While the Volkswagen Group has a strong commitment and determination to electrify its range during this decade, it is still not ready to stop offering models powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). Not all markets and regions are ready to use only electric vehicles (EVs) so there will still be a need for combustion engines, and therefore some development needs to continue.
Being a large group with 9 car-making companies (Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Skoda, SEAT, CUPRA, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley and Porsche), the Volkswagen Group obviously has a lot of R&D resources which it can use. This allows the massive costs of R&D to be spread out, enabling better competitiveness for each brand.
One example is the MEB platform (it stands for Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten or modular electric-drive toolkit) which has been developed specifically for EVs. First used in the Volkswagen ID.3 in 2019, it is now being used by new models in the other brands and even by Ford.
With autonomous vehicles coming in future, the interaction between a vehicle and other road-users, especially pedestrians, will change. Without a human making decisions and a computer taking action, there will be a need to ‘communicate’ intentions in different ways. This is one of the many areas which researchers are looking into with autonomous vehicle development.
Skoda, the Czech carmaker, is developing unique technology which displays to pedestrians – via the car’s grille – when it’s safe to cross the road, as part of a wider trial scheme looking to make roads safer for children, senior citizens and people with disabilities. While this concept is being explored at this time for use in vehicles controlled by human drivers, it could lay the groundwork for autonomous vehicles of the future.
With the VISION 7S concept, Skoda is providing a preview of an all-new battery electric SUV as well as the Czech brand’s new design language. There is also a new brand logo which no longer uses sculptural 3D graphics, a response to a growing shift in marketing activities from print to online.
The 7-seater VISION 7S SUV, which is 3 to 4 years from appearing in Skoda showrooms, sits on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Kit (MEB). Proposed with an 89 kWh battery pack, it has a projected range of over 600 kms.
With the new design language comes the ‘Tech-Deck Face’ at the front end with a a solid underbody and aerodynamic roof lines. The Tech Deck Face embodies a modern reinterpretation of the familiar Skoda grille. Though it has similar lines, the appearance is significantly flatter and wider than the previous styling. The ribs have been replaced by dark glass that conceals the vehicle’s sensors.
The redesigned SKODA wordmark replaces the brand’s picturemark and is complemented by a new ambient light strip. This extends across the entire width of the vehicle at the upper edge of the front section and features illuminated graphics.
The robust bumpers are made of durable, recycled tyres. This material is also used for the wheelarch linings and adds a rugged visual highlight. Seven vertical air intakes are integrated into the front, through which air is directed to the cooling systems and brakes, and another nine vertical air outlets are in the rear bumper.
A control element in bright Flashy Orange is located in the centre of both the front and rear. These can be pulled out to serve as hooks. In addition, they can be used to safely cut off the vehicle’s high-voltage current from the outside, if required.
A high tornado line separates the solid underbody from the side windows and emphasises the powerful shoulder sections through its curve. The squared-off wheel arches beneath it are prominent and clearly recessed. Within them, the wheels are aerodynamically optimized rims and almost completely closed.
Additional air outlets are positioned between the wheel arches and above the side skirts. These act as running boards for the portal doors that swing up in opposite directions and also have cover grilles. These grilles channel the warm air generated from cooling the high-voltage battery pack to the outside.
The flat roofline gently slopes to the rear and merges with a pronounced roof spoiler for high aerodynamic efficiency. The triangular D-pillar extending to the rear features a bold design; at the bottom, it bears the new SKODA wordmark, which also appears on the tailgate and is lit up in the same way as at the front of the vehicle.
The minimalistic interior is as spacious as the exterior proportions of the Skoda concept suggest. The sense of security further enhanced by the combination of dark and light materials. These are leather-free (mostly from sustainable sources) and are extremely durable, thanks to some smart material combinations.
One example is the floor, which is also made from recycled tyres. The interior trim is also sustainable and coated with a fine, matt metallic layer, thus conserving valuable resources. The fabrics are made of 100% recycled polyester yarns.
