Skoda to give the global debut to the new Kodiaq Scout at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

• Premiere in March 2017 at the Geneva International Motor Show
• Model-specific front and rear sections as well as 19-inch wheels
• Specific equipment features accentuate robust character
• Four engines available ranging from 150 PS to 190 PS
• Infotainment and assistance systems set benchmarks within the SUV segment
• Travels safely off-road with all-wheel drive as standard

ŠKODA continues its campaign in the SUV segment. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT, the Czech car manufacturer will present a model variant at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 19 March 2017) that exerts its off-road capabilities both visually and in terms of technology. 

The rugged and robust appearance is accentuated by silver-coloured design details including distinctive underbody protection at the front and rear. 

The 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also contribute to its powerful appearance. A choice of two petrol and two diesel engines is available for the new model variant, which comes with all-wheel drive in all versions.

With a length of 4.70 m, up to seven seats as well as the largest interior and boot within its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has celebrated a debut that has attracted a lot of attention. 

The design reflects the brand’s design identity and represents a good combination of emotiveness and rationality. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT model variant clearly underlines robustness and strength with its distinct design features.

Design – silver as a reflection of its powerful character

Besides the underbody protection, the ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is recognisable from the outside by the tinted rear window and rear side windows and silver-coloured details, creating a robust impression and highlighting the powerful character of the Czech manufacturer’s new large SUV.

The radiator grille is framed by a silver-coloured trim. The roof rails, housing of the wing mirror, the side window trims as well as the front and rear underbody protection, which is positioned beneath the bumpers and visually split into three parts, are also silver in colour.

The side view of each of the ŠKODA KODIAQ models is characterised by short overhangs, their sloping roofline that is visually extended by a line in the D-pillar, and the tapered rear. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is also fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels specially created for this model variant. Furthermore, it bears a small badge with the model designation on the front wing and the glove compartment.

Equipment

The equipment and interior design are also tailored to the robust character. They are based on the SE trim level. 

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT comes with Off-Road Assist, a Rough-Road package with underbody and engine protection as well as a front and rear Park Assist. The generous array of standard equipment includes Driving Mode Select (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow), which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Snow mode adjusts the ABS, ASR, ACC (where present) systems and the engine management to the specific conditions of the snow-covered or slippery road.

Standard equipment in the interior includes a multifunction steering wheel, LED ambient lighting in ten colours, a Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with eight speakers, Alcantara-covered seats with the KODIAQ logo, door trims in the Alcantara design, steel pedals, textile floor mats and the KODIAQ logo in the front door sills.

Range of engines

There is a choice of two petrol and diesel engines:

• 1.4 TSI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds, combined consumption 41.5 mpg, 153 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TSI 180-PS 4×4, top speed 128 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds, combined consumption 38.7 mpg, 168 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 150-PS 4×4, top speed 122 mph, 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds, combined consumption 53.3 mpg, 139 g CO₂/km
• 2.0 TDI 190-PS 4×4, top speed 130 mph, 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds, combined consumption 49.6 mpg, 150 g CO₂/km

All-wheel drive

The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is located directly in front of the rear differential, i.e. at the end of the drive shaft, for optimal distribution of the load on the axles. The all-wheel-drive system works quickly and intelligently, its control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. 

Loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. In normal driving conditions, especially with a light load and when coasting, the multi-plate clutch transfers the engine power in an efficient way mainly to the front wheels.

Off-road capabilities

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT also feels at home on off-road terrain. With a ground clearance of 194 mm, it can even negotiate larger bumps with ease. 

It has a ramp angle of 19.7 degrees; the approach and departure angles are an impressive 22.0 and 23.1 degrees due to the short overhangs. In addition, the Rough-Road package, which comes as standard, protects against damage to the underbody, engine, brake and fuel lines as well as cables. 

When the road ends, the driver can select off-road mode simply by pressing a button. The optional DCC shock absorbers change their mode of operation accordingly; the throttle response is somewhat slower. The ABS anti-lock braking system permits a certain amount of slip in order to create a wedge effect in front of the wheels. 

