For many people who need to be on the road these days, the car can be seen as a ‘safe haven’ of mobility. Unlike public transport, the car gives us the possibility to limit contact with our fellow human beings, and thus supposedly create the best conditions to protect ourselves against the virus.

Nevertheless, there are contact points on and in your car that you should be thoroughly disinfecting regularly to reduce the risk of infection further, such as door handles, door frames, the steering wheel and the gear stick. One other practical tip: the first aid kit in your car may also include a face mask, which is mandatory first-aid equipment in many European countries.

In a comprehensive article on the ŠKODA Storyboard, we have gathered detailed background information and tips from ŠKODA’s occupational physician Jana Parmová. It explains what you should pay particular attention to at the moment. In addition, the service feature addresses the questions of what to do when refuelling or why you should clean the air conditioning system right now and which tools can be used to do this easily at home.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Since mid-2019, ŠKODA has been offering the third generation of its flagship as a rugged SCOUT version – the first SUPERB to be given this treatment. The manufacturer thus continues its tradition of offering SCOUT models, such as the OCTAVIA SCOUT, KODIAQ SCOUT and KAROQ SCOUT. The SUPERB SCOUT, available exclusively as an estate, focuses on off-road flair and it cuts a fine figure on rougher terrain thanks to rugged body enhancements, all-wheel drive as standard, and the Rough-Road package – which raises the ground clearance by 15 mm and provides underbody protection for the engine and undercarriage. Boasting the largest boot capacity in its segment, which ranges from 660 to 1,950 l, it can also transport bulky outdoor equipment such as mountain bikes or other sports equipment to more remote locations. In addition, with a towing capacity of 2,200 kg, the SUPERB SCOUT is ideally suited for towing boat and horse trailers, caravans, and more.

The advantages of all-wheel drive, even on dry roads
The SUPERB SCOUT’s all-wheel drive, which comes as standard, doesn’t just offer enormous advantages when travelling off the beaten track, such as on gravel, slush and snow-covered slopes. Driving the rear axle as well as the front axle provides increased traction and driving stability in many situations, even on dry tarmac. Should the front wheels lose traction under normal driving conditions, an electronically controlled fifth-generation hydraulic multi-plate clutch automatically transmits some of the drive torque to the rear wheels within milliseconds. This ensures that drive is maintained and that power is always distributed to where it is required without the driver needing to do anything. If necessary, up to 90 per cent of the power can be transmitted to the rear axle; up to 85 per cent can even be directed to a single wheel. An electronic control unit allows this automatic intervention to take place with even the smallest difference in speed between the axles. Information such as engine speed, the position of the accelerator pedal, wheel speed, steering angle and lateral as well as longitudinal acceleration are also recorded and processed. When coasting, at low load or when travelling normally in a straight line, power is predominantly transferred to the road via the front axle.

Rugged body enhancements and an interior boasting special decorative trims and upholstery
The ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT’s striking adventurous look provides numerous visual highlights. In addition to rugged bumpers at the front and rear, it is characterised by aluminium-effect underbody protection as well as additional plastic panels that protect the wheel arches, side sills and the lower sections of the doors. The roof rails and side window trims are chrome-plated, while the wing mirrors shine in an aluminium look. The optional two-tone 18-inch Braga alloy wheels or the new two-tone 19-inch Manaslu alloys underline the car’s rugged appearance. The interior features typical SCOUT style: it is characterised by special wood-effect decorative trims, the seats are covered with a specific fabric with contrasting stitching or, as an option, a combination of Alcantara and leather. A very generous amount of space and great versatility make the SUPERB SCOUT just as suitable for a lifestyle and sports-oriented target group as it is for families, and it is also the perfect spacious long-distance vehicle for fleet customers.

Powerful yet efficient engines
The ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT is available exclusively with either the model range’s most powerful diesel or petrol engine. The 2.0 TDI diesel engine delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The 2.0 TSI petrol engine boasts a power output of 200 kW (272 PS) and has a maximum torque of 350 Nm. In addition to all-wheel drive as standard, both variants come with a 7-speed DSG and are particularly efficient thanks to Stop/Start technology and brake energy recovery. An additional Off-Road mode in the Driving Mode Select menu supports driving on rougher terrain; adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is optional.

