Skoda Citigo iV details revealed The compact Citigo iV is the first EV from Skoda Skoda has revealed pricing and specification details of its new Citigo iV pure-electric citycar. Featuring a range of up to 170 miles on a charge, the Citigo iV starts at £20,455 excluding £3,500 Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG). Sharing a platform, motor, and battery with the recently released Seat Mii Electric and forthcoming updated VW e-up!, the Skoda uses a 36.8 kWh battery to achieve its range. As standard, the Skoda’s battery is recharged by a 7.2 kW on-board charger for AC points. There’s an option for CCS rapid charging at up to 40 kW for higher specification models. Power comes from a 61 kW electric motor, good for a 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 81mph. There will be two trim levels available – SE and SE L. Entry level SE starts at £16,995 and SE L costs from £19,315. SE trim starts at the above price and includes climate control, leather steering wheel and handbrake, and DAB radio. SE L starts from £22,815, and adds 16-inch alloys, heated front seats, parking sensors, and the CCS charging capability. Orders open on 10th December, with deliveries expected early in 2020.
Origin: Skoda Citigo iV details revealed
Skoda
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia The Octavia will be part of the Skoda iV plug in range Skoda has revealed its new Octavia, with the latest generation due to be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The popular hatchback and estate will be fitted with the VW Group’s latest PHEV set-up. This sees a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine work with an electric motor for a combined power output of 204hp. The 75 kW electric motor is powered by a 13 kWh battery, which Skoda says is good for an electric-only range of 34 miles on a single charge. Performance and fuel economy specifications are yet to be announced, but the Octavia iV plug-in hybrid will join the forthcoming Skoda Superb iV PHEV and pure-electric Citigo-e in the electrified line-up. Because the Octavia sits on the same platform as the new Golf, there will be also hybrid and mild hybrid options coming down the line, alongside the range of conventional petrol and diesel units. No fuel economy figures are quoted yet for any powertrain, but manual and DSG transmissions will be on offer, with the a shift-by-wire DSG gearbox new to Skoda. Front- or four-wheel drive systems will be available. The interior features a significantly redesigned cabin, with a greater focus on technology. A new infotainment screen and steering wheel are the most obvious changes, though there are more subtle improvements too, such as the USB-C only sockets, wireless phone charging, and in-built connectivity. Head-up display, gesture control and a new voice control assistant – which Skoda calls Laura – are included on certain trim levels. It wouldn’t be a Skoda without some clever little ideas that make a difference to day-to-day life. For example, the rear seat pockets have a small pouch added to hold things like a mobile phone, without it dropping all the way to the bottom of the conventional pocket. There’s also an in-built funnel for refilling the screen wash, a storage pocket below the boot cover, and the addition of an umbrella and hand brush in the front doors. The new Octavia is a little longer than the outgoing models – around 2cm for both estate and hatch – and is slightly wider too. This frees up occupant space in what was a far from squashed interior in the previous model.
Origin: PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China
Skoda has previewed a sporty GT version of the Chinese version of the Kamiq compact SUV. The new China-only model looks to follow in the footsteps of the larger Kodiaq GT, revealed a year ago in Guangzhou, in adopting a sloping coupé-style roofline, flared wheel arches, a subtle rear spoiler and reshaped bumpers. Skoda has not previewed the car’s interior, but says it offers “a blend of rugged SUV looks and sporty dynamics”. The brand has also confirmed that performance-inspired front seats, decorative trim elements and exclusive material choices will be unique to the GT. The Kamiq GT was previewed earlier this year with the Vision GT concept, which Skoda claimed to be “perfectly tailored to the needs of Chinese customers with compact proportions, generous space and elegantly dynamic design”. Styling elements that look to be carried through to production include a bespoke alloy wheel design, chrome front winglets and chunky black lower trim. The new model is based on the standard version of the Chinese Kamiq, which is built on Skoda’s older PQ platform and unrelated to the small SUV of the same name sold in Europe. Powertrain details are unconfirmed, but the 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit available on European models is likely to be an option. Expect a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to feature as standard. The Kamiq GT will be Skoda’s fifth SUV to go on sale in China, joining the standard Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT in dealerships around the country, where the brand has achieved notable sales success since its Chinese launch in 2007. It is unlikely the model will be sold outside China, but Skoda is understood to be monitoring market response to the new Kodiaq GT, to determine its viability for a European or US launch. Skoda will reveal the Kamiq GT on 4 November at an event in
