In addition to a striking, emotive design language and a generous amount of space, the ŠKODA KODIAQ and ŠKODA KAROQ also boast new self-assured brand lettering on the tailgate. This hallmark adorns the new ŠKODA SCALA and KAMIQ compact models as well as the recently updated SUPERB, and will now gradually feature on the rear of all ŠKODA models.
 
Side Assist with a range of 70 m
The optional Side Assist has been added to the comprehensive selection of assistance systems for the ŠKODA KODIAQ and KAROQ, replacing the previous Blind Spot Detect in both SUVs. In the new system, the range increases from 20 to 70 m. It uses two radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car’s blind spot. The warning signals have been made more noticeable for the driver too. Rather than being situated in the mirror’s glass as they were before, the light signals are now found on the insides of the wing mirrors. They are considerably easier to notice and their brightness can be adjusted. The system works while accelerating at speeds of 15 km/h or more and down to a speed of 10 km/h while braking. Rear Traffic Alert is an integral part of Side Assist too. It warns the driver about objects moving behind the vehicle when reversing.
 
Adaptive chassis (DCC) can now also be combined with front-wheel drive
The optional adaptive chassis (DCC) considerably boosts comfort in both ŠKODA SUVs. It is no longer exclusively available with all-wheel-drive vehicles, but can now also be ordered in conjunction with front-wheel drive. Boasting electronically adjustable shock absorbers, DCC automatically adapts the shock absorption to suit the road conditions and the current or preferred driving style. Via Driving Mode Select, the driver can also choose between three shock absorption modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – which offer a variety of driving styles ranging from particularly comfortable to sporty.

KESSY with a motion sensor
ŠKODA is gradually equipping all of its models with the KESSY vehicle entry key with a motion sensor, thereby reducing the risk of the car being stolen or broken into. In this system, which is optional for the KAROQ and KODIAQ, the key’s transmitter signal switches off automatically after 15 minutes of no movement – if it is placed in a drawer or on a desk, for example. As soon as the key is moved again, the transmitter function is re-activated. The ŠKODA KAROQ or KODIAQ can then be opened conveniently as usual and switched on using the start button, without the need to take out the key.
 
New 2.0 TDI for the ŠKODA KAROQ
A new 2.0 TDI with a power output of 140 kW (190 PS) has been added to the ŠKODA KAROQ’s range of engines. Of course, it also fulfils the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard, having been fitted with an SCR catalytic converter including AdBlue injection and a diesel particulate filter. The engine, which is already familiar from the ŠKODA KODIAQ, is combined with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG transmission as standard.
 
New sporty wheels for the ŠKODA KODIAQ
The 2020 model year also sees the introduction of a new set of alloy wheels for the ŠKODA KODIAQ. The sporty 20-inch ‘Ignite’ wheels feature a greater width of 255 mm and are available as an option for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE as well as for the top-of-the-line KODIAQ RS and KODIAQ L&K. A new tyre pressure monitoring system for individual wheels is optional for tyres measuring 18 inches or more. Seat covers made of temperature-regulating leather now come as an option for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT.
 
An SUV success story: the ŠKODA KODIAQ and KAROQ
In autumn 2016, the Czech brand kicked off its major SUV campaign as part of its 2025 Strategy by launching the ŠKODA KODIAQ. The compact ŠKODA KAROQ followed a year later. With these two cars, ŠKODA captured the zeitgeist as well as met the needs of the customers in the globally booming SUV segment. Since then, the ŠKODA KODIAQ and ŠKODA KAROQ have become key pillars of the company’s global growth strategy. Around 360,000 ŠKODA KODIAQs have been produced worldwide since the car’s launch in autumn 2016. Its line-up consists of a wide range of models: the rugged KODIAQ SCOUT, the KODIAQ SPORTLINE, the sophisticated KODIAQ L&K and the sporty top-of-the-line KODIAQ RS. Since autumn 2017, more than 220,000 ŠKODA KAROQs have already been manufactured; ŠKODA’s compact SUV is also available as a SCOUT and SPORTLINE variant.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The serial production of the new city SUV began at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Alongside the latest member of the ŠKODA model range, the OCTAVIA, FABIA, SCALA and KAROQ are also produced there.
 
Dr Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “For us, the start of production for a new ŠKODA model is always a special time. Over the past few months, we have made all of the provisions in production and logistics to successfully launch the KAMIQ in the city SUV segment. We are convinced that – in typical ŠKODA style – the KAMIQ too will impress our customers with its excellent quality and many practical features.”
 
ŠKODA has invested approximately 100 million euros in the manufacturing of the KAMIQ in Mladá Boleslav. The production line for the MQB27 platform has been adapted; new press tools have also been produced. In the paint shop, body shop and final assembly, not only were fundamental changes made, but details were also modified to facilitate the assembly of the new split headlights with LED technology, for example. 400 new KAMIQs leave the Mladá Boleslav plant each day.
 
