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A total of 35 ŠKODA apprentices from seven different career paths, among them six women, were involved in the development and production of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ. The sixth consecutive Student Car is a one-off and the remarkable result of months of work. During the course of the project, the apprentices were supported by their instructors as well as ŠKODA experts from the Design, Production and Technical Development departments.

As Carsten Brandes, Head of the ŠKODA Academy, points out, “Like its predecessor models, the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ highlights the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students. Year after year, their work demonstrates the superior quality of the professional training at our vocational school.”

The name ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ conveys a spirit of adventure and off-road flair, combining the appeal of a contemporary lifestyle vehicle with the extraordinary everyday usability of a pickup. The rear of the spectacular concept car bears the ŠKODA wordmark in individual letters – a design element introduced in Europe with the new ŠKODA models SCALA and KAMIQ.

More than 2,000 hours of intense work over eight months
The apprentices started their work on the new Student Concept Car in autumn 2018. “Building the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ with our own hands was a unique opportunity for all of us, as we were able to use our theoretical know-how in a practical context”, said Petr Zemanec. “We also benefited from the new connections we were able to establish with students on other career paths. We will never forget the over 2,000 hours of work we spent making our unique pickup.”

After the design was finalised, the actual production phase kicked off in January. Body and paint shop work took place simultaneously so the students could finish the vehicle in time for the May deadline. They began by reinforcing the body. Next, they removed the roof of the ŠKODA KODIAQ and fashioned a rear panel for the cab as well as a new rear window and side windows. The area behind the cab of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ features a load bed with a hidden storage compartment underneath. The students shortened and widened the doors, adjusting them to fit within the wider overall proportions of their vehicle. The appearance of the car was rounded off harmoniously by modified bumpers at the front and rear. Running boards on the door sills and the completely redesigned rear radiate rugged appeal and underline the MOUNTIAQ’s visual presence. One of the project’s greatest challenges for the students was the integration of a fully functional tailgate.

Increased ground clearance and a muscular engine
The ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ is the first Student Car based on the ŠKODA KODIAQ. It is 4,999 millimetres long, 2,005 millimetres wide and 1,710 millimetres tall. The wheelbase is 2,788 millimetres, and the vehicle weighs in at 2,450 kilograms. For enhanced off-road capabilities, the trainees increased their one-off model’s ground clearance by ten centimetres over that of the KODIAQ SCOUT, to a full 29 centimetres. They achieved this in part by fitting 17-inch Rockstar II wheels as well as special off-road tyres with a particularly deep tread. The new wheels also increased the MOUNTIAQ’s track width by three centimetres. A muscular 2.0 TSI petrol engine delivers ample 140 kW (190 PS) of power.

Winch at the front, creative lighting effects and Sunset Orange paint finish
The student’s ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ, standing on rugged off-road wheels, is a real head-turner. With its raised air intake snorkel and the winch at the front, framed by a bullbar, the concept car immediately commands attention. The winch and its specially designed mount are built to withstand the most extreme stresses encountered in off-road use. The students displayed particular creativity in designing the lighting for the MOUNTIAQ. In addition to the illuminated load bed, the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ’s radiator grille, brand logo on the bonnet and engine bay all feature lighting effects as well. The front doors project a ŠKODA logo onto the road, and the pickup’s front section sports new fog lights. Other standout design features are the unique light bar on the roof and the special Sunset Orange paint finish developed by the students.

As in previous years’ Student Concept Cars, the apprentices demonstrated their inventiveness by including ingenious small details such as a glowing ŠKODA logo in the roof lining, designed by themselves, along with an integrated refrigerator, 3D-printed wheel hub ornaments and two walkie-talkies that are part of the vehicle. A very special feature created by this year’s class is the logo the students designed for the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ: a car in front of a mountain silhouette. Embroidered in orange on the front seats’ backrests, it picks up the hue of the exterior paint finish as well as the colours of the orange highlights on the steering wheel and shift lever.

As a genuine ŠKODA, the MOUNTIAQ – like every production model made by the brand – comes with signature Simply Clever ideas like the new integrated funnel for the windscreen washer tank. And the students added a very special sound system to the KODIAQ base model’s Columbus infotainment system: the 320-watt speakers are now complemented by a 2,000-watt amplifier and a 2,000-watt subwoofer.