A tradition of SCOUT variants
There is a tradition of offering rugged SCOUT models with off-road flair at ŠKODA. In 2006, ŠKODA introduced its second-generation OCTAVIA with an adventurous look for the first time. Since then, the SCOUT models have been a permanent feature of the OCTAVIA range. In 2017, ŠKODA expanded its SCOUT family to include the SUV segment – initially with the KODIAQ, and followed a year later by the KAROQ SCOUT.

Full LED Matrix headlights especially popular with SCOUT customers
The optional full LED Matrix headlights are a particularly popular feature for owners of the ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT. The intelligent system, which allows people to drive with the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users, has so far been ordered for 93 per cent of all vehicles delivered. Other options that are proving particularly popular include the Alcantara/leather seat covers, which 84 per cent of all SCOUT customers go for, and the tow bar, which is fitted to 76 per cent of all ordered vehicles – unsurprising considering the car’s strengths as a towing vehicle. 87 per cent of all SCOUT drivers have also opted for the fuel-efficient 2.0 TDI, while 13 per cent chose the 2.0 TSI. Almost half of all SUPERB SCOUTs – 48 per cent to be precise – are ordered with the 19-inch Manaslu alloy wheels. The silver 18-inch Braga wheels that come as standard account for 27 per cent, while the remaining 25 per cent feature the anthracite version. The most popular colour for the ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT is Lava Blue, followed by Moon White and Quartz Grey. The new metallic Tangerine Orange finish, in fourth place, is available exclusively for the SUPERB SCOUT.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The new ŠKODA RAPID and the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK hatchback version are now available for purchase on the Chinese market and can also be ordered online. The revised exterior features a redesigned ŠKODA grille, flatter, tapered headlights and new horizontal taillights. In addition to new trims and upholstery fabrics, the interior also benefits from a new infotainment system with vehicle connectivity via Banma, a joint venture between the Alibaba Group and SAIC Volkswagen.

ŠKODA RAPID: lots of room, two interior versions and advanced infotainment
The ŠKODA RAPID saloon is 4,512 millimetres long, 1,706 millimetres wide and 1,469 millimetres tall. It is available in the colours Acapulco Blue, Titanium Beige, Reflex Silver and Polar White. With a wheelbase measuring 2,603 millimetres, it provides passengers with a generous amount of space and comfort, with plenty of legroom at the front and rear. The boot has a capacity of 466 litres, complemented by up to 14 storage solutions from ŠKODA’s classic Simply Clever range. The redesigned interior exudes a premium feel and is available in two colourways: dazzling black and black/brown.

Among other new details, the RAPID comes with a multifunction steering wheel, a rear-view camera and the ŠKODA Banma Intelligent Interconnection System. This includes a TFT LCD monitor with an 8-inch screen and a user interface featuring the playing-card design that is popular in China, along with voice control. Other features include over-the-air updates and advanced Android and Apple smartphone connectivity along with other online services such as the Amap navigation app, the Kuwo music streaming service or the Tingban online radio.

1.5 MPI petrol model already compliant with the strict China VI b emissions standard
The ŠKODA RAPID is powered by a 1.5 MPI petrol engine, which is made entirely of aluminium and delivers 82 kW (111 PS), along with a maximum torque of 145 Nm. Customers have a choice between a manual five-speed gearbox and a six-speed automatic transmission. With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres and correspondingly low emissions, the engine already complies with the strict China VI b emissions standard that will only come into effect from July 2023. An electronically controlled, dynamic steering system and intelligent chassis tuning make for powerful performance and controlled handling at all times.

RAPID SPACEBACK: aesthetic, functional and with various design packages
The new ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK is a stylish hatchback model which perfectly combines aesthetics and functionality and can be ordered in the Honey Yellow, Flash Red, and Polar White paint finishes. It features redesigned wide, split tail lights which, in tandem with the reflectors in the rear apron, create the light graphic. The rear design is rounded off with a chrome strip towards the bottom of the bumper. The RAPID SPACEBACK can be customised with various design packages with black elements, including an extended black panoramic rear window, black roof, black wing mirror housings and tail lights with a smoky black finish.

