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› The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC’s 1.5 TSI produces 96 kW (130 PS)
› CO2 emissions in CNG mode are around 25 per cent lower than when running on petrol
› Natural gas range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle

Mladá Boleslav, 26 June 2020 – The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC is designed to run on environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG). The OCTAVIA G-TEC is fitted with a 1.5 TSI, providing 96 kW (130 PS), and achieves a range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle when operated purely using this type of fuel. Three tanks installed in the underbody store a total of 17.33 kg of CNG. A 9-litre petrol tank ensures mobility in regions without suitable refuelling infrastructure. The new OCTAVIA G-TEC will be launched across Europe this autumn.

The 1.5 TSI in the OCTAVIA G-TEC is designed to run on natural gas and has an output of 96 kW (130 PS). This type of fuel burns more cleanly, resulting in CO₂ emissions in CNG mode that are around 25 per cent lower than when running on petrol; in addition, significantly less nitrogen oxide (NO_x) is emitted and no soot particles are produced. The engine is very efficient, thanks to, among other things, variable control of the intake valves according to what is known as the Miller combustion process. This enables consumption of 3.4 to 3.6 kg per 100 km in the WLTP cycle in CNG mode and 4.6 l per 100 km in petrol mode.

Boasting a CNG capacity of 17.33 kg, the OCTAVIA G-TEC has a range of 500 km* in the WLTP cycle in natural gas mode. When making use of the petrol in its 9-litre tank, the OCTAVIA G-TEC can cover a further 190 km, giving it a total range of approx. 700 km. Switching between CNG and petrol mode happens automatically without driver intervention.

The vehicle only accesses the petrol fuel supply in certain situations, such as when the engine is started after the CNG has been topped up, when the outside temperature is below -10 degrees Celsius, or when the gas tanks are so empty that the pressure drops below 11 bar. The OCTAVIA G‑TEC features a specific layout in the Virtual Cockpit and can be easily identified by a badge at the rear. The hatchback’s boot can hold 455 l, the COMBI’s boot capacity is 495 l.

In CNG mode, CO₂ emissions are 25 per cent lower than those of a conventional petrol engine, even when using natural gas. By using 20 per cent bio-CNG, as is currently common in Germany, for example, the car’s carbon footprint can be improved by as much as 35 to 40 per cent. Using fuel mixtures with an even higher percentage of bio-CNG, from plant residues and biological waste, leads to improvements of up to 90 per cent. This means that journeys under these circumstances are almost climate-neutral. Full climate neutrality can be achieved by using synthetic methane, which is produced with green electricity in a power-to-gas process. However, this procedure is still under development.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr voted ŠKODA top more often than any other brand
› OCTAVIA COMBI claimed victory for ‘Best Design’ both as an import and overall for cars under 25,000 euros
› OCTAVIA COMBI and SUPERB COMBI won ‘Best Technology’ for import vehicles in their respective price ranges
› SUPERB COMBI was named ‘Best Value for Money’ both as an import and overall for cars costing between 25,000 and 35,000 euros
› ŠKODA has collected a total of 34 awards since the magazine’s first readers’ choice in 2011

Mladá Boleslav, 24 June 2020 – Readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr voted ŠKODA models ‘Family Car of the Year’ in six categories. This meant the Czech manufacturer took home more awards than any other participating brand. A total of 128 vehicles competed in three different price ranges, which in turn were divided into the categories ‘Best Design’, ‘Best Technology’ and ‘Best Value for Money’. For each of these, the readers chose one winning import car and one overall winner. The OCTAVIA COMBI came out on top for ‘Best Design’ both as an import and overall for cars under 25,000 euros, and also won the import award for ‘Best Technology’ in its price range. The SUPERB COMBI was crowned ‘Best Value for Money’ both overall and as an import vehicle costing between 25,000 and 35,000 euros. It was also voted the import car with the ‘Best Technology’ in its category. ŠKODA has received a total of 34 awards since the first AUTO Straßenverkehr readers’ choice in 2011.

OCTAVIA_COMBI_015.jpgThe ‘Family Car of the Year’ readers’ choice took place for the ninth time in 2020. It only included estates, SUVs and vans with a boot capacity of over 400 l and a base price of up to 45,000 euros.

