e:PROGRESS’ offers Honda e owners connected charger, advanced intelligent software and UK-first dynamic energy tariff to charge their car at the most cost-effective times
Potential energy cost savings of up to £475* per year compared to standard flat tariff
Energy supply partner Octopus Energy guarantees that 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources
Honda is to debut its domestic intelligent charging service – ‘e:PROGRESS’ – in the UK.
e:PROGRESS is the most comprehensive and innovative home charging solution from an automotive manufacturer in Europe, and Honda’s first energy management service to be launched in the region.
At the heart of e:PROGRESS lies a connected charger and advanced intelligent software developed by smart charging and aggregation specialist, Moixa. The software sets a charging schedule to ensure the car is always adequately charged when it’s needed based on the requirements of the owner, while optimising the use of low-price clean energy. Customers can change their charging requirements at any time through the e:PROGRESS app.
Electricity is provided by Octopus Energy, with its UK-first dynamic tariff, Agile Octopus, a combined tariff for both the EV and home which allows customers access to lower prices during renewable-heavy, off-peak periods. Moixa’s software selects the most cost-effective times to charge the Honda e based on the tariff, which changes price as often as every 30 minutes in response to fluctuations in wholesale energy prices. This gives customers an estimated annual saving in charging costs of up to £475 per year compared to a standard flat tariff*, while Octopus Energy guarantees that 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.
e:PROGRESS offers a seamless experience in setting up the service, guiding the customer through checking their eligibility online, switching to the dynamic tariff and subscribing to intelligent charging. Ordering and installation of the charger is carried out by British Gas to ensure the highest-quality service nationwide, with ongoing after sales support.
The preferred connected charger for the service is the Honda Power Charger S+ (4G), which connects remotely to e:PROGRESS to schedule access to low-cost electricity. With a simple yet sophisticated design inspired by that of the Honda e, Honda Power Charger has been designed to create more value in the future with further intelligent charging services which interact with the grid.
As well as offering a unique set of benefits to customers, e:PROGRESS will support active grid management to help stabilise demand and to optimise the use of renewables. It also aligns with Honda’s 2030 Vision, part of which outlines the company’s ambition to create ‘new value’ by moving into areas other than mobility, including energy services.
e:PROGRESS is the first service to be introduced by Honda’s new Energy Solutions division, a business unit recently established to offer a comprehensive portfolio of charging and energy management products and services to EV owners in Europe. Other projects in development include Honda Power Manager – a bi-directional vehicle-to-grid system which enables the collection and distribution of electricity between EVs and the grid to intelligently balance demand and supply of energy, and to make better use of renewables.
Jørgen Pluym, General Manager of Honda’s Energy Solutions division comments: “Introducing e:PROGRESS to the market is a significant statement of Honda’s ambition in the provision of energy solutions as part of the continued move towards electrification and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. This unique and innovative service, our first energy solution for Europe, gives Honda e customers a highly-advanced intelligent charging solution offering considerable cost savings, while our partner Octopus Energy guarantees that 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.”
Offered exclusively to Honda e customers, e:PROGRESS is available in the UK now. Further services under the e:PROGRESS brand will follow in Germany, with other European countries under consideration.
For further information on e:PROGRESS and to check eligibility please visit: www.honda-eprogress.co.uk
Leader in electric classic car technology and integration, Electrogenic, electrifies a Triumph Stag and a Morgan 4/4 for its customers
1976 Triumph Stag conversion is ‘world first’ Stag to receive an EV conversion
1957 Morgan 4/4 is believed to be the first professionally converted four-wheeler Morgan running zero-emission electric power
Electrogenic takes beautiful classic cars and sympathetically converts them to electric power using its leading, proprietorial EV engineering and technology – with the ambition of creating cars that are ‘better versions of themselves’
Pioneering classic car electrification company Electrogenic has finalised two ‘World First’ conversions of classic vehicles to electric power.
The Oxford-based leader in classic car EV technology takes beautiful classic cars and sympathetically converts them to electric power using its proprietary EV engineering and technology. Today it has announced two conversions; a 1976 Triumph Stag and a 1957 Morgan 4/4, which now both run on silent, zero-emission electric power.
The Triumph Stag conversion has been confirmed by the Stag Owners Club to be the first Stag to undergo the conversion to electric power. Electrogenic removed the 1976 car’s 3.0-litre Triumph V8 and in its place has integrated a ‘Hyper9’ high-voltage brushless electric motor, which delivers 80kW of power and 235Nm of torque to the rear wheels through the original four-speed manual gearbox. It uses a 37kWh battery which takes the place of the original Triumph V8 engine and the fuel tank and spare wheel under the boot floor. The conversion uses a Type 2 charger and offers an approximate range of 150 miles.
The Morgan 4/4 conversion, it is believed, is the first professionally converted four-wheeled Morgan to be transformed to electric propulsion. Electrogenic used its significant electrification and integration expertise to remove the original four-cylinder combustion engine and replace it with a ‘Hyper9’ high-voltage brushless motor, delivering 80kW of power and 235Nm of torque to the rear wheels through the Morgan’s manual gearbox. The team at Electrogenic has installed a 37kWh battery pack to the Morgan’s diminutive body, offering a driving range of up to 150 miles on a single charge.
Steve Drummond, Director and Co-Founder of Electrogenic “Converting older cars like these to electric power is about using modern technology to bring out the best characteristics in the cars. For us this means increasing power within the capabilities of the original vehicle, optimising weight distribution and not using too many batteries to keep the handling crisp and precise. Our proprietary electronics integrate the batteries and motor into a seamless system, making the cars as safe as possible.
“Our systems also allow us to maintain the originality of the rest of the car, which is a really important factor for us. For example, it means that we can repurpose the original instruments to keep the interior as untouched as possible. Ultimately, what we’re always trying to do with our conversions is to make the cars we’ve been entrusted with into ‘better versions of themselves’.”
Ian Newstead, Director and Co-Founder of Electrogenic “We love the challenge of converting beautiful classic cars with technology that means they will be able to continue to be used guilt-free, even in our cities, for years to come. Working on first-time conversions such as the Stag and the Morgan 4/4 helps us to continue honing both our technology offering and our knowledge of the integration process in different body types, and means we maintain our position as a leader in classic car electrification.”
Electrogenic’s Triumph Stag and Morgan 4/4 conversions are customer vehicles, and as such have been prepared to the customer’s specifications. Electrogenic offers a full suite of classic car electrification options for customers, and every car that is converted is unique, maintaining the beauty and engineering of the original but making the car as practical as possible for the purpose that the owner intends to use it for.
About Electrogenic Electrogenic takes beautiful classic cars and sympathetically converts them to electric power using its leading, proprietorial EV engineering and technology. Each model conversion is bespoke, enabling Electrogenic classics to be reborn as a better version of themselves.
The company is led by Steve Drummond, who brings with him two decades of engineering and finance experience in the energy and climate change sector prior to setting up Electrogenic, and expert mechanic Ian Newstead. Motivated by a passion for classic motoring history and for contributing to a sustainable future, the pair use their deep respect for and knowledge of classic cars to future-proof them for the 21st century.
ID.3 is now available from just £28,370* in new entry-level City trim
45 kWh (net) battery provides up to 217 miles of range (WLTP, combined)
City and Style specifications further broaden appeal of ID.3 family
The Volkswagen ID.3 will be available from £28,370* in new Pure Performance guise from tomorrow.
Two trims – entry-level City and design-focused Style – become available with the new powertrain, in addition to the Pro, Pro Performance and Pro S versions already on sale in the UK. The Pure Performance is differentiated by its lighter 45 kWh (net) battery, 150 PS power output and 310 Nm of torque.
The two new ID.3 specifications – City and Style – are also unveiled with the debut of this important new fourth powertrain option. The new Pure Performance variant majors on performance and value, offering a 150 PS and smaller range alternative to the punchier, and larger Pro, Pro Performance and Pro S powertrains, while still providing a muscular 310 Nm of torque. In Pure Performance guise, the ID.3 reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 8.9 seconds, and matches the 99 mph top speed of the rest of the ID.3 range.
Both specifications can regain up to 137 miles of range from a 100 kW rapid charger in 30 minutes, while a 7.2 kW home charger takes around seven and a half hours to take the ID.3 Pure Performance from 5% to 100%. Charging 5% to 80% from a DC, CCS charge point takes 31 minutes. On the WLTP combined cycle, the ID.3 City Pure Performance can return up to 217 miles from a single charge, while the Style Pure Performance can return as much as 215 miles.
Not only do these models introduce the Pure Performance powertrain, but the City specification also brings a new, even lower entry price for ID.3 ownership – the model now starts at £28,370* for the ID.3 City Pure Performance. As such the new models further deliver on the ID.3’s affordable and sustainable e-mobility brief set out by the I.D. concept of 2016. The ID.3 Style, meanwhile, provides an even more design-oriented option in the already stylish line-up, and is priced from £32,470*.
The highly competitive pricing also means that both of the new variants qualify for the Government’s Plug-in Vehicle Grant (PIVG), under the recently realigned £35,000 threshold for the scheme, doubling the number of ID.3s available under the PIVG to four. Among these are 58 kWh variants of the ID.3, which have the accolade of being among the longest-range electric vehicles on sale now eligible for the grant, with up to 263 miles available from the ID.3 Life Pro and Pro Performance.
The ID.3 City represents exceptional value, offering generous standard equipment as the entry point to the ID.3 range. Included as standard are a 10-inch Discover Pro Navigation infotainment system and a Comfort Package including heated front seats and a heated steering wheel; rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear mirror; two rear USB-C ports; and door mirrors with electric adjustment and folding, with integrated projection lights.
The model is also fitted with all-LED headlights and tail lights. The ID. Light interface, meanwhile, allows the ID.3 to communicate with the driver through different light patterns corresponding with functions including navigation instructions, phone commands and battery charge status. Further enhancing the ID.3’s interior with light is 10-colour ambient lighting, while natural voice control and Wireless App Connect bring additional convenience and connectivity.
A suite of driver assistance features is also standard-fit for the ID.3, with the City fitted as standard with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist as well as a Driver Alert system; Lane Assist; forward collision warning; and extended and proactive pedestrian protection, while front and rear parking sensors further aid the driver.