Great emphasis was placed on further optimising usability. In addition, the vehicle’s menu structure and infotainment functions have been streamlined, and the controls on the central, free-standing touchscreen, as well as haptic keys for important or frequently used functions, are particularly intuitive.
In front of the central screen on the instrument cluster is a large crystal that indicates the battery and charging status using different colours. This can be seen easily from outside the Skoda SUV.
The position of the childseat may seem unsuitable from the safety point of view but it is actually in the safest place in the vehicle. It is integrated into the centre console, which extends to the second row of seats, opposite to the direction of travel. This means the child is optimally protected, and the passengers in the second row can always keep an eye on him or her.
An optional interior camera in the rear roof area can also transmit a video of the child to the central infotainment display. This makes it possible for the driver and front passenger to see the little ones on board at all times.
The VISION 7S also introduces a new series of ‘Simply Clever’ features, well known in Skodas. For example, the air vents on the dashboard work in a discreet, diffuse mode until more direct ventilation is needed. Passengers will also find magnetic surfaces under the floating centre console, where metal Skoda drink bottles or a first-aid kit can be securely attached. There are also backpacks that are magnetically attached to the seat backrests, easily taken off when leaving the vehicle for a hike.
“The VISION 7S is the forerunner of our new design language that we’ll be rolling out across the entire product portfolio over the coming years. We’ll also be using it to sharpen our customer appeal; with the new styling, we are taking the brand to the next level and aligning it to our customers’ new needs and expectations, particularly regarding UX (user experience), connectivity and the entire customer journey,” said Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing.
While Skoda does not compete in the top class of the World Rally Championship, it has been very successful in other segments of the Rally Pyramid, notably in the WRC2 category. Its FABIA is among the most successful rallycars in the world with the rally versions – FABIA Rally2 and FABIA Rally2 evo – having dominated the category from 2015 to 2022. The more than 450 units built by Skoda Motorsport collected 1,710 victories by April 2022, including 4 victories in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally.
Newly developed engine
When it was time to move on to a new generation, the development team at Skoda Motorsport has much experience to draw upon. With the new FABIA RS Rally2, customer teams will have a much more competitive car with a new engine, improved handling, better electronics and enhanced safety features. The new engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit based on the 2.0 TSI from the Volkswagen Group EA888 engine family (used in the RS models).
The output of 289 bhp/430 Nm goes to all four wheels via a sequential 5-speed transmission. Although there is a mechanical clutch, it is only used for starting, parking or when driving slowly. For optimum acceleration on tight, winding rally stages, the FABIA RS Rally2 has a relatively short gear ratio, offering a top speed of around 200 km/h.
To prepare the new FABIA RS Rally2 for action on the rally track, test-drivers subjected prototypes to extensive tests on asphalt, gravel and snow for almost a year. This included trials in the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Croatia, Germany, Belgium and Spain, as well as under extreme winter conditions in northern Finland since mid-2021.
The gruelling test programme validated the special braking system and precisely balanced chassis. In addition, the electronics and controls were also tested to meet the demanding conditions during a rally. Also tested was the special 82.5-litre fuel tank and shock-resistant rubber which meets the FIA’s regulations. Additional protection is provided by a carbon/kevlar composite cover and an absorbent layer on the underside.
Sustainable fuel requirement
Throughout the 2022 season, 100% sustainable petrol will be used by competing cars in the WRC. This is based on modern raw materials and high-purity renewable components. The bio-fuels are derived from biological waste and synthetic e fuels. These are produced using renewable energies that enable electrolysis from ‘green’ hydrogen as well as CO2, which is extracted from the air and industrial processes. The 100% renewable petrol is then mixed in a laboratory without any fossil-fuel components.
Some of the components used in rally vehicles differ significantly from their counterparts in production vehicles. Instead of having up to nine airbags and numerous electronic assistance systems like those found in the production FABIA, the new FABIA RS Rally2 relies purely on mechanics in many aspects. It also features specialised components, such as a roll cage and specially protected fuel tank.
