteristics. The ŠKODA KODIAQ introduces new and extraordinary concepts, including plastic door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks. There is an electric child safety lock for the youngest passengers as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips. 

At the top of the segment: connectivity solutions 
With innovative connectivity solutions, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is at the top end of its segment. The infotainment elements originate from Volkswagen Group’s second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. They offer numerous functions and interfaces, and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens. The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – it establishes an Internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available. Passengers can use this to browse online and send emails using their mobile phones and tablets to their hearts’ content. 

The new mobile online services from ŠKODA are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance. The eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service. Other online services run via the ŠKODA Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone. 

The ŠKODA KODIAQ reaches a new level when it comes to the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone. The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLinkTM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system. SmartLink is a standard feature for more advanced infotainment systems. The Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly. 

Reliable support: driver assistance systems 
In the ŠKODA KODIAQ, a wide range of driving assistance systems is available. The Area View cameras, new for ŠKODA, display the car’s immediate surroundings on the monitor. When a trailer is attached to the large SUV, the Tow Assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly. The new predictive pedestrian protection function complements Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the ŠKODA KODIAQ brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle. 

Furthermore, additional driver assistance systems are available for the ŠKODA KODIAQ. They keep the car at a safe distance from vehicles in front, make it easier for the driver to change and stay in lane, alert the driver to important traffic signs and assist when parking. 

Powerful and agile: engines and chassis 
When the ŠKODA KODIAQ launches at the beginning of 2017, there will be a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, provides dynamic driving performance with a power output of 132 kW (180 PS); it works just as efficiently as a lower capacity powertrain thanks to a newly developed combustion process. The high proportion of high-strength steel in the body makes the ŠKODA KODIAQ unusually lightweight – another important factor in its efficiency. 

A range of technology is available for the transmission – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The large SUV from the Czech Republic negotiates all types of streets in a balanced and comfortable, yet dynamic and nimble way. The driving experience becomes even more appealing when the car features Driving Mode Select and the new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes. 

The new ŠKODA KODIAQ feels equally at home on rough terrain. Upon reaching the end of the road, the off-road mode supports the driver when using four-wheel drive. At the touch of a button, all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically adjust to off-road conditions.
Article source: www.skoda.co.uk
Works duo Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler score fourth consecutive win in Rally Bohemia held in vicinity of ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.
Record chaser Jan Kopecký (CZ) scored a celebrated victory in his spectacular black FABIA R5 in ŠKODA’s home event. Together with co-driver Pavel Dresler (CZ) the 34-year-old won Rally Bohemia, which takes place in the vicinity of the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, for the fourth consecutive time. The confident works duo therefore remained unbeaten again in the fourth event of the current Czech Rally Championship (MČR) season and are well on course to defend their championship title. Approximately an hour earlier, the FABIA R5 drivers Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (FIN/FIN) triumphed in Rally Poland taking place around 600 kilometres away, thereby giving ŠKODA its fifth consecutive win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). 

It really has been a successful rally weekend for ŠKODA. Well done to the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team for having masterfully handled the added strain of competing in two such important rallies,“ said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek in summary. „Once again, Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler demonstrated that they are the epitome of reliability. The special one-off black paintwork of our ŠKODA FABIA R5 was also a great success. The thousands of fans who attended our home event were highly impressed.“ 

The black rally vehicle was indeed a real eye-catcher on the tracks and at the Rally Bohemia service park. The livery of the turbocharged four-wheel drive vehicle was a nod to the legendary ŠKODA 110 SUPER SPORT (Ferat), which achieved cult status in what was then Czechoslovakia thanks to the film Ferat Vampire. ŠKODA marked the 35th anniversary of the release of the horror science fiction film with the black FABIA R5, with a screening of the film, with a major exhibition at the museum and, of course, with Jan Kopecký’s spectacular rally show on the asphalt tracks lined by thousands of fans. 

The experienced ŠKODA driver took the lead after the second special stage and continuously extended his lead with excellent fastest times on the asphalt tracks, which were slippery following rain. At the end of a good 150 special stage kilometres, Kopecký had a lead of 1:00.4 minutes over his arch-rival Václav Pech (CZ). It was the sixth Rally Bohemia win for Kopecký after wins in 2004, 2005, 2013, 2014 and 2015, bringing him closer to record holder Roman Kresta (CZ). Kopecký has won all nine races in which he has appeared in the new FABIA R5 in the Czech championship in 2015 and 2016. ŠKODA also remains unbeaten at Rally Bohemia since 2009. 

A win in ŠKODA’s home event has always been especially important to us. The conditions were challenging on the slippery tracks, but we maintained control. It was great to see up close just how impressed the fans were by our black FABIA R5,” commented Kopecký. German youngster Fabian Kreim, who made his Czech Rally Championship debut with the support of ŠKODA Motorsport, likewise put in a strong performance. He was on course for a podium position on the first day, but was then set back by a flat tyre and ultimately came seventh. 

