ŠKODA cars are among the safest vehicles in their segment. One reason for this is the wide range of modern assistance systems, many of which come as standard. The introduction of new and enhanced systems demonstrates once again that ŠKODA leaves nothing to chance when it comes to safety and driving comfort: they support the driver, give visual and acoustic warnings and actively intervene in dangerous situations. 

The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA has raised the bar in terms of safety in its class. Some assistance systems in the new edition of the brand’s bestseller are making their first appearance at ŠKODA, while others have been upgraded or offer an extended range of functions. Up to 20 different sensors feed data and information back to the systems. The new Emergency Steer Assist, which actively supports the driver in an impending collision with a pedestrian, cyclist or another vehicle by increasing steering torque to facilitate a controlled swerve, is making its debut. The turning assistant, which is also new, can detect oncoming traffic at intersections when turning left and warn the driver in good time. If necessary, the vehicle will even stop automatically to prevent a collision. Another helpful extra is the exit warning system, which detects vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind when a door is opened. The sensor range is up to 35 metres. Also new onboard is the local hazard warning. This automatically alerts the driver to traffic disruptions near the vehicle – such as the end of a traffic jam. 

Innovative assistance systems for even greater safety and driving comfort 
From autumn, the Area View system will be available for the OCTAVIA. This provides an overview of the immediate surroundings when parking and manoeuvring. Four cameras create a 360-degree image around the vehicle, which is shown on the central display in the cockpit. Side Assist can detect vehicles approaching from behind or in the blind spot up to a distance of 70 metres. A warning light appears on the inside of the exterior mirrors. If the driver nevertheless switches on the indicator, the system actively intervenes by correcting the steering to prevent collisions when changing lanes on motorways and dual carriageways. Front Assist with anticipatory pedestrian and cyclist protection offers added safety in the city. It detects vehicles in front and stationary vehicles as well as cyclists and pedestrians moving in front of the vehicle. The system gives visual and acoustic warnings and, in critical situations, initiates braking to actively prevent a collision. 

The Adaptive Distance Assistant, which automatically matches your speed to vehicles in front up to 210 km/h, has also been upgraded. In the predictive version, the system now also uses the camera on the windshield as well as data from the navigation system to automatically adjust speed to the course of the road. Both variants feature a stop-and-go function that automatically decelerates vehicles with DSG to a standstill and then automatically resumes driving within three seconds. The brakes are also applied in cars with manual transmission, provided the driver has engaged the appropriate gear and releases the clutch in good time before coming to a standstill. 

Travel Assist provides additional comfort and safety: it combines the functions of various systems and detects a medical emergency. Travel Assist includes Anticipatory Adaptive Distance Assist, an improved version of traffic sign recognition, Adaptive Lane-Keeping Assistant with road works recognition, Congestion Assist and Emergency Assist. Every 15 seconds while driving, Travel Assist checks whether the driver is touching the steering wheel or has possibly lost control of the vehicle. If the driver does not intervene despite a warning, Emergency Assist activates the hazard warning lights and brings the vehicle to a controlled stop. 

Modern assistants from higher vehicle segments now available for the compact class 
Lane Departure Warning and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake function come as standard in the compact models SCALA and KAMIQ. Lane Departure Warning uses the camera in the windscreen to detect lane boundaries and road markings. The system warns the driver of unintentional lane changes and automatically counter-steers to keep the vehicle in its lane. Front-wheel assistant monitors the distance to the vehicle in front and warns the driver of an impending collision. If necessary, the assistant initiates automatic braking. From 5 to 60 km/h, the system also detects cyclists and pedestrians. 

Numerous safety systems and assistants from higher vehicle classes are also available as options. These include Adaptive Distance Assist or Side Assist with integrated Rear Traffic Alert. This assists the driver when backing out of a parking space. The assistant displays objects at the rear and also detects vehicles approaching from the side at speeds of up to 70 km/h. If the driver responds neither to the visual nor the acoustic warnings, the Rear Traffic Alert initiates automatic emergency braking. The rear-view camera or optional parking steering assistant, which automatically manoeuvres the vehicle into and out of longitudinal and transverse parking spaces, also provides assistance when parking. The integrated Manoeuvre Assist brake function detects obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle and automatically brakes if necessary. Other useful options include fatigue detection, hill-start assist and high-beam assistant.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The brand has developed a significant presence in the fleet sector, largely thanks to its value-packed SE Technology models that have been created specifically to meet the demands of company car drivers. 