Origin: Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China
2019 Skoda Superb: plug-in hybrid pricing announced
Skoda has revealed its new Superb iV plug-in hybrid will start from £31,970 when it arrives Britain in January. The figure was revealed to journalists during the UK launch of the rest of the revised Superb range, and makes the new model £4,730 cheaper than its sibling, the Volkswagen Passat GTE. The hybrid will be launched as the Superb iV in recognition of Skoda’s new sub-brand that will be used for its bold electrification plans. The Superb iV features a 154bhp, 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a 114bhp electric motor, which sends drive to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG transmission. The peak system output is 220bhp, with 295lb ft of torque. The car will be capable of completing 34 miles of pure electric running, identical to the similar Volkswagen Passat GTE. Skoda has yet to release performance figues, but insiders suggest they will closely match the Passat, hinting at a 0-62mph time of around 7.4sec for the saloon. The brand also promises an official CO2 rating of under 40g/km. A battery pack is located under the floor and ahead of the rear axle, which means a slight reduction in boot capacity – 485 litres for the saloon and 510 litres for the estate, compared with 625 and 660 for the non-hybrid versions respectively. Beyond the well-hidden charging port integrated into the front grille, there will be little to give away the PHEV’s part-electric status. The infotainment system can display information on battery status and electric range and additional controls for the various powertrain modes. It will also be possible to programme the PHEV’s air-con to cool the cabin before the car is needed. Prices for the rest of the range, with traditional petrol and diesel engines, start from £24,655 for the saloon and £25,975 for the estate version. The updated model has launched with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, and in six trim levels. Entry-level S models, offered with a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine, feature LED front and rear lights, and a new infotainment system featuring voice control. SE trim adds features including 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Above that, SE Technology features leather upholstery, heated seats and integrated wi-fi. SE L includes 18in alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, full matrix LED headlights and an electrically operated boot. SportLine Plus trim comes with 19in alloy wheels and black sports styling details, along with Alcantara upholstery and a three-spoke sport steering wheel. The range-topping Laurin Klement trim features all of the kit from SE L, and adds 18in alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, heated front and reat seats, LED interior lighting, three-zone climate control, an upgraded navigation system and a Canton sound system, along with Skoda’s Dynamic chassis control system. The existing Superb powertrains will be carried over for the facelifted model, with a new 2.0-litre 190bhp TSI unit added. The range-topper will be a 268bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged version – down around 8bhp from the outgoing on car due to the inclusion of a petrol paticulate filter and other emissions control systems. The redesigned Superb has gained a new-look grille, with added chrome trim between the LED rear lights. There is also a new front bumper, which stretches the length of the car by 8mm to 4869mm. The car is the first Skoda to gain full LED matrix headlights as an option, and new driver assistance features include predictive cruise control that makes use of data from road signs. Deliveries for the facelifted car begin in September. Skoda promises the PHEV will be highly competitive in its increasingly crowded part of the market, and is anticipated to constitute up to 20% of sales in the
Origin: 2019 Skoda Superb: plug-in hybrid pricing announced
New Skoda Kamiq crossover priced from £17,700
The Skoda Kamiq, revealed at Geneva motor show and on roads this November, will be priced from £17,700. The smallest SUV in Skoda’s line-up, the Kamiq range comprises four trim levels, S, SE, SE L and Monte Carlo, the latter of which will be available later this year. Of the three trims available to order now, prices range from £17,700 to £25,130. Rival, the new Nissan Juke, starts from £17,395. The entry-level S trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, air conditioning, infotainment system with DAB and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. The mid-range SE model, from £19,135, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and cruise control. The Kamiq, which completes Skoda’s European SUV range, will offer class-leading space and features, claims the Czech firm. The Juke rival, first shown at the Geneva show, sits underneath its Karoq and Kodiaq siblings. The Kamiq is based on the Vision X concept shown at last year’s Geneva show and is the first Skoda to show the influence of new design chief Oliver Stefani. While it takes styling cues from both the Karoq and Kodiaq to ensure a ‘family’ resemblance between Skoda’s SUV offerings, the Kamiq has several distinctive features, including a more upright grille and optional narrow LED running lights. The latter feature