Also unlike the production version sold to the public, the rally version only uses sensors for engine management and displaying the brake pressure, steering wheel position and fuel. The sensors merely provide information; with the production model, they perform any control functions. Only the engine control unit uses sensor data to ensure that it functions optimally in all driving modes and various weather conditions.
In a rallycar, the brake system can save valuable tenths of a second in the fight against the clock. The stronger the deceleration, the later the drivers can brake into a bend. In hard braking manoeuvres, the brake discs easily reach temperatures of more than 700 degrees C. To ensure efficient cooling at all times, the FABIA RS Rally2’s brake discs are internally ventilated, and an optimised brake cooling system is also available for gravel and asphalt stages.
Protecting the crew
Skoda Motorsport engineers have developed a roll-cage which has a total of 35.8 metres of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel tubing and is welded to the chassis during body construction. The side panels and roof are then mounted over it. This procedure allows for even greater manufacturing precision, as well as a better fit and connection to the body.
The chassis is also engineered to meet the extreme demands of rallying. Compared to the previous model, the suspension stroke of the dampers is now longer and the MacPherson struts are stiffer. In addition, friction in the dampers is reduced. The longer wheelbase also prompted the development of new suspension kinematics.
More downforce generated
Paying attention to detail, the designers managed to almost double the downforce compared to its predecessor – an enormous advantage on the track, as greater downforce facilitates higher cornering speeds. For regulatory reasons, there are no active aerodynamic parts such as the radiator louvre from the production FABIA.
The same air curtains as in the front bumpers of the production car guide the airstream closely and aerodynamically over the body and wheels. They increase the downforce in combination with new side skirts, which prevent air from flowing underneath from the side. Incorporating a front splitter across the entire lower edge of the front bumper, they ensure optimum aerodynamic efficiency at the front.
Several aerodynamic components have been specially developed for the FABIA RS Rally2. In addition to the wider front and rear fenders, the newly developed rear wing increases the downforce. A small spoiler lip, the so-called Gurney flap, serves as a tear-off edge and also improves the downforce. The airflow over the roof is optimised thanks to a centrally positioned air scoop, which simultaneously supplies fresh air to the cockpit.
Support for customer teams
Skoda Motorsport has been supporting numerous customer teams in international rallying since 2020. The teams receive support that includes a comprehensive supply of spare parts and technical support, even at events. Additionally, Skoda Motorsports offers revision work on engines, transmissions and chassis components. Teams taking part in the WRC can also using Skoda Motorsport’s support truck equipped with an array of spare parts. It is available at selected WRC rounds and certain events in the European Rally Championship.
‘vRS’ is to Skoda what GTI would be to Volkswagen, the designation for high-performance versions of the various models of the Czech carmaker. The vRS story began in 2001 with the Octavia getting a 178 bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, the most powerful road-legal Skoda ever offered when it was launched. It had credible performance and from that model, Skoda engineers began to always develop an extra-hot version of each model range deserving of the vRS badge.
Actually, Skoda had initially wanted to use ‘RS’ as the designation, the two letters referring to ‘Rally Sport’ which the carmaker had participated in since the 1960s. However, in the UK, they had a problem as Ford felt its RS models were already well established and did not want another manufacturer confusing customers. So rather than fight over the matter, Skoda decided to add a ‘v’ (for ‘victory’) to the RS and thus the ‘vRS’ badge was born. However, in many markets, the badge is more distinctly shown as ‘RS’ and the model also referred to as ‘RS’.
Over the years, impression vRS models have appeared in showrooms, with the first performance SUV from the brand being the Kodiaq vRS in 2019, and it had a 235-bhp twin-turbo diesel engine. This July, Skoda will launch its first all-electric model to have the vRS badge – the ENYAQ Coupe iV vRS.
Like the ENYAQ iV SUV, the new ENYAQ Coupe iV vRS also use the Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular platform developed specially for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The ENYAQ iV models are the first modern-day Skoda vehicles with a rear motor and rear-wheel drive/dual-motor and all-wheel drive.