The ID.3 Style, priced from £32,470* is identifiable over the ID.3 City by its 18-inch ‘East Derry’ alloy wheels, while the fitment of the Design Package gives the model IQ.Light LED matrix headlights; animation for the LED taillights; 30-colour interior ambient lighting; tinted windows and an illuminated light band between the headlights and Volkswagen logo. The Comfort Package Plus provides 2-zone climate control and a variable boot floor, while a rear-view camera; ‘Kessy Advance’ keyless entry system; and illumination for the door handles are also included as standard, thanks to the addition of the Assistance Package for the ID.3 Style.
Joe Laurence, ID. Family Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “The City and Style are an important milestone in the ID.3’s life cycle, as they usher in the Pure Performance powertrain. Offering the best of both worlds with value and performance built-in, these two important new trim levels further significantly broaden the ID.3’s appeal – an attribute regarded as one of the model’s key strengths by experts.
“The fact that the ID.3 City brings the entry price of ID.3 ownership into an even lower band is good news for everybody – and further cements the model’s reputation as The Electric People’s Car.”
ID.3 Pure Performance
Model
Price*
0-62 mph
Top speed
Range (WLTP combined)
ID.3 City Pure Performance
£28,370
8.9 s
99 mph
217 miles
ID.3 Style Pure Performance
£32,470
215 miles
*- RRP OTR, with Government Plug-in Vehicle Grant deducted
American motorsport legend Roger Penske will attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed as the event celebrates “The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders”
Assembled cars will include examples from all areas of Penske’s motorsport success, including INDYCAR, NASCAR, Trans-Am, sports cars, Australian Supercars and Formula 1
Penske previously competed at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1963
Goodwood is thrilled to announce that former American driver and current championship team owner Roger Penske will attend the 2021 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, taking place from 8 – 11 July.
Penske’s attendance comes as the event celebrates “The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders”, a theme consistently exemplified by Roger Penske and his race teams. As a driver, Penske enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic, winning in NASCAR and making it to Formula 1. But ‘The Captain’ is perhaps best known as the leader of Team Penske, having achieved unprecedented success across a number of motorsport disciplines, including INDYCAR, NASCAR, Trans-Am, sports cars, Australian Supercars and Formula 1.
Goodwood will showcase Penske’s momentous career by assembling some of the team’s most famous cars at the Festival. These will include Team Penske’s first Indy 500 entry from 1969, the four-wheel drive Lola T152; the McLaren M16B representing the first of the team’s 18 Indy 500 wins in 1972; the Penske PC23 which dominated the 1994 Indy 500; as well as the 2006 and 2018 Indy 500 winners. Also confirmed is the Pontiac Catalina honouring the car that Penske himself drove to a NASCAR victory at Riverside in 1963, as well as the 2008 Daytona 500 winner. Representing Team Penske’s foray into Formula 1 will be the Penske PC1 from 1975, the first car manufactured by Penske Cars UK, and the PC4, which won the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix driven by John Watson. Penske himself will take to the Hill in the Porsche RS Spyder which won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2008.
An outdoor exhibition on the Cricket Pitch, detailing Penske’s illustrious racing history, will further celebrate the unique achievements of man and team in the world of motorsport, with an additional special tribute planned for the final day of the Festival of Speed.
This year’s Festival of Speed is not Penske’s first visit to West Sussex: he raced at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1963, competing in the RAC Tourist Trophy, where he finished eighth in a Ferrari 250 GTO entered by the legendary North American Racing Team.
Roger Penske said: “I have wonderful memories of racing at Goodwood in 1963 and am honoured to be invited to return this summer. I am very much looking forward to sharing in the celebrations with Goodwood’s passionate fans as they return for the 2021 Festival of Speed.”
The Duke of Richmond said: “We are incredibly excited that Roger is able to join us at the Festival of Speed this year as we celebrate Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders, among whom he undoubtedly numbers. We are very much looking forward to seeing the hugely successful Penske racing cars alongside Roger himself take to the Hill over the course of the weekend.”
Further announcements about the Festival of Speed will be made in the coming weeks.
Image credit: Jochen Van Cauwenberge
Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th July
Tickets Tickets for the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard are available, but selling fast. The Goodwood Ticket Office can be contacted on 01243 755055.
Goodwood wants customers to be able to book with confidence and if it is deemed that Goodwood events cannot take place on advice from the UK Government due to the ever-changing pandemic, the ‘Ticket Guarantee’ means customers can transfer their ticket to the following year or receive a full refund.
Covid-19 Goodwood’s number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, whether working behind-the-scenes, at the wheel, or attending the spectacle. Goodwood continues to work closely with Public Health England and UK Government advisory groups and all events will be run strictly in accordance with the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.
Accreditation Accreditation for Festival of Speed is now open. Make your application here.
About the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motorsport take part along with legendary figures from the automotive world. Highlights include FOS Future Lab, Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 paddock, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, Aviation Exhibition and Bonhams Auction.
About Team Penske Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 580 major race wins, over 650 pole positions and 40 Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 55-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2021, Team Penske will compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.
Unprecedented demand resulted in a record month for leading finance provider JBR Capital
It reveals the top 10 hottest cars according to its records for March, with models including the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 570S proving popular with buyers
As lockdown continues to ease and dealerships open their doors, JBR Capital expects demand to further increase
The company embarks on a recruitment drive to deal with the extraordinary demand
Pent-up demand for high performance vehicles is being unleashed onto the market, with leading finance provider JBR Capital experiencing record volumes of lending on models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche in March.
Porsche proved to be the most financed marque last month with the all-electric Taycan generating a large number of proposals as interest in electric vehicles showed no signs of abating.
As the UK’s only independent finance lender dedicated solely to high-end vehicle finance, JBR Capital offers tailored finance options for classic, prestige, racing and supercars, lending anything from £25,000. Over the course of March, it experienced the largest number of proposals since the business was launched in 2015.
Darren Selig, Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at JBR Capital, said: “Demand for high performance sports cars, supercars and prestige vehicles is unprecedented. Throughout March, we have been inundated with requests for finance across all brands – but there have been some makes and models that have stood out and are clearly hot property right now. We believe this trend is being driven, in part, by pent-up demand following months of lockdown – and, as restrictions ease further, transactions for April are already showing no signs of slowing down.”
Over the course of March, JBR Capital received a record number of proposals from its network of introducers and direct clients with the top 10 most in-demand cars being:
Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe DS: “With beautiful looks and that V12, it’s no wonder the Vanquish is in high demand: it’s the archetypal Aston. It narrowly beat the V8 Vantage, which is also proving popular with buyers.”
Audi R8 DS: “Our clients’ top Audi, the R8 is the ultimate use-able supercar, whether it’s in coupe or Spyder guise. Other top performing models from the four rings were the latest RS6 Avant and RS Q8.”
Bentley Continental DS: “Fast, luxurious and relaxing, the Continental has been a huge hit for Bentley, but the latest examples are really proving popular with buyers – and it’s the 4.0 V8 they love the most, not the W12.”
BMW M3 Competition F80 DS: “Supercar performance in a practical body, the M3 has always had massive appeal – and the F80 Competition specification car continues to find favour as our top most financed BMW. It’ll be interesting to see if its controversially-styled successor achieves the same popularity.”
Ferrari 488 GTB DS: “The hottest Ferrari on the market right now. It makes up more than 50 per cent of all the Maranello models we financed in March. Following closely in its wheeltracks was its predecessor, the 458 Italia, proving that Ferrari really has the formula spot on.”
Lamborghini Aventador DS: “Arguably still the most old-school V12 supercar on the market, the Aventador’s appeal doesn’t seem to be diminishing. In March, we financed both the ‘standard’ LP700 – if you can call it that – and the ultra-high performance LP770-4 SVJ.” McLaren 570S DS: “The clear message from our customers is that Woking’s ‘entry-level’ supercar has all the right ingredients. It made up more than 75 percent of the McLaren models we financed in March, followed by the 600LT and 675S.”
Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV DS: “It might look the same on the outside, but that iconic shape hides a thoroughly reinvented, super-fast and capable SUV – and as a result, it’s our most-financed Mercedes.”
Porsche Taycan DS: “Our customers love Porsche’s first electric car – its combination of rapid acceleration, stand-out styling and superb handling means there’s strong call for this zero emission sports car. Outside of the Taycan, the 911 Turbo is the Porsche with enduring appeal, whether it’s the 992, 991 or 997 version.”
Range Rover Sport SVR DS: “This continues to be our most in-demand Range Rover and it’s not hard to see why: muscular looks and a great V8 soundtrack combined with luxury and practicality.”
Since 2015 JBR Capital has quickly grown to occupy a leading position thanks to its unique bespoke service, delivered by a dedicated, knowledgeable team of relationship managers. All of these enhancements are underscored by its continued mission statement – ‘Fund your passion’ – which further emphasizes JBR Capital’s dedication to supporting true automotive enthusiasts.
Once again, the prestigious event assembles the finest collection of cars ever, in the heart of the City of London
London Concours 2021 reveals the full list of nearly 100 spectacular historic and performance cars at London’s HAC from the 8-10 June
Carefully curated classes include ‘Great marques’, ‘Italian Berlinettas, ‘Lost Marques’ and ‘Iconic British Designs’ – filled with exotic cars from the Ferrari 250 GT SWB to the Bugatti Chiron and beyond
E-Type celebration feature gathers eleven Jaguar E-Types, including the stunning low drag and lightweight cars as well as a Group 44 race car
The 200mph Club brings together the most eclectic mix of cars that have broken the 200mph barrier from the Ferrari F40 to the McLaren Senna
Pop-up boutiques from watchmaker Breguet, and automotive partners Argent, Bell Sport & Classic, Everrati, Thornley Kelham Nicholas Mee & Co, Rodin and JIA among many more
The London Concours 2021 once again gathers together the most incredible collection of vehicles ever witnessed in the City of London, across three days, when proceedings begin at the Honourable Artillery Company from 8-10 June.
Nearly 100 performance icons, past and present, will park up on the five-acre oasis of manicured lawn, hidden just off City Road – a mere stone’s throw from iconic London landmarks such as the Barbican and the Gherkin – from 8-10 June 2021. The main concours line-up of judged vehicles is split into classes which have been carefully curated to provide one of the most eclectic London Concours events so far – visitors can expect classes such as ‘Italian Berlinettas’, ‘Great Marques’, the ‘Lost Marques’ and ‘Iconic British Designs’ among many more.
