Skoda has announced that its new generation Superb and Kodiaq have completed their intensive cold weather testing in the Arctic Circle.

The tests on the prototypes of the models include accessing the impact of snow on their bodywork, as well as the effect of having snow enter the engine compartment and air intakes. The doors, bonnet, and tailgate, as well as the fuel filler cap and charging socket of plug-in hybrid vehicles must be able to open, even in the most adverse of conditions.

The vehicles were also assessed during real-world driving to see how they cope with slush on the road, or how the bumpers performed when the vehicle hits a snow barrier. Skoda states that vehicles were additionally driven over blocks of ice to test the robustness of the suspension and underbody. Test drivers would then assess the vehicles for their performance on icy and snowy roads, to ensure that their assistance systems, as well as their driving dynamics are all in proper order.

The vehicles were also tested to ensure their interior functions, including the heating and demisting systems as well as the central touchscreen would function properly even when the interior temperature drops below zero.