SEAT launches the FR trim level to the hugely popular Ateca Crossover.

• New FR trim level brings fun at the wheel, sportiness and dynamism to the Ateca range, without compromising luxury
• World premiere at Automobile Barcelona 11-21 May 2017
• Ateca FR is further step in SEAT’s largest ever product offensive
• New 2.0 TSI 190PS engine with 4Drive and seven-speed DSG-auto gearbox

Fun at the wheel, luxury and refinement, combined with a stylish and sporty character – SEAT has unveiled the Ateca FR. The latest addition to the brand’s high-selling SUV range will take to the stage at the Barcelona International Motor Show, AUTOMOBILE BARCELONA, from the 11th to 21st May 2017.

The Spanish manufacturer is in the midst of its largest ever product offensive, which has also seen the launch of the Ateca itself, New Leon and All-New Ibiza and soon, in the second half of the year, the new crossover, Arona.

The sporty FR trim has been added to the current UK Ateca range which consists of S, SE and SE Technology, and will sit just below the halo XCELLENCE versions. Since its launch, SEAT has sold more than 40,000 units of the smash-hit Ateca worldwide. 

This model, alongside the success of the Leon, Alhambra and Ibiza, contributed to SEAT achieving an operating profit of 143 million euros in 2016, the highest in the company’s history, and to finishing the year with its fourth consecutive annual sales increase. 

“The Ateca FR adds yet another level of excitement to our first SUV. The agile and precise handling of Ateca is reinforced with a touch of dynamism and fun at the wheel, with the FR trim adding for example Dynamic Chassis Control and progressive steering” commented Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of R&D at SEAT. “It’s a sportiness that adds to all the technology the Ateca has onboard.”

The Ateca FR stands out through exclusive 18-inch ‘Performance’ alloy wheels (19-inch machined optional), combined with body coloured wheel-arches and side skirts that come with an aluminium moulding running along the lower section of the doors. 

The rear window is framed by black spoilers, with the rear spoiler matching the car’s bodywork colour. The rear bumpers are also exclusively designed for the FR and also come in the same hue as the bodywork. 

Typical FR logos also appear front and rear, plus, roof rails and window frames in black. Up close, the grille comes in gloss black, while its LED front fog lights have also received an exclusive FR design treatment.

Inside, the aluminium door strips complete with FR logo are immediately noticeable as soon as the front doors are opened. The logo can also be found on the multi-function, leather sports steering wheel covered, with gloss black insert. 

Sporty cabin touches come by way of standard sports seats in Alcantara® (leather is optional) and the aluminium pedals. Red stitching on the steering wheel, seats and gear lever gaiter, enhance the sporty character of the SEAT Ateca FR still further. 

At the same time, there are elegant details in black that give a luxurious touch to the interior, such as the roof and interior door mouldings, which also come with an exclusive FR finish.

The FR trim level will comprise a range of EU6 petrol and diesel engines, ranging in power from 150PS to 190PS, including a new 2.0 TSI 190 unit. 

A range of manual and DSG-auto transmissions feature. Four-wheel-drive will be available on both 2.0 TDI engines, plus, the new 2.0 TSI. DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) and progressive steering will also be available.

UK pricing and specification for the Ateca FR line-up will be confirmed closer to launch this summer.

The new updated Skoda Octavia to carry the torch into the future and continue high sales too.

• An even more streamlined design, new headlights with LED technology
• Reworked interior, optional colour-controllable LED ambient lighting
• New infotainment systems in a glass design
• ŠKODA Connect: mobile online services for improved assistance and infotainment
• New driver assistance systems for even greater safety and comfort
• Two TSI engines and three TDI engines ranging from 115 PS to 184 PS
• All-wheel drive for the top-of-the-range models, optional Dynamic Chassis Control
• Two vRS models: 2.0 TDI with 184 PS, 2.0 TSI with 230 PS
• The best rally car within its class: ŠKODA presents the WRC2 World Champion FABIA R5

An even more striking design, new equipment and state-of-the-art technology for assistance, infotainment and connectivity – the ŠKODA Octavia presents its new face for the first time. The comprehensive upgrade has been applied to the hatchback as well as the Estate.

