Skoda will take the covers off a near-production model of its new hero SUV at the Geneva motor show next month – and the official pictures here show what to expect.
So far the Czech carmaker has released only design sketches and teaser images of the SUV, known throughout the development process as the VisionS concept.
But the official pictures point to how Skoda’s next-generation of SUVs could look going through to 2020. The design of the grille and slim headlights on the seven-seater mirror those on the latest Superb models.
The clamshell bonnet is also a feature likely to be found on each of Skoda’s future SUVS. Another hint that suggests a coupe-like SUV – a-la BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE – might be spun off the big Skoda’s chassis is how the roofline tapers towards the back.
The production model will be 4700mm long, 1910mm wide, and 1680mm tall and is likely to be called ‘Kodiaq’ when it goes on sale next year in Europe and New Zealand in 2018 – Skoda has registered the name as an official trademark.
Standard are five seats but a seven-seat configuration is an option, with the rear two folding into the boot. The 60:40 split-fold rear three seats will slide 17cm forwards or aft to either boost boot space or second row passenger room.
Under the bonnet of the Geneva concept is likely to be a four-wheel-drive, hybrid powertrain that can travel 50km on electrics alone.
It’s a 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering 115kW and mated to a 40kW electric motor and six-speed DSG gearbox. There’s a second electric motor on the rear axle. When everything is working together, output is said to be up around 165kW.
Other powerplants will be familiar Volkswagen Group engines, starting with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol, through to bigger capacity diesels in various states of tune. Gