Skoda Garage London Blog - Independent Skoda Garage London - London's best independent Skoda Garage London

ŠKODA continues to grow: Over recent years, the brand has fundamentally expanded and renewed its model range. Now, ŠKODA’s SUV range is being strengthened. With the ŠKODA VisionS, the Czech car manufacturer gives an insight into how ŠKODA’s future SUV design language might look. The brand also presents its most important future technologies with the show car. The new ŠKODA Octavia vRS 4×4, the ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC with DSG transmission and the ScoutLine version of the Fabia Estate round off ŠKODA’s appearance at Lac Léman.

Mladá Boleslav/Geneva, 17 February 2016 – The ŠKODA VisionS incorporates the brand’s new design language, carrying it over into the SUV segment: the design is clearly influenced by Czech Cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art. The lines are precise, sharp and clean-cut; the distinctive interplay of light and shadow on the contoured surfaces creates exciting effects, which are accentuated by the Island-Green color.

With a 2.79-meter wheelbase, at 4.70 meters long, 1.91 meters wide and 1.68 meters tall, the ŠKODA VisionS makes a bold statement on the road. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is ŠKODA’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows.

Another highlight of the concept vehicle is its plug-in hybrid powertrain: with 165 kW (225 hp), the show car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of almost 200 km/h. 1.9 litres of petrol is all the car needs to travel 100 km (45 grams CO2 per kilometre). The ŠKODA VisionS can go up to 50 km on electric alone, and will travel up to 1000 km with both systems.

The internal combustion engine is a 1.4 TSI with 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an e-motor that provides 40 kW of 40 kW continuous power and 220 Nm peak torque. It is integrated into the six-speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque drives the rear axle. This works independently of the front axle drive, meaning the show car has a smart four-wheel drive, which requires no mechanical coupling. The three engines cooperate in a highly flexible manner: The driver of the ŠKODA VisionS can choose between several modes of operation – from purely electric drive to charge modes, always with the goal of maximum efficiency. The lithium-ion battery with a 12.4kWh capacity is positioned in front of the rear axle.

ŠKODA has responded to the rapidly growing scope of information and the passengers’ desire to communicate by introducing automotive digital networking (mobile services), providing large displays for optimum vehicle and infotainment services for all passengers, who can connect to the network several ways from each seat in the vehicle.

The ŠKODA Octavia vRS 4×4 will also be celebrating its debut at this year’s motor show: ŠKODA’s top-of-the-range Octavia is available as a saloon or estate with the 2.0 TDI engine with 135 kW (184 PS) and DSG transmission. With a drive unit, which is both sporty and safe, the Octavia vRS 4×4 makes a strong partner for families, work and leisure. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h. In NEDC, the model will manage 4.9 litre diesel per 100 km; CO2 equivalent of 129 grams per km (all values for sedan).

The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC is particularly economical: It currently costs less than four euros in fuel to drive this model 100 km. On request, ŠKODA can fit the natural-gas car with DSG transmission. The 1.4 TSI provides 81 kW (110 hp) per km, emits less than 100 grams of CO2. The 1.4 TSI provides 81 kW (110 hp), emitting less than 100 grams of CO2 per km. The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC is available in saloon and estate versions.

ŠKODA’s ScoutLine range also continues to grow. Alongside the Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine, there is now the ŠKODA Fabia Estate ScoutLine – with its unique off-road look and attractive, practical equipment features. Three petrol engines with 55 kW (75 hp), 66 kW (90 hp) and 81 kW (110 hp) and three diesel engines with 55 kW (75 hp), 66 kW (90 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp) are available.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA Motorsport team drivers Pontus Tidemand and Esapekka Lappi start at the only real winter rally in the World Championship.

ŠKODA Motorsport is celebrating a return to the Rally Sweden after an 11-year absence. The successful team, led by works drivers Pontus Tidemand (S) and Esapekka Lappi (FIN), will launch its assault on the title in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) on ice and snow from 12 to 14 February. Jonas Andersson (S) also makes his debut for ŠKODA at this iconic event in the far north. The experienced co-driver will be navigating for Asia-Pacific champion Pontus Tidemand for the first time, at their home rally.

“The whole team at ŠKODA Motorsport is really looking forward to our first rally of 2016,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. “We have set ourselves ambitious targets for the new motorsport season and are hoping for a successful start,” he added. “We must gain race experience on ice and snow with our new ŠKODA Fabia R5. Don’t forget that this is the first time since 2005 that we are competing in Sweden.”

Back then, Jani Paasonen (FIN) and DTM champion Mattias Ekström (S) drove the ŠKODA Fabia WRC to ninth and tenth place respectively in the WRC category. The current ŠKODA works drivers are aiming for a podium finish in WRC 2. To achieve that goal, they will need nerves of steel. Despite the use of sharp studs on the tyres, the only real winter rally is a slippery affair, taking place on icy surfaces and roads lined with walls of snow.

However, it is questionable just how wintery and icy the roads in the west of Sweden and east of Norway will actually be: warm temperatures caused thawing last weekend, forcing the organisers to make a decision on Monday to reduce the rally from 21 to 13 special stages. Among the stages to be cancelled is the spectator stage in Karlstad, which was set to open the rally on Thursday evening. For this reason, the rally will start on Friday morning with the Torsby special stage. The highlight of the Rally Sweden is the Vargåsen stage, with the legendary Colin’s Crest jump.