Students and ŠKODA AUTO benefit equally from the Student Concept Car project
This year marks the sixth time in succession that particularly talented students from the ŠKODA Vocational School were given the opportunity to participate in the Student Concept Car project. As part of this project, the youngsters are able to design and then build their own vehicle – a unique chance to apply and hone the skills they’ve learned. What’s particularly exciting for the budding professionals is the close collaboration with experts from different departments such as Technical Development, Production and Design. But it’s not just the apprentices who benefit – ŠKODA too profits from their feedback and ideas during the course of the project. And once their apprenticeship is completed, the company gains superbly trained employees, as every successful student at the ŠKODA Vocational School is offered a job with ŠKODA at the end of their training.

The first ŠKODA Student Concept Car built in 2014 was a two-seater version of the ŠKODA CITIGO, named the CITIJET. It was followed by the FUNSTAR, a ŠKODA FABIA pickup, and the ATERO, a coupé based on the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK. In 2017, the apprentices once again used the ŠKODA CITIGO as their basis to build the electric ELEMENT. The fifth Student Concept Car was the 2018 SUNROQ convertible concept based on the ŠKODA KAROQ.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

By launching the ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT, the Czech brand is adding a new top model to its range of rugged offroad cars. It combines the generous amount of space offered by the elegant ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI with the virtues and flair of an offroad adventurer, yet the length and width remain the same. The ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT cuts a fine figure offroad thanks to all-wheel drive and a Rough-Road package, which comes as standard and provides underbody protection for the engine as well as undercarriage when driving on rougher terrain, and raises the ground clearance by 15 mm. This is supported by an additional Off-Road mode for Driving Mode Select. Dynamic Chassis Control is available as an option.

Two powerful yet efficient engines
The ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT is available exclusively with either the model range’s most powerful diesel or petrol engine. The 2.0 TDI diesel engine delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and transfers its maximum torque of 400 Nm to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG. The 2.0 TDI is fitted with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and a diesel particulate filter, meaning it fulfils the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.

The 2.0 TSI petrol engine boasts a power output of 200 kW (272 PS) and has a maximum torque of 350 Nm. In addition to all-wheel drive, it also comes with a 7-speed DSG. Equipped with a petrol particulate filter, the 2.0 TSI fulfils the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard too. Featuring Stop/Start technology and brake energy recovery, both of the engines available for the ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT are particularly efficient.

Rugged body enhancements, aluminium look and chrome elements
In keeping with the style of the ŠKODA’s familiar SCOUT models, the new SUPERB SCOUT also has a striking offroad appearance. As with all new SUPERBs, the redesigned, enlarged ŠKODA grille protrudes further down into the front bumper and, just like in the SPORTLINE, features black double slats – but this time framed by a chrome trim. Unlike the other members of the SUPERB family, the SCOUT showcases redesigned, rugged front and rear bumpers, each with aluminium-effect underbody protection. Furthermore, additional plastic trims protect the wheel arches, side sills and the lower part of the doors. The roof rails and window frames are chrome-plated, providing exquisite highlights. The wing mirror housings shine in an aluminium look and there are special SCOUT badges on the wings.

The new SUPERB SCOUT comes with 18-inch Braga alloy wheels as standard, which are also optionally available in a two-tone version. The new two-tone, 19-inch Manaslu alloys and exclusive metallic Tangerine Orange body finish are further customisation options. The SUPERB SCOUT is ideal for towing and can pull a weight of 2,200 kg; its optional retractable tow bar is mechanically unlocked.

Wood effect and SCOUT-specific seats in the interior
On the inside, the ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT greets its passengers with special, wood-effect decorative strips that bear the SCOUT logo just like the front seats. The seat covers are made of a SCOUT-specific fabric with contrasting stitching. As an option, Alcantara®/leather seats with brown contrasting stitching and, for the first time, new piping in a contrasting colour on the front of the front seats are also available. Heated front seats come as standard; there is the option of heated outer rear seats too. The central display is fitted with additional offroad screens and the driver is greeted by a special welcome logo on the display when entering the car.

The high level of comfort for the rear passengers, who enjoy a generous amount of kneeroom, can be further increased using some of the many ŠKODA-typical Simply Clever ideas. For example, if desired the front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted from the rear and the optional Sleep package provides comfortable, larger headrests and a blanket. Just like all other estate versions of the SUPERB, the SCOUT features the largest boot in its segment – with a capacity of 660 to 1,950 l. The tailgate can be electrically operated; as an option, it can also be opened using the Virtual Pedal by waving a foot under the rear bumper.