It is the heart and soul of ŠKODA, it embodies all of the Czech car manufacturer’s strengths and lays the foundations for its success – the ŠKODA Octavia. 

This compact car offers interior space that is among the most generous in its segment and brings equipment and technology of a mid-size car into the compact class. Its design is striking, its quality is on the highest level, and above all it represents exceptional value for money.

The Octavia is ŠKODA’s top seller: since its market launch in 1996, the Czech car manufacturer has produced more than five million ŠKODA Octavias. 

In 2016, now in its third generation, the large compact car made up more than 40 per cent of ŠKODA’s total sales worldwide with 436,000 vehicles sold. 255,000 cars found buyers in Europe, 4.2 per cent more than in the previous year. In the UK the Octavia enjoyed its best ever year with 23,068 registrations, up 2% on the previous year, with more than 20% of those badged vRS (+18% on 2015). 

The model range has expanded: additions are the all-terrain Octavia Scout and vRS models, which – as with the higher-end variants – are increasingly appealing to our customers’ needs. Comprehensively upgraded, the Octavia hatchback and the Octavia Estate are now starting the second half of their life cycle.

Design

The ŠKODA design team has streamlined the Octavia’s lines even further. 

The new front end with wider radiator grille, which has been expanded by introducing additional headlights with a crystalline look, and the even wider air inlets with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumper create a masculine and dynamic look – instilling the car with an instantly recognisable face. 

As an option, the headlights are available in full-LED technology with adaptive front headlights (AFS).

The LED tail lights come in a choice of two variants; the C-shaped lights now illuminate in a uniform manner across the surface. The upgraded ŠKODA Octavia has grown by 11mm (hatch) and 8mm (Estate) in length, and the width of its rear track has increased by 20 or 30 mm (depending on engine and rear axle).

The interior comes across as high-quality and functional, the multifunction display and the air-conditioning controls have been retouched slightly. Subtle lighting units in the doors (optional) provide ambient lighting which can be adjusted to one of ten different colours.

Infotainment systems and ŠKODA Connect

The infotainment systems in the ŠKODA Octavia are part of a new generation. Their capacitive displays react to even the lightest touch. All the infotainment systems (optional) feature a glass design, starting with the 8.0-inch Bolero unit. 

The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system comes with a 9.2-inch display, provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot and has an optional extra LTE module for super fast data transfer. In addition, Phonebox enables inductive smartphone charging.

The connectivity features are also groundbreaking. ŠKODA Connect offers a range of new mobile online services that are divided into two categories, with the Infotainment Online services providing information and entertainment, and the Care Connect services providing assistance and support. 

Other online services, including remote access to the car, operate using the ŠKODA Connect app on your smartphone. The SmartLink+ platform incorporates the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink™ and SmartGate standards to pair the mobile phone with the car.

Driver assistance systems

The new generation of electronic assistance systems makes driving the upgraded ŠKODA Octavia even safer and more comfortable. 

They surpass the usual level in the compact segment by far – in typical ŠKODA style – and there is a wide range to choose from. Trailer Assist, the Predictive Pedestrian Protection function, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert are new to the portfolio. 

The same applies to Crew Protect Assist; it works together with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. Park Assist comes in a new, enhanced configuration.

Engines and chassis

The range of engines consists of two TSI engines and three TDI engines; they combine strong performance with low consumption. Their power ranges from 115 PS to 184 PS.  

Besides manual gearboxes, DSG transmissions with six speeds are available for almost all of the engines; ŠKODA offers all-wheel drive for the 2.0 TDI. Optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is a highlight for the chassis – with it, the driver can regulate the character of the suspension by selecting the Comfort, Normal or Sport modes. All engines conform to the Euro 6 standard.

Interior space and equipment

When it comes to interior space, the ŠKODA Octavia continues to set benchmarks. The hatchback and the Estate each offer 1,782 mm of interior length and 73 mm of kneeroom in the rear. Their boot capacities measure 590 and 610 litres respectively, with the back seats folded down it’s 1,580/1,740 litres. For the Estate, an electric tailgate is available as an option.