The ŠKODA Park was once again a big success, in spite of the poor weather. The special activities marking the anniversary of the cult film Ferat Vampire proved to be especially popular. 


Rally Bohemia 2016 – final results:
1. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ)  ŠKODA FABIA R5   1:32:35.3 hrs  
2. Pech/Uhel (CZ/CZ)    Porsche 997 GT3  + 1:00.4 min
3. Vlček/Žáková (CZ/CZ)   Ford Fiesta R5    + 2:06.7 min
4. Štajf/Rajnoha (CZ/CZ)   ŠKODA FABIA R5   + 2:27.9 min
5. Jakeš/Ehlová (CZ/CZ)   Citroën DS3 R5   + 3:06.8 min


Czech Rally Championship (MČR) 2016:
Rally Šumava Klatovy   29.04.–30.04.2016
Rally Český Krumlov   27.05.–28.05.2016
Rally Hustopeče   17.06.–18.06.2016
Rally Bohemia   02.07.–03.07.2016
Barum Czech Rally Zlín   26.08.–28.08.2016
Rally Příbram    30.09.–01.10.2016

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Measuring 4.3 metres in length, the ŠKODA ATERO is a compact, two-door coupé. It is hard to imagine the vehicle that provided the basis for the design was actually the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback; the conversion was even more comprehensive than those of the two previous ‘student cars’. The B-pillars have been moved to the rear, the C-pillars’ incline is sharper. The sloping roofline begins at an earlier point, whilst the window edge behind the doors points upwards.

Other components have also undergone complex alterations. Ventsadd structure to the bonnet and the doors have been extended. The tailgate is aligned with the new angle of the C-pillars and sports a long edge spoiler; the tail lights have also been modified. The rear bumper surrounds the large tailpipes of the exhaust system, which comes from the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS. A large air vent is integrated into the front bumper. The ŠKODA ATERO’s headlights feature LED technology with red backlights. The 1.4 l TSI engine (92 kW/125 PS) and the 7-speed DSG gearbox have colour changes, the team of students made considerable changes to the chassis.

The 18-inch wheels in the ‘Turini’ design come from the ŠKODA Octavia. They are painted black with red stripesVentilated, manually perforated brake discs sit behind the front wheels. The ŠKODA ATERO is painted in metallic Black Magic, accessories (wing, spoiler, sills) come in Corrida Red; the radiator grille, air intake and diffuser insert are also surrounded by red contours. In the interior, red lighting creates a sporty atmosphere; ambient lighting with LED technology adds highlights. A 1,800-watt audio amplifier powers 14 speakers. Located in the boot, the subwoofer alone has a 400-watt output.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA strengthening activities in areas of ‘Company-wide digitization’, ‘Connectivity/Connected Car’ and ‘Future Mobility Concepts’. Digitisation plays key role in every area of ŠKODA Strategy 2025.
ŠKODA is strengthening the organisation with the new field of ‘Digitisation’. In doing so, the Czech car maker is creating an important prerequisite to generate the solutions in response to technological change. Under the topic of digitisation, the main tasks include developing new products and mobility services. In addition, the field will strengthen the entire company in preparation for digital transformation. 

“For decades, innovations in digital technology have been setting the pace in many areas of our lives and our industry,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “This development is happening with such force and penetration that it dwarfs everything the industry has experienced in the past. The car is only a part of the broader revolution. By utilizing innovative technologies we will make our customers’ lives on the road easier, more effective and more interesting.” 

Digitisation is a key action point under ŠKODA’s recently announced Strategy 2025. As a cross-function, this will involve all areas of the company - from the education and training of the workforce, vehicle development with the aid of modern virtual reality and 3D technologies, to car production according to guiding principle of industry 4.0. In the future, digitisation will have an increasingly strong influence on ŠKODA’s traditional business sector of automobile manufacturing.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
The 2017 range of ŠKODA OCTAVIA models is becoming even more dynamic and efficient. A new high-tech, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine completes the engine range. 
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA impresses both as a hatchback and an estate with its powerful and economical engines. The range of petrol and diesel engines extends to the RS powertrains with 169 kW (230 PS) in the TSI and 135 kW (184 PS) in the TDI. 

In the TSI range, a turbo-charged, three-cylinder petrol engine has replaced the 1.2-litre (81 kW), four-cylinder version. From its engine size of 999 cm3, the new 1.0 TSI produces 85 kW (115 PS) and provides 200 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. The first three-cylinder engine in the history of the model series has sophisticated acoustics and enables a driving performance that surpasses its predecessor. 

In combination with 7-speed DSG, the new 1.0 TSI accelerates the ŠKODA OCTAVIA hatchback from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.0 s and achieves a top speed of 202 km/h. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 100 km/h can even be achieved in just 9.9 s; the top speed is also 202 km/h. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA Combi is available with 7-speed DSG or a manual gearbox; both versions reach a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 and 10.1 s respectively. 