In order to improve traction in off-road mode, ASR allows a greater amount of slip, and electronic differential lock (EDL) reacts more quickly. When required, the Hill-Hold Control and Hill-Descent Control functions are activated – the latter maintains the car’s speed at the level at which the driver enters the slope.

Driver assistance systems

With their wide range of driver assistance systems, all variants of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set benchmarks within their segment. New functions include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot, and Rear Traffic Alert, which monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring etc. 

The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts of the front seats, works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected. 

The Area-View system is also a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle to be displayed on the monitor. 

These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree images from the areas to the front and rear. This makes it easier to drive in confusing situations or on rough terrain.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new large SUV. The capacitive touch displays feature a glass design (except for the standard Swing sound system). 

The top-of-the-range version, the Columbus navigation system, has a 9.2-inch monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module. The automatic Emergency Call function comes as standard. The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the perfect addition for the state-of-the-art infotainment system. 

They set new benchmarks in terms of navigation, information, entertainment and assistance, and can even be configured using your home computer or via the app.

World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT will make its debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. 

The world-renowned motor show is open to the public from 9th to 19th March 2017. ŠKODA will present the new model variant of the large SUV and numerous other novelties in hall 2 on the first floor of the Palexpo Exhibition Centre.

London Taxi firm, Addison Lee, adds 550 new Galaxy MPV's to it's fleet, taking it's total to more than 4,500 Units.

Ford is supplying 550 new Ford Galaxy models to the UK’s largest private hire firm, Addison Lee, boosting their total fleet to more than 4,500 vehicles.

The Ford Galaxy has become synonymous with Addison Lee since it was first selected in 2008, and the clear favourite will now become an even more familiar sight on the streets of Greater London.

 The efficient new Ford Galaxy Zetec models are powered by a 2.0-litre TDCi engine, emitting 139g/km, and will all be equipped with Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. The Metallic Black vehicles feature Ford’s latest SYNC 3 connectivity system, with an eight-inch touchscreen and front and rear parking sensors as standard. The vehicles also boast Active City Stop, which triggers automatic emergency braking at speeds up to 30mph.

Catherine Faiers, Addison Lee chief operating officer, said: “Addison Lee is trusted by its customers to provide an exceptional service, delivered at scale, through innovative technology and great people.  Our customers appreciate the ride quality and space afforded by the Galaxy and we are proud to use the cleanest seven-seater in its category.”

Owen Gregory, Ford of Britain fleet director, said: “We are delighted that Addison Lee has once again recognised the Ford Galaxy’s first-class comfort and safety features, making it the perfect choice for their fleet of vehicles. Addison Lee’s prestige status as the provider of premium private hire services and chauffeur-driven cars is a great compliment to Ford’s dedication to vehicle quality and reliability.”

MG makes the GS the car to own for the back to school families, with a host of offers and options available.

With parents across the country gearing up for another year of school runs, there’s never been a better time to snap up a brand new set of wheels.

MG Motor UK’s all-new SUV, the MG GS, perfectly blends style and practicality, making it the ideal model for tackling the morning rush. 

Fun, affordable and available with a whole host of family-friendly accessories, the GS is designed to stand up to the challenges of your weekly routine.

With space for five, generous head and legroom and adjustable seats, the GS is perfect for books, bags, sports kits and more! Packed with superb features, it’s sure to keep everyone entertained – wherever your adventures take you.

The school run can be messy business, which is why the GS comes with a range of stylish rubber mats (from £30.00) for the front, rear and boot. These handy accessories protect the car’s interior from mud, spillages and water, helping families keep their car in showroom condition.

For those looking to emulate the likes of Laura Trott and join the school cycling team, roof cross bars (£204.00) are the perfect accessory to hold cycle carriers (£192.00). Chrome effect tailgate finisher and speed flash decals can also be added, complementing the GS’s sporty and stylish looks.