ŠKODA has collected a whopping 34 ‘Family Car of the Year’ awards since 2011
This year, a total of 9,341 readers of German specialist magazine AUTO Straßenverkehr cast their votes online for their favourite family vehicles. ŠKODA took home six awards: three for the OCTAVIA COMBI and three for the SUPERB COMBI. This was more than any other manufacturer, confirming ŠKODA’s exceptional position among the family-friendly car brands this year. The Czech manufacturer, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has been awarded the coveted title a total of 34 times since the magazine’s first readers’ choice in 2011.

A closer look at ŠKODA’s results
The new fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI was on the list of choices for the first time, and impressed readers in several areas. The brand’s bestseller won the overall and import award for ‘Best Design’ for vehicles under 25,000 euros and was also voted favourite import vehicle featuring the ‘Best Technology’ in this category.

The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI also earned several ‘Family Car of the Year’ accolades. The mid-size car competed among the models costing 25,000–35,000 euros. It shook off the competition to be crowned ‘Best Value for Money’, both as an import and overall. What’s more, it also came out on top for ‘Best Technology’ among the import vehicles in its price range.

Highlighted by the readers’ choice: ŠKODAs impress as family cars
The Czech manufacturer’s models scored points with their exceptional amount of space for passengers and luggage or the big weekly shop. Their flexible space concept provides further benefits: folding seats and plenty of Simply Clever details, including bag hooks, drinks holders, storage compartments and nets in the boot, ensure maximum functionality. In addition, ŠKODAs also represent state-of-the-art safety, regularly achieving the maximum rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› The ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s front seats are exceptionally back-friendly and feature support functions and a wide range of adjustment options.
› Massage and ventilation functions of the ergonomic comfort seats enhance the well-being of the driver and front passenger
› Ergo comfort seats for the new OCTAVIA available on request
› Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) (Healthy Back Campaign) awards their ‘Tested & Recommended’ seal of approval to car seats and other everyday objects that are particularly back-friendly.

Mladá Boleslav, 2 June 2020 – The ergonomic seats of the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA have been awarded the AGR ‘Tested & Recommended’ seal of approval by the German ‘Aktion Gesunder Rücken’ (AGR) (Healthy Back Campaign). They are thus recommended by specialised doctors and therapists. The AGR seal of approval reflects the strict test criteria that have been jointly established by independent medical and therapeutic experts across various disciplines.

The spacious and stylish interior of the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA invites you to spend even more time in the car. One feature that is becoming increasingly important, especially for frequent drivers is the quality of the seats. Many hours of sitting in the wrong position without compensatory movement can lead to health complaints including back pain, tension, neck problems, fatigue, leg complaints, shoulder pain, concentration issues and headaches. Good seats, however, can prevent these health problems.

For the first time, ŠKODA now offers back-friendly seats as an option in the new OCTAVIA. They are available in the Style equipment line and feature electric length and height adjustment, an extendable seat surface and seat heating, electric lumbar support and an electric massage function. The ergonomic seats bear the AGR seal of approval and, in addition to the standard seat heating system, have a ventilation function and perforated leather covers.

Following rigorous testing by an independent panel of medical experts, AGR has awarded these seats the AGR ‘Tested & Recommended’ seal of approval. The certified seats provide optimum support for the lower back thanks to electronically controlled lumbar support. It is also adjustable in length and height, and the seat can also be extended, allowing it to adapt to the driver’s specific needs. A massage and ventilation function and high-quality perforated leather provide additional comfort.

A matter of adjustment: How does the back-friendly customisation of car seats work?
The front seats in other ŠKODA models also enable back-friendly adjustment. The AGR, which has been dedicated to the prevention and treatment of the widespread problem of back pain for 25 years, recommends the following:
› The driver should move their lower back to the back of the seat and when adjusting the seat distance, make sure that their legs are still slightly bent when the pedals are depressed.
› The seat can be inclined and its length adjusted so that the thighs are well supported. 2-3 finger-widths should remain free between the back of the knees and the front edge of the seat.
› The lumbar support should be adjusted so that it supports the back at belt height and thus prevents the pelvis from tilting backwards (hunchback).
› When tilting the backrest, the driver should be able to reach the steering wheel with arms slightly bent; shoulders should remain in contact with the backrest even while steering.
› Ideally, the headrest should be flush with the top of the head.
› When adjusting the seat height, a distance of ten centimetres between the head and the roof is advisable.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s infotainment system and vehicle settings controlled via touch screen; gesture and voice control available
› New-generation infotainment systems enable innovative operating concepts via smartphone
› Video highlights the intuitive use of wireless connectivity features in new edition of brand’s bestseller