The new ŠKODA KAMIQ is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform and wows with state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, an emotive design and a wealth of Simply Clever features. Its generous amount of space makes it the perfect companion for families and lifestyle-oriented customers in equal measure.
 
At 4,241 mm long, the KAMIQ offers a copious amount of space for all passengers and luggage. Thanks to its modern assistance systems, a selection of efficient, economical engines and the latest connectivity solutions, it is perfectly tailored to suit the requirements of a younger, urban target group. Offering the new city SUV exclusively with front-wheel drive, ŠKODA caters to the desires of customers in this vehicle segment in terms of drive too.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA set the course for sustainable and long-term growth in its 2025 Strategy, which comprises the strategic key areas of electromobility, the digitalisation of the company, internationalisation and new mobility services. The success of the strategy’s implementation can be seen in terms of sustainability too. Here, the ‘GreenFuture’ strategy provides the foundation and direction. In addition to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, it also aims for the conservation of resources during production and eco-friendly operation at dealerships.
 
Environmental targets for vehicle production surpassed
The Czech car manufacturer succeeded in reducing its vehicle production’s strain on the environment by 56.1 per cent between 2010 and 2018 – 6 per cent points better than its target of halving the environmental impact of production-related factors by 2018. Water consumption per car produced was reduced by 38.2 per cent during the same period and the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that arise during painting fell by 48.9 per cent per vehicle. Recycling is also a key part of conserving resources at ŠKODA. All of the current ŠKODA models fulfil the latest EU requirements for the recyclability of materials; the ŠKODA SCALA is made from 85% recyclable materials.
 
Accolade for responsible conduct and sustainability-related accomplishments
In 2018, ŠKODA was named Top Responsible Large Company for its commitment and achievements. The non-profit organisation ‚Business for Society‘awards this to companies that sustainably and strategically act responsibly and that optimise their environmental footprint.
 
Comprehensive social commitment
The latest ŠKODA AUTO sustainability report also comprises detailed information on the company’s social commitment. The car manufacturer recognises and acts on its responsibility within society across the entire value chain and is proactive in both sponsorship as well as a variety of CSR activities. Examples include supporting the regions around the brand’s production sites or participating in other projects, including those relating to road traffic safety, technical training and barrier-free mobility as well as looking after children in need.
 
What’s more, since 2007, ŠKODA has planted one tree for every ŠKODA car sold in the Czech Republic. Since the programme began, more than 820,000 trees have been planted in an area equivalent to 260 football pitches. In addition to employees and their families, non-commercial organisations are involved in this initiative too. Since 2010, students at the company’s own vocational school as well as interns have also been taking part in the project and, in 2017, the initiative was open to the car manufacturer’s customers for the first time via ŠKODA dealerships.
 
Sustainability report fulfils international standard of the Global Reporting Initiative
Since 2005, ŠKODA has been providing information about its activities concerning sustainable corporate management every two years. The seventh sustainability report, which has now been published, complies with the Global Reporting Initiative’s Standards core option and thus with the international guidelines for transparent reporting.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, explains: “Our engineers continually work on further optimising the active and passive safety of our models. With the SCALA, for example, we introduced several new assistance systems to the compact class, which had previously been available exclusively for vehicles in higher segments. Achieving the highest five-star rating for the ŠKODA SCALA in the European reference test for vehicle safety is an acknowledgement of our daily work. All of our current model series have earned the top score in the Euro NCAP test – a great success.”
 
In addition to the overall five-star rating, the ŠKODA SCALA scored especially high in the Euro NCAP test assessments of adult occupant safety and cyclist safety. In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the roomy compact model received a score of 97 per cent of all possible points. This is one of the highest ratings in the history of the Euro NCAP.
 
Testers awarded the full six points for cyclist protection, reflecting the beneficial effect of the Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection and City Emergency Brake function included as standard. Lane Assist is another feature included in the standard equipment for the ŠKODA SCALA, while Side Assist, which alerts drivers to vehicles approaching from behind or in the car’s blind spot, is an optional feature resulting in a score of 3.5 out of a maximum of four points for this aspect.
 
The ŠKODA SCALA’s extremely stiff body with its large deformation zones and extremely robust occupant cell ensures superior passive safety, using an almost 70-per-cent share of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and specially hardened steels. In addition the compact model comes with up to nine airbags, including an optional knee airbag for the driver and optional side airbags at the rear. Additional safety features include the Multi-Collision Brake, the optional Crew Protect Assist proactive occupant protection system as well as ISOFIX and top-tether attachments on the rear seat bench and front passenger seat to protect the youngest passengers.
 
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) was founded in 1997, with its current members including twelve transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes from eight European countries. The consortium is based in the Belgian city of Leuven. It conducts crash tests with current vehicle models and assesses their active and passive safety. Over the past few years, these tests have become ever more stringent and now comprise a number of different collision scenarios. While initially based solely on the results of the crash tests, final ratings today give a greater weighting to assessments of active safety systems and available driver assistance systems.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com