Bike-friendly SUV includes washing machine
The Karoq Velo contains a cycling wish-list of accessories, writes David Linklater.
Skoda has developed a oneoff version of its Karoq SUV packed with cycling friendly accessories. The features of the Karoq Velo were chosen using the results of a survey of 1500 British riders.
The Velo’s star piece of equipment is a fully integrated spin cycle washing machine.
This was chosen after 27 per cent 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 for bikes.
The car has space for a full tool kit and equipment to facilitate
rapid puncture repairs.
A network of built-in LED lights also ensures that any latenight repairs can be carried out without a torch or streetlight.
Practicality and carrying ability were also high on the wishlists of survey respondents, with 37 per cent of cyclists wanting an easy to use exterior bike carrier, and 29 per cent wanting the extra security of an in-car storage system.
The Velo has sufficient racking to carry two bikes on a special roof mount and one inside. The car is fitted out in a way that still leaves room for three adult passengers.
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.
An inbuilt wi-fi hotspot also allows riders to immediately upload footage of their ride.
Cycling is very much Skoda’s thing: the company’s first products were bikes and it’s a keen supporter of the sport around the world.
This year, the Skoda Driver’s Seat Initiative (DSI) Cycling Academy in the United Kingdom was launched, giving aspiring female riders the chance to ride and train under the mentorship of gold medal winning Paralympian cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey.