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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 stripes. Ventilated, 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

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

An increasing number of ŠKODA AUTO brand dealers are now involved in making their dealerships even more environmentally friendly. Customers today expect service centres to have environmental-protection measures in place. They expect clean and tidy public and working areas with hygienic facilities; basically, customers require a pleasant environment to which they would be happy to return.

This is a very concise outline of one of the central ideas under the GreenRetail project, which is one of the three pillars supporting the GreenFuture strategy. It seems self-evident, but implementing it has been the result of long-term work, involving innovative solutions and procedures, and has often even required a change in thoughts and attitudes. And how has it been implemented?

All new ŠKODA AUTO cars are developed to be eco-friendly. It is a rule that each new generation of ŠKODA cars has a lower fuel consumption, thus leading to a decrease in CO₂ emissions, lower weight, and improved aerodynamics compared to cars of the previous generation. By using fuel-efficient engines and numerous modern fuel-saving technologies, such as braking energy recuperation, Start-Stop, and low rolling-resistance tyres, ŠKODA cars can decrease the negative impact both on the environment and on customers’ wallets.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Responsible and sustainable production as well as fuel-efficient vehicles: these are essential elements of ŠKODA’s ‘GreenFuture’ environmental strategy.

So far, the target was to reduce the environmental impact of production, as measured by key figures from 2010-2018, by 25 per cent. The manufacturer increased this goal to 45 per cent this year. This means: the environmental impact will have nearly halved within eight years. To mark ‘World Environment Day’ on Sunday 5 June, the manufacturer introduces some important initiatives.

“The foremost aim of ŠKODA’s ‘GreenFuture’ strategy is to further improve the sustainability of the company,” explained Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “We have successfully implemented this in recent years. Our focus is on efficient vehicles and an economical use of resources across the entire business. We will continue to meticulously implement our environmental strategy in the coming years. To further reduce energy consumption in production, we are using modern technology with the greatest possible energy efficiency,” continued Oeljeklaus.

ŠKODA is combining all environmental activities under the umbrella of the ‘GreenFuture’ strategy; ‘GreenFactory’ outlines all activities that conserve resources as much as possible during production.

Key figures such as energy and water consumption, or the amount of waste produced when manufacturing each vehicle, as well as CO2 and so-called volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions – like those created when painting car bodies – are accurately measured and then optimised. Based on these factors, ŠKODA has already reduced, on average, its environmental impact by 35.8 per cent between 2010 and 2015. To accelerate this positive trend, the company has set even more ambitious environmental targets for this year. According to this, ŠKODA will reduce the environmental impact of its production by 45 per cent by 2018, so nearly half compared to 2010 levels.

In detail: energy consumption for production is to fall by 30 per cent during this period. The target for CO2 emissions per vehicle produced is to be lowered by 55 per cent. The amount of waste per vehicle will reduce by 70 per cent by 2018, water consumption by 25 per cent and VOC emissions by 45 per cent. The improvement objectives, which have been increased to 45 per cent, will result from specific measures, for example, regulating the ventilation system, installing energy-saving lighting as well as reducing the amount of waste created when manufacturing each vehicle.

Range of measures across the entire business
The associated set of measures extends to all areas of the company. For example, around a quarter of all power required by one factory is used on air-conditioning the production halls – accordingly, this item is at the very top of ŠKODA’s ‘GreenFuture’ agenda. Thanks to the ventilation system’s new control unit, the company saves 3,500 MWh per year – that is the equivalent of the energy consumption of 875 households. New compressors in the pressing plants, which operate at lower air pressure, achieve power savings of 1,600 MWh.

In the Kvasiny plant alone, new hall lighting will effect an electricity reduction of 1,500 MWh per year. In several halls, where finished vehicles await delivery, ŠKODA also installed energy-saving sources of light, cutting power consumption in half. Thanks to clever automatic switch-off, the light also goes off by itself as soon as operations cease in the halls.

Already in 2014, the amount of waste per car manufactured fell from 16.8 kg to 15.1 kg within a year. In 2016, ŠKODA will reduce the volume of deposited waste from its own production plants by a total of 4,000 tonnes – this represents a reduction in waste per vehicle of over 50 per cent to 7.8 kg within two years. Furthermore, the waste is no longer stored, instead it is separated for energy recycling. One of the many improvements include: used oils are filtered and reused in the production process – saving resources and reducing the amount of waste.

A cornerstone of sustainable production is the energy provider ŠKO-ENERGO, in which ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a share of 46 per cent. Since the partnership began in 1995, both companies were able to more than halve energy consumption per vehicle produced. At 1.5 million cubic metres, current annual water consumption is at the 2010 level – in relation to the increase in vehicle production, water consumption has reduced by about 30 per cent per vehicle.

The increased use of biomass to generate electricity in the ŠKO-ENERGO combined heat and power generation (CHP) facility saves up to 130,000 t of CO2 emissions per year, compared to burning coal and gas. Thanks to this advanced type of energy supply, the carbon footprint per vehicle produced also improved by more than 46 per cent between 2010 and 2015.

ŠKODA supports environmental policy of the Czech Republic through the project 'One car, one tree'. Between 2007 and 2015, the car manufacturer planted more than half a million trees at over 50 locations. Many ŠKODA employees volunteer to plant the trees, contributing sustainably to the preservation of biodiversity and global climate protection.

‘World Environment Day’ is a global institution
To mark the opening of the UN Conference on the Human Environment on 5 June 1972 in Stockholm, the United Nations declared 5 June the annual ‘World Environment Day’. About 150 countries around the world participate in ‘World Environment Day’, which aims to strengthen environmental awareness and ecological courage. This year’s ‘World Environment Day’ has the slogan: ‘Go wild for life’.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA’s models continue to drive home their reliability, quality, cost, practicality and comfort credentials in the annual Auto Express Driver Power survey.

Milton Keynes, 27 April 2016 - The 2016 questionnaire received more than 49,000 responses, covering 32 manufacturers and 183 models, with ŠKODA models featuring heavily in the top 25 overall positions. Along with a number of wins and podium places in various classes and categories, the brand was voted third best in the UK to own, improving on last year’s result with an overall score of 90.45%.

Central to the manufacturer’s success was its best-selling Octavia model which triumphed in the Compact Family Car class. The 1st place category result, which was also the 7th most highly-rated car overall, saw the family model, with prices starting from £16,515, record a score of 92.52%.

Owners were particularly impressed with the model’s practicality, cementing 3rd place in this specific category, confirming its usefulness as a tool for transporting families safely, in comfort and with space to spare. They also recommended its in-car tech (9th overall) and praised its low running costs, reliability and performance.

Praise for ŠKODA continued in the Supermini class with two models featuring in the top 5 positions; the Citigo placing second and the Fabia posting a 4th place finish. With a 91.94% rating the smallest car in the ŠKODA range finished 11th in the whole survey, and the slightly larger Fabia returned a score of 91.29% for a 22nd place result.

Another silver medal was awarded to the previous generation ŠKODA Superb, which beat 163 other vehicles to finish 2nd in the Family Car category with a score of 91.46%. And the venerable Yeti continued the brand’s trend for high scores, thanks to its 91.58% rating in the toughly contested Offroad/SUV category and 16th overall placement.

The ŠKODA range starts at £8,275 for the Citigo supermini. For more information, visit www.skoda.co.uk.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

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