Extreme Cold Testing Success: Škoda’s Superb and Kodiaq Models Prove Durability in Arctic Conditions

The new generations of the Škoda Superb and Kodiaq have undergone comprehensive tests on snow-covered roads in the Arctic Circle to assess their driving behaviour and assistance systems.

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto has successfully completed cold testing for the next-generation Superb and Kodiaq models in the Arctic Circle. The vehicles were assessed for their performance, quality, and durability in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The tests focused on driving stability, passenger comfort in icy conditions, and reliability during winter journeys. The vehicles demonstrated their ability to withstand extreme cold, including the weight of ice and snow. The testing phase now moves to its final stage, with the world premieres of the new Superb and second-generation Kodiaq scheduled for autumn 2023.

(PRESS RELEASE) MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 11-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — ŠKODA AUTO, one of the world’s oldest car makers and Czech Republic largest private company part of Volkswagen Group, announces that its latest models, the upcoming generations of the Superb and Kodiaq, have successfully completed rigorous cold testing in the Arctic Circle. These intensive tests evaluated the vehicles’ functionality, quality, and durability in extreme temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The focus was on assessing driving stability, passenger comfort in icy conditions, and overall reliability during long winter journeys, including withstanding the added weight of ice and snow. With the completion of the extreme-cold trials, the testing phase for the new models enters its final stage. The world premieres of the new Superb and second-generation Kodiaq are scheduled for autumn 2023.

“Real-world testing in the toughest possible environmental conditions remains a crucial part of new-vehicle development, despite the advances in computer simulation. Our extensive test programmes in desert climates with extremely high temperatures on the one hand and on the other hand in the Arctic Circle ensure that Škoda customers can rely 100 percent on their vehicles in any weather conditions. At the same time, these tests give us the opportunity to identify optimization needs as early as possible and to design the vehicles in the best possible way to meet the requirements of everyday operation,” said Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development.

Comprehensive Testing across All Vehicle Aspects

Intensive test drives in severe cold conditions are a standard part of Škoda Auto’s vehicle development program. The company regularly conducts these tests in the Arctic Circle, where the fourth-generation Superb and second-generation Kodiaq SUV have demonstrated their capability to overcome any winter challenge. Every component of the test vehicles was thoroughly examined, including the chassis, body, engine, heating system, and the entire electrical system.

Assessing Vehicle Performance in Snowy Conditions

Škoda Auto evaluates the general winter performance of the vehicles by studying the effects of snow on the bodywork and the impact of snow entering the engine compartment and air intakes. The mechanical functions of the vehicle body and the electrics are expected to perform flawlessly even at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, with the engine starting without issues at temperatures close to minus 30 degrees. The doors, bonnet, tailgate, fuel filler cap, and charging socket cover on PHEV vehicles are tested for their ability to open under such adverse conditions.

Evaluation of Driving Behavior and Assistance Systems

Real-world driving tests assess various aspects of vehicle behavior, including how well the vehicles handle slush on the road and how the bumpers perform when encountering snow barriers. Driving over blocks of ice tests the suspension and underbody’s robustness, while the testers evaluate the vehicles’ performance on icy and snowy roads and the effectiveness of the assistance systems. The driving dynamics, all-wheel drive performance, suspension characteristics, transmission shifting, windshield wipers, washers, vehicle lighting at night, and acoustic behavior of frozen parts are all thoroughly examined. Additionally, the high-voltage batteries of PHEV vehicles are charged in frozen conditions, followed by determining their maximum range. The test drivers cover tens of thousands of kilometers to ensure precise assessment of the vehicles’ durability in winter conditions.

Interior Function Testing

The test program also includes evaluations of interior functions such as the heating system’s performance at extremely cold temperatures and the level of thermal comfort inside the vehicle. The testers assess whether the windows fog up and how quickly they can be defrosted. The heating systems for seats, steering wheel, exterior mirrors, windshield, and rear window are evaluated, along with optional auxiliary heating systems. Furthermore, the drivers test the responsiveness of the central touchscreen when the interior temperature drops below freezing.

Media contact:

Ariane Kilian
Head of Communications
e: ariane.kilian@skoda-auto.cz
t: +420 326 811 778

SOURCE: Škoda Auto a.s.