ŠKODA is predicting a rise in demand for their 4×4 range, with the impending arrival of the ‘Beast from the East’, this week – following trends seen by the car brand after the severe winter snow in 2010 and 2011, where ŠKODA 4×4 sales increased fivefold the following year. Speaking about ŠKODA’s 4×4 vehicles in Ireland, Mark Mulvaney, ŠKODA PR Manager, said:
“The all-wheel-drive market is extremely weather dependent. In 2012, we saw a huge increase in sales for our 4×4 range and we expect this trend to be repeated with the arrival of the snowstorm, this week. However, our 4×4 range is not just for snow storms that happen twice every decade – each 4×4 we produce proves to be a safe and loyal work horse in many other conditions, including towing trailers and boats, as well as on rough or slippery terrain.
“We are one of the few car brands that provide all-wheel-drive options across a range of models, from the OCTAVIA and SUPERB to our latest SUV additions, so those looking to change or upgrade their car have plenty of options to choose from. In fact, ŠKODA is one of the longest-established brands to feature all-wheel-drive technology, first testing 4×4 systems back in the 1930s.”
The brand’s entire 4×4 model range comes equipped with all-wheel-drive technology, based on the latest generation of the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The all-wheel-drive system works electronically, precisely and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal distribution of power between the front and rear axle, thus virtually eliminating any loss of traction.
The idea that all-wheel-drive only provides real benefits in winter on snow-covered or icy roads is a common misconception. ŠKODA’s all-wheel-drive technology improves active safety all year round. The electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is the centrepiece of the entire ŠKODA all-wheel-drive system. Using a number of sensors and in combination with the control systems, the clutch can react to current driving conditions within milliseconds and anticipate future situations. The end benefit is superior fuel economy compared to traditional 4×4 systems.
ŠKODA’s 4×4 models offer a range of advantages that drivers will come to appreciate across all seasons – including considerably better traction on wet and unsealed roads. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, in conjunction with the active driver assistance systems, is also used when passing through corners on dry roads. Here, the control units monitor the speed of the individual wheels and prevent the unloaded inner wheel from spinning, by transferring torque to the wheel with better traction. The modern multi-link rear axle used in all of the ŠKODA 4×4 models supports the favourable impact on handling, active safety and comfort, thanks to precise wheel guidance.
More and more ŠKODA 4×4 customers are using their cars to tow caravans, horseboxes or trailers for boats or cars, for example. The all-wheel-drive system used in ŠKODA vehicles adds value through reliable traction and a higher towing capacity. In comparison to front-wheel-drive vehicles, the 4×4 variants can tow up to 25 per cent more weight. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI 4×4 with a 2.0 TDI engine producing an output of 150 HP can, for example, tow a braked trailer with a weight of up to 2,000 kg, compared to a maximum towing capacity of 1,600 kg for the models with front-wheel drive. And, with a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg (compared to 2,000 kg for the front-wheel-drive version) the large SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ 4×4 is at the top of the current model portfolio.
For further information visit: www.ŠKODA.ie