The MG GS range starts from £14,995 and is currently available with a number of great offers, including:

• An £850 deposit contribution
• 0% APR representative finance, available up to five years with a minimum 20% deposit
• A five year or 80,000 mile (whichever occurs first) manufacturer parts and labour warranty

TMW - The Peugeot 308 GTi, a great car, that does everything spot on, and it's not going to hurt you in the pocket.

Over the last few years it has been a struggle for Peugeot to produce a hot hatch that actually can do what it "says on the tin", even the last 308 never had a GTi, just a GT, but like the plan that’s been completed at Peugeot HQ "Back In The Race" the 308 is back with a GTi, and one that can actually do what it "says on the tin", the 308 GTi, is back and back with a bang, now the second stage of the PSA plan "Push to Pass" is something this car can do, pass everything that comes up against it.

Peugeot has given the world a family car that can put a smile back on your face, and believe me, that smile is big and makes you look like a grinning idiot, but when you drive this car, like it is supposed to be driven, you can be forgiven for looking that way

And this is not top model, the one tested here is the THP 250, at just shy of £27,000, you can go one up and have the daddy, the THP 270, which is around £28,500, but less about that, and more about the lead in GTi, you would be forgiven for thinking this is the top model, with the decent level of tech, kit, decent looks and seats that massage as you drive, which I took advantage of at every opportunity.

The GTi has been tuned, refined and tweaked by the boffins at Peugeot Sport to give us this new car, giving the driver a huge leap over the standard car through the chassis and steering, giving an unparallelled experience, can you tell yet I really like this car?

The car itself is slightly lowered, 11mm, does not sound a lot, but it makes all the difference, along with uprated dampers, slightly more camber, bigger anti roll bars, and stiffer springs, 60% front 100% rear, all combine to tell you that Peugeot are really gunning for the competition, the difference in spring stiffness gives a slightly softer ride at the front, which may sound odd, but it does work extremely well, someone has really done their homework to get this right.

ON THE ROAD

The car really does perform well on the road, the large tyres on 18 Inch rims seems to grip the road like nothing else, you can throw it about and it just keeps on giving, pull away from lights, or junctions with a little umph and the grip is there, no issues, no complaints, it just stays where you put it, take a corner at speed, and the same thing, it is like a train on tracks, point and it will go without any issues, and that’s brilliant, the car is already stacking up many positive points, and we haven't even gotten half way yet.

Drive the car nicely and you will not get the lift off oversteer, which is ideal when pushed a little too hard, and it's when you push it a little harder that you would be forgiven for thinking that the GTi has a bigger engine than it has, it is only and I say only, because this is an amazing power plant, a 1.6 litre, and god can it shift, and through the gears the power remains constant and on tap, the car can reach 70mph before you even think about it, and it goes past that without you even noticing, which can be a little off putting when you see what speed you are actually doing.

Peugeot has won the Engine of the year in both 2016 and 2015, and you can understand why, it is quiet, powerful and efficient, and whereas some other brands might utilise a 2.0 litre or bigger to get the same power output, a 1.6 litre is more than enough to make you think it you are driving a bigger powerplant.

The 308 GTi is a car that can and does beat the opposition with a stick, and then it comes back and beats them some more, that’s how good this car is, it gives you a smile every time you drive it, and then there is that button, the button that just sits there anonymously, waiting to be pressed, waiting for you, the unsuspecting driver to press it and wonder what it does, you look, and wonder, wonder and look, and your finger wafts over it and you hold back, worrying that it might be something you should not press, then, that urge, it takes hold of you and you press the button, and the car turns into an evil twin of the car that was there just a few seconds before.

The car stiffens up, and the EMP 2 Platform copes perfectly with all the power that, that button can provide, on the dash between the dials you get “dynamic readout”, Torque, Power and Boost, Just in case you cannot feel how naughty you are being, it's quicker, noisier, in a great way, and more planted.

If you read the blog frequently you will know that a couple of weeks back we did a road test report on the GT Line 308, in essence it is the same car, but forget that, this car, looks the same, but it is an evil twin, it does everything the other car doesn’t, and that’s more of everything.

