Latest news with #SkodaAuto
Motor 1
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Skoda Turns Its Big Wagon Into a Truck With a Weird Door
Skoda traces its roots to 1895, when founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement established Laurin & Klement to manufacture bicycles. Car production began in 1905, and the company evolved into Skoda Auto in 1925 after being acquired by the industrial conglomerate Skoda Works. The year 2025 marks the 130 th anniversary of the original company's founding, and Skoda is celebrating with a special vehicle that pays homage to its humble beginnings as a bicycle manufacturer. The L&K 130 is a Superb wagon converted into a pickup truck by students from the Skoda Auto Vocational School. It's their tenth one-off special project and the first based on a plug-in hybrid. Skoda engineers collaborated with 28 students to reshape the B- and C-pillars and remove the rear section to accommodate a custom bike rack. Photo by: Skoda The two bikes rest on an electrically extendable bed with integrated rails that lift and tilt them at a 35-degree angle, allowing them to fit when the rear section is closed. A third bike can be mounted on the roof, but perhaps more intriguing is the rear door on the passenger side. It not only swings outward and slides backward but also features two locking mechanisms and two handles. Opening the minivan-style door reveals a single seat. The three-person rear bench from the original Superb wagon was removed to make room for a cool box and an external speaker kit. A new rear window was designed to suit the modified body style. Up front, Skoda added a radio transmitter and a tablet that displays footage from a rear-mounted camera. Beyond the structural modifications and reworked interior, the students applied gold, red, white, and black accents as a tribute to the Laurin & Klement logo. The original L&K badge, dating back 130 years, replaces the familiar winged arrow emblem that has been in use for the past century. The unique wagon-turned-pickup project required over 2,000 hours to complete. The L&K 130 will be showcased next month during the 112 th edition of the Tour de France, which Skoda has supported for over two decades. As with previous Student Cars, a production version isn't planned. Skoda L&K 130 pickup truck based on the Superb Combi 18 Source: Skoda See Other Skoda Student Cars: Skoda Afriq Debuts As Lightweight AWD Concept With Drinking Water Generator Skoda Mountiaq Debuts As Rad One-Off Pickup Based On Kodiaq Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Skoda Elroq vRS 2025 review: hot SUV is good but lacks some sparkle
The Skoda Elroq vRS is, fundamentally, a really good car. The thing is, it's almost impossible to recommend alongside the already brilliant standard model; it doesn't feel significantly harder, sharper or faster, plus the styling upgrades are so subtle only the keenest eye will spot what's lurking beneath the skin. When it comes to the Elroq, basic really is best. Advertisement - Article continues below The Skoda Elroq is set to be another runaway success for the Czech car maker. The company has taken 70,000 orders in nine months, and it was Europe's best-selling electric car in April. The firm's sporty vRS brand continues to flourish, too; almost half a million models – across the Fabia, Octavia, Kodiaq and Enyaq nameplates – have left the factory with the hallowed badge on the back, and the story looks set to continue with its next instalment: the Elroq vRS. Except, as you'll notice here, the Elroq doesn't get a vRS badge on the back – only on the front wings. The styling for Skoda's latest sporting hopeful is best described as subdued; apart from our car's Mamba Green paint (a no-cost option, in case you're wondering), external changes are largely limited to new bumpers, different wheels, and some gloss-black details for the exterior trim. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Indeed, in some of the specifications we tried on the international launch rotation, you'd be hard-pushed to know that this, the hottest of all Elroqs, is a vRS at all. In Moon White, fitted with the smaller of the two wheel options, it looks – dare we say – a bit boring. But vRS buyers have long loved that inconspicuous, undercover police-car vibe, and while the Elroq certainly ticks those boxes from the outside, the cabin is a bit bolder. There's green stitching for the dashboard and steering wheel, and similar-coloured piping for the seats, plus a decent mix of premium-feeling microsuede and artificial leather throughout. Aside from some slightly suspect stitching on the headrests, it appears reassuringly expensive, yet also built to stand the test of time. Advertisement - Article continues below We found those seats supportive during our drive, which not only took in the smooth motorways north of Prague, but also some scarred urban roads and rougher sections of the stunning Czech countryside. Yet the Elroq vRS rides very well indeed, even factoring in the top-spec model's specific suspension tune and stiffer anti-roll bars. We'd opt for the smaller 20-inch wheels (the more visually arresting 21s are a £620 option) if comfort is a concern. It really needn't be, though. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Elsewhere, the vRS feels more like a slightly faster, slightly sharper version of the standard car than a fully fledged performance flagship. That's to say it drives neatly even at pace, with a predictable chassis and not much movement in the body. The Dynamic Chassis Control can be adjusted up to 15 ways, and configured just so using the car's Individual drive mode, and there's plenty of grip from the wide-section Hankook tyres and dual-motor powertrain, too. The throttle map is linear, even in Sport, with the car building speed progressively rather than pinning you in your seat like you might expect in something pushing out 335bhp. Officially, 0-62mph takes 5.4 seconds – making this the fastest-accelerating Skoda ever – but we found mid-speed shove the more impressive facet of the vRS's straight-line performance. With 545Nm of torque, planting your foot for an overtake sees the Elroq surge forward and pass slower-moving traffic with ease. The steering is well weighted and the brakes are strong, too. There's good feel through the controls and various settings for the recuperation; the strength can be adjusted on the fly via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, although in Comfort or Normal it resets to a coast every time you re-engage the throttle. In Sport it'll hold one of the more aggressive settings, but none is powerful enough to bring the car to a complete stop. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Overall then, the Elroq vRS is an easy car to drive quickly, if one that lacks a little when it comes to excitement or on-the-edge thrills. There are no drift modes or simulated gear changes like you might find in alternatives such as the (much more expensive) Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but the Elroq feels more grown up as a result. Admittedly most of this car's direct rivals – including the mechanically-similar Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, and smaller, less practical Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance – target a similar audience with little ill effect. One thing we do think is lacking, however, is any kind of synthesised sound for the cabin. It's a complaint we've levelled at the GTX in the past, and is a problem here as well. There are two settings for the Skoda's low-speed external sound generator, but neither is obvious from inside. As such, it's very hard to ascertain any sense of speed – only heightened by the Elroq's excellent refinement – limiting the feeling of exhilaration or connection with the car. Away from the driving experience, the vRS is as practical and 'Simply Clever' as any Elroq, with room inside for a young family and almost everything they want to bring with them. The 470-litre boot is square and wide, while a clever net sealed to the underside of the parcel shelf means you can avoid the faff of cramming the charging cables under the floor. As ever, no one does neat touches quite like Skoda. Speaking of charging, the vRS boasts the quickest top-up times of any Elroq, with the 185kW enabling a 10 to 80 per cent DC fast charge of its 84kWh (79kWh usable capacity) battery in 26 minutes. The Elroq also comes pre-loaded with Plug & Charge functionality, and the navigation is crammed with charge points that, when a destination has been set, can tell the car to pre-heat the battery for the very best charging performance. AC charging is possible at up to 11kW, meaning if you have access to three-phase electricity – most likely in a work or on-street environment – you can refill the battery to 100 per cent in eight and a half hours. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Skoda claims a range of 339 miles, and on a reasonably warm day in eastern Europe, we returned a decent 3.8 miles/kWh without much effort at all. That's enough for almost exactly 300 miles of real-world range; more than the aforementioned Volvo manages even on the generous WLTP test cycle. It's worth noting that an energy-saving heat pump will set you back £1,100; without which, efficiency is likely to take a hit in the colder months. Yet standard equipment is generous, whichever way you frame it. Every version gets matrix LED headlights, LED rear lights with dynamic indicators, plus the subtle styling cues and at least 20-inch wheels. Acoustic side windows and tinted rear glass are also included, while inside you'll find sunshades, two-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The 13-inch widescreen infotainment system is lifted from the standard car, albeit with vRS-specific graphics, and the small