The new OCTAVIA SE Technology models are available to order now, and build on the strengths of their predecessors, which were acclaimed across the fleet market for their practicality, high equipment levels and remarkable value for money. 

SE Technology models offer two advanced engine options with power outputs ranging from 115PS to 150PS. The petrol option is a 1.5 TSI 150PS while the diesel offering is a 2.0 TDI unit that develops 115PS. Both drive through a six-speed manual gearbox. 

In terms of standard equipment, OCTAVIA SE Technology models feature 16-inch Twister AERO alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, two-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, voice control and front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist. To provide business drivers with the best possible connectivity on the road, all SE Technology models are equipped with ŠKODA’s range-topping Columbus infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen display and digital Virtual Cockpit. For the first time, this new system can display the navigation maps in a different level of zoom on either screen. This new function can be adjusted via an innovative touch slider located below the display on the centre console, which can also be used to control the volume. 

The OCTAVIA SE Technology is always online thanks to a built-in eSIM, enabling access to the latest ŠKODA Connect mobile online services. These include eCall, a comprehensive remote vehicle access and infotainment apps backed by online data, which is mandatory in the EU. The car features five USB-C ports; two in the front centre console for charging or connecting media devices and USB sticks, and a further three, one of which can optionally be housed in the overhead console above the rear-view mirror. Wireless Smartlink for Apple CarPlay is also fitted as standard (Android version available at a later date).

Despite this remarkably high specification prices for the SE Technology start from a P11D of £22,410, BiK from 28% for the 1.5 TSI 150PS hatch model. A full range of options are also available, allowing drivers to tailor their car to meet their exact needs. Options include Full LED Matrix headlights, an electrically operated boot, integrated tow bar and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. 

The fourth-generation OCTAVIA is longer and wider than its predecessor, has an even larger boot and showcases the latest evolution of ŠKODA’s design language. The new interior combines class-leading practicality with outstanding functionality and high-quality materials. The estate’s boot capacity, which is the largest in the segment, has increased by another 30 litres to 640 litres. The hatch can now hold 600 litres – 10 litres more than before.

And, as fleet and company car drivers have come to expect, the new OCTAVIA is brimming with intelligent Simply Clever features. These include a convenient filler tube for AdBlue® enabling it to be filled up using a lorry pump nozzle while in the rear, two smartphone storage pockets on the front-seat backs are ŠKODA firsts. Both models are equipped with multifunctional storage pocket below the boot cover, with the estate adding an automatically retractable load cover. The storage compartment in the front doors feature the familiar umbrella while a filling funnel integrated into the lid of the windscreen washer tank is yet another new feature in the OCTAVIA.

The all-new OCTAVIA SE Technology also includes Front Assist, Lane Assist and up to nine airbags, including a driver knee airbag and rear side airbags. These features, plus optional crew protect assist combine to make the new model the safest OCTAVIA ever. 

The new model is available to order now, with first deliveries expected later this summer with additional variants scheduled to arrive by the end of the year.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

› Readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr voted ŠKODA top more often than any other brand 
› OCTAVIA COMBI claimed victory for ‘Best Design’ both as an import and overall for cars under 25,000 euros
› OCTAVIA COMBI and SUPERB COMBI won ‘Best Technology’ for import vehicles in their respective price ranges 
› SUPERB COMBI was named ‘Best Value for Money’ both as an import and overall for cars costing between 25,000 and 35,000 euros
› ŠKODA has collected a total of 34 awards since the magazine’s first readers’ choice in 2011 

Mladá Boleslav, 24 June 2020 – Readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr voted ŠKODA models ‘Family Car of the Year’ in six categories. This meant the Czech manufacturer took home more awards than any other participating brand. A total of 128 vehicles competed in three different price ranges, which in turn were divided into the categories ‘Best Design’, ‘Best Technology’ and ‘Best Value for Money’. For each of these, the readers chose one winning import car and one overall winner. The OCTAVIA COMBI came out on top for ‘Best Design’ both as an import and overall for cars under 25,000 euros, and also won the import award for ‘Best Technology’ in its price range. The SUPERB COMBI was crowned ‘Best Value for Money’ both overall and as an import vehicle costing between 25,000 and 35,000 euros. It was also voted the import car with the ‘Best Technology’ in its category. ŠKODA has received a total of 34 awards since the first AUTO Straßenverkehr readers’ choice in 2011. 