The Italian Berlinettas class is a celebration of the golden era of sports car design from the country that was simply untouchable for creating masterpieces, this class is a collection of the finest Italian coupé designs of the ‘60s. The class will feature everything from a Ferrari 250 GTE, through the Ferrari 275 GTB 6/C to the De Tomaso Mangusta and the Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale – this class features 11 of the most beautiful and iconic Italian cars ever made.
The Great Marques class this year celebrates Porsche and Lotus. From 356 to 911, there’s no shortage of automotive legends in the Porsche line-up. The challenge was whittling them down to just 10 of the rarest and most spectacular for this ode to Stuttgart’s finest. And for Lotus, with a long lineage of motorsport heroics and a model line-up of some of the most thrilling cars ever created, Lotus rightly takes its place in the spotlight at the London Concours this year – as the pursuit of lightness, visualised.
In an industry that is fast-moving, heavily regulated and often financially ruinous, manufacturers that may have deserved to stay, are often forced to disappear. The Lost Marques class is a celebration of some of the best marques that are no longer in business. This class will feature ten cars, from some of the finest manufacturers that no longer grace modern showrooms. The cars on display encompass everything from the Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite to the Iso Rivolta, and from the Sunbeam Tiger all the way through to the unusual Unipower GT.
The Iconic British Designs class features some of the finest British automotive designs of all time celebrated alongside their designers. Think Spen King and the Range Rover, Peter Stevens and the XJR15 or Frank Stephenson and the McLaren 12C. 10 of the most celebrated of British designs will feature in what is possibly the most eclectic classes in the show with designs ranging from the ultra-compact original Mini to the elegant lines of the Aston Martin One-77.
When it comes to British designs, however, there is one that people cite more than any other. At this years’ London Concours there is a display dedicated to the Jaguar E-Type. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the E-Type, the start of a transformation from automotive icon to cultural phenomenon. Its popularity has never faltered, and the car is celebrated at London Concours this year with 11 of the finest examples. Ranging all the way from the early series one cars, through to series three and not forgetting the stunning low drag and lightweight coupes as well as the inimitable Group 44 race car.
Bringing the London Concours a touch more speed, the 200mph Club will celebrate the early pioneers and recent contenders from the world’s most famous manufacturers – that have broken the 200mph barrier. Once the holy grail of performance, the 200mph-mark still remains out of reach to all but the most exotic of vehicles. In this class we celebrate 10 legendary vehicles that have achieved the feat, from the Ferrari F40, F50, F60 and LaFerrari, through Lamborghinis and Bugattis old and new, as well as more modern metal such as the McLaren Senna.
The event this year is spilt over three days, extended from two in 2020. The first day will be a VIP preview day for car owners, VIP guests and media. The second day is style day, where the event shines a spotlight on the worlds of design, fashion and luxury. While the third day is supercar day where the event will welcome a collection of the latest performance innovators into the HAC. These will include the latest offerings from Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini and many more, with these cars joining the collection of 70 vehicles already on display.
Supercar day sees the London Concours turn its attention to the very latest marvels of high-performance automotive endeavour: the Supercars. On Supercar Thursday, selected owners of up to 60 of the finest road cars will drive them into the private, hallowed grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, and form a world-class display of supercars for London Concours visitors to marvel over.
Outside of the car displays, London Concours will also feature a number of pop-up luxury boutiques, including most notably that of Breguet as the Presenting Partner of the event. The company will bring to London Concours, a collection of its most rare vintage timepieces, freshly serviced and restored. Argent, Bell Sport & Classic, Everrati, Thornley Kelham, Nicholas Mee & Co, Rodin and JIA will also be showcasing their latest offerings at the event.
Billed as the ultimate luxury automotive garden party in the heart of the City, London Concours features a number of premium food and drink options, including cocktails and champagne by Veuve Cliquot. There are also a number of lunch and evening food options with cocktails for entertaining, from catering partner Searcys – for more information click here.
Tickets to the London Concours are available from londonconcours.co.uk, with a full day adult admission ticket costing £40, and concessions from £20.
Highlight cars include:
Ferrari F50 Featuring in the ‘200mph class’, the F50 is part of an illustrious list of Ferrari’s flagship cars, including the F40, the Enzo and – most recently – the LaFerrari. The 4.7-litre V12 engine was developed from Ferrari’s Formula One engine of the time, helping the car to reach a top speed of 202mph – and thoroughly earning its place in this elite club.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB A true example of 1960s elegance, the 250 GT SWB is a stunning mix of gorgeous form and racing function. Powered by the much-revered small-capacity ‘Colombo’ V12 engine, the SWB is as captivating to drive as it is to look at. You’ll find it this year in the ‘Italian Berlinettas’ class along with 10 of the most beautiful Italian exotics ever created.
Aston Martin One-77 The One-77 is one of the rarest Aston Martins ever produced, with just 77 built. Priced when new from just over £1m, the One-77 is powered by a 7.3-litre V12 engine and can hit 220mph. The car is celebrated in 2021 alongside designer Marek Reichman in the Iconic British Designs class.
Jaguar XJR-15 Mechanically based on the Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9, the XJR-15 was produced by JaguarSport a subsidiary of Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Powered by a 450bhp, 5.9-litre mid-rear mounted all-alloy Group C-spec V12 engine, inside a carbon-fibre tub, this XJR-15 is One of only 27 road going examples produced – and will be celebrated alongside its designer Peter Stevens in the Iconic British Designs class.
Porsche 911 2.7 RS Built as a homologation special, only 500 of the early ‘thin-gauge’ lightweight 2.7 RS models were ever built. The first model to wear the ‘RS’ moniker, the 2.7 represented, for many, the pinnacle of the 911’s career. Sporting wide wheel arches and the iconic duck-tail spoiler, the car’s distinctive profile is immediately recognisable. It will be part of the ‘Great Marques – Porsche’ display.
Porsche 959 Another road-going homologation car, the legendary Porsche 959 was originally designed to compete in the infamous ‘Group B’ rally class. Only 292 cars were ever produced. When it was launched, the 959 was ‘the fastest road-legal car in the world’ serving as a testbed for Porsche for both turbocharged power and all-wheel drive – technologies which have made their way into many modern Porsches. Again, this car will feature in the ‘Great Marques – Porsche’ display.
Lotus Elite ‘Type 14’ Another example of 1960s elegance, an ultra-lightweight two-seater coupé, the Elite or ‘Type 14’ was produced from 1958 to 1963. The car’s most distinctive feature was its fibreglass monocoque construction, which was used for the entire load-bearing structure of the car save a steel sub-frame which supports the engine and front suspension. Only 1,030 Elites were built. There will be one in the ‘Great Marques – Lotus’ display.
Main London Concours Display
200MPH CLUB
Bugatti Chiron
Bugatti EB110 SS
Bugatti Veyron
Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari F40
Ferrari F50
Ferrari LaFerrari
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Lamborghini Diablo GT
McLaren Senna
ITALIAN BERLINETTAS
Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale
Alfa Romeo Giulia
De Tomaso Mangusta
Ferrari 250 GTE
Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta ‘Comp ’61 Sefac Hot Rod’
OMNICHANNEL APPROACH COMBINING PHYSICAL SHOWROOMS AND ONLINE SALES MEETS CUSTOMER NEEDS AND INCREASES RETAILER PROFITABILITY
Embracing ecommerce has potential to save UK automotive retail industry up to £9.5 billion per year. Even 30% phased transition could save up to £4.7 billion
Moving more of the customer journey online can deliver a 50% Pure Transaction Time Saving (PTTS) and a 23% Cost of Sale Saving (CSS) for the retailer
Adoption of an ‘omnichannel’ business model suits the needs of both those customers who wish to buy a car purely in the digital world, and those who still wish to visit a retailer for certain phases of the transaction
Migrating staff and time intensive processes to online provides optimum retailer profitability efficiency
By leveraging online sales, UK auto retailers could reduce the transaction time taken to sell a vehicle by 75% and cut the costs incurred in the process by 45%, according to new research released by industry-leading automotive ecommerce solution provider GForces.
The data indicates that, as per 2020, based on an annual used car market of 6.75 million sales, the industry could save £9.5 billion each year. Even a more conservative approach, based on a phased 30% transition to greater online selling, the sector could save £4.7 billion.
Given the surge in ecommerce across the auto retailing sector, GForces conducted in-depth research to identify the potential commercial cost savings which retailers could reap through greater ecommerce platform adoption. Their approach looked at the current costs of traditional car retailing, as well as the projected costs of going fully online, and a ‘hybrid online model’, based on 30% of sales being transacted on laptops and smartphones.
It is widely acknowledged that the auto industry has been slow to adapt to online purchasing, compared to other industries. One key factor is that buying a car often involves significant financial outlay. As a result, many consumers are still keen to retain a human element in their purchasing journey, often including the ability to see a potential car and discuss finance and part-exchange details in person. Providing the ability to blend a physical showroom with an online sales platform, termed an ‘omnichannel’ approach is becoming the new normal.
By adapting their current commercial processes, from both a front and back office perspective, there are significant cost savings to be made by UK retailers. Just by moving to a 30% online sales strategy, a 50% Pure Transaction Time Saving (PTTS) can be achieved, alongside a 23% Cost of Sale Saving (CSS), down from £314 to £243 per unit, according to the GForces data.
Reverting from the traditional automotive sales model, where only a small portion of the customer experience occurs online, to an omnichannel approach facilitates customers’ ability to carry out all initial research and find suitable finance options online. Much of the customer-retailer interaction also moves online, with elements such as video and live chat. Some leading retailers already operating a successful omnichannel ensure that when a customer does visit a showroom to take the purchase process to the next stage, they can seamlessly engage with digital technology to enhance the experience. Examples of this include customers being able to use a QR code to view the car they specified at home, precise in every detail of trim, colour and options, on a large video wall.
“We have already seen how COVID-19 has accelerated the shift to online within the automotive sector. New and used car online purchases made through UK franchised retailers using GForces platform – NetDirector® Auto-e – increased by 1228% during 2020,” explains Tim Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at GForces. “This has been quite rightly hailed as positive news for customers; however, what can get overlooked is the significant cost and efficiency benefits the cultural shift to online buying, and the technology of the digital platforms that facilitate it, can deliver for retailers.”