Mladá Boleslav, 19 June 2020 – The driver gets into their ŠKODA OCTAVIA and is welcomed by name on the central 10-inch display. Their smartphone automatically and wirelessly connects to the infotainment system. The driver’s seat moves electrically to the preferred position, and the exterior mirrors adjust themselves. The Climatronic already knows the preferred temperature, and the desired radio station can be set with a simple swiping gesture. The driver tells the ŠKODA digital assistant Laura where they want to go, and the navigation system calculates the optimal route to the destination online. Just a few years ago this scenario would have been almost unimaginable but is now reality with the third-generation modular infotainment systems in the OCTAVIA – and these systems are as intuitive to use as a smartphone. Also, the driver can customise and split the screen according to their preferences and configure the home screen with the most important functions.

In less than a decade, the smartphone has revolutionised the way mobile phones are used. Nowadays, hardly anyone misses the classic keyboard; touching, swiping and scrolling are intuitive, and the increasingly popular voice control makes using one even easier. ŠKODA has now consistently transferred these operating concepts to the new OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems and incorporated the intuitive operation of a smartphone and the possibilities of new voice assistants into the model.

Reiner Katzwinkel, Head of Development of Electrics and Electronics at ŠKODA AUTO, says: “The new OCTAVIA is now even more digital and networked and has never been easier to operate. The fourth generation of our bestseller has a completely new infotainment system that ŠKODA is using for the first time on this scale. Compared to the previous generation, the technology and operability of the system, as well as its range of functions, are a big change, making driving even safer and more comfortable.”

Easy customisation of the 10-inch central display
The heart of the Columbus, Swing and Bolero (by end of 2020) infotainment systems in the new OCTAVIA is the free-standing central display with a screen diagonal of 10 inches – the largest ever in a ŠKODA model. With its glass surface and clean design, it is similar to the latest smartphones and tablets. Just as with these mobile devices, the OCTAVIA enables the driver to customise, split and assign the most important functions to the home screen. Individual elements can be moved and rearranged by touch, in the same way as you can on a smartphone. A simple swipe gesture or short voice command is sufficient to switch between individual windows or radio stations.

To adjust the volume, either the control buttons on the steering wheel or the new innovative touch slider can be used directly. This is positioned in front of the lower edge of the central display in such a way that it can be found immediately in the dark or without looking. One finger is used to adjust the volume, and two fingers are used to change the size of the navigation map in the navigation menu. For the first time, the Columbus infotainment system can now display a different zoom resolution than the map in the Virtual Cockpit. Alternatively, the map section in the central display can be made bigger or smaller using a zoom gesture with two fingers directly on the glass surface.

The touch slider, as well as buttons and rotary controls on the multifunction steering wheel and the intelligent ŠKODA digital assistant Laura, help to ensure that OCTAVIA drivers rarely need to take their eyes off the road to operate the infotainment functions. The first-ever head-up display in a ŠKODA, which is available as an option for the OCTAVIA, also contributes to this. It projects data such as speed, navigation instructions, recognised traffic signs or activated driver assistance systems onto the windscreen directly in the driver’s field of vision, allowing them to concentrate on the road ahead.

“The new OCTAVIA’s infotainment systems offer the user a wealth of personalisation and operation options never before seen in the heart of our brand. Thanks to the intuitive new systematics of our infotainment solutions, people can quickly find their way around and no longer want to be without its advantages and conveniences in everyday life,” adds Reiner Katzwinkel.

Wireless SmartLink technology: the clever smartphone connectivity solution
The new OCTAVIA’s Columbus, Swing and Bolero (by end of 2020) infotainment systems use wireless SmartLinktechnology to connect to your Apple iOS or Android smartphone. After one-time pairing, the mobile device automatically connects when entering the vehicle. The optional Phone Box also enables inductive smartphone charging and connects the phone to the vehicle’s external antenna. Via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink™, selected smartphone apps can be operated via the central vehicle display.

Advanced climate control settings that go beyond Laura’s adjustable temperature selection can also be conveniently set via the central display. The clearly arranged menu can also be accessed directly by pressing a button in the centre console. In addition, further shortcut keys can be used to activate the maximum fan speed for the windscreen and switch on the rear window heating.

