One-Off Skoda Karoq Velo Is A Cyclist’s Dream Vehicle

Besides building reliable cars that are more affordable than their VW-branded equivalents despite packing the same tech (and, sometimes, being even better to drive as well…), Skoda is famous for the “Simply Clever” features fitted to its vehicles.

You know them: the umbrella integrated into the driver’s door, the ice scraper attached to the fuel filler flap that also features a tire tread depth gauge, ticket holder on the A-pillar on the driver’s side – and more. The Karoq Velo concept car developed by Skoda UK, takes the “Simply Clever” philosophy even further.

Also read: Skoda Klement Electric Bicycle Concept Has Tilt-Controlled Acceleration And Braking

As the name suggests, it’s a a Karoq equipped for a certain active lifestyle. The design was led by findings of a Skoda UK survey of more than 1,500 active cyclists who were asked to suggest ideas for the perfect cyclist support vehicle and then Skoda UK’s design team packed as many ideas as possible into the one-off Karoq Velo.

Described as “the ultimate support car for the cyclist who dreams of the perfect summer ride,” the Karoq Velo features a fully-functioning washing machine for sweaty kit and an integrated pressure washer (both use the same water supply), a full tool kit and equipment to facilitate rapid puncture repairs, as well as sufficient racking to carry two bikes on a special roof mount and one inside. That’s quite remarkable from a packaging standpoint, especially considering that the cabin still retains enough space for three passengers.

A network of built-in LED lights is fitted to facilitate late-night repairs, while an inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot allows cyclists to upload footage of their ride when they return to the Velo — because if it’s not on camera, it didn’t happen, right? The icing on that cake is that the Velo comes with its own drone and magnetic landing pad on the bonnet.

Basically, the Karoq Velo offers the services of a fully-staffed race support team into one car — and Skoda knows a thing or two about that given its longtime partnership with the Tour de France. The Velo is not available for sale, but an accessory package inspired by the show car that includes a Skoda Multi-tool, Skoda Bicycle tire pump and bracket and Skoda Bicycle Lights can be ordered from the brand’s UK retailers.