The ENYAQ Coupé iV vRS is powered by an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing electricity to the electric motors at the front and rear axles. The system output is 299 ps with maximum torque rated at 460 Nm and available virtually from standstill. This will give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of almost 180 km/h.
A range of almost 500 kms is claimed on a fully charged battery pack. The system is able to accept rapid charging at levels up to 135 kW, which will enable an 80% charge to be achieved within 36 minutes (depending on charging level). On a standard 7.2 kW home wallbox, however, the time to fully recharge will be around 13 hours if the battery pack is completely empty.
As would be expected with the vRS badge on it, the ENYAQ Coupe iV has a sporty appearance with gloss black surrounds for the grille, window trim and rear diffuser. Badges, tailgate lettering and the air curtain trim on the front apron are also finished in black, while the rear bumper adds a full-length red reflector – a design feature shared will all other vRS models.
Specific to the vRS version are black 20-inch Taurus wheels as standard with 21-inch Vision wheels with an anthracite finish available as an option. Both feature aerodynamically optimized plastic Aero trims. Full LED matrix headlights and Crystal Face (illuminated by 131 LEDs) complete the vRS model’s exterior design package.
Inside, the ENYAQ Coupe iV vRS is fitted with a model-specific Design Selection exclusively reserved for the sporting flagship of the range. In addition to black perforated leather sports seats with integrated headrests, grey piping and contrast stitching, the vRS also gets a leather multifunction sports steering wheel. The dashboard is upholstered in a leather-look material to match the seats and is edged with contrast stitching.
Standard equipment includes carbonfibre effect inserts on the dashboard and door trim and aluminium pedals, plus LED ambient lighting and an electrically operated boot with virtual pedal. To further enhance the responsive driving experience, Dynamic Steering is standard, complementing the sports chassis that is 15 mm lower at the front and 10 mm at the rear.
What began as a young designer’s vision of the car of the future has been transformed into a real model called the eVOITURETTE. The vision was created as part of Skoda Storyboard’s Icons Get a Makeover series and is the work of Yuhan Zhang, a member of the interior design team at Skoda.
Zhang was inspired by the Czech brand’s first-ever production car, the Voiturette A produced by Laurin & Klement (Skoda Auto’s original name) in 1905. It was her aim to create a modern take on one of the legends in the carmaker’s history, fusing traditional design in a futuristic carriage.
The idea to convert the VOITURETTE A into such an unusual vehicle came to Zhang fairly quickly – around 20 hours of work to convert the idea into a sketch. “I started with a pencil on tracing paper – the first thing I worked on was the exterior. I scanned the sketch into the computer and carried on from there,” she explained, adding that the initial outline makes up around 20% of the development of this kind of sketch, and is the most important part.
Design freedom
After the exterior, she used the same process on the car’s interior, consulting design chief Oliver Stefani. As this was a vision of a car of the future without a strict brief, his comments were minor. “He told me to get rid of some details that resemble solutions we were still working on for our mass-produced cars,” Zhang recalled.
It was this freedom she had when creating her vision of a futuristic car that was a nice change for her. “A lot of our work is secret and has a very clear brief. Our day-to-day work doesn’t leave much time for projects that show off our vision and talent. But this time, there was a surprising amount of freedom,” she said.
It took 400 difficult hours of work to produce a full-sized model of the eVOITURETTE. “Due to the model’s delicacy but intended long-term use as an exhibit in a museum, emphasis was placed on high-quality workmanship,” says Vlastimil Pazout, the model’s construction coordinator.
“The designer worked closely with us from the beginning. She prepared the basic data in a 3D sketch, which we then converted into production data before actually making it,” said his colleague Lukas Hrncir.
Made of artificial wood
The need for quality and durability persuaded the modellers to use a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The main body of the model – a relatively bulky part – is milled from ‘artificial wood’, while many parts come from a 3D printer.
