Skoda has revealed its eighth student car, the Afriq.
Development of this student car is said to have consumed a total of 2,000 working hours, executed by a total of 25 Skoda apprentices. The car's name has been chosen to highlight Skoda's increasing responsibility for the North Africa region within the Volkswagen Group, alongside its goal to become the leading European car manufacturer in the growth markets of India and North Africa by 2030.
The bucket seats, six-point seat belts, steering wheel, and dashboard of the Skoda Afriq are taken from the Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo The Skoda Afriq is based on a Skoda Kamiq, but those 2,000 working hours have all been poured into modifying the car into a rally racer.
As such, the car has had its two rear doors welded shut and directly to the roll cage in order to stiffen its body. The Skoda Afriq also takes the roof mounted ventilation flap and rear spoiler from the Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo car.
Other parallels to the rally Fabia include the additional head lights at the front and special quick-release fasteners on the bonnet and tailgate. 15-inch wheels from OZ Racing, alongside the white paintwork with student-designed coloured racing-style stickers round off the exterior touches for the Skoda Afriq.
Unique water extration technology ensures there's always water available for driver and occupant, even when out on desert rallies Powering this Skoda Afriq is a 187bhp 2.0-litre unit paired with an all-wheel drive system taken directly from a Skoda Octavia 4x4 (read our review of the front-wheel drive fastback here). This unit is said to have required the fitment of new engine and transmission mounts, alongside a modified gearbox and exhaust system in order to fit into the Afriq.
In the cabin, the Skoda Afriq gets racing bucket seats, six-point seat belts, a steering wheel and dashboard all taken directly from the rally Skoda Fabia. All other unnecessary equipment here has been removed, contributing to the Afriq's low 1,350kg weight.
Having said that, the Skoda Afriq does feature a unique water generator, which is able to draw drinking water straight out of the vapour in the air, ensuring that driver and co-driver always have drinking water available.
Development of this student car is said to have consumed a total of 2,000 working hours, executed by a total of 25 Skoda apprentices. The car's name has been chosen to highlight Skoda's increasing responsibility for the North Africa region within the Volkswagen Group, alongside its goal to become the leading European car manufacturer in the growth markets of India and North Africa by 2030.
As such, the car has had its two rear doors welded shut and directly to the roll cage in order to stiffen its body. The Skoda Afriq also takes the roof mounted ventilation flap and rear spoiler from the Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo car.
Other parallels to the rally Fabia include the additional head lights at the front and special quick-release fasteners on the bonnet and tailgate. 15-inch wheels from OZ Racing, alongside the white paintwork with student-designed coloured racing-style stickers round off the exterior touches for the Skoda Afriq.
In the cabin, the Skoda Afriq gets racing bucket seats, six-point seat belts, a steering wheel and dashboard all taken directly from the rally Skoda Fabia. All other unnecessary equipment here has been removed, contributing to the Afriq's low 1,350kg weight.
Having said that, the Skoda Afriq does feature a unique water generator, which is able to draw drinking water straight out of the vapour in the air, ensuring that driver and co-driver always have drinking water available.
