Twenty-six boys and five girls from the ŠKODA Academy took part in this year’s AZUBI project, an annual project to make a concept car based on one of the brand’s mass-produced models. This year’s creation additionally links the present and the past: the open-top concept given the name SLAVIA joins in this year’s celebrations of the anniversary of ŠKODA’s founding by referencing the name of the first bicycles made by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement after the firm was founded in 1895.
The prototype derived from the SCALA model combines a fresh, modern and striking design with the traditional hallmark of the early days of motoring, when most cars were open-top.
Like the SCALA, the students’ spider offers precise lines and sharply defined edges that give it an exciting, sporty look. Weighing in at 1,210 kilos, the car’s dynamism is guaranteed by a four-cylinder 1.5 litre TSI spark-ignition engine, which delivers a maximum output of 110 kilowatts (150 horsepower) to the wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Other features taken from the SCALA include both axles, the steering system, the complete electrics, including cabling, and assistance systems. The instrument panel, virtual cockpit and infotainment system are also identical, but the interior’s ambient lighting is an innovated feature.
‘The construction of a student concept car is a core project of the academy every year. This is the seventh time in a row that the students have shown how high our company academy’s bar is set – from planning and design to the construction of an exciting concept car. We give them the chance to design this car of their dreams and get a taste of what it’s like to work with professionals from the company’s departments. One outcome of this is that they get an insight into the company’s workings while they are still students. Later, when they leave school and begin their career with us, they can put that to good use,’ says Alois Kauer, who took charge of the ŠKODA Academy in February this year.