animated ‘dynamic’ indicators and sit above the main headlights. As with the new Scala, the boot displays the Skoda name in letters, instead of the firm’s logo. The Kamiq will be offered in front-wheel drive only. Although aimed primarily at a family market in urban areas, it will deliver “sporty” handling, according to project manager Emil Nikolov. The Kamiq is available with optional Sport Chassis Control, which makes the car sit 10mm lower than standard and includes adjustable shock absorbers. Three petrol engines and one diesel are offered in the UK. There are two 1.0 TSI petrol options, with 94bhp and 113bhp respectively; and a 1.5 TSI petrol with 148bhp. The diesel offering is a 1.6 TDI with 113bhp. In certain European markets, a CNG powertrain will be offered, although this version won’t come to the UK. There is a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Kamiq is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform used by the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross but has more interior space than both. The new compact SUV is 4241mm long with a wheelbase of 2651mm, both of which are 85mm longer than the Arona. That also makes the Kamiq 106mm longer than the Juke, with a 121mm-longer wheelbase. Skoda says extending the wheelbase has allowed it to maximise interior space, claiming more rear leg room than in the Octavia and Karoq. It has a boot capacity of 400 litres, identical to the Arona’s and 46 litres bigger than the Juke’s. The Kamiq’s boot can be accessed using an electric tailgate and expands to 1395 litres with the rear seats folder. The interior features a similar layout to the recently launched Scala, including the option of a 9.2in free-standing infotainment touchscreen that sits above a hand-rest ‘shelf’ and an optional 10.25in virtual cockpit. The air vents have been pushed to the side of the dashboard in a bid to increase space and ambient lighting is offered in three colours. Options include heated front and rear seats. Skoda claims more than 20 of its ‘Simply Clever’ features are available, including a removable LED torch in the boot. The Kamiq will be offered with a permanent internet connection and a number of connected features, such as remote vehicle access via an app. The car comes with Front Assist and Lane Assist as standard, with optional safety features that include Park Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and a rear-view camera. The Kamiq is unrelated to the Chinese-market SUV of the same name. That machine is larger and built on an older platform, but Skoda has used the same name because they are the smallest SUVs it offers in each market. As with the Karoq and Kodiaq, the Kamiq name is based on a word from the Inuit language. It “embodied something in which you can feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character,” according to Skoda sales boss Alain
Origin: New Skoda Kamiq crossover priced from £17,700
Nearly-new buying guide: Skoda Octavia
As a used car, the Octavia hatchback lives up to Skoda’s reputation as a great-value brand. Prices of new ones have been creeping up of late but used examples are much more realistically priced. How about £9490 for a 2016/65- reg 1.4 TSI SE L with 49,000 miles? It has one previous owner and full Skoda service history. Features include a sat-nav, electric windows all round, climate control, leather and suede seats and parking sensors. And that’s before we start talking about the massive, 590-litre boot (1580 litres with the back seats folded) and generous cabin space that come as standard with every Octavia hatchback. The current model was launched in 2013 in five-door hatchback and estate forms. It didn’t look radically different from the version it replaced but it was larger and lighter, some achievement for a car whose predecessor already dwarfed its class rivals. Four engines – two petrols, two diesels – power the regular versions. The 1.6 and 2.0 oil-burners were the most popular. The 1.6 is a little slow and has only a five-speed gearbox, which is why we’d plump for the lustier, six-speed 2.0. A 2014/14-reg 2.0 TDI SE with 60,000 miles costs £7500. Meanwhile, don’t pass on the 138bhp 1.4 TSI petrol. It’s a smooth unit and perfect for average-mileage drivers. More press-on types can choose from a couple of sporty vRS versions: a 217bhp 2.0 TSI (0-62mph in 6.8sec) and a 181bhp 2.0 TDI (8.1sec). Both make entertaining, value-for-money holdalls, with a 2014-reg TSI at 50,000 miles costing £10,500. The TSI’s power rose to 227bhp in 2016 and then to 242bhp in 2017. In 2016, the 1.2 TSI engine was replaced by the 113bhp 1.0 TSI. The seven-speed DSG automatic version is more economical than the manual largely because it shifts gears earlier than is sometimes comfortable. Still, if your idea of motoring is wafting about in a large, practical and understated motor of indisputable quality, it’s worth choosing. Prices start at £9300 for a 20,000-miler. The following year (2017) was facelift time, when the Octavia received a new nose with a larger grille and quad headlights. Inside, the infotainment screen grew to 9.2in on selected trims and the Columbus system, standard on the top-spec model, now boasted a wi-fi hotspot. Across the range, every trim could now claim alloy wheels, touchscreen systems, phone connectivity, air-con and a post-collision braking system. The new, more efficient 148bhp 1.5 TSI petrol engine also appeared at