“For example, we printed the logo and some of the finer parts, such as the holder of the interactive display that forms the dashboard,” said Zhang. One special feature of the model is the LED backlighting of certain parts. In her sketches, the artist included the LEDs as a kind of communication tool between the vehicle and its surroundings, so the modellers incorporated them into the real-life model.
10-kg full-size model
In addition to the designer, modellers and constructors, other members of the Skoda Design team, such as those from the Colour & Trim department, were involved in the creation of the model, as well as members of the Skoda Museum team. Measuring 688 x 355 x 327 mm, it weighs almost 10 kgs.
“After consulting with experts from the museum, we changed the model’s colour scheme. Unlike the original design with its shades of blue, we opted for a more distinctive red and white colour combination that reinforces the link between past and future,” explained Zhang. But in all other regards, the model is faithful to the sketch, including all details and proportions, which remained unchanged.
During the construction process, however, some specific parts were modified to make the model look as good as possible. “Probably the most important change was to the surface of the seat. It was originally supposed to be painted but, in the end, we covered the seat with fabric in cooperation with the Colour & Trim department,” said Pazout. The seat has additional stitching buttons so it looks very realistic indeed. “Due to the thickness of the fabric, this made it necessary to remake the 3D printed parts of the seat,” said Hrncir.
“It was a short and intense project, which brought my dream to life. It was fun to let my imagination run wild and not have to stick within today’s technical limitations,” said Zhang, who is originally from China and joined the company in 2015.
On permanent display at Skoda Museum
The eVOITURETTE is on permanent display at the Skoda Museum and Ferdinand Porsche Birth House. The museum is so named because that is where Porsche was born in 1875. The building, which has been owned by Skoda since 2011, shows visitors Czech industrial traditions, engineering and enthusiasm for technology.
Complementing its electrification plans, Skoda is also starting development of a fully electric rallycar which will be used in FIA-sanctioned events. Based on a Fabia Rally2 evo bodyshell, the rallycar has been homologated by the Austrian Motorsport Federation which allows it to enter the Austrian Rally Championship from this month.
In partnership with Kreisel Electric
The project was initiated when Kreisel Electric, supplier of the mandatory hybrid technology of the generation 2022 World Rally Cars for the World Rally Championship (WRC), looked for partners to develop a fully electric rallycar. Skoda Motorsport saw this as an interesting opportunity, especially as it has the most successful car of the Rally2 category with more than 400 units sold.
Mechanical elements similar to the Faboa Rally2 evo
The electric rallycar known as the RE-X1 Kreisel sits on an updated a FABIA Rally2 evo chassis fitted with Kreisel’s electric powertrain and innovative battery technology. The Kreisel Electric engineered e-motor delivers peak power of 260 kW (191 ps) and 600 Nm, compared to 157 ps/425 Nm of the current Fabia Rally2 evo with a standard 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The other mechanical elements are largely similar to the Fabia Rally2 evo rallycar with some modifications.
Some of the modifications include alterations to the suspension and to engineer the bodyshell floor to install the battery pack. The Kreisel high-performance lithium-ion 860V battery pack has a capacity of 52.5 kWh. For optimum performance, the battery block is mounted as low as possible in the chassis and liquid-cooled by Shell E-Fluids.
“The Skoda RE-X1 Kreisel is an exciting combination of traditional and future-orientated technology. We provided our best experience, based on developing already three generations of the rally-going Skoda Fabia,” said Michal Hrabanek, Head of Skoda Motorsport. “The rallycar offers all the set-up possibilities of the latest generation Skoda FABIA Rally2 evo, but with a fully electric powertrain and I really believe rally fans will find such a combination truly interesting.”
Development with FIA-sanctioned events in mind
The first chassis built by Skoda Motorsport is in asphalt spec. But Baumschlager Rallye & Racing, the project’s partner for the testing program and future competition activities, has already started to put the RE-X1 Kreisel through its paces on gravel as well.