“Compared with sectors such as consumer goods and travel, which have been reaping the benefits of online shopping for decades, the automotive retail industry has been a slow starter, proving reluctant to move from traditional retail methods to ecommerce. However, franchised dealers and used car retailers who took a pioneering approach and already had systems in place before the pandemic fared better than those who did not, and with online car buying here to stay, are poised to prosper further in the future,” asserts Smith.
The GForces research data has been compiled by Paul Stokes, who joined the company as Head of Ecommerce in 2018. Stokes has 29 years of experience in the UK automotive industry. His former roles include Business Development Manager at Vauxhall Motors, Managing Director of the multi-franchise dealer Nidd Vale Group and MD of the omnichannel automotive retail start-up, Rockar.
“The automotive retail industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with customers showing very clearly that they are no longer comfortable within the traditional retail environment. This does not spell the end of the retailer as a physical entity, which will be here for the long-term. However, retailers can no longer expect to engage successfully with customers if they choose to remain with the same sales model and expect the customer to visit a showroom to conduct every aspect of the sale,” states Stokes. “The middle ground is the key to success. By blending virtual online capability with physical showrooms and combining ‘bricks and clicks, ‘ retailers can create an omnichannel experience – a seamless and enjoyable journey for customers to engage with, allied to a robust and profitable business model.”
“Some customers wish to engage in a fully end-to-end online car buying solution. This incorporates home delivery and completely negates the need to set foot in a showroom at all, as seen with the proliferation of sites offering this during COVID-19 and lockdown,” continues Stokes. “However, other customers still desire to try before they buy, conduct test drives, and speak to retailer staff for guidance on the car they are considering. For such customers, it is important to deal with issues such as configuration, stock, offers and part-exchange negotiations face-to-face”.
“Creating a successful omnichannel enables retailers to satisfy the needs of both types of customer. And the enhanced level of online engagement an omnichannel approach delivers significantly optimises efficiency. It increases productivity for the business, with many traditional time and staff intensive processes migrating to online and back-office systems.
Key to being successful as the UK auto retailing industry continues to evolve is not just improving the customer experience from an ecommerce perspective, but also using it to increase retailer efficiency and profitability,” concludes Stokes.
Cost & Efficiency – Sales Process
Traditional Sales Model (100% offline)
Hybrid Sales Model (30% online/70% offline)
Online Sales Model (100% online)
Sales Employee Cost of Sale per unit
£314
£243
£172
Pure Transaction Time
120 minutes
60 minutes
30 minutes
Total Sales Process Costs (based on 7m used car sales per year)
£22 billion
£16 billion
£12 billion
The ecommerce industry leader in the global automotive sector. GForces has offices in the UK, Australia, Dubai and Vietnam. The company works with 20 car manufacturers in 96 countries, supporting 9,000 retail locations. In just 24 months, 1,651 UK franchised retailers – approximately one third of all UK retailer sites – have switched to the GForces ecommerce platform, NetDirector® Auto-e.
The ever-green Kia Niro family has taken two top spots at the Business Motoring Awards 2021.
Popular with both consumers and businesses alike, the Kia e-Niro has been crowned Best Company Car, with the Niro named Best Hybrid.
The Business Motoring Awards celebrate the businesses and cars that best serve the fleet and SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) markets, and is judged by an independent jury of experts.
In the ‘Best Company Car’ category, the e-Niro was crowned overall winner, with a choice of two battery variants – 64kWh or 39kWh – and up to 282 miles on a single charge, the e-Niro caters for various fleet motoring needs. The e-Niro boasts a high level of specification across the range and offers positive tax benefits and low running costs for business car drivers.
With a strong start to 2021, the e-Niro topped the UK EV sales charts for the first two months of the year, with some 75 per cent going to fleets in February alone. Kia extended the model range last month with the introduction of a new e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range, offering the full 282-mile range. Deliveries of the new model start in the summer, and the car is now available to order from £32,445 (after applying the £2,500 government Plug-in Car Grant).
Chris Wright, Managing Editor at Business Motoring, said: “With the combination of tax benefits and long range, the e-Niro is a real game changer for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. Equipment levels are good and it offers a smooth performance, but range really is key for fleet and this car delivers.”
Coming top in the ‘Best Hybrid’ award the pioneering Niro hybrid has allowed businesses to take their first steps into operating greener fleets. With hassle-free modern technology the Niro is easy to drive and offers reassurance to fleet managers with Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty.
Commenting on the two wins, John Hargreaves, General Manager of Fleet and Remarketing at Kia UK Ltd, said: “As fleets start to open up to the benefits of electrification, the Niro line-up should be top of the list for any business considering going green. These awards highlight that there is no need to compromise when it comes to eco-cars.”
New fully electric Audi SUV and Sportback models bring innovative design and technology, abundant space and 316-mile range potential to the compact class
New electric compact SUV available for UK order this month, Sportback from June
Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung specification options, pricing from £40,750 OTR
Two battery sizes: 52 kWh net (55 kWh gross*) and 77 kWh net (82 kWh gross*) with 100kW and 125kW charging capacities
Fast charging can restore 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes at 125kW capacity in ideal conditions
Entry level 125 kW (170 PS) and mid-range 150 kW (204 PS) versions with single motor and rear-wheel-drive, top models offer 220 kW (299 PS) and quattro drive via two motors
WLTP-certified driving range on a full charge of up to 316 miles (Q4 40 e-tron Sport)
High-tech interior available with augmented reality technology, new steering wheel generation with touch operation, largest ever 11.6-inch MMI display to come later
Sonos, maker of premium audio systems, fitted exclusively to an Audi for the first time
Sustainable premium mobility takes another significant step towards becoming the rule rather than the exception this week as the all-new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron cascade the benefits of full electrification into the Audi compact SUV family for the first time.
Conveying the progressive design of the concept cars into series production with minimal alteration, the versatile all-rounders will be offered in the UK in conjunction with Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung trim options, and with a choice of two battery variants and three drive configurations capable of WLTP-certified driving ranges of up to 316 miles (Q4 40 e-tron Sport). They will also provide unusually ample space in which to go the distance in a fully digital cabin that visually and technologically reflects the Q4 e-tron’s position at the forefront of automotive development. Its forward-looking specification incorporates fittingly ingenious technology, including a pioneering augmented reality head-up display connecting the virtual and real worlds in a totally new way.
“The compact SUV has long been the go-to model type for many drivers, so I’m delighted that we are now shoring up our already strong position in this vital segment with two new additions that are not only paragons of good design and space-efficient packaging, but also standard bearers for the wider integration of fully electrified drivetrains across our range,” commented Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle.
“Combining attractive price points, impressive charging performance and the potential to travel in tranquil comfort for well over 300 emission-free miles between stops, the Q4 e-tron models make the case for switching to sustainable premium mobility more clear-cut than ever.”
Audi’s next step: the exterior design With the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi is introducing the next step in its design language for electric models. Like the 2019 concept cars that they so closely resemble, the new compact SUVs boast striking proportions accentuated by their short front overhangs and large wheels emphasised by muscular blisters, and by a surface treatment that is clear and pared back but also intersected by super-precise, high definition lines. In the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the especially low coupé-style roofline ends in an expressively designed rear where the spoiler sits deep on the two-part window.
As is customary for Audi the progressive design gives appropriate priority to functionality and aerodynamics: The Q4 e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28, and the Sportback gets to an even lower figure, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. A key contributor to these impressive figures is the main section of the bodies, with their glasshouses drawn in sharply towards the rear. The adjustable cooling air inlet in front of the radiator and compressor is another important factor. Supplied by the central lower air inlet, its electric louvre is opened if the major assemblies require cool air, such as when the vehicle is charging, but remains closed in the majority of situations to minimise energy losses caused by air flow through the narrow cooling ducts, adding around four miles to the overall driving range. Three-dimensional spoilers in front of the front wheels also optimise the airflow, adding almost nine miles to the range, and a partial covering for the control arms of the rear axle gives another boost of just over two miles.
Detailed solutions, on which the Audi aerodynamics experts have worked closely with the designers, provide further gains in range. At the front, the narrow vertical bars below the headlights channel the airstream smoothly along the vehicle’s side, resulting in a three-mile range uplift, and a minute step on the exterior mirror housings known as the turbulator edge allows the airflow to swirl in a targeted way, which is good for another mile. The 19-inch Aero wheels with their flat designs also facilitate low-loss air flow, notching up an additional three miles, and even the tailgate seal plays its part. Designed to handle the pressure conditions generated by the roof edge spoiler, it adds just over two more miles to the range.
On the Q4 Sportback e-tron, the spoiler sits much lower on the split and steeply raked rear window, and as the area in which the air swirls as it comes off the vehicle is restricted to the zone beneath the spoiler that area is significantly smaller than in the Q4 e-tron. This not only highlights the unique design of the SUV coupé, but also enhances its range by around 7 miles while also reducing the lift on the rear.
Leading lights – LED technology with new variable light signatures LED headlights are of course standard throughout the new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron ranges. In Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions these include Matrix LED technology, which is also available for Sport and S line models as an optional extra. In the Q4 e-tron models the Matrix LED units with their 16 individually actuated LEDs not only offer enhanced and even more precisely targeted illumination, but also feature variable digital light signatures that represent a world first for the brand: The driver can switch between four signatures via the MMI touch operating system.
Where Matrix LED lights are installed, a light strip also extends for the full width of the rear, beginning as a fine line in the centre that splits into separate segments at each end. Each individual segment is modeled as a three-dimensional body, resulting in a particularly expressive light sculpture inspired by intricate electric circuits and bearing the Four Rings radiating in signature red as its central detail.
Distinctive from start to finish – colours, wheels and distinguishing features A choice of eight paint finishes can be specified for the new Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, including the new metallic shade aurora violet which has until now been reserved for Audi Sport models. In Sport versions 19-inch Graphite grey alloy wheels with a special ‘aero’ design that contributes to overall efficiency amply fill the wheel arches, which along with the lower section of the bumper and the diffusor are painted in contrasting metallic Manhattan grey. A gloss package also accentuates the side windows, which are privacy tinted at the rear in S line models and above.
In common with all members of the Audi family S line models also stand out through their exclusive front and rear styling treatment, which here includes additional chrome elements that lend the octagonal Audi Singleframe synonymous with Q models its own distinctive look. Larger 20-inch alloy wheels also work in favour of road presence in S line and Edition 1 models, the latter gaining even more through a full-body paint finish in a choice of four colours and a black styling package that adds dark accents throughout. The black styling package is also a feature of the top-tier Vorsprung models with their even more striking 21-inch wheels.
One vehicle for everything and everyone: everyday e-mobility for every situation On the strength of their versatility, the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron will integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Within their 4.59-metre footprint they offer a level of space which exceeds existing class standards and is in fact more closely comparable with the full-size SUV class. The spacious feel isn’t confined to the front seats – passengers in the rear also benefit from generous legroom thanks in part to the bespoke architecture of the modular electric drive system (MEB) on which the compact electric SUVs are based, which ensures that a centre tunnel is no longer required. Storage space also abounds, with around 25 litres of capacity available throughout the cabin, including particularly useful bottle holders integrated in the upper section of the doors that can hold bottles of up to one litre in size safely and within easy reach.
The luggage compartment accessible via the powered tailgate which is standard for all variants also offers more space than is generally found in the compact class, and actually bears closer comparison with a midsize SUV: Depending on the positioning of the rear seat backs, the volume of the luggage compartment is 520 to 1,490 litres in the Q4 e-tron and 535 to 1,460 litres in the Sportback.
The compact layout of the drive units, even in the quattro models, has conferred another usability advantage on the new electric SUVs. It has allowed the developers to move their longitudinal suspension cross-members further towards their centre points, creating space for large wheel arches which in turn enable the wheels to turn more freely. In the variants with rear-wheel drive, the turning circle of the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron measures just 10.2 metres. With their ground clearance of approximately 18 centimetres, both models also perform well on rougher terrain.
Quick HPC charging: enough power for about 80 miles in ten minutes in ideal conditions Quick and easy charging is another strength that ensures daily use of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron is as undemanding as possible. Depending on version, they feature a 52 kWh or 77 kWh battery which can be charged at HPC (high-power charging) stations at a charging capacity of up to 100 or up to 125 kW respectively. At 125 kW, and in ideal conditions, the battery can achieve an 80 percent state of charge from a 5 percent starting point in 38 minutes. WLTP testing has confirmed that the Q4 40 e-tron**, which uses the larger battery, can recharge enough electricity – again in ideal conditions – to cover a distance of about 80 miles (WLTP) in around ten minutes, and can achieve a range of up to 316 miles.
Using the myAudi app, owners can activate charging remotely using a smartphone. The app also provides access to the comfort remote preconditioning system, which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure that the cabin climate is always comfortable well before a journey begins.
Electric motors and electric all-wheel-drive At the entry-level, the Q4 35 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron use the compact battery with its net energy content of 52 kWh (55 kWh gross*), and combine this with an electric motor offering an output of 125 kW (170 PS) and torque of 310 Nm. In both body variants, this is sufficient for 9.0-second 0-62mph acceleration, a governed 99mph top speed and a WLTP-certified range of up to 208 miles on a full charge in the SUV (Sportback range data to be confirmed).
Range of up to 316 miles: the Q4 40 e-tron The Audi Q4 40 e-tron is equipped with the larger battery, which stores a net 77 kWh of energy (82 kWh gross*). The electric motor generates 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm here, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time to 8.5 seconds in the run up to a top speed that is also governed at 99mph. One charge is enough for up to 316 miles of range in the SUV (Sportback range data to be confirmed).
Top model with two electric motors: the Q4 50 e-tron quattro At the top of the range from a drivetrain perspective, the Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro also use the 77 kWh battery (82 kWh gross*), and here it supplies an electric motor on each axle that contributes to a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque, while also delivering the advantages of all-wheel-drive.
The rear motor generates 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm, and the front 80 kW (109 PS) and 162 Nm. In the interest of efficiency, the motor on the front axle is engaged only when high power or maximum traction are needed, in which case it is activated in just a few hundredths of a second, and in many cases predictively even before the car begins to noticeably understeer or oversteer. Both motors keep reserves available for certain driving situations, and as a result the sum of their individual outputs exceeds the drive system’s quoted total .
Both model variants tackle the 0-62mph increment in 6.2 seconds and continue to a top speed of 111mph. Driving ranges of circa 295 miles are expected for UK versions of both models subject to confirmation following WLTP testing.
For maximum efficiency: coast or recuperate? When the Audi Q4 e-tron is on the move in gear D (drive) and the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the drive system switches to coasting mode. Both electric motors – or the rear motor in the rear-wheel drive models – run freely and largely without energy. Coasting takes priority, because it is the most efficient, but if the driver prefers recuperation they can switch to gear B (brake), in which recuperation is almost always prioritised when coasting. If “dynamic” mode is set in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system, recuperation also takes place in gear D but at a slightly reduced rate.
The shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions and optionally available for all others enable the driver to select three different manual recuperation levels in position D. Aternatively, automatic recuperation is configurable via the MMI system.
When braking, the rear electric motor performs the deceleration alone in the majority of everyday driving situations. The quattro models can brake electrically at up to almost 0.3 g, equivalent to a recuperation performance of up to 145 kW. The electric brake booster only activates the hydraulic wheel brakes as well if greater deceleration is required. The transition is almost unnoticeable, and recuperation remains active almost until the vehicle is at a standstill. The quattro models prioritise recuperation on the rear axle but also use the front electric motor in certain situations.
Stable temperature conditions: more power when driving and charging State-of-the-art thermal management based around two cooling circuits also ensures energy is used to best effect in the compact electric SUVs. The thermal management system aims to get the battery up to the ideal temperature range of around 30 degrees Celsius quickly after it is started and to keep it there until the end of the journey. This ensures that its full power – and therefore the power of the entire drive system – is available after a short time even in extremely cold conditions. Thanks to the stable thermal conditions, the driver can also call on it repeatedly or charge the battery at an HPC charging terminal with high output.
Even more efficiency: optional heat pump For even more stringent energy management a highly efficient heat pump is also available as an option for all versions of the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron. It rapidly heats and cools the interior using the thermal losses from the electric components and the temperature of the outside air. It uses eco-friendly CO2 as a refrigerant, which flows through the circuit at high pressure. The heat pump can reduce losses in range caused by usage of the climate control system, especially in winter. Its strengths come to the fore on long drives.
Multi-faceted – the suspension The high-voltage batteries are located between the axles beneath the passenger compartment, at the lowest point of the car, which ensures a low centre of gravity and a near 50:50 weight distribution ratio, favouring handling. The control systems for the drive system and suspension work closely together to ensure that driving is safe, enjoyable and comfortable at all times.
The front axle of the compact electric SUVs features a classic MacPherson strut layout, and is complemented by a compact five-link design reminiscent of the larger Audi models at the rear. As with the front axle, this is mounted on a subframe and optimised through the use of lightweight aluminium for a number of key components.
Mounted behind the large 19-inch to 21-inch wheels are powerful brakes with disc diameters of between 330 and 358 millimetres depending on motor output, and these work with extra-low-wear, low-maintenance drum brakes at the rear. The drums reduce the risk of corrosion, because in a purely electric drivetrain the wheel brakes are used less frequently in everyday driving – most deceleration is performed by the electric motor in the rear, which converts kinetic energy to electrical energy in the process.
Sport settings and damper control S line and Edition 1 versions of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are equipped as standard with a sport suspension featuring particularly driver-focused spring and damper settings that also lower the body by 15 millimetres.
Along with the entry level Sport model, these versions are also available with a suspension system with damper control. Included as part of the standard Vorsprung specification, its control unit manages the characteristics of the dampers in line with the driving situation at five-millisecond intervals by regulating the oil flow, ensuring that they are always primed for optimal performance in fast-changing road and driving conditions.
The electronic dynamic handling system managing the adaptive dampers also controls the brake interventions of the wheel-selective torque control, where it works closely together with the ESC stabilisation system. This aims to harmonise the actual behaviour of the car with a digital target model so that the transverse dynamics and driving safety are always at the optimum level.
The ESC is also closely networked with the control units for the electric motor and its power electronics, and by issuing control signals every millisecond performs particularly effectively even in the rear-wheel drive models, which would have a tendency in principle to oversteer. It ensures that the Q4 e-tron grips securely in every situation. The driver can also set the ESC to sport mode and deactivate the traction control at the flick of a switch.
Audi drive select with range mode and progressive steering as standard Variable ratio progressive steering enhances response in all UK versions of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. Its operating characteristics, along with those of the suspension with damper control, the electric motors and the electric all-wheel drive system (in quattro models) can be fine-tuned via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Using MMI Touch the driver can choose between the familiar Audi modes “comfort,” “auto,” “efficiency,” “individual,” and “dynamic”, plus an additional “range” mode, in which the car prioritises energy efficiency and maximum speed is limited to either 55mph, or to 80mph in “efficiency” mode.
New ideas for a new era: the interior and operation The interiors of the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are characterised by a real sense of space and are centred around the striking instrument panel. This is oriented towards the driver and divided into separate areas integrating two displays – the central MMI touch monitor, with acoustic feedback and natural language voice control, and the Audi virtual cockpit. Both of these feature as standard throughout the UK range. An upgraded Audi virtual cockpit plus is installed in Vorsprung versions, and available for all others as part of the optional Technology Pack. It adds an “e-tron” layout to the standard system’s selectable “classic” and “sport” screen formats in which the power meter is brought to the fore. A larger 11.6-inch version of the MMI touch screen notable as the largest display in the Audi portfolio to date will also become available later this year.
As usual in the Audi range, infotainment and navigation are operated primarily using the central MMI touch display. This system also grants access to the apps available via the standard Audi smartphone interface, now offering wireless connection for some handsets. In the UK MMI Navigation Plus and Audi connect internet connectivity feature as standard across the board, as does the e-tron route planner, which works with them to calculate the optimal route that tracks the public charging infrastructure as closely as possible. Through Audi connect the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron can also display high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth for navigation, deliver ultra-accurate traffic information derived from the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet and offer useful features such as a news feed, weather and travel updates and an on-street parking assistant.
Leading the way – pioneering new augmented reality head-up display For the first time, augmented reality also takes pride of place in the technology arsenal of a series production Audi model in the new Q4 e-tron. The new augmented reality head-up display forms part of the standard specification for Vorsprung versions and is a key component of the optional Technology Pack available for all other variants.