this time. From launch to the present day, trims have remained largely the same, with only Elegance getting the heave-ho. They’re underpinned by S, SE, SE L and Laurin Klement. From time to time, SE has been boosted by special versions called SE Sport, SE Business and SE Technology that bring lots of extra kit for next to no additional charge. They’re worth seeking out. Need to know The Octavia GreenLine of 2014, powered by a 1.6 TDI CR 110 diesel engine, has an official economy figure of 88.3mpg in part thanks to its low-rolling-resistance tyres and the stop/start system standard on all Octavias. However, in reality, expect around 55mpg. From 2017, Dynamic Chassis Control was offered as an option on all engines over 148bhp (badged 150 and upwards). It offers Normal, Comfort and Sport modes but don’t pay a premium for it since the standard set-up is perfectly good. Depending on trim, all Octavias came with elements of the Simply Clever range, comprising an ice scraper, a warning vest holder, a rubbish bin and a multimedia holder. It’s worth checking they’re present and not simply missing… Our pick Octavia 1.4 TSI 150 SE L: High-mileage drivers will want one of the diesels but all others should make a beeline for this mid-power 1.4 that blends strong performance with decent economy and impressive refinement. Wild card Octavia 1.0 TSI 115 S: They look mismatched but the 1.0-litre engine makes a good fist of hauling the Octavia. It’s a perky motor capable of 0-62mph in 9.9sec on its way to 125mph. Expect 40mpg. Ones we found 2015 1.6 TDI S 5dr, 104,000 miles, £4740 2016 1.2 TSI 110 5dr, 43,000 miles, £7990 2017 1.4 TSI SE DSG 5dr, 50,000 miles, £9890 2018 1.0 TSI SE 5dr, 18,000 miles,
Origin: Nearly-new buying guide: Skoda Octavia
2019 Skoda Superb to cost from £24,655
The revised version of Skoda’s flagship Superb is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting from £24,655 for the saloon and ££25,975 for the estate version. The updated model has launched with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, and in six trim levels. Entry level S models, offered with a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine, feature LED front and rear lights, and a new infotainment system featuring voice control. SE trim adds features including 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Above that, SE Technology features leather upholstery, heated seats and integrated Wi-Fi. SE L includes 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, full martix LED headlights and an electrically operated boot. SportLine Plus trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and black sports styling details, along with Alcantara upholstery and a three-spoke sport steering wheel. The range-topping Laurin Klement trim features all of kit from SE L, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, heated front and reat seats, LED interior lighting, three-zone climate control, an upgraded navigation system and a Canton sound system, along with Skoda’s Dynamic chassis control system. UK pricing is yet to be set for the new plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will go on sale next year as the first electrified Skoda model. The hybrid will be launched as the Superb iV in recognition of Skoda’s new sub-brand that will be used for its bold electrification plans. The Superb iV features a 154bhp, 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a 114bhp electric motor, which sends drive to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG transmission. The peak system output is 220bhp, with 295lb ft of torque. The car will be capable of completing 34 miles of pure electric running, identical to the similar Volkswagen Passat GTE. Skoda has yet to release performance figues, but insiders suggest they will closely match the Passat, hinting at a 0-62mph time of around 7.4secs for the saloon. The battery pack is located under the floor and ahead of the rear axle, which means a slight reduction in boot capacity – 485 litres for the saloon and 510 litres for the estate, compared to 625 and 660 for the non-hybrid versions respectively. Beyond the well-hidden charging port integrated into the front grille there will be little to give away the PHEV’s part-electric status. The infotainment system can display information on battery status and electric range and additional controls for the various powertrain modes. It will also be possible to programme the PHEV’s aircon to cool the cabin before the car is needed. The existing Superb powertrains will be carried over for the facelifted model, with a new 2.0-litre 190bhp TSI unit added. The range-topper will continue to be a 280bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged version. The redesigned Superb has gained a new-look grille, with added chrome trim between the LED rear lights. There is also a new front bumper, which stretches the length of the car by 8mm to 4869mm. The car is the first Skoda to gain full LED Matrix headlights as an option, and new driver assistance features include predictive cruise control. Deliveries for the facelifted car begin in September. Skoda promises the PHEV will be highly competitive in its increasingly crowded part of the market, and is anticipated to constitute up to 20% of sales in the
Origin: 2019 Skoda Superb to cost from £24,655
Skoda builds one-off Karoq-based SUV for cyclists