Skoda Motorsport intends to develop the rallycar to be ready for future entries into FIA-sanctioned rallies. It is closely involved with Kreisel Electric, providing further know-how and technical consultation during the ongoing development process.
A car model can usually be in production for up to 10 years, though it is usually around 5 or 6 years today. With each model change, the design will evolve in tune with trends and consumer tastes. Only very few models – like the Volkswagen Beetle – could last decades unchanged. Eventually, the discontinued models fade away, but some are also remembered and collectors preserve them as they are special in one way or another.
Skoda, with a history of 125 years, has obviously produced many models and some have been significant. As part of the Czech carmaker’s 125th anniversary celebrations, a group of designers from across the brand have re-imagined some classic models and repurposed them for the modern era.
They picked 5 of the most iconic models and came out with designs of what those models would look like if they were to be done today, in the 21st century. These are model that defined the look and feel of Czech design and each one chosen is a personal favourite of the designer responsible.
Skoda has no specific plans to develop any of the designs, but the project gave the team inspiration from the past, the present and future environments.
VOITURETTE
This design takes inspiration from the brand’s first-ever production car, the Voiturette A. Created by Yuhan Zhang – a member of the interior design team at Skoda – the Voiturette study is an open-top 2-seater carriage designed for use as a fully autonomous tourist car for the streets of Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic.
The interior features a dramatic curved information panel while the wraparound seat takes its inspiration from the single seat unit fitted to the 1905 original. Commenting on her design, Zhang explained: “I wanted to make a connection between the history of Skoda and beauty of Prague. There is a big display in the car presenting a description of the sights as you go, but it could also show passengers the history of Skoda.”
1203 CAMPER
Another iconic model to get a dramatic makeover is the 1203 van, which has been transformed into a 21st century campervan. The brainchild of interface designer Daniel Hajek, the 1203 formed the backbone of Czech industry through the 1970s, becoming the default choice for trade, governments and the emergency services. Production ran from 1968 until the late 1990s.
The 21st century version imagined by Hajek features an electric drivetrain that allows for even greater space inside, along with a pop-up roof and all the practical touches found in today’s Skodas.
In terms of exterior design, the modern 1203 Camper features a number of touches that combine old with new. “I thought long and hard about how to reference the original’s round lights without them being too retro,” explained Hajek. “That’s why there’s just a hint of some curves here, but otherwise the light signature is new and bold.”
FELICIA CABRIOLET
The 1959 Felicia provided interior designer Martin Leprince with the starting point for his design makeover. Like the open-top original, the 21st century one is a masterclass in design elegance – wrapping itself around the passenger compartment while maximising exposure to the elements.
While working on the project Leprince spent hours with an original example kept at the Skoda museum. Among the many details he admired was the wraparound windscreen – and set about updating the look for his new version. As the design shows, the Felicia study has a ‘floating’ windscreen that hovers a few centimetres above the body and curves inwards to serve as the instrument panel and infotainment display.
“I studied glass statues, and with the help of photographs and pictures I tried to come up with a way to draw a 3D glass object so that the whole was comprehensible and looked realistic. That kept me busy for quite a few days,” he explained.
POPULAR MONTE CARLO and 130RS
Sporting glory was the inspiration behind the final pair of re-imagined Skoda classics. Interior designer Ljudmil Slavov chose to recreate the brand’s classic Popular Monte Carlo, while fellow stylist Aymeric Chertier opted to update the 130RS coupe.
“The Popular Monte Carlo is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and I found its history fascinating as well. It is incredibly elegant and tasteful,” said Slavov. As part of his makeover, the Bulgarian-born designer opted to give the car a dramatic new roadster look. Slavov also chose to replace the traditional centre speedo with a floating hologram and a wraparound screen.
The reborn 130RS (above) by contrast, is more recognisable as an homage to the original. “I wanted to refresh the original car, not change it,” stressed Chertier. “I retained its essence and characteristic lines and added certain details that we know from modern WRC cars, for example,” the designer said, explaining the retro feel combined with the distinctive muscular shapes of his car.