OCTAVIA_COMBI_015.jpgThe ‘Family Car of the Year’ readers’ choice took place for the ninth time in 2020. It only included estates, SUVs and vans with a boot capacity of over 400 l and a base price of up to 45,000 euros.

ŠKODA has collected a whopping 34 ‘Family Car of the Year’ awards since 2011
This year, a total of 9,341 readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr cast their votes online for their favourite family vehicles. ŠKODA took home six awards: three for the OCTAVIA COMBI and three for the SUPERB COMBI. This was more than any other manufacturer, confirming ŠKODA’s exceptional position among the family-friendly car brands this year. The Czech manufacturer, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has been awarded the coveted title a total of 34 times since the magazine’s first readers’ choice in 2011.

A closer look at ŠKODA’s results
The new fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI was on the list of choices for the first time, and impressed readers in several areas. The brand’s bestseller won the overall and import award for ‘Best Design’ for vehicles under 25,000 euros and was also voted favourite import vehicle featuring the ‘Best Technology’ in this category.

The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI also earned several ‘Family Car of the Year’ accolades. The mid-size car competed among the models costing 25,000–35,000 euros. It shook off the competition to be crowned ‘Best Value for Money’, both as an import and overall. What’s more, it also came out on top for ‘Best Technology’ among the import vehicles in its price range.

Highlighted by the readers’ choice: ŠKODAs impress as family cars
The Czech manufacturer’s models scored points with their exceptional amount of space for passengers and luggage or the big weekly shop. Their flexible space concept provides further benefits: folding seats and plenty of Simply Clever details, including bag hooks, drinks holders, storage compartments and nets in the boot, ensure maximum functionality. In addition, ŠKODAs also represent state-of-the-art safety, regularly achieving the maximum rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC’s 1.5 TSI produces 96 kW (130 PS)
› CO2 emissions in CNG mode are around 25 per cent lower than when running on petrol
› Natural gas range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle

Mladá Boleslav, 26 June 2020 – The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC is designed to run on environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG). The OCTAVIA G-TEC is fitted with a 1.5 TSI, providing 96 kW (130 PS), and achieves a range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle when operated purely using this type of fuel. Three tanks installed in the underbody store a total of 17.33 kg of CNG. A 9-litre petrol tank ensures mobility in regions without suitable refuelling infrastructure. The new OCTAVIA G-TEC will be launched across Europe this autumn.

The 1.5 TSI in the OCTAVIA G-TEC is designed to run on natural gas and has an output of 96 kW (130 PS). This type of fuel burns more cleanly, resulting in CO2 emissions in CNG mode that are around 25 per cent lower than when running on petrol; in addition, significantly less nitrogen oxide (NOx) is emitted and no soot particles are produced. The engine is very efficient, thanks to, among other things, variable control of the intake valves according to what is known as the Miller combustion process. This enables consumption of 3.4 to 3.6 kg per 100 km in the WLTP cycle in CNG mode and 4.6 l per 100 km in petrol mode.

Boasting a CNG capacity of 17.33 kg, the OCTAVIA G-TEC has a range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle in natural gas mode. When making use of the petrol in its 9-litre tank, the OCTAVIA G-TEC can cover a further 190 km, giving it a total range of approx. 700 km. Switching between CNG and petrol mode happens automatically without driver intervention.

The vehicle only accesses the petrol fuel supply in certain situations, such as when the engine is started after the CNG has been topped up, when the outside temperature is below -10 degrees Celsius, or when the gas tanks are so empty that the pressure drops below 11 bar. The OCTAVIA G‑TEC features a specific layout in the Virtual Cockpit and can be easily identified by a badge at the rear. The hatchback’s boot can hold 455 l, the COMBI’s boot capacity is 495 l.

In CNG mode, CO2 emissions are 25 per cent lower than those of a conventional petrol engine, even when using natural gas. By using 20 per cent bio-CNG, as is currently common in Germany, for example, the car’s carbon footprint can be improved by as much as 35 to 40 per cent. Using fuel mixtures with an even higher percentage of bio-CNG, from plant residues and biological waste, leads to improvements of up to 90 per cent. This means that journeys under these circumstances are almost climate-neutral. Full climate neutrality can be achieved by using synthetic methane, which is produced with green electricity in a power-to-gas process. However, this procedure is still under development.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Mladá Boleslav, 19 June 2020 – The driver gets into their ŠKODA OCTAVIA and is welcomed by name on the central 10-inch display. Their smartphone automatically and wirelessly connects to the infotainment system. The driver’s seat moves electrically to the preferred position, and the exterior mirrors adjust themselves. The Climatronic already knows the preferred temperature, and the desired radio station can be set with a simple swiping gesture. The driver tells the ŠKODA digital assistant Laura where they want to go, and the navigation system calculates the optimal route to the destination online. Just a few years ago this scenario would have been almost unimaginable but is now reality with the third-generation modular infotainment systems in the OCTAVIA – and these systems are as intuitive to use as a smartphone. 