Skoda has unveiled a one-off concept version of the Karoq, which boasts a number of modifications aimed at cycling enthusiasts. The Karoq Velo was conceived by Skoda’s UK design team, which carried out a survey of more than 1500 cyclists to determine what features to fit to the SUV. Skoda’s research found that 27% of the cyclists said a major downside of riding is returning to their vehicle in dirty or damp cycling wear. As a result, the Velo features a spin cycle washing machine and integrated pressure washer, meaning owners can clean their clothes and bike before loading the car after a ride. A full tool kit and puncture repair facilities also feature, in response to the 31% of survey respondents who reported mechanical issues as a major obstacle to enjoying cycling. A comprehensive LED lighting system means that night-time repairs can be carried out without the need to hold a torch or locate a streetlight. In addition to the two slots on its conventional roof-mounted bike rack, the Velo can carry a third bicycle in a bespoke cradle mounted in the boot, in the name of enhanced security and protection from the elements. Included with the Velo is a Follow Me drone, which can be set up to track a cyclist through their ride and capture photos, before returning to a bespoke bonnet-mounted magnetic landing pad. Any footage taken can then be immediately uploaded to the internet, thanks to the Velo’s inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot. Further connectivity comes in the form of Skoda’s emergency call function, which can be activated to send the vehicle’s location immediately to Skoda and obtain urgent assistance. The Karoq Velo is a one-off concept not destined for sale, but a fully-working example will be used as a cycling support vehicle in the coming months. Skoda recently revealed the Mountiaq, an off-road pick-up version of the larger Kodiaq SUV, which was built by students at the firm’s in-house vocational
Origin: Skoda builds one-off Karoq-based SUV for cyclists
Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
New images show the Mountiaq pick-up concept that Skoda will showcase in June as part of a student training programme. The two-door Kodiaq-based off-roader has been developed by 35 students aged between 17 and 20 from the Skoda Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering, based at the Czech firm’s Mladá Boleslav base. It will be the sixth vehicle developed as part of an annual Skoda Student Concept Car project, and there is no production intent for the machine. The students were given the Kodiaq SUV as a starting point for the project, but have reworked it extensively over the course of 2000 hours. Preview images show a heavy redesign from the Kodiaq, and that the SUV’s cabin will be shortened to end behind the front seats, with the rear reshaped to incorporate a small, illuminated pick-up bed and fully functioning tailgate. The concept also features off-road-inspired styling elements such as 17in wheels, an air intake snorkel, roof-mounted light-bar, winch and bullbar. A 10cm suspension lift and chunky deep-tread tyres hint at the model’s performance potential off the Tarmac. Inside, features unique to the Mountiaq include a pair of walkie-talkies, an integrated refrigerator and an illuminated rendering of the brand’s logo incorporated into the headlining. The Mountiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 187bhp. Skoda chief designer Oliver Stefani helped guide the students in the early stages of the project. Skoda has offered vocational training courses at its factory for more than 90 years, and introduced the concept car projects as a way of showcasing the skills students can learn. Previous projects include a Citigo-based Citijet, a Fabia pick-up, a coupé reworking of the Rapid Spaceback, an electric Citigo concept and a Karoq-based convertible called the
Origin: Skoda Mountiaq: New pictures show pick-up concept
Skoda launches CITIGOe iV EV and Superb iV PHEV
Skoda launches CITIGOe iV EV and Superb iV PHEV The iV badge will be used on plug in models from Skoda Skoda has revealed the first two models due to launch in its electrification push – the CITIGOe iV and Superb iV. The first sees Skoda create the firm’s first pure-electric model in its city car, while the large family sized Superb will arrive as Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid. The CITIGOe has a range of 165 miles (WLTP) on a single charge from a 36.8 kWh battery, powering a 61 kW electric motor. The 0-62mph time is 12.5 seconds, but thanks to 211 Nm of torque, shorter bursts of acceleration are considerably quicker. Charging times are quoted as 1 hour on a 40 kW DC CCS rapid charger to 80%, so although technical specifications have not been confirmed, it looks as though 40 kW DC charging will be the maximum the Skoda can take. The on-board AC charger is rated at 7.2 kW though, with a 0-80% charge time of just over 4 hours. Skoda’s Superb will combine a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an 85 kW electric motor, to produce a combined 218 hp and 400 Nm of torque when both systems are working together in Sport mode. Because of a 13 kWh battery, the Superb iV will cover up to 34 miles (WLTP) on a single charge in electric mode, and the official CO2 emissions figure is 40 g/km. Charging will take 3.5 hours from a 3.6 kW charger via the Type 2 inlet.
Origin: Skoda launches CITIGOe iV EV and Superb iV PHEV
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