Skoda | On the road

Skoda’s new Octavia has put safety at the forefront with enhanced safety technology warning drivers and passengers to not open their doors into the path of oncoming cyclists.

The all-new fourth-generation Octavia is the first ŠKODA model to feature Exit Warning, and is designed to help reduce the number of instances of ‘dooring’ – where a cyclist is hit by the door of a parked vehicle opened by a passenger or driver.

Exit Warning, which is part of the brand’s Blind Spot Detection system available as standard from SE L First Edition, uses sensors to monitor the rear and sides of the vehicle when stationary.

If a cyclist is detected, the system will warn the driver through a series of visual warnings and by sounding an alert, both of which will continue until the hazard has passed or the doors have been closed. Working on both the front and rear of the car, the alert will reduce the chance of passengers swinging their doors open and causing a possible collision.

The sophisticated cameras in the new Octavia are able to observe possible hazards to the rear of the vehicle up to a distance of 35 metres and at angle of approximately 120°, providing greater assurance for drivers and passengers on when it is safe to exit the car.

The introduction of ŠKODA’s technology will be greeted as a welcome addition by the cycling community, particularly with the UK marking Bike Week 2020, which is taking place from June 6-14.

With many more cyclists expected to take to roads over the summer months as part of their commute to work, the new ŠKODA Octavia further encompasses a range of other advanced safety features to help protect those on two wheels.

Predictive Cycling Protection triggers a cascade of warnings to the driver if a cyclist is detected ahead – and will even engage the emergency brakes if necessary to avoid any possible accident.

Another innovative piece of technology is Turn Assist* which will be introduced for the first time in any ŠKODA, while the Octavia is the first vehicle in its class to have the safety feature. Using the on-board cameras, the system will be able to monitor oncoming traffic when turning right at a junction, as well as identify cyclists and pedestrians. If immediate danger is detected when executing a manoeuvre, the vehicle will be brought to a complete standstill, triggering the warning signal and preventing a possible collision.

Collision Avoidance Assist is another first for ŠKODA. The front cameras of the vehicle are able to detect an impending accident and perform a controlled evasive manoeuvre around the hazard, be that a cyclist or another vehicle. The system uses real-time data provided by the array of cameras and radars to calculate the most appropriate, and crucially the safest, trajectory around the potential danger.

A spokesperson at ŠKODA UK said: “The all-new fourth-generation Octavia is the most technologically advanced ŠKODA yet and one of the most cycle-friendly cars on the market.

“Naturally cyclists face daily challenges associated with cycling on busy roads, including avoiding car doors as they open. The technology introduced in the new Octavia, particularly Exit Warning, is there to assist drivers in helping to mitigate and reduce potential accidents.”

Summary

Fourth-generation ŠKODA Octavia features an array of safety features to protect cyclists, making it one of the most cycle-friendly cars on the market
Visual and audio alerts are activated when car is stationary, preventing drivers and passengers from opening their doors into cyclists as they ride past
Other cycle-friendly technologies include Predictive Cycling Protection, Turn Assist* and Collision Avoidance Assistance

To find out more about the new ŠKODA Octavia, visit www.skoda.co.uk

Skoda Kamiq SE

By Bill McCarthy

Skoda’s latest addition to its range of SUVs is yet another example of the VW parent group almost competing with itself.

There is the VW Up!, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii as an example of small city cars offering pretty much the same thing. Then there’s the VW T-Cross, SEAT Arona and now the Kamiq.

All similar, but different with prices to match various pockets and purses.

Sitting below the Kodiaq and Karoq, the Kamiq is the smallest of Skoda’s three SUVs. It certainly looks the part, and borrows a feature seen usually on more expensive cars with dynamic indicators, which have a sweep effect when activated and which double up as daytime LED running lights, which is a first for Skoda.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis-like, – the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior

Unusually, they sit above the main headlight clusters which flank the large and now familiar Skoda grille.

Neat alloys and standard integrated roof bars, sculpted bonnet and angular styling give the car a powerful presence.

The interior is also high quality and very spacious, if not exactly startling in style with dark colours only offset by bright trim to doors, steering wheel and dash.

The centrepiece is the eight inch display featuring the infotainment system with eight speakers; SmartLink, enabling users to view and control smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink and navigation systems, which is complemented by the virtual cockpit, featuring a 10 inch screen and five display modes.

Even at entry level starting at just under £18k, there is plenty of standard kit on offer for the money. This SE model is just over £1k more expensive and offers a host of goodies.

Skoda says the model sets benchmarks in its segment for elbow, knee and headroom, with raised seat position for easy passenger access and road visibility. The finish is good quality with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and front door trims.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis like, with the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior.

It couldn’t be an SUV if it was not practical and it is. The Kamiq has a boot capacity of 400 litres with the rear seats in position. This can be extended to 1,395 litres with the 60:40 split backrests folded down, which creates a level surface when combined with the optional false boot floor.

Cup holders can be found in the centre console. There are also storage compartments under the front seats, as well as pockets on the backrests.

There is a choice of four different engines offering power outputs that range from 95PS to 150PS. There are three TSI petrol versions and one diesel, all with with brake energy recovery as well as stop/start technology.

This model was powered by the three cylinder 95PS TSI petrol unit. Like all three pot engines, it delivers a raspy note under acceleration to give the impression of a sporty drive, despite relatively pedestrian acceleration to 60mph in around 11 seconds.

It is however economical with lowish emissions and is lively enough around town.

The handling is also pretty nimble for an SUV. It is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform and a new chassis combines the advantages of an SUV with the agile driving characteristics of a compact car, says the company blurb.

Like all Skodas, the firm’s Simply Clever customer friendly features are on offer, with door-edge protection which deploys automatically when opening the doors and concealed umbrella and torch in the boot.

There are three trim levels including the S, SE and the range topping SE L.

All offer alloy wheels, touchscreen and LED lights, but the SE model driven here adds electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, light and rain sensors, eight speakers, privacy glass, 17 inch alloys, parking aids and cruise control

Safety kit is extensive with full complement of airbags, lane departure warning The Kamiq can be equipped with state-of-the-art assistance systems and already features Lane Assist as well as Front Assist including City Emergency Brake as standard.

It’s a fine effort and although late-ish to the SUV party, Skoda has plenty to offer.