Glide And Slide

We Head To Finland To Test Out Skoda's 4x4 Technology In Some Of The Most Difficult conditions Imaginable.

- Ryan Hirons

It's fair to say 4x4 vehicles are largely underutilized in most markets. Most are confined to school runs rather than the dirt tracks they’re so well capable of handling. Well, manufacturers think broader fortunately, meaning four-wheel-drive technology often far exceeds the capabilities needed on any kind of terrain, if needed. Which brings us to Rovaniemi, Finland, a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, with the latest from Skoda’s now-vast range of four-wheel-propelled motors.

The plan was to test the capability of the Czech manufacturer’s four-wheel-drive technology in a variety of challenges designed to push it to the limits, in some of the most extreme, icy conditions imaginable.

First up, we took on a small circuit with the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs, pitting the Normal settings against both cars’ dedicated Snow mode. Even in standard, both vehicles had little issue dealing with the snow-dusted ice with traction remaining consistent and plentiful — a testament to the core 4x4 system, perhaps aided by the addition of studded tyres — although a strong sense of caution was still required to avoid the large snow banks either side.

A switch to Snow mode made all the difference. Steering becomes heavier, to allow for more consistent input making for easy, tarmac road-like driving despite the slippery surface. Pair this with a more responsive throttle, and you have a recipe for near-perfect car control (you can even get a fair amount of angle through corners, although of course, we wouldn’t suggest doing that on public roads).