The biggest improvement, however, is to the new three-cylinder TSI’s fuel consumption, which is 8 per cent lower than that of the previous engine. The hatchback with 7-speed DSG can cover 100 km using just 4.5 l of petrol (emitting 105 g CO2/km, or – using the same fuel consumption – 103 g CO2/km when combined with a manual gearbox). The Combi uses 4.6 l/100 km (emitting 106 g CO2/km) and 4.5 l/100 km (105 g CO2/km) respectively. 

On request, ŠKODA delivers an aero package with targeted modifications, which further increase efficiency, for the Active, Ambition and Style trim levels. Its components include a sport chassis which brings the body closer to the road and therefore reduces drag, active air flaps for better aerodynamics and a tailgate or roof spoiler for further improved air flow. The tyres are optimised for low rolling resistance. These improvements mean the fuel consumption drops to 4.4 l/100 km and the CO2 emissions to 102 g/km in both the hatchback and the Combi with manual gearbox. 

The new 1.0 TSI in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is state of the art in all aspects of technology. Its compact construction and aluminium crankcase mean the three-cylinder engine weighs just 78 kg. Its aluminium pistons and the forged connecting rods are balanced accurately, enabling quiet and smooth running even without the presence of a balancing shaft. In the entire crankshaft assembly, the rotating mass is low in weight and friction loss is minimal. The crank case and cylinder head have their own cooling circuits; the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head forms an important component of the engine’s powerful thermo-management. 

To improve the charge cycle, the inlet and exhaust camshafts can be adjusted by up to 50 and 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation respectively. The common rail system injects the fuel with up to 250 bar of pressure. The turbocharger’s intercooler is integrated into the induction tract, instantly increasing the boost pressure which can reach up to 1.6 bar (relatively). 

The engine range with DCC: high performance 
All ŠKODA OCTAVIA engines are known for their outstanding performance and low fuel consumption. The following engines are available with adaptive DCC:

TSI engines
› 1.4 TSI/110 kW (150 PS) – 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG
› 1.8 TSI/132 kW (180 PS) – 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG; 4×4 with 6-speed DSG
› 2.0 TSI/162 kW (220 PS) – RS, 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG
› 2.0 TSI/169 kW (230 PS) – RS 230, 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG 

TDI engines
› 2.0 TDI/110 kW (150 PS) – 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG; 4×4 with 6-speed manual
› 2.0 TDI/135 kW (184 PS) – 6-speed manual and 6-speed DSG, 4×4 with 6-speed DSG 

Adaptive DCC: a varied driving experience 
In the new 2017 model year, ŠKODA is offering adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for the ŠKODA OCTAVIAs with engines of a power output starting from 110 kW (150 PS). This provides a more varied driving experience – DCC makes it possible to adapt the steering and suspension depending on whether the Comfort, Normal and Sport mode has been selected. DCC is also available in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS and ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230, where its functions include a more comfortable set-up for everyday driving at the push of a button. 

An electronic valve controls the flow of oil within the DCC shock absorbers. A fast control unit operates the valve depending on the road condition, the driver’s driving style and the selected mode. A large cross section allows the car to ride comfortably; a small cross section enables the car to hold the road more precisely: the steering reacts even more accurately, the car’s steering behaviour is more precise, braking characteristics are improved and body roll is minimalised. DCC also contributes to active safety: the system automatically switches from Comfort mode to Sport mode in hazardous situations and, in doing so, provides higher stability, better tyre grip and shorter braking distances. 

DCC and Driving Mode Select are optional from the Ambition trim level upwards. With Driving Mode Select, the driver can change steering characteristics, operation of the DSG and chassis settings in several modes. In Individual mode, these systems can be set to personal preferences. 

Black 17-inch ‘Teron’ wheels are another new optional extra for the 2017 models, available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA Ambition and Style trim levels. 

Overall package, interior and ‘Simply Clever’ features
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s overall package has always provided a little bit ‘more car’ than its competitors by offering generous amounts of space and combining the elegant hatchback shape with a large tailgate. It offers outstanding interior space, rear legroom and headroom in the compact car segment. Both the hatchback and the Combi boast the largest boot within their class. 

Just like every ŠKODA, the OCTAVIA has many electronic and ‘Simply Clever’ features which make life easier for its occupants. In the new 2017 models, the Climatronic comes with an allergen filter, the optional rear-view camera is kept clean using washer jets and, from the late summer, there will be an optional umbrella under the front passenger seat. iPads can be mounted to the front seats’ backrests. 

New features of the infotainment system
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems are part of the second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB II) – they are easy to operate, versatile and powerful. The Swing infotainment radio is already standard in the Active trim level in the 2017 models. Wi-Fi has been added to the Amundsen infotainment navigation system. Some of the system’s functions can be controlled using ŠKODA’s Media Command app on a tablet or smartphone – an appealing solution for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s rear passengers. 

With new features, the infotainment system becomes even more extensive in the 2017 models. The optional ŠKODA Phonebox with wireless charging connects a smartphone to the car antenna by near-field coupling without the need for a cable, thus offering high call quality and best data reception. At the same time, it charges the smartphone inductively in accordance with the Qi standard, provided that the phone is technically compatible.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk