Skoda plans family of four new SUVs

Skoda Auto is planning a family of SUVs that could extend to as many as four models, each with a set of design and convenience features to distinguish them from the company’s hatchbacks.

The production version of the VisionS concept will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, badged as the Kodiaq. It will go on sale in the UK in late March next year, and has already triggered a record 4,500 expressions of interest from potential UK buyers.

It will be followed by a renewed version of the popular Yeti compact crossover, which will be unveiled late next year or in early 2018.

The Kodiaq will be joined by a five-door coupé version inspired by the raked-roof styling of the BMW X6 and X4, although it is not yet definite that this model will go on sale in Europe. It has been asked for and funded by Skoda China, where the model will be seen first, but it is also under evaluation for sale in Europe.

Also under assessment for sale in Europe is a small SUV that’s conceptually similar to the Nissan Juke. This model is under development primarily for China, where it should appear within two years. Assuming it gets the European go-ahead, it would go on sale here some months later.

With these and the renewed Yeti, Skoda will offer a broad SUV range despite the deletion of the slow-selling Roomster. These models will feature design and style elements intended to reinforce their more robust crossover character, as illustrated by the VisionS.

These elements include a double-bar grille of more vertical orientation, a smaller set of extra lights below the main headlight cluster, squared-off wheel arches, shallower side windows, a slight clamshell effect to the bonnet and a raised ride height.

The interior will deliver the exceptional space that is a Skoda trademark, together with scope to create a personal space around each seat with connectivity features, as well as convenience items.