Skoda moulds unusual Sunroq drop-top from Karoq SUV
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 5th Jun 2018
SKODA has produced an unusual one-off version of its soon-to-be-launched Karoq small-to-mid-size SUV, which has become a drop-top, dubbed Sunroq, as part of a trade school workshop.
Developed by 23 students from seven different professions over about an eight-month period at the Skoda Vocational School in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the Sunroq is fully functional and can be driven, despite its conceptual nature.
The Sunroq is the fifth production model-based concept produced by the Skoda Vocational School under its Azubi Car project, which has been running for the past five years and sees students collaborate with Skoda engineers, designers and mechanics to produce a unique outcome.
“The initial phase was an opportunity to sit down with Skoda’s professionals. While it wasn’t exactly straightforward, we found it very constructive,” the students explained.
“What was the most important lesson we learnt? Definitely the art of reasoning, which is sure to come in very handy in the future.”
Former Azubi Car concepts include the Citigo micro hatchback-based Citijet drop-top (2014), Fabia light hatchback-based Funstar pick-up (2015), Rapid small hatchback-based Atero coupe (2016) and Citigo-based Element pure-electric vehicle (2017).
“We were heavily inspired by one of the previous models, the Skoda Atero, which was unveiled by our predecessors in 2016,” the students added.
“Our main ambition has been to build a sportscar that will mesmerise the younger generation at first sight, and we think we achieved that very well.”
Specifically, the Sunroq is targeted at young adults who want the practicality of large loading area and the ability to experience wind through their hair and sun on their faces.
Finished in Velvet Red paintwork, the Sunroq shares its length, width and wheelbase with the Karoq, while also sharing its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
As a result, the front-wheel-drive, dual-clutch automatic Sunroq can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds while on the way to its top speed of 195km/h.
However, key changes extend to a redesigned rear end, doors, and A- and B-pillars, while back-lit doorhandles, tweaked indicators, front and rear Skoda-logo puddle lights, and cream and red upholstery are also new.
Hundreds of name suggestions for the drop-top were submitted by Skoda customers and fans as part of a Facebook survey, which resulted in the Sunroq moniker being selected.
As previously reported, the Karoq will hit Australian showrooms early next month, with it to be offered in a single grade, the 110TSI, priced from $29,990 before on-road costs.
Honda and Nissan made similar conceptual moves last month, creating pick-up and drop-top versions of their Civic Type R hot hatch and Leaf pure-electric vehicle respectively.