This major advance in display technology projects important information onto the windscreen on two separate levels – a status section and an augmented reality (AR) section. Key information and symbols from specific assistance systems and from the navigation module are visually superimposed on the ‘real life’ area to which they specifically relate as content of the AR section and displayed dynamically. They appear to be floating virtually at a physical distance of roughly ten metres from the driver, and depending on the situation can even appear considerably further ahead in some cases. The driver can understand the displays very quickly without being confused or distracted by them, and they are extremely helpful in poor visibility conditions.
The future in good hands: steering wheels with touch operation The new generation of double-spoke steering wheels with touch-sensitive control in the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron also breaks new ground for the brand. The upper spokes of the wheels feature touch surfaces in a black-panel look, where the functional areas are also backlit to indicate the active buttons. Slight protrusions separate them from each other, making them easier to use, while the buttons provide feedback that is soft to the touch when pressed. Just as on a smartphone, there are not only touch gestures but also swipe gestures, for example for scrolling through lists. The steering wheels are available in different versions, the most striking of which is fitted to Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions and features a flattened top and bottom, two-part trim on the spokes and paddles for coasting recuperation. It is also available as an option for Sport and S line models.
A sound investment – Sonos as a new audio partner Also new to the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, the world’s leading sound experience company and a new and exclusive Audi partner. Fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions and available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack, the system is incorporated into the Audi soundCube, a fully integrated and easily adaptable software environment.
In the Sonos system on board the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, the Sonamic Panorama algorithm, which was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute, distributes signals to ten loudspeakers. It uses stereo recordings to generate a three-dimensional surround sound, where it places the individual sound sources on a virtual U-shaped sound stage. This gives the listener the impression they are sitting in the middle of the orchestra or band. The four tweeters and centre speaker are driven by an amplifier that is integrated in the car’s MIB 3 digital architecture. A separate eight-channel booster is responsible for the four bass loudspeakers and the subwoofer in the luggage compartment. Together, the two amplifiers offer an output of 580 watts.
Excellent safety: the front seats The front seats in the Q4 e-tron models represent the state of the art in safety technology. In the event of a side impact, a centre airbag deploys from the left-hand bolster of the driver’s seat in addition to the side airbags to ensure that the driver and front passenger do not collide with one another. In the UK, all models feature a sport version of the seat with visually integrated head restraints.
Dinamica and Pulse: seat upholstery made with recycled polyester Among the many high quality materials and finishes available either as standard or optionally for the Q4 e-tron are upholstery choices in either premium fine Nappa leather or combinations of leather and artificial leather or artificial leather and the microfibre material Dinamica. This looks and feels like suede but is made of 45 percent recycled polyester from various sources, including textiles and PET bottles. Some upholstery options form part of interior packages that also include additional upgrades to décor, lighting and functionality.
The S line interior has a particular sustainability focus. Like the optional Dinamica material, its standard Pulse cloth upholstery, which is combined with artificial leather, is produced using secondary raw materials, including repurposed PET bottles. Up to 50 percent of the textile used for the Pulse material is derived from the bottles, which are transformed into yarn in an elaborate procedure that yields the same quality standards in terms of look and feel as conventional textile upholstery. A new lease of life is given to 26 1.5-litre plastic bottles to create a set of seats with this upholstery for the Q4 e-tron.
More familiarly, the S line cabin is also marked out by illuminated aluminium ‘S’ door sill trims, pedals with stainless steel supports, a black headlining, S embossing for the seat backrests, a perforated leather-bound steering wheel with contrasting stitching and S badging. These details also enhance the interiors of Edition 1 and Vorsprung models, the latter also bringing on board additional comforts such as fine Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, Audi Phonebox wireless handset connectivity and charging and the Sonos audio upgrade.
Safety first: extensive range of driver assist systems Everyday driving in the compact electric SUVs is facilitated, and delivered as economically as possible, by a number of standard assistance systems. These include predictive efficiency assist, which supports a forward-looking driving style that optimises the consumption of energy, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and swerve and turn assist. Further optional systems – like many other equipment features – are divided into packages. Highlights of the Assistance Package Pro include adaptive cruise assist, which assists the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range, and a four-camera system providing 360° visibility that makes lighter work of city driving and parking. The Safety Package Plus adds features such as Audi Side Assiast blindspot monitoring and the rear cross traffic assist reversing aid. Both packages are standard features of Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron Vorsprung models.
Sustainability in the spotlight: SUVs with a CO2-neutral footprint Avoid, minimise, or offset unavoidable emissions: Audi produces the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron with a neutral carbon footprint at the Zwickau plant using eco-electricity, while the battery cell suppliers are also required to use only green electricity in their production processes. Emissions that cannot currently be avoided are offset by climate protection projects certified by the German technical inspection association or TÜV. They meet the strict requirements of the Gold Standard Foundation.
Together with its suppliers, Audi is firmly and systematically committed to acting responsibly in all vehicle projects. Since 2017, the company has been reviewing its partners using a sustainability rating developed in-house to ensure resource-saving production processes and adherence to social standards.
The Audi Q4 e-tron UK OTR pricing (Q4 Sportback e-tron pricing TBC)
Audi Q4 35 e-tron Sport Audi Q4 35 e-tron S line Audi Q4 35 e-tron Edition 1 Audi Q4 35 e-tron Vorsprung
£40,750 £42,850 £46,945 £54,450
Audi Q4 40 e-tron Sport Audi Q4 40 e-tron S line Audi Q4 40 e-tron Edition 1 Audi Q4 40 e-tron Vorsprung
£44,990 £47,090 £51,185 £58,690
Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro Sport Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro S line Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro Edition 1 Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro Vorsprung
£51,370 £53,470 £57,565 £65,070
The Q4 e-tron is available to order now with UK customer cars coming in June. The Q4 e-tron Sportback will be available to order in June with UK customer cars arriving in September.
*Note: Battery sizes are quoted in net and gross. The gross figure refers to the total amount of battery capacity physically in the car, while the net figure is the total capacity that is limited by the installed software to protect and increase battery life.
Full LED Matrix headlights make their ŠKODA Kodiaq debut
New top-of-the-range engine for the sporty ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS
The ŠKODA design language further developed, and new alloy wheels
Exceptionally spacious interior with attractive visual and technological features
Revamp of the Kodiaq: roughly four years after ŠKODA launched the first model in its SUV campaign the carmaker has now upgraded the globally successful Kodiaq.
The Czech brand has further developed the emotive design of the Kodiaq, which can also be ordered as a 7-seater, and improved its aerodynamics. For the first time, the range of options for this large ŠKODA SUV includes innovative full LED Matrix headlights. The sporty range-topping Kodiaq vRS has not only had a visual makeover but has also been given a new, more powerful TSI engine. The updated Kodiaq will be available from July.
Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, said: “The Kodiaq was a real game changer for us. It was the first model of our SUV campaign and opened up a completely new, rapidly growing vehicle segment. Our customers and the international trade press appreciate the Kodiaq’s brand-typical qualities, just as they do with our other models: excellent value for money, ample space and comprehensive range of equipment. Now we have further refined the specification of our large SUV, offering even more safety and comfort with new features, such as full LED Matrix headlights and ergonomic seats.”
New front design and full LED Matrix headlights As a result of a further refined ŠKODA design language, the Kodiaq presents as even more emotive and self-assured. The upgrade will be available in the S, SE and SE L trim levels and in the L&K, SportLine and vRS variants. The S, SE and SE L trims will come with aluminium-effect detail on the front and rear apron, lending the SUV even more off‑road styling. The restyled front with an elevated bonnet and the redesigned, more upright ŠKODA grille reinforce the Kodiaq’s bold appearance. The Czech carmaker’s large SUV features LED headlights as standard and, for the first time, can be equipped with full LED Matrix headlights. New alloy wheels measuring up to 20 inches further enhance the car’s dynamic and striking look. Special Aero wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and the new gloss black rear spoiler and finlets on the sides of the rear window all reduce drag. The Kodiaq vRS now features a distinct, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper.
New-look interior and, for the first time, optional ergonomic seats ŠKODA takes the look and feel of the Kodiaq’s interior to a new level by providing it with new decorative strips, additional contrasting stitching and enhanced LED ambient lighting functions. For the first time, the range of options for the large SUV includes ergonomic, perforated-leather seats with multiway electric seat adjustment, ventilation and massage function. The optional Eco seats available for the SE and SE L trim levels come with high-quality seat covers made of vegan, recycled materials. The CANTON sound system is another optional extra now offering ten speakers instead of the previous eight, in addition to the central speaker in the dashboard and the subwoofer in the boot.
Optional Virtual Cockpit and enhanced Crew Protect Assist The Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25-inch display and four different layouts is available as an option for most models but comes as standard for the Kodiaq vRS. Drivers of both the vRS and the Kodiaq SportLine have an additional layout to choose from, the Sport layout. The range of assistance systems now also features an enhanced version of Crew Protect Assist. This new variant has additional radar sensors at the rear to respond to vehicles that pose a risk for a rear-end collision.
New petrol engine for the Kodiaq vRS The sporty top-of-the-range Kodiaq vRS has not only been provided with a visual makeover but also with a new engine. The 2.0 TSI petrol engine comes from Volkswagen Group’s EVO generation and has a power output of 180 kW (245 PS), making it 4 kW (5 PS) more powerful than the predecessor’s biturbo diesel. At the same time, this engine is more than 60 kg lighter than the TDI. Together with the new 7-speed DSG, which is 5.2 kg lighter, this power unit’s performance is even better. The two other petrol engines, the 1.5 TSI producing 110 kW (150 PS) and the 2.0 TSI with an output of 140 kW (190 PS), as well as the 2.0 TDIs delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS), also come from Volkswagen Group’s latest EVO generation.
The launch of the Kodiaq marked the start of ŠKODA’s highly successful SUV campaign in 2016. With its striking, emotive design language, high-quality workmanship and outstanding value for money, it immediately won over customers, automotive experts and the trade press alike. The exceptional amount of space this SUV offers, at an overall length of 4.70 m, is particularly impressive. With the optional fold-out third row of seats, the Kodiaq can accommodate up to seven occupants. Alternatively, with the rear seats folded down, the boot can hold 2,065 l of luggage.
Manufactured around the world and a global success Production of the Kodiaq started in 2016, at ŠKODA’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic. As part of the brand’s SUV campaign, the carmaker invested the equivalent of over 290 million euros in modernising this site by 2018, turning it into a centre of excellence for SUV production. To meet the huge international demand for the Kodiaq, ŠKODA also set up production lines for its large SUV in China, India and Russia in the subsequent years. By the end of March 2021, more than 600,000 Kodiaqs have rolled off the assembly lines worldwide.