Some new ideas have been added to the many ‘Simply Clever‛ features already offered by the ŠKODA Octavia to date: two USB ports in the rear, folding tray tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders that make the opening of PET bottles easier, and a removable LED torch in the Estate’s boot. The heated steering wheel and customisable keys in particular ensure extra comfort and convenience.

The vRS models

At the top end of the upgraded Octavia portfolio are two vRS engine variants – the 2.0 TSI petrol and the 2.0 TDI diesel. The hatchback and the Estate combine their high performance with the great strengths of the model range and the new groundbreaking technology for the infotainment, connectivity and assistance systems.

The vRS models also present themselves in the new, streamlined design with the expressive four-eyed face. 

The headlights, fog lights and tail lights feature LED technology; details like the black radiator grille, the distinctive air ducts, the spoiler and the large exhaust pipes hint at the dynamic character. In the interior, there are vRS sports seats with leather/fabric covers (Alcantara® as an option), elegant decorative strips and ambient lighting.

For the ŠKODA Octavia RS 2.0 TSI, the power output has been increased to 230 PS, the top speed is 155 mph. The 184 PS 2.0 TDI wows with its efficiency – 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle (115 grams of CO2/km). The vRS models are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The sports chassis lowers the body by 15 mm, the rear track is 30 mm wider than before. Wheel dimensions range from 18 to 19 inches. The ESC stability system with XDS+ electronic inter-wheel lock, and Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator (optional) complete the dynamic character of the upgraded Octavia vRS models.

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 rally car

At the press event for the upgraded Octavia in Vienna, ŠKODA presents yet another highlight – the FABIA R5, the winning rally car in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Having started seven times in the WRC 2 with the ŠKODA FABIA R5, the Finnish works crew Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm scooped the world championship drivers’ classification with four victories and two other podium finishes. 

In total, the car won 10 of the 13 world championship rallies. In addition, ŠKODA won the continental championships in South America, Asia-Pacific and in the Middle East as well as ten national titles in the 2016 season. 

“The many national and international titles and victories show that we have created a real winners’ car with the ŠKODA FABIA R5.,” said Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “The entire ŠKODA team is very proud of the extraordinary successes of our motorsport team.”

The best rally car within its class is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine, which produces 205 kW (290 PS) and 420 Nm of torque. A sequential five-speed transmission transfers the power to the 4×4 drive system that uses mechanical differentials on both axles. 

The wheel dimensions are 15 inches on gravel and 18 inches on tarmac. In accordance with regulations, the minimum weight for the rally car, which is just short of four metres long, is 1,230 kg; the price for customer teams is 180,000 euros.

Skoda drop a few more hints at what the new Sports Utility Vehicle, Kodiaq, will look like.

• ŠKODA KODIAQ transfers the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment
• The new SUV model offers a generous amount of space, great functionality, state-of-the art assistance systems and innovative connectivity solutions
• World premiere of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set for 1 September 2016, in Berlin

Ahead of its world premiere on 1 September in Berlin, ŠKODA has revealed images of the KODIAQ, its new, large SUV model. They give an impression of how ŠKODA will transfer the brand’s new expressive design language into the SUV segment.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ aim to impress: the wide, three-dimensional radiator grille gives the KODIAQ a striking presence. In combination with the narrow, raked headlights, which are available with full-LED technology for the first time, the brand’s first large SUV will be instantly recognisable on the road. 

The side and rear views are also sharp: the doors are athletically shaped and the tailgate is expressively sculptured. The rear lights, with LED technology as standard, shine in the typical ŠKODA C-shape.

As one would expect from a ŠKODA, the KODIAQ offers an exceptional amount of space, with a capacity of 720 to 2,065 litres (with the rear seats folded down), offering the largest boot within its class. For first time ever, ŠKODA will offer a seven seat option. Using the position of the seats and angle adjustment, KODIAQ can be adapted to offer a wide range of seating and loading solutions. With the front passenger seat down, the car can transport items up to 2.9 metres long.

The latest driver assistance systems ensure improved safety and comfort. Area View, using surround-view cameras with wide-angle lenses at the front and the rear as well as in the wing mirrors, displays various views of the car’s immediate surroundings on the in-car monitor. These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree pictures from the areas to the front and rear. Tow Assist is also new to the range: When towing, the system takes over steering when reversing slowly. Additionally, while reversing, the new Manoeuvre Assist will brake as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle.