The RAPID SPACEBACK measures 4,312 millimetres in length and 1,475 millimetres in height. Its width and wheelbase are identical to the saloon version, as is the 1.5 MPI engine delivering 82 kW (111 PS), with a choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The luggage compartment has a 372-litre capacity, which can be increased to as much as 1,255 litres by folding down the rear seats. The ESP stability programme enhances safety on the road, along with tyre pressure monitoring and other safety systems.

A choice of four interior variants
When ordering their RAPID SPACEBACK, customers can choose between four different interior designs. The sportiest variant, for example, has an instrument panel featuring a delicate carbon-style look and a decorative trim in an eye-catching red. The black and grey seat upholstery is enhanced with contrasting red stitching and an embroidered RAPID wordmark. The ŠKODA Banma Intelligent Interconnection System also ensures state-of-the-art connectivity in the RAPID SPACEBACK, and the rear-view camera boasts a viewing angle of 170 degrees. In addition, the air conditioning system provides outstanding comfort, utilising highly effective three-layer filter inserts to provide particularly clean air.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Its black ŠKODA grille, dynamic front apron with black Air Curtains and a rear apron featuring Aero Flaps and a matching rear diffuser in sporty black instantly identify the all-new OCTAVIA RS iV as a member of the RS family. The black alloy wheel design reveals brake callipers finished in red; the saloon’s tailgate comes with a black RS rear spoiler, while the COMBI estate features a roof spoiler in body colour. In the predominantly black interior, colourful highlights are provided by contrasting stitching on the sports seats with integrated headrests and on the leather-covered three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel.

For the first time in an RS model, dynamic performance is ensured by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 1.4 TSI petrol engine and an 85-kW electric motor combine to deliver a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, with CO2 emissions of around 30 g/km over the WLTP cycle (provisional data). Moreover, the OCTAVIA RS iV can cover up to 55 kilometres (WLTP) in all-electric mode, i.e. without generating any local emissions. A sports suspension with signature RS fine-tuning ensures dynamic handling.

Additional OCTAVIA model with hybrid technology
ŠKODA is complementing its Geneva presentation of the OCTAVIA RS iV by surrounding it with one more electrified version of its best-seller. The OCTAVIA iV also has a plug-in hybrid powertrain; its 1.4 TSI joins forces with an electric motor to provide a combined output of 150 kW (204 PS) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. Available in conjunction with the Ambition and Style trim levels, this model version has a lithium-ion high-voltage battery with a capacity of 37 Ah and an energy content of 13 kWh. Like the RS iV, it can be conveniently charged at home from a 230-volt mains socket or a wallbox.

Debut of the first SCOUTLINE version of a ŠKODA SUV
Another ŠKODA to have its motor show premiere in Geneva is the KAMIQ SCOUTLINE. This car marks the first time ŠKODA is releasing a SCOUTLINE version of an SUV. Features such as matt black wheel arch covers and rugged silver bodywork elements lend this city SUV a daredevil look which is emphasised by large alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 or 18 inches. The KAMIQ SCOUTLINE will be available with any engine from this model series, with outputs ranging from 66 kW (90 PS) to 110 kW (150 PS).

In the interior, the ŠKODA KAMIQ SCOUTLINE boasts a generous amount of space and exclusive decorative trims – with an ash-wood effect as standard and a dark brushed design available as an option – complemented by chrome-style air vents. The pedal covers feature an aluminium design. While the height-adjustable front seats come with special SCOUTLINE upholstery made of breathable ThermoFlux fabric and Suedia microfibre, the steering wheel, handbrake lever and gearshift lever have a leather finish. The LED ambient lighting illuminates the centre console, door storage compartments, door handles and footwells in white, red or orange. Moreover, the new KAMIQ SCOUTLINE is fitted with LED reading lights. Customers can opt for a black roof lining to round off the interior.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com