Skoda Karoq, i.e. electronics at the service of the driver

The popularity of cars from the SUV segment is not declining. One of the newest models on this market is the Skoda Karoq. The car is an example of the widespread use of electronics in equipment that supports the driver and facilitates daily work.

The Skoda Karoq performs among others with an electronically controlled 4×4 drive system. Skoda has proven with many developments that all-wheel drive cars of this brand provide a high level of safety and driving pleasure. The heart of the 4×4 drive is an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch that influences the proper distribution of torque to all wheels.

In normal driving, such as in the city or on dry hard surfaces, 96% of the torque from the engine goes to the front axle. When one wheel slips, the other wheel immediately gets more torque. If necessary, the multi-plate clutch can transfer up to 90 percent. torque on the rear axle. However, in combination with various systems and functions of the car up to 85 percent. torque can only be transmitted to one of the wheels. Thus, the driver has a chance to get out of a snowdrift or mud.

The development of electronics has made it possible to encapsulate this type of drive in various additional driving modes, for example, in off-road conditions. This mode operates in the range from 0 to 30 km/h. Its task is to improve the traction of the car when driving in difficult off-road conditions.

Off-road mode is activated by the driver by touching the center display on the center console. When it is turned on, the performance of electronic systems, the engine and transmission, as well as the response to the accelerator pedal, change. If the engine stalls for less than 30 seconds, the function remains active after the engine is restarted. This mode, among others, makes it easier to start uphill on a hill.

It is also useful when driving downhill, automatically maintaining a constant vehicle speed. According to the manufacturer, the function works at an inclination of more than 10%. The driver does not need to control the descent with the brakes, he can only focus on observing the area in front of the car.

Useful off-road driving information can also be displayed on the touch screen. The driver receives information about the angle of attack, i.e. a parameter informing about the vehicle's ability to overcome obstacles, as well as information about the azimuth and current altitude above sea level. The Karoq model also uses other electronic solutions that have not yet been used in any Skoda. This is, for example, a programmable digital instrument panel. The information displayed in front of the driver's eyes can be customized according to his individual wishes.

The vehicle includes, for example, second-generation modular infotainment devices equipped with a capacitive touch screen with a wide range of possible applications. For example, with Columbus navigation, the system can be equipped with an LTE module that allows you to connect to the Internet as quickly as possible.

Internet access is used by the mobile online services of the Škoda Connect system. The Infotainment Online functions provide information and are used for navigation. Thanks to them, you can use maps and information such as current traffic volume. And Care Connect features let you get help in the event of an accident or breakdown. In the event of a technical malfunction, it is enough to press the button located near the rear-view mirror and inform Skoda Assistance about the problems, and the car will automatically send information about the current location of the car and its technical condition. In the event of an accident, when passengers are unable to call emergency services, the car itself will call for help.

Other online functions are available as the Škoda Connect app on your smartphone. With it, you can, for example, remotely check and find the car and set the available functions. You can also connect your smartphone to the car. The car menu allows you to use Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. In addition, the phone can be charged wirelessly via PhoneBox.

The Karoq model is also equipped with a host of driver assistance systems such as Park Assist, Lane Assist or Traffic Jam Assist. It combines Lane Assist with adaptive cruise control. At speeds up to 60 km/h, the system can take full control of the driver when driving slowly on a busy road. So the car itself monitors the distance to the car in front, so that the driver is relieved of constant control of the traffic situation.

Driving safety is enhanced by Blind Spot Detect vehicle detection, Front Assist remote monitoring with pedestrian protection and Emergency Assist driver activity monitoring, among other things. The equipment of the car also includes such equipment as, among other things, the Pedestrian Monitor, the Mulicollision Brake collision avoidance system or the Maneuver Assist automatic braking function when reversing. The last two functions are useful not only when driving on the highway or in the city, but also when overcoming difficult off-road conditions.

The Skoda Karoq is an example of a car that, until recently, was geared towards higher-end cars, which meant it was more expensive and less affordable. At present, advanced technologies are also available to a wide range of customers.