The ŠKODA Connect mobile online services are another innovation. They are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services ensure more information and navigation in real time, and the Care Connect services provide remote access as well as assistance.

The centrepiece of the Care Connect services is the emergency call following an accident: if an airbag is activated, a so-called Emergency Call (e-Call) automatically connects to an emergency call centre.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ will celebrate its world premiere on 1stSeptember 2016, in Berlin.

Škoda Auto has begun a major new campaign to showcase the Kodiaq Seven Seater SUV, sue in early 2017.

• ŠKODA transfers its distinctive new design language into the SUV segment
• Largest boot capacity within class
• Available with up to seven seats
• Latest infotainment, connectivity, and assistance system technology
• Three TSI and two TDI engines
• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as well as off-road function for 4×4 variants

ŠKODA has kicked off its major SUV campaign with the new Kodiaq. The 4.7m long SUV is a versatile all-rounder. It offers the largest boot capacity within its class and will be available with the option of a third row of seats.  The Kodiaq places a new brand emphasis on infotainment, assistance systems and connectivity, and goes on sale at the beginning of 2017.

With the Kodiaq, ŠKODA is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, the brand wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market share and further strengthen its position in international markets. 

The ŠKODA Kodiaq demonstrates where ŠKODA stands today, and points to its future – with a variety of new technology and future-oriented features in terms of connectivity, including mobile online services.

“Our new ŠKODA Kodiaq SUV is a great all-rounder”, said ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “It combines an active sense of vitality with the brand’s classic qualities – a high degree of functionality and an outstanding amount of space. 

As always, in the design process we have focused on offering a little bit more car, and as a result, the best vehicle in the segment. In addition, with its emotive design, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is a strong presence on the road.”

Full of character: transfer of design language into the SUV segment

Even at first glance, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is a true ŠKODA: with a design that is full of character and emotion, its brings the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment. In day-to-day use, it offers a variety of qualities for family, leisure and business. 

Whether as a five- or seven-seater, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has plenty of space. With a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater boasts the largest boot within its class. Adjustable rear seats come as standard, with backrests that can be tilted as required.

Ease of use, outstanding quality and the ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy are ŠKODA’s defining characteristics. The ŠKODA Kodiaq introduces new and extraordinary concepts, including door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks. There is an electric child safety lock for the youngest passengers, as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.

At the top of the segment: connectivity solutions

With innovative connectivity solutions, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is at the top end of its segment. The infotainment elements originate from Volkswagen Group’s second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. They offer numerous functions and interfaces, and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens. 

The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – which establishes an internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available. 

Passengers can use this to browse online content and send emails using their mobile phones or tablets.

The new mobile online services from ŠKODA are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance. 

An eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service. 

Other online services run via the ŠKODA Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone.

The ŠKODA Kodiaq reaches a new level when it comes to the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone. 

The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink^TM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system but a standard feature for the more advanced infotainment systems. 

A Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.

Reliable support: driver assistance systems

The ŠKODA Kodiaq features a wide range of driving assistance systems. The Area View cameras, new for ŠKODA, display the car’s immediate surroundings on the monitor. When a trailer is attached to the large SUV, the Tow Assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly. 

The new predictive pedestrian protection function compliments Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the Kodiaq brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle.

Additional driver assistance systems are also available for the ŠKODA Kodiaq. They keep the car at a safe distance from vehicles in front, make it easier for the driver to change and stay in lane, alert the driver to important traffic signs and assist when parking.

Powerful and agile:engines and chassis

When the Kodiaq launches at the beginning of 2017, it will be available in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, provides dynamic driving performance with a power output of 132 kW (180 PS); it works just as efficiently as a lower capacity powertrain thanks to a newly developed combustion process.

A range of transmission options are available – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The large SUV from the Czech Republic negotiates all types of roads in a balanced and comfortable, yet dynamic and nimble way. 

The driving experience becomes even more appealing when the car features Driving Mode Select and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes.

The new ŠKODA Kodiaq feels equally at home on rough terrain. Upon reaching the end of the road, an off-road mode supports the driver when using four-wheel drive. 

At the touch of a button, all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically adjust to off-road conditions.