instrument cluster is complemented by an augmented-reality head-up display. Every element is crystal clear and super-simple to read; the clinical, does-as-it-says-on-the-tin philosophy is backed up by a row of intuitive shortcut buttons on the centre stack. We found ourselves using these to adjust the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and drive modes on numerous occasions during our test. Other tech highlights include a 12-speaker, 675-watt Canton stereo, wireless phone charging and four USB-C ports. But here's the kicker: the Elroq vRS is £4,950 more than the already lavishly-equipped Elroq Sportline with the long-range '85' powertrain. That car is quick (0-62mph in 6.6 seconds), will go a little further (up to 350 miles) on a charge, and to the untrained eye it looks all but identical. If those are compromises you're willing to make, the smart money would go on the more mundane model. Model: Skoda Elroq vRS Price: £46,560 Powertrain: 79kWh battery, 2x e-motors Power/torque: 335bhp/545Nm Transmission: Single-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 5.4 seconds Top speed: 111mph Range: 339 miles Max charging: 185kW, 10-80% in 26 mins Size (L/W/H): 4,488/2,148/1,608mm On sale: Now Auto Express Find A Car can help you find the best deals out there on a new Skoda Elroq or top prices on used Skoda Elroq models... New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can't be anything but popular Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can't be anything but popular The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won't do it any harm at all. New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
India Today
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
This European automaker has big plans for India
2025 is the year that marks Skoda's 130-year legacy, which includes a rich history of automobiles. In India, the brand has been around for 25 years and has had some iconic models, which have come to define it. Recently, Skoda Auto India outlined key brand, product, network, and customer-centric initiatives to further drive growth in the country. This includes enhancing customer trust, expanding to new local markets and launching relevant products in the market. Ashish Gupta, brand director, Skoda Auto India. advertisementAshish Gupta, brand director, Skoda Auto India, stated, 'India is the most important growth market for Skoda Auto outside Europe. We are focused on building a strong, future-ready brand with strength of purpose, clarity of vision, and agility of execution. Our product offensive strategy is in tune with evolving consumer needs and aspirations, fuelling our journey of progress. We are getting closer to customers, strategically expanding our network, and reinforcing our legacy of quality, safety, and value. With the wheels in motion across all our business imperatives, 2025 will be the year where we significantly strengthen the brand and surge ahead in India.' Skoda Octavia RS advertisementSkoda's current range includes the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq. The Czech automobile manufacturer has plans to bring a new model to India in the year 2025, and it is likely to be the latest generation of the Octavia RS. Skoda refers to this upcoming launch as a 'global icon'. Furthermore, Skoda Auto India will continue to expand its horizons to tier II and tier III markets. Currently, the brand is present in over 165 cities, and there are plans in place to expand this to over 200 cities by 2025. The company has already grown from 120 customer touchpoints in 2021 to over 290, with an aim for 350 touchpoints by the end of 2025. Skoda Kylaq Interestingly, Skoda also plans to enter the pre-owned car business and further cater to government agencies and other fleets. Last but certainly not least, the VW-owned automotive brand will focus on the quality of the purchase and ownership experience. Skoda Supercare, which is standard across its range, is one such initiative that ensures customers pay for their routine service only at the end of their second year of ownership or after completing 30,000km (whichever is earlier).Subscribe to Auto Today MagazineMust Watch
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skoda to scale up pre-owned biz, bolster sales network to double sales this year