The OCTAVIA stores all infotainment-system and air-conditioning presets, as well as the adjustment of the driver’s seat and the outside mirrors, in the ŠKODA cloud as soon as the driver’s ŠKODA Connect account is activated in the vehicle. The preferences of up to 14 individual users can be stored or transferred to another ŠKODA model that is also equipped with the latest generation infotainment system.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Readers of German Auto Bild Allrad magazine vote two ŠKODAs best in their respective categories
› OCTAVIA is best import car and overall winner in the ‘4×4s under €40,000’ category
› SUPERB is chosen as best import 4×4 costing over €40,000
› ŠKODA currently offers four models with all-wheel drive: the OCTAVIA, SUPERB, KAROQ and KODIAQ

Mladá Boleslav, 5 June 2020 – Readers of the German Auto Bild Allrad magazine have awarded two ŠKODA models with ‘4×4 of the year’ titles. In the category of all-wheel drive vehicles under €40,000, the OCTAVIA 4×4 claimed victory for both best import car as well as overall winner. As for all-wheel-drive vehicles costing more than €40,000, the ŠKODA flagship SUPERB 4×4 was voted best import car. The readers of Europe’s bestselling all-wheel-drive car magazine picked the OCTAVIA as their favourite in its category for the fourth time, and the SUPERB for an impressive eleventh time.

Christian Strube, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development, said, “The fact that the OCTAVIA and SUPERB have been named 4×4s of the year by the knowledgeable Auto Bild Allrad readers is great testament to our brand’s high level of all-wheel-drive expertise: our 4×4s meet all kinds of expectations and demands and, thanks to state-of-the-art and intelligent all-wheel-drive technology, they make driving fun and handling safe in every driving situation. On behalf of my entire team, I would like to thank every reader who voted for our models and thus enabled ŠKODA to come top in two categories.”

In the category of 4×4 passenger cars costing less than €40,000, 13.8 per cent of readers rated the ŠKODA OCTAVIA 4×4 as their favourite. The brand’s bestseller was voted the overall winner as well as best import car. The Czech car manufacturer’s bestseller had already been the readers’ choice in the ‘4×4 of the year’ category in 2014, 2015 and 2019. Having secured 6.59 per cent of the votes, the brand’s top model – the ŠKODA SUPERB 4×4 – is the first-choice import 4×4 over €40,000 this year. This makes 2020 the eleventh year in which the brand’s flagship came first in the readers’ poll.

This year, voting for the ‘4×4s of the year’ took place for the 19th time. Overall, there were 218 models in eleven categories to choose from. Readers had the opportunity to vote online for their favourites from 10 January to 6 March.

The success story of the modern-day all-wheel-drive ŠKODAs began in 1999 with the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI 4×4. Three years later, the Czech carmaker also presented the hatchback version of its bestseller as a 4×4, followed by the second generation of the popular compact model, also available as an all-wheel-drive variant.

In 2019, approximately one in nine ŠKODA OCTAVIAs delivered in Europe were 4×4s. Now in its fourth generation, the model will be once again available in various all-wheel-drive powertrain configurations; the OCTAVIA is also more spacious, connected and emotive than ever before.

ŠKODA first presented the SUPERB hatchback with 4×4 technology in 2008, and the first SUPERB COMBI 4×4 followed one year later. In 2019, every fourth newly registered model on the European market was equipped with all-wheel drive – making up 26 per cent of total sales. Since it was comprehensively revised in 2019, the ŠKODA SUPERB has offered features such as full LED Matrix headlights and an even wider range of innovative assistance systems – making it more attractive and state-of-the-art than ever. Last year also saw the debut of the SUPERB iV, the brand’s first production plug-in hybrid.

All-wheel drive at ŠKODA: now available in four model ranges
ŠKODA developed the first prototypes with more than one driven axle back in the late 1930s. ŠKODA’s modern-day 4×4 success story began in 1999 with the OCTAVIA COMBI 4×4. ŠKODA AUTO has since produced more than one million 4×4s – 157,000 in 2019 alone. Demand for all-wheel drive is so high that the Czech car manufacturer has rigorously expanded its 4×4 portfolio in recent years. Today, this includes the KAROQ, OCTAVIA, KODIAQ and SUPERB model ranges.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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