“Rally Sweden is my home rally and is therefore a real highlight for me,” said Pontus Tidemand. “I’m looking forward to the first rally with my new co-driver Jonas Andersson and hope to benefit from his experience, so that we can give a good account of ourselves at our home event.” This is already the fifth time that the 25-year-old has lined up at his home rally in the World Championship. His best finish so far came last year, with fifth place in WRC 2. Tideland’s new co-driver Jonas Andersson has already celebrated two WRC podium finishes at his home event. “That is what we are aiming for this time too. We want to get on the podium in WRC 2,” said Andersson.

Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) start with similar ambitions. After finishing third overall in WRC 2 in 2015, the goal is to surpass that performance in the new season. Lappi gained valuable experience of driving on snow and ice in a privately entered ŠKODA Fabia R5 at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo in January of this year. “I hope that we can benefit from that. Our primary goal is to finish the rally and gain as many points as possible in the overall WRC 2 standings,” said Lappi. The ŠKODA works drivers will be up against strong opposition, including Elfyn Evans. The British driver heads the WRC 2 standings after his victory at the Rally Monte Carlo.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):

Rally Monte Carlo   21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden    12.02.–14.02.2016
Rally Mexico    03.03.–06.03.2016
Rally Argentina    21.04.–24.04.2016
Rally Portugal    19.05.–22.05.2016
Rally Italy    09.06.–12.06.2016
Rally Poland    01.07.–03.07.2016
Rally Finland    28.07.–31.07.2016
Rally Germany    18.08.–21.08.2016
Rally China    08.09.–11.09.2016
Rally Corsica    29.09.–02.10.2016
Rally Spain    13.10.–16.10.2016
Rally Great Britain   27.10.–30.10.2016
Rally Australia    17.11.–20.11.2016

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA UK is urging motorists to get set for safe winter motoring, as new research reveals that up to 28 million* cars across the country could be kitted out with tyres that aren’t ideal for the conditions.

Milton Keynes, 20 January 2016 - With temperatures frequently dropping below 7°C, the new data** shows that only 14 per cent of British motorists own a set of cold weather tyres.

When fitted with the appropriate tyres for winter weather, vehicles benefit from improved grip which can stop drivers getting stuck in the white stuff or losing control in cold conditions. Braking distances are greatly reduced as well.

Yet, despite this, nearly half (49 per cent) of ŠKODA’s respondents claimed that their chief concern when selecting tyres was getting the lowest price, instead of having the most suitable set.

With experts*** suggesting that tyres should be checked at least once a month, nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of motorists admitted to not doing so for at least six months. This means that around 22 million**** tyres across the country could have tread depths that fall below recommended levels.

Warren Richards, Head of Service & Parts Operations for ŠKODA UK, commented: “Driving in winter can be dangerous at times – that’s no secret. But what’s less known is that when temperatures drop below 7°C, cold weather tyres are better equipped to handle the road.

“Cold weather tyres aren’t affected like normal tyres as temperatures drop, maintaining optimum grip and braking performance: these are qualities that can save lives. We’d urge all ŠKODA owners to visit their local retailer and enquire about getting cold weather tyres fitted – something that can be done quickly, simply and for a very reasonable price.”

To help give its owners extra peace of mind during the winter months, ŠKODA UK is also offering a Winter Health Check, which sees cars undergo a seven-point safety check – which includes tyres - for just £25.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA communicates its new, modern design language in the SUV segment. The brand will be showcasing its new show car – the ŠKODA VisionS – at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, hinting at how ŠKODA’s future SUV could look.

Mladá Boleslav, 2 February 2016 - The design represents a perfect balance of aesthetics, power and function. Over recent years ŠKODA has completely renewed its model range and the next phase will involve broadening the range of models in the SUV segment.

ŠKODA unveiled its new design language in 2014 with the VisionC design study. The brand is now transferring this to the SUV segment with the VisionS (‘S’ stands for SUV) showing how ŠKODA’s future SUV, which is larger than the Yeti model, could look. With a length of 4,700mm and a width of 1,910mm the 1,680mm high show car creates an instant presence on the road.

Inside traditional brand values are recreated with a large interior, here featuring three rows of seats, offering a generous space for six occupants.

Externally the ŠKODA VisionS reflects the brand’s new emotional appeal. All the edges and lines are clear, precise and sharp, while crystalline design elements accentuate the exterior. The interplay of light and shadow creates powerful effects on the strikingly chiselled surfaces.

At the front the bonnet relies on the creative use of plastics, with contours flowing towards the brand logo. The wide grille and four tapered, high-set LED headlights characterise the face of the show car, emphasising the vehicle’s SUV character. Crystalline elements in the vertical struts in the grille and on the logo are ŠKODA’s tribute to the Czech art of crystal-glass design.

The side view also illustrates the strong SUV character of ŠKODA’s VisionS with sharp tornado line spanning the entire length of the powerful car body. Angular wheel arches emphasise the off-road character and the upper-shoulder contour forms a deep groove over the sills. The quickly sloping roofline with the long spoiler and tapered rear visually accelerate the show car even when stationary.

The rear of ŠKODA’s VisionS has been sculpturally designed with a strong diffuser insert bordering the large exhaust pipes, giving the large SUV a visually powerful stance. The ŠKODA logo and shallow rear lights with dynamically cut crystalline housings sit just beneath the low rear window, while ŠKODA’s characteristic C-arm, beginning at the rear lights, runs into the flat reflectors in the bumper.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

This cycle is conducted immediately following the urban cycle and consists of roughly half steady-speed driving and the remainder accelerations, decelerations, and some idling. Maximum speed is 75mph (120km/h), average speed is 39mph (63 km/h) and the distance covered is 4.3miles (7km).

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

More Articles...

Skoda Blog