Like Renault, Skoda also sees much potential in the Indian market. The Czech carmaker has had a presence there since the 1930s and established its own subsidiary there in 2001. Currently, it has two factories and also R&D facilities.
The Skoda model line, consisting of the Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq, covers many segments and will soon be joined by a new model, the Kushaq. Unveiled recently, the new midsize SUV is the Czech brand’s first production model that is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. This is a variant of the MQB variant specially adapted by Skoda for India that will also be used for other Volkswagen Group models sold in the Indian market.
The MQB-A0-IN platform
The locally-developed MQB-A0-IN platform has been designed to meet the new, stricter safety and emission requirements for India. Plans call for a localization level of 95% for the new vehicles, with technical development taking place at the Pune technology centre, which opened in January 2019. A team of 250 local engineers played a major role in the development of the MQB-A0-IN platform.
According to Thomas Schafer, CEO of Skoda Auto, the Kushaq is the first of 4 new mid-size Skoda and Volkswagen models. With the launch of the Kushaq in March 2021, Skoda will enter the subcontinent’s rapidly growing midsize SUV segment for the first time. The SUV has been specially developed for India’s metropolises.
Said to have a striking design, its long wheelbase of 2651 mm offers a generous amount of space within for 5 occupants and their cargo. The elevated seating position typical of an SUV allows for excellent all-round visibility. The state-of-the-art infotainment systems come with a central touchscreen, and for pleasant interior temperature, an automatic Climatronic air-conditioning system can be specified.
Two engine choices
Customers will have a choice of two power units – 1-litre or 1.5‑litre TSI petrol engines – which power the front wheels only (all-wheel drive is not available). There will be a choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 7-speed DSG, depending on the variant.
The Kushaq will have many active and passive safety as well as numerous driver assistance systems. Occupants will be protected by up to 6 airbags while ESC will prevent the SUV from spinning out of control. Skoda will also provide Hill-Hold Control for use on slopes and rain and light sensors which will automatically activate the wipers and headlights. A tyre pressure monitor will also be available in some variants.
“The introduction of the all-new Skoda Kushaq is the first of several launches as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Developed in India with the sophisticated, demanding consumer requirements in mind, the forthcoming launches of models based on the India-specific MQB A0-IN platform is something we’re very proud of. The Skoda Kushaq has been built using extensive on-ground intelligence and has been localised to offer tremendous value without any compromise in our legendary quality,” said Gurpratap Boparai, MD of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited.
With the ENYAQ iV, the first all-electric SUV model from Skoda, the Czech carmaker is taking a fresh approach to lighting design. The new lighting units are technically innovative full-LED matrix headlights with an emotive design language.
According to Petr Nevrela, chief designer of exterior lighting at Skoda, the new headlights are another evolution in the company’s current design language. “We already consistently developed the front headlights of the Scala and Kamiq model series and the new generation of the Octavia. In all the models we have presented over the last 18 months, the headlights are generally flatter, resulting in an even more dynamic effect.”
“The KAMIQ also adds its own twist with daytime running lights at the top. Furthermore, additional crystalline elements have been incorporated into the headlight design. With the ENYAQ iV, we are continuing this trend and refining specific details, such as the new, finely-drawn daytime running lights with subtle lashes and the new hexagonal shape of the main LED modules,” he explained.
The development of the design was done in close collaboration with the exterior designers and with the exterior lighting development team. Typically, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Skoda reflects the tradition of Bohemian crystal art in its vehicles and provides its own interpretation. The precise lines, geometric arrangements and the exceptionally clear glass surfaces are fascinating and, depending on the incidence of light and viewing angle, offer ever-changing facets. This can be used as a basis for experimenting with light effects, with the 3-dimensional rear lights that are illuminated with fine light strips.
The designers wanted the ENYAQ iV’s lighting graphics to be welcoming and friendly at first glance, while the headlights create a highly dynamic and modern look. Innovative LED technology also underlines the sustainable concept of Skoda’s first all-electric SUV.