In less than a decade, the smartphone has revolutionised the way mobile phones are used. Nowadays, hardly anyone misses the classic keyboard; touching, swiping and scrolling are intuitive, and the increasingly popular voice control makes using one even easier. ŠKODA has now consistently transferred these operating concepts to the new OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems and incorporated the intuitive operation of a smartphone and the possibilities of new voice assistants into the model.

Reiner Katzwinkel, Head of Development of Electrics and Electronics at ŠKODA AUTO, says: “The new OCTAVIA is now even more digital and networked and has never been easier to operate. The fourth generation of our bestseller has a completely new infotainment system that ŠKODA is using for the first time on this scale. Compared to the previous generation, the technology and operability of the system, as well as its range of functions, are a big change, making driving even safer and more comfortable.”

Easy customisation of the 10-inch central display
The heart of the Columbus, Swing and Bolero (by end of 2020) infotainment systems in the new OCTAVIA is the free-standing central display with a screen diagonal of 10 inches – the largest ever in a ŠKODA model. With its glass surface and clean design, it is similar to the latest smartphones and tablets. Just as with these mobile devices, the OCTAVIA enables the driver to customise, split and assign the most important functions to the home screen. Individual elements can be moved and rearranged by touch, in the same way as you can on a smartphone. A simple swipe gesture or short voice command is sufficient to switch between individual windows or radio stations.

To adjust the volume, either the control buttons on the steering wheel or the new innovative touch slider can be used directly. This is positioned in front of the lower edge of the central display in such a way that it can be found immediately in the dark or without looking. One finger is used to adjust the volume, and two fingers are used to change the size of the navigation map in the navigation menu. For the first time, the Columbus infotainment system can now display a different zoom resolution than the map in the Virtual Cockpit. Alternatively, the map section in the central display can be made bigger or smaller using a zoom gesture with two fingers directly on the glass surface.

The touch slider, as well as buttons and rotary controls on the multifunction steering wheel and the intelligent ŠKODA digital assistant Laura, help to ensure that OCTAVIA drivers rarely need to take their eyes off the road to operate the infotainment functions. The first-ever head-up display in a ŠKODA, which is available as an option for the OCTAVIA, also contributes to this. It projects data such as speed, navigation instructions, recognised traffic signs or activated driver assistance systems onto the windscreen directly in the driver’s field of vision, allowing them to concentrate on the road ahead.

“The new OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems offer the user a wealth of personalisation and operation options never before seen in the heart of our brand. Thanks to the intuitive new systematics of our infotainment solutions, people can quickly find their way around and no longer want to be without its advantages and conveniences in everyday life,” adds Reiner Katzwinkel.

Wireless SmartLink technology: the clever smartphone connectivity solution
The new OCTAVIA’s Columbus, Swing and Bolero (by end of 2020) infotainment systems use wireless SmartLinktechnology to connect to your Apple iOS or Android smartphone. After one-time pairing, the mobile device automatically connects when entering the vehicle. The optionalPhone Box also enables inductive smartphone charging and connects the phone to the vehicle’s external antenna. Via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink™, selected smartphone apps can be operated via the central vehicle display.

Advanced climate control settings that go beyond Laura’s adjustable temperature selection can also be conveniently set via the central display.  The clearly arranged menu can also be accessed directly by pressing a button in the centre console. In addition, further shortcut keys can be used to activate the maximum fan speed for the windscreen and switch on the rear window heating.

The OCTAVIA stores all infotainment-system and air-conditioning presets, as well as the adjustment of the driver’s seat and the outside mirrors, in the ŠKODA cloud as soon as the driver’s ŠKODA Connect account is activated in the vehicle. The preferences of up to 14 individual users can be stored or transferred to another ŠKODA model that is also equipped with the latest generation infotainment system.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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