ŠKODA support cars
ŠKODA support cars
Now the Tour de France has begun, we're sure lots of you are thinking about getting the bikes out and going for a cycle over the coming summer.
After the London Olympics in 2012, one major bike retailer reported a jump in sales of almost 15%, whilst cycle-to-work schemes offered by many employers (including Arnold Clark) saw uptake rise by 150% when compared with the previous year, as reported by Cycling Weekly.
People of all ages and competencies can jump on a bike and enjoy a leisurely cruise or a competitive race, but not everyone will be eager to get caught up on busy roads and will need to transport their bikes to a more leisurely location. During the Tour de France, we see team cars supporting cyclists using cars that are optimal for carrying bikes and all their equipment, as well as a team of staff.
ŠKODA, proud to trace its roots to bicycles during the 1890’s, is an official partner of the tour. A quick glimpse of the competition on the TV will show you Superb support cars, as well as Yeti’s and Octavia’s presence.
Of course, you don’t have to own a ŠKODA to carry a bike – we have a range of other vehicles that have been used by teams participating in the Tour de France below.
Being a French manufacturer, Peugeot has long been associated with the competition, and in the 1950s they used a Peugeot 203.
Thankfully, cars and accessories have progressed somewhat in 60 years, and today 508 estates can be seen carrying bikes.
If an estate isn’t your thing though, why not consider a smaller 2008 crossover model.
With 18-month-old models available from under £10,000, these cars come with roof rails ideal for mounting bikes, as well as free vehicle tax on a few models.
If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, Volvo has been seen at the event in previous years making use of the massive V70 estate.
With an impressive 815 litres of boot space (or a phenomenal 1600 litres with the back seats folded down), the Volvo is the ultimate family wagon. With luxuries including full leather, an automatic tailgate and sat-nav, the V70 would take care of you after a challenging cycle far from home. The D3 SE Nav is available for £23,995, or if you’d rather something a little more rugged, you can opt for the XC70 with off road capabilities and a few more toys, and still get change from £30,000.
Although Ford hasn’t made an appearance for a few years now at the Tour, we think the small SUV Kuga is a great choice for anyone looking to carry a few bikes with the kids during the summer.
With the bike pack available from one of our Ford dealers, you can have the bikes on the roof and the picnic in the boot. Just don’t forget the kids in the back!
Used models can be picked up for under £9,000, and as you explore you’ll get a great view of the road ahead thanks to the elevated ride position.
If you do decide you want a ŠKODA though, the Yeti is probably one of the most versatile cars on offer in the UK, and has received praise from Jeremy Clarkson over its capabilities. We’ve heard he’s a hard guy to please, so that’s got to be good.
The Yeti provides off-road functionality whilst feeling like a small car to drive. ŠKODA emphasises its cycling heritage with the accessories sold through their dealers, which range from bike racks and rails to helmets and gloves. A used high specification Elegance 4x4 model with full leather and a gutsy engine can be yours for £8788.
Please note that all prices referenced in this article are correct at time of publishing, and may be subject to change.
