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Skoda now offering a cycling companion

Unique concept car built by ŠKODA UK features a host of must-have cycling kit

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Karoq Velo 01
Karoq Velo 01

Skoda has unveiled a new concept car featuring a host of in-built technologies, from a fully-functioning washing machine for sweaty kit to a drone landing pad

Dubbed, the Karoq Velo, it offers the services of a fully-staffed race support team into one remarkable car.

Developed and built by ŠKODA UK, the Karoq Velo was conceived by a team of passionate cyclists to help fellow riders enjoy the perfect ride this summer. Its numerous unique design features were shaped by the results of a survey carried out by ŠKODA. More than 1,500 active riders were asked to suggest ideas for the perfect cycling support vehicle. A ŠKODA UK design team took the results of the poll and packed as many ideas as possible into a one-off Karoq SUV.

Among the many stand-out features of the Karoq Velo is a fully integrated spin cycle washing machine. This was chosen after 27% of survey respondents said that returning to their car in damp cycling kit was a major downside of riding. The washing machine uses the same water supply as an integrated pressure washer that ensures that bikes can be made as fresh as their owners after a long summer ride.

After 31% of survey respondents reported that mechanical issues were a major bugbear, ŠKODA’s design team created space for a full tool kit and equipment to facilitate rapid puncture repairs. A network of built-in LED lights also ensures that any late-night repairs can be carried out without the need to hold a torch or find a streetlight to work under.

Practicality and carrying ability were also high on the wish-lists of survey respondents, with 37% of cyclists wanting an easy to use exterior bike carrier, and 29% wanting the extra security of an in-car storage system. Once again, the ŠKODA design team were able to oblige with the end result being sufficient racking to carry two bikes on a special roof mount and one inside. Despite being packed with kit, the Karoq Velo still has room for three adult passengers.

In keeping with the standard Karoq, the Karoq Velo is brimming with technology. Features specifically developed for the concept include a special magnetic landing pad for a Follow Me drone that uses sensors and recognition technology to follow the cyclist and capture ride photos. An inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot also allows riders to immediately upload footage of their ride when they return the Karoq Velo.

The Karoq Velo also features the ŠKODA emergency call function that when pressed will immediately relay the car’s location to ŠKODA and connect to someone instantly who will be able to assist in an emergency.

Although the one-off Karoq Velo is not available for sale, it is being