2006: ŠKODA’s first SCOUT model steps onto the automotive stage
There is already a tradition of rugged SCOUT models with offroad flair at ŠKODA. 13 years ago, the second-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA was introduced with a rugged offroad look for the first time. The lifestyle-focused off-roader immediately gained a wide fan base. The popularity of this estate, fitted with all-wheel drive as standard, continued smoothly into the third generation of the OCTAVIA that followed. After the launch of the KODIAQ (2017) and KAROQ (2018), the Czech car manufacturer also successfully added the SCOUT concept to its SUV models.

*All of the fuel economy and driving performance data are preliminary.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The sixth ŠKODA Student Concept Car has been named the MOUNTIAQ – a model designation which perfectly embodies this combination of a modern lifestyle vehicle and the great everyday usability of a pickup. The project participants chose to base their Student Concept Car on the ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV. For eight months, 35 apprentices at the ŠKODA Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav, among them six women, put all their efforts and creativity into this traditional project – investing a total of over 2,000 working hours along the way. As in previous years, the committed juniors were actively supported by ŠKODA experts from the Technical Development, Design and Production departments.

“The name MOUNTIAQ perfectly conveys a sense of adventure and the unique off-road properties of this powerful pickup. I am incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to participate in this unique project,” said Petr Zemanec, one of the trainees.

Aged between 17 and 20 years, the apprentices began work under supervision of the teachers on the MOUNTIAQ in September 2018, with practical implementation starting in January. The first step consisted in reinforcing the body before removing the roof of the ŠKODA KODIAQ and fashioning a rear panel and side windows for the cab. The driver and front passenger doors were shortened as well as widened. The apprentices also developed a special mount for the winch at the front of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ that is able to withstand the enormous stresses it experiences in off-road use. The integration of a fully functional tailgate at the end of the load bed was one of the project’s greatest challenges. The MOUNTIAQ uses ŠKODA lettering at the rear, as introduced on the ŠKODA SCALA and ŠKODA KAMIQ, the first European production models to come with this feature.

To ensure supreme off-road usability, the apprentices increased the ground clearance of the almost five-metre-long pickup by around ten centimetres over that of the KODIAQ SCOUT. They achieved this in part by using 17-inch Rockstar II wheels and tyres with a particularly deep off-road tread. This concept car’s wheelbase is 2,788 millimetres. The MOUNTIAQ is powered by a muscular 2.0 TSI petrol engine delivering 140 kW (190 PS).

The ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ immediately attracts attention with its spectacular body, raised air intake snorkel, a roof-mounted light bar and a front featuring a winch and bullbar. The Orange Sunset paint finish developed by the apprentices complements this vehicle’s spectacular appearance to perfection. Other highlights of the 2019 Student Concept Car include the illuminated load bed and the hidden storage compartment underneath.

The lustrous colour of the paint finish is echoed in the orange and black leather interior. As in previous Student Concept Cars, the apprentices chose to equip the MOUNTIAQ with surprising details such as an illuminated radiator grille to showcase their creativity and skills.

The over 90-year-old ŠKODA Vocational School has enabled particularly talented students to design and build their own vehicles since 2014. ŠKODA profits from the apprentices’ feedback and ideas during the project and gains superbly trained future employees in the process. Every student at the ŠKODA Vocational School is offered a job at ŠKODA at the end of their training.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The sketch of the full LED Matrix headlights reveals the design of the innovative lighting system, which consists of an LED module for the dipped and high beam as well as three further LED high beam segments, and bears ‘ŠKODA Crystal Lighting’ lettering in the housings. A narrow strip of LEDs provides the indicators, daytime running lights and position light. Above this are fine needle-like LED structures, which are part of the new animated Coming/Leaving Home function. When turning on and turning off the car, this feature automatically turns elements of the headlights and tail lights on and off in a specified sequence.

The video shows the new full LED Matrix headlights and the Coming/Leaving Home animation in action and illustrates how they work. It also showcases the redesigned fog lights featuring LED technology and the full LED tail lights. As a debut for the ŠKODA SUPERB, these come with dynamic indicators that illuminate in an outward sweeping motion. Not only do these provide a more dynamic appearance, they are also more noticeable for other road users and increase road traffic safety.

Being the Czech car manufacturer’s flagship model, the ŠKODA SUPERB boasts the brand’s latest innovations in terms of safety, driving comfort, performance and eco-friendliness – bringing many advantages and specification features from higher-tier vehicles into the mid-size car segment.

The upgraded ŠKODA SUPERB is celebrating its world premiere in May at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com