HighlightsCzech carmaker Skoda Auto aims to double its sales volume in the Indian market this year, targeting a market share increase from around 1.8% to 2.5-3%. The company plans to expand its sales network from 296 to approximately 350 outlets, with a focus on semi-urban areas where 60-65% of its current sales network is located. Skoda Auto is looking to enhance its pre-owned car business significantly, with plans to scale up sales from 3,000 cars a year to almost 9,000 by the end of the year. Czech carmaker Skoda is looking to scale up its pre-owned car business, enter the CNG segment and expand sales network as it aims to double volumes in the Indian market this year, according to a top company executive. The carmaker, which sold around 36,000 units in the country last year, expects its SUV portfolio, which now includes a compact SUV , to push its sales volume and market share in the country. "We are looking to more than double our volumes this year. Our compact SUV will play a significant role and parallelly we are also expanding our sales network. Besides, we are also streamlining our product mix," Skoda Auto India Brand Director Ashish Gupta told PTI in an interaction. He noted that the company ended last year with sub 1 per cent market share which has now grown to around 1.8 per cent of the domestic passenger vehicle segment. "We expect it to be in the range of 2.5-3 per cent by end of this year," Gupta said. He noted that the company aims to end the current year with around 350 sales outlets from 296 touch points across the country. Gupta noted that from a ranking of 11th in the passenger vehicle segment, the company has now improved its position to 7th. "We would like to hold on to this position. Kylaq is going to play a pivotal role in the company's growth story," he noted. Gupta stated that in order to scale up volumes, Skoda will scale up its pre-owned business this year, with focus on many first time buyers from the semi urban areas to get into its fold. "If you want to grow the new car business, one needs to make its pre-owned business very now almost 80 per cent of our facilities are equipped to handle certified pre-owned cars. Our network currently does around 3,000 cars a is to scale it up by almost three times this end of this year," Gupta said. He noted that currently 60-65 per cent of the company's sales network is now based out of the semi urban areas. When asked about the company's plans to introduce an EV in the domestic market, Gupta said the automaker is looking to launch a localised product. On entering the CNG segment, he stated: "If we have to maintain relevance in the market share, we will have to evaluate various powertrain options and CNG is definitely one of them." He however did not offer a timeline for foraying into the segment.
India.com
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Skoda Auto India Sets Bold Growth Strategy for 2025, Eyes Record Expansion and Product Launches
Mumbai, June 12, 2025: Marking a dual milestone—130 years of global automotive excellence and 25 years in India—Skoda Auto India has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to significantly accelerate its growth in the country. The company is gearing up to make 2025 its biggest year yet with an aggressive push across product development, network expansion, customer experience, and new business verticals. Speaking at the announcement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India, emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian market for the brand. 'India is the most important growth market for Skoda Auto outside Europe. Our mission is to build a future-ready brand that's agile, purposeful, and in tune with evolving consumer aspirations. With strong action across all fronts, 2025 will be a landmark year in our India journey,' he said. SUV-Centric Product Strategy As part of its 'product offensive,' Skoda Auto India is reinforcing its SUV lineup while maintaining its leadership in the sedan segment. The current SUV portfolio—comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, and Kodiaq—caters to a wide spectrum of customer preferences. On the sedan front, the Slavia continues to lead, and a new global model is set to debut soon, further expanding Skoda's premium appeal in India. Expanding Footprint Beyond Metro Markets Skoda Auto India is accelerating its network expansion, aiming to reach over 200 cities in 2025, up from 165 currently. The number of customer touchpoints has already more than doubled—from 120 in 2021 to over 290 today—with a goal of 350 by the end of 2025. This push is largely focused on penetrating Tier II and Tier III cities. New Business Channels & Pre-Owned Vehicles The company is also exploring new revenue streams, including a renewed focus on its certified pre-owned car program. Additionally, Skoda plans to expand its footprint in fleet, government, corporate, and rural markets, tapping into segments that promise significant growth. Enhanced Ownership Experience Skoda Auto India is placing equal emphasis on the quality of its customer engagement. Initiatives such as the Skoda Supercare program offer free routine servicing until the second year or 30,000 km—whichever comes first. This is supported by robust warranty packages and transparent service programs designed to build trust and long-term brand loyalty. With this multifaceted approach, Skoda Auto India aims to not only deepen its presence but also redefine premium mobility for Indian consumers, setting the stage for a transformative 2025.