The SUV story: ŠKODA took off with the Kodiaq
The Kodiaq marked the beginning of the Czech brand’s global SUV campaign in 2016
ŠKODA’s current SUV family now includes eight members
The Trekka was an early forerunner and the ŠKODA Yeti paved the way for the SUV era in 2009
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – ŠKODA’s current SUV campaign began in 2016 with the launch of the Kodiaq, but a predecessor existed 50 years earlier. In 1966, the Trekka off-road vehicle was built in New Zealand. It was based on the original Octavia and just under 3,000 units were manufactured. The ŠKODA Yeti paved the way for the modern-day SUV in 2009, before the Kodiaq started ŠKODA’s current SUV family. This has now grown to eight members.
Martin Jahn, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said: “The SUV segment is currently the largest in the global automotive market, and it continues to rise. For ŠKODA too, this segment is of enormous importance. In 2020, nearly 40 per cent of all ŠKODAs delivered worldwide were SUVs. By the end of March 2021, we had produced more than 600,000 Kodiaqs worldwide – a great success story for ŠKODA, which we are now set to continue with the revised model.”
The ŠKODA Trekka is the forefather of the Czech brand’s current SUV family. It was built in New Zealand in 1966 on the basis of an Octavia chassis. By 1972, almost 3,000 vehicles had been made, some of which were exported to Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Vietnam. In 2009, the strikingly designed and super-practical Yeti was ŠKODA’s first modern-day SUV, before the Kodiaq ushered in the brand’s major SUV campaign in 2016.
SUV family grows to eight members The optional 7-seater Kodiaq was followed by the Karoq in 2017, and the brand’s first vRS-variant SUV – the Kodiaq vRS – joined the family one year later. The compact Kamiq (a new entry-level model) and the Kodiaq GT SUV coupé were also launched in 2018 – the Kodiaq GT SUV coupé exclusively available for the Chinese market. The ŠKODA Kamiq GT was another exclusive for China and introduced in 2019. The Kamiq city SUV based on the MQB-A0 platform was launched in Europe in the same year. In 2020, ŠKODA entered the age of electromobility, continuing its successful SUV story. With the launch of the all-electric Enyaq iV, the Czech carmaker adapted its SUV nomenclature to aptly start with the letter E. The Kushaq, developed specifically for the Indian market, is the latest member of the brand’s SUV family. Overall, ŠKODA has produced more than two million SUVs to date. In 2020, nearly 40 per cent of all the vehicles delivered to customers were SUVs.
The ŠKODA Kodiaq is in demand worldwide The Kodiaq is a true global success for ŠKODA. By the end of 2020, the company manufactured and delivered more than 600,000 units of its large SUV. Due to high demand, the Kodiaq is being produced in China, India and Russia as well as at ŠKODA’s domestic plant in Kvasiny. The Kodiaq is delivered to around 60 markets across the globe.
Production numbers of the Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT at a glance (by production location, until the end of April 2021):
Czech Republic – Kvasiny
362,593
China – Changsha
154,877
India – Aurangabad
4,920
Russia – Nizhny Novgorod
79,180
Total
601,570
Exterior: redesigned front, and more rugged look
Elevated bonnet, restyled ŠKODA grille and aluminium-effect apron trims
Narrow headlights as part of the new look, full LED Matrix technology optional
Improved aerodynamics and new alloy wheels measuring up to 20 inches
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – ŠKODA has made specific modifications to the Kodiaq’s appearance, lending the successful SUV an even more rugged look, while also optimising its aerodynamics. The elevated and striking bonnet and the newly designed, more upright ŠKODA grille reinforce the car’s visual presence. The S, SE and SE L trim levels now sport aluminium-effect trims on the front and rear apron, enhancing the SUV’s off-road look. The LED headlights, with optional full LED Matrix technology, are significantly slimmer and, together with the rearranged fog lights, create a distinctive visual feature even in the dark. ŠKODA has also added new alloy wheels measuring up to 20 inches to the range of options for the Kodiaq. The revised ŠKODA Kodiaq will be on the market from July 2021.
Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design, said: “With the launch of the Kodiaq four years ago, we took a major step forward towards our current design language. Owing to a few subtle changes, our SUV now presents as even more emotive. The new front is crisper, and the design of the four newly arranged headlights lends the Kodiaq a unique character. The new, aluminium-effect details at the front and rear provide the car with great off-road styling. At the same time, we’ve managed to make the rear even more dynamic with a new roof spoiler and sharper tail lights.”
Following its upgrade, the revised ŠKODA Kodiaq will be available from July 2021. The front section looks even more striking and the large bonnet has been raised significantly at the sides, above the front wheel arches. The hexagonal ŠKODA grille with bold double ribs is more upright, and flanked by noticeably slimmer LED headlights which are a standard feature for the revised Kodiaq. Together with the fog lights below or, in the range-topping version, as a separate LED module, they form a distinct four-light cluster. This distinctive feature stands out even more in the dark when, in the variant with full LED Matrix technology, the two LED modules, one above the other, are lit up permanently in driving mode.
LED Matrix technology makes its Kodiaq debut The innovative full LED Matrix headlights are available for the first time for the ŠKODA Kodiaq, as an option from the SE trim level and as standard in the L&K and vRS variants. The technology allows drivers to have the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users. A camera on the windscreen detects vehicles as well as people and objects reflecting the light, and the intelligent lighting technology then automatically turns off individual segments of the light beam. Full LED Matrix headlights also provide different lighting modes for various situations and weather conditions, such as driving in the city, on the motorway, in the rain or fog. The standard version of the LED headlights has separate LED modules for low beam and high beam, as well as for the daytime running lights, position lights and indicators. Halogen bulbs are used for the lower positioned fog lights.
Restyled bumpers The ŠKODA designers have also redesigned the bumpers. The body-coloured, sculptured front apron features a crystalline, mesh-effect air inlet in the lower section, with L-shaped finishing touches on the sides that look like air curtains. An aerodynamically optimised, black-grained front spoiler with an aluminium-effect trim completes the front apron. The diffuser at the rear features the same design, with a sculptured body-coloured bumper. Below the wide loading sill, a black-grained strip flanked by two crystalline rear reflectors emphasises the vehicle’s width. The Kodiaq vRS now features a distinct, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper.
Gloss black rear spoiler and clean-cut LED tail lights The new rear spoiler in gloss black makes the body of the Kodiaq appear longer than it actually is. Together with side finlets, as seen in aircraft construction, the rear spoiler improves the car’s aerodynamics thereby reducing its CO2 emissions. The third brake light is incorporated into the spoiler, and the rear window below that is narrower than before. This reinforces the SUV’s dynamic look, as do the slimmer, sharply designed tail lights. They feature full LED technology as standard even in the S trim line. From the SE trim upwards, they also come with dynamic indicators and an animated welcome effect. The tail lights are eye-catching with their crystalline structures and form the ŠKODA-typical C-shaped light cluster.
New alloys measuring up to 20 inches The ŠKODA Kodiaq’s powerful appearance is reinforced by the car’s bold, sculptured and black-grained side skirts made of robust plastic, as well as the substantial wheel arches at the front and rear with striking trims, also made of black-grained plastic. The Kodiaq comes with alloys measuring 17 to 20 inches. The wheels, some of which have been restyled, feature a striking, ŠKODA-typical design and further enhance the SUV’s rugged appearance, while aerodynamically optimised 18- to 20-inch wheels contribute to reducing the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag. The Kodiaq vRS comes with new burnished 20-inch, metallic black Sagitarius alloy wheels that feature aerodynamically optimised plastic covers. The 18-inch Askella, 19-inch Cursa and 20-inch Merope alloys also make their Kodiaq debut.
Interior: further comfort features take the interior to a new level
The new optional seats are ventilated, upholstered in leather and feature a massage function
New contrasting stitching and decorative trims as well as ambient lighting with more functions
Two-spoke steering wheel as standard, three-spoke sports steering wheel for the SportLine and vRS variants
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – ŠKODA takes the look and feel of its large SUV’s interior to a new level. In addition to new decorative strips, additional contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels are now included in the Kodiaq, which can accommodate up to seven people with an optional fold-out third row of seats. Ventilated ergonomic seats including a massage function are available as an option for the driver and front passenger – this is a first for the model range. The LED ambient lighting now has more functions.
Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design, said: “We have once again further developed the spacious and comfortable interior of the Kodiaq. New contrasting stitching and the LED ambient lighting’s extended range of functions create new visual highlights, while subtle details harmoniously emphasise the overall appearance of our large SUV. For the first time, we are also offering ergonomic seats in the Kodiaq. These can be electrically adjusted and ventilated if desired, and boast a massage function.”
In addition to being extremely spacious, the ŠKODA Kodiaq also offers a high-quality interior with perfectly arranged details. This includes, for example, new contrasting grey – red in the Kodiaq vRS – stitching that runs horizontally across the entire width of the dashboard. New contrasting stitching can also be found in the door panels. The dashboard and doors are adorned with new brushed aluminium-effect (SE) or linear-diamond-design (SE L) decorative strips. The door handles in the SE L and L&K variants sport circular chrome trims. The LED ambient lighting now also illuminates the footwell in one of ten colour options, and the storage compartments in the front door panels in white. When the driver’s or front passenger door is opened, the ŠKODA logo is projected onto the ground next to the vehicle. LED ambient lighting is available as an option for the SE and SE L trim levels; for the L&K, SportLine and vRS variants this feature is part of the standard equipment.
Increased comfort due to optional ergonomic seats For the first time, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is available with a choice of electrically adjustable ergonomic seats. They are covered in perforated leather, can be heated and ventilated, and offer a massage function. The depth of the seat can be adjusted manually if required; the memory function saves personal settings and restores them at the touch of a button. The L&K variant features perforated-leather front seats including adjustable ventilation as standard. Eco seats, featuring high-quality seat covers made of vegan, recycled materials, are available as an option for the SE and SE L trims. The standard seats in the SE trim level are upholstered in a new fabric, while the M pack for SE L offers fabric/leather seats as standard.