The seats had the massage function, and on a personal note, for someone that does suffer from Back issues, this really helped, I think this car should be on the NHS, and I will get my Dr to add it to my prescription.

The gear change is very slick, and works well at lower revs right through the rev range until you hit the red line, when the limiter tells you off for being a little too eager, the clutch too is light, but not too light as to give you slippage, you get none of that in this model.

Space is the same as the other car we tested, so it is more than adequate, with rear seat passengers having lots of room, and boot space is quite generous too.

The car also comes with a whole host of standard equipment, included is :-

-       Dual zone climate control

-       Cruise control with speed limiter

-       Electric handbrake

-       Visibility pack: Automatic headlights & windscreen        wipers, electrochrome auto dimming rear mirror

-       Reversing camera

-       Front & rear parking sensors

-       Power folding door mirrors with courtesy approach        lighting

-       Peugeot Open & Go system (keyless entry & push        button start)

-       -18" 'Diamant' alloy wheels

-       Tinted rear side windows

-       Full LED headlamps with fully integrated LED               daytime running lights

-       Front LED sequential indicators

-       -In-car entertainment and satellite navigation

-       9.7” multifunction colour touchscreen

-       Satellite navigation - USB input for external audio          device

-       DAB digital radio

-       Bluetooth

-       Trip computer Interior features

-       Driver & front passenger seat lumbar adjustment

-       Sports style seats trimmed in leather effect & half          alcantara with red stitching

-       Mistral Nappa GTi style leather steering wheel with      red stitching

-       GTi style carpet mats

-       Aluminium style pedals and door sills

-       Adjustable front centre armrest

-       Driver sport pack

THE NUMBERS

Considering that the car is a sporty hatchback, it comes in at a very reasonable 139g/km CO2, it can shift from 0-62 in 6.2 seconds, just 0.2 slower than the top model, it is understandable that the fuel consumption is not the best out of the range, because you know you are going to be a little heavy right footed, to get the thrills that this car offers but you can get:-

·        Urban Drive Cycle – 34.9mpg (8.1)

·        Extra urban Drive Cycle – 57.6mpg (4.9)

·        Combined Drive Cycle – 47.1mpg (6.0)

It goes to show how easy it is to keep those figures low, according to the computer on the car, I managed to get just 37.1mpg, but I had a lot of fun getting to that figure.

The interior of the car is very sombre place to be, the car is all black with the exception of dashes of red here and there, and because of the black look it makes the red highlights stand out far better, the soft touch plastics, the leather and alcantara all play their part in making the interior a special place to be.

VERDICT

Is there anything wrong with this car, well, no, not really, it does everything you want it to do, and it does it really well, the comfort is spot on for a car like this, the power and delivery is excellent, it grips to the road, like me with a tenner in my hand (so that’s really good), it looks the part both in and out, subtle and direct, you can tell you are looking at something special from the way this car sits, and then you have that noise, a raucous gravelly muscular growl, that alone shows you’re in something very special.

Would I spend my money on one, too right I would, you're getting a really good car that's fast, comfortable and will not kill your wallet, from the looks to the sound, you will not be disappointed, and if you are in the market for a car of this ilk, you would be very remiss not to seriously consider it, personally, the Golf is bland next to this, so why bother with sauerkraut when you can have à la carte at home ?

The Motoring World Blog

Jon Mower

Schools out, and it's time to enjoy the summer, and MG apparently offers the family everything it needs in the GS

School’s out and it’s time for summer and, for some, that means holidays or at the very least a fun, family day out.

MG Motor UK’s newest model, the MG GS, is the perfect solution for getting a family and all the necessary equipment in whilst still maintaining comfort and space. To make the MG GS even more family and adventure friendly, there is a fantastic array of accessories available.

For those looking to head out on their bikes, roof cross bars (£204.00) are the perfect accessory to hold cycle carriers (£192.00). Or, if the preference is to place bikes on the back, a tow bar cycle carrier (from £131.99) is also available to carry them neatly to the chosen destination. The roof cross bars are also ideal for a roof box. The 360-litre roof box (£420.00) with a three-point locking system, for additional security, has a quick attachment that fits the box to the roof bars entirely from the inside.

Hoping to tow a caravan or trailer? Great news, the MG GS has a towing capacity (braked) of 1,750kg. A tow bar is also available in the accessories range making it easier to fit, hook-up and tow.

For the more practical customer, who might want to kid-proof or simply protect their MG GS, there is a range of rubber mats (from £30.00) for the front, rear and boot. These handy accessories protect the car’s interior from mud, spillages and water keeping the MG GS in showroom condition. Those looking for a dog-friendly vehicle will be pleased to hear that the MG GS is also available with a dog guard (£75.00).  

There are a number of other accessories for customers looking to make their MG GS stand out even more, including chrome effect side grilles, a chrome effect tailgate finisher and speed flash decals. For the full range and prices, visit mg.co.uk/owners/accessories/.

The MG GS range starts from £14,995 and is currently available with a number of great offers, including:

• An £850 deposit contribution on all MG GS models
• 0% APR representative finance, which is available up to five years with a minimum 20% deposit
• A five year or 80,000 mile (which occurs first) manufacturer parts and labour warranty

MG marks the first month of SUV sales with quotes from the people that have taken delivery of their GS cars.

It’s a month since the MG GS launched in the UK and the newest addition to MG Motor UK’s line-up is already causing quite a stir.

In one month, MG has registered over 70 MG GSs and customers up and down the country have been out and about enjoying their new cars. Regional tests drive events have also been taking place across the country in the last few weeks. 

People that currently own competitor brands are finding that the MG GS is proving to be a better value option and, in many cases, a much better drive and more specification for the price.

To mark one month, MG spoke to a few of the lucky new owners of the MG GS.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of the MG Car Club, has just bought an MG GS Excite in ‘Sunset Orange’ for him and his family to enjoy.

“Being a long-standing fan of MG, I’ve owned loads of different MGs over the years, from a Maestro to a Midget – but the idea of having an MG that I could get all the family in was a real attraction. We needed a car that was a little bigger, particularly as the kids are getting older. My wife absolutely loves driving it, particularly on the school run as it stands out amongst the other cars. I’m hoping she’ll let me have a drive soon!

“We could have gone for an older MG that is bigger than a two-seater sports car, but there are so many great modern features in the MG GS. Plus, the kids love connecting their phones and listening to their playlists!”

Paul Pickering, a loyal customer of MG for 12 years, became the first customer to collect an MG GS only five years after securing the first MG6. Paul purchased his MG GS from Summit Garage in Dudley.

Paul said: “It was great to find out that I was the first owner! My wife and I have chosen the MG GS not just because it’s a great looking car, but because it’s an automatic – it makes things so much easier for us as we get older. It’s also got stacks of space, which means we now have a car that can handle all the luggage for trips away.”

Judith, Simon and their daughter Lauren have been loyal customers of NT Shaw of Louth for many years. Having never owned an MG, the family were keen to see this new SUV. The MG GS had barely been in the showroom before Judith and her husband took it out for a test drive. The moment they returned, they signed on the dotted line for a top-of-the-range Exclusive.

Judith said: “We’re so pleased with our new purchase, it is so comfy and spacious. We’re also really happy with the fuel consumption and performance – both of which have exceeded our expectations.

“We love the styling of the car and we enjoy the looks we get from people as we drive around!”

Paul Miller was driving an MG3 before the MG GS caught his eye in his local dealership, WH Brand in Lincolnshire.

Paul said: “I decided to upgrade my MG3 as I was blown away by the MG GS – I absolutely love it, it’s beautiful!

“I decided to go for the Excite and it’s great. It handles really well, is comfortable and puts me in a higher position on the road which is a real plus point.”

The MG GS range starts from £14,995 and is available with a number of great offers, including :

• A five year or 80,000 mile (which occurs first) manufacturer parts and labour warranty
• 0% APR representative finance. This is available up to five years with a minimum 20% deposit
• An £850 deposit contribution on all MG GS models