Steering wheels in the new ŠKODA design featuring two or three spokes Up to the L&K variant, the Kodiaq’s multifunction leather steering wheel comes in the new ŠKODA design and features two spokes. A three-spoke sports leather steering wheel is available as an option, which is standard equipment in the SportLine and vRS variants. A wealth of functions for the vehicle, as well as for assistance and infotainment systems, can be controlled using knurled wheels and control buttons without the driver having to take their hands off the steering wheel. Certain assistance systems also offer Hands-on Detect for the optional heated steering wheel. Using this feature, the car is able to check at regular intervals whether the driver is touching the steering wheel consistently or whether they may no longer have control of the Kodiaq due to a potential medical emergency. The steering wheel of vehicles fitted with DSG can also be equipped with shift paddles to allow the driver to select the gears manually.
Enhanced CANTON sound system The optional CANTON sound system was also upgraded when the ŠKODA Kodiaq was revised. In addition to the central speaker in the dashboard and the subwoofer in the boot, the system now comes with ten speakers instead of the previous eight. The two new speakers are located in the rear door panels and are framed by a circular chrome trim. The CANTON sound system which boasts an output of 575 watts comes as standard in the Kodiaq L&K.
Connectivity: advanced infotainment
Infotainment systems with permanent internet connection and screens of up to 9.2 inches
Virtual Cockpit with 10.25-inch display optional
Increased safety thanks to Crew Protect Assist, even in the event of an imminent rear-end collision
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – The ŠKODA Kodiaq offers modern infotainment systems with DAB technology, the Laura digital voice assistant and an extensive range of online features including radio stations. The three infotainment systems – Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus – come from Volkswagen Group’s third-generation modular infotainment matrix and are always online thanks to a built-in eSIM. The large ŠKODA SUV can now be equipped with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit.
The ŠKODA Kodiaq’s infotainment systems are always online due to an integrated eSIM and offer a comprehensive range of features. The Laura digital voice assistant understands 15 languages and can even process fluently spoken sentences, including in Czech, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. A DAB digital radio is standard equipment, and online radio stations are available as an option. New infotainment apps include the news and weather, and can connect a personal Google calendar to the vehicle. Smartphones can be paired with the Kodiaq using Wireless SmartLink technology, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or MirrorLink™. The infotainment online services of ŠKODA Connect enable, among other things, remote vehicle access using the MyŠKODA app. This allows the owner to lock and unlock their Kodiaq via their smartphone, for example, or to display the car’s parking location on a map or activate the Honk & Flash function to make it easier to find the vehicle in a large car park.
Touchscreens measuring up to 9.2 inches The Bolero infotainment system and the Amundsen navigation system each offer an 8-inch touchscreen, while the display of the top-of-the-line Columbus navigation system measures 9.2 inches. Map and software updates are installed ‘over the air’. The Phone Box is available as an option, which inductively charges a smartphone. Mobile devices can also be connected and charged via modern USB-C sockets; an additional USB-C port on the rear-view mirror is an optional extra.
Optional 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit The Virtual Cockpit is available as an option with a 10.25-inch display and four different layouts that the driver can configure individually. The ŠKODA Kodiaq SportLine and the Kodiaq vRS both offer an additional Sport layout.
Engines: two diesel and three petrol engines from the EVO generation
ŠKODA Kodiaq with powertrains ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS)
Entry-level variant features a 1.5 TSI with front-wheel drive and manual transmission
More powerful variants with all-wheel drive and 7-speed DSG as standard
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – The modern and efficient engines available for the ŠKODA Kodiaq come from the latest EVO generation. Two diesels and three petrol engines provide power outputs ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS). The two diesel engines emit up to 80 per cent less nitrogen oxides (NOx) thanks to the application of a sophisticated ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment. The 2.0 TSI petrol engine featured in the vRS variant makes its Kodiaq debut. The entry-level 1.5 TSI is the only variant available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. A 7-speed DSG comes as standard for all other variants; all-wheel drive is standard for the Kodiaqs producing 140 kW (190 PS) or more.
Johannes Neft, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development, said: “The EVO engines in the Kodiaq combine superior power delivery with increased efficiency and lower CO2 and NOx emissions. The ‘twin dosing’ method of exhaust gas treatment applied in the diesel engines lowers nitrogen oxide emissions by roughly 80 per cent, while the petrol engines’ fuel consumption is reduced thanks to an injection pressure of up to 350 bar, among other things. In the Kodiaq vRS, we are – for the first time – employing a petrol engine that, being more powerful and yet lighter, makes our sporty range-topping model even more dynamic.”
Both EVO diesel engines available for the ŠKODA Kodiaq are equipped with an advanced SCR exhaust gas treatment system and two catalytic converters. Using what is known as ‘twin dosing’, AdBlue® is specifically injected in front of two SCR catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other, reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80 per cent. In comparison to the engines’ predecessors, weight-optimised crankshafts and extensive modifications to the exhaust gas routing as well as the turbo, injection and thermo-management systems result in reduced fuel consumption values. The more powerful version also uses lighter aluminium pistons and the turbocharger is water-cooled. There is a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive for the 2.0 TDI that produces 110 kW (150 PS). All-wheel drive is standard for the 2.0 TDI with an output of 147 kW (200 PS). Both diesel engines come with a 7-speed DSG.
1.5 TSI petrol engine with front-wheel drive and manual transmission The EVO-generation petrol engines are even more efficient than their predecessors. A high injection pressure of up to 350 bar ensures lower hydraulic losses and a reduced fuel delivery rate. Furthermore, the 1.5 TSI is equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two cylinders when engine load is low, thus reducing consumption. The 1.5 TSI is the entry-level model, available exclusively with front-wheel drive and the only Kodiaq variant to come with a manual 6-speed transmission. A 7-speed DSG is available as an option, which – together with all-wheel drive – is part of the standard specification for the 2.0 TSI with an output of 140 kW (190 PS). The same applies to the 2.0 TSI producing 180 kW (245 PS), which is making its Kodiaq debut in the top-of-the-range vRS variant.
ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS: successful athlete with further improved performance
Even more power for ŠKODA’s first SUV in its long-standing vRS family
0 TSI EVO-generation petrol engine produces 180 kW (245 PS)
Sporty exterior: new 20-inch wheels, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper and interior with vRS-typical details
Mladá Boleslav, 13 April 2021 – More power and reduced weight for the sporty range-topping ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS model: the new 2.0 TSI petrol engine produces 180 kW (245 PS) and provides the SUV with even greater performance. Boasting gloss black body applications and the new 20-inch Sagitarius alloy wheels, the Kodiaq’s ŠKODA vRS family resemblance is clear from first glance. The sporty SUV comes with full LED Matrix headlights as standard. The combination of black Suedia sports seats with contrasting red stitching and door panels upholstered in the same material featuring black diamond cross stitching characterise the interior of the Kodiaq vRS.
The new 2.0 TSI petrol engine in the Kodiaq vRS comes from Volkswagen Group’s EVO generation. Power output has increased by 4 kW (5 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS), while the engine has been trimmed by more than 60 kg.
Exterior with black design details and new aerodynamically optimised wheels The sporty, black design details are a typical feature for members of the vRS family. The restyled, hexagonal ŠKODA grille with its bold double ribs features a gloss black finish on the Kodiaq vRS. It is flanked by slim full LED Matrix headlights as standard. The window frames and roof rails also shine in black, while the vRS-specific front and rear aprons are body-coloured. Compared to its predecessor, the Kodiaq vRS now features a distinct, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper. The rear – as with all ŠKODA vRS models – features a reflector spanning the entire width of the vehicle. The vRS logo can be found on the tailgate and on the ŠKODA grille. The burnished 20-inch Sagitarius alloy wheels in metallic black and aerodynamic covers come as standard.
Virtual Cockpit with Sport layout and contrasting red stitching in the interior The Virtual Cockpit is a standard feature in the Kodiaq vRS. It welcomes the driver with an vRS-specific look and offers a Sport layout as an additional, fifth display mode, where the speedometer and the rev counter take centre stage. The sports seats with integrated headrests are upholstered in black Suedia microfibre and feature striking contrasting red stitching. A red vRS logo is embroidered on the front seats. Red stitching can also be found on the dashboard and the armrests in the doors. Like the seats, the door panels are upholstered in black Suedia, with black diamond cross stitching.
Quotes: the ŠKODA AUTO Management on the modernised ŠKODA Kodiaq
Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO: “The Kodiaq was a real game changer for us. It was the first model of our SUV campaign and opened up a completely new, rapidly growing vehicle segment. Our customers and the international trade press appreciate the Kodiaq’s brand-typical qualities, just as they do with our other models: excellent value for money, ample space and comprehensive range of equipment. Now we have further refined the specification of our large SUV, offering even more safety and comfort with new features, such as full LED Matrix headlights and ergonomic seats.”
Martin Jahn, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing: “The SUV segment is currently the largest in the global automotive market, and it continues to rise. For ŠKODA too, this segment is of enormous importance. In 2020, nearly 40 per cent of all ŠKODAs delivered worldwide were SUVs. By the end of March 2021, we had produced more than 600,000 Kodiaqs worldwide – a great success story for ŠKODA, which we are now set to continue with the revised model.”
Johannes Neft, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development: “The EVO engines in the Kodiaq combine superior power delivery with increased efficiency and lower CO2 and NOx emissions. The ‘twin dosing’ method of exhaust gas treatment applied in the diesel engines lowers nitrogen oxide emissions by roughly 80 per cent, while the petrol engines’ fuel consumption is reduced thanks to an injection pressure of up to 350 bar, among other things. In the Kodiaq vRS, we are – for the first time – employing a petrol engine that, being more powerful and yet lighter, makes our sporty range-topping model even more dynamic.”
Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design: “With the launch of the Kodiaq four years ago, we took a major step forward towards our current design language. Owing to a few subtle changes, our SUV now presents as even more emotive. The new front is crisper, and the design of the four newly arranged headlights lends the Kodiaq a unique character. The new, aluminium-effect details at the front and rear provide the car with great off-road styling. At the same time, we’ve managed to make the rear even more dynamic with a new roof spoiler and sharper tail lights.”
“We have once again further developed the spacious and comfortable interior of the Kodiaq. New contrasting stitching and the LED ambient lighting’s extended range of functions create new visual highlights, while subtle details harmoniously emphasise the overall appearance of our large SUV. For the first time, we are also offering ergonomic seats in the Kodiaq. These can be electrically adjusted and ventilated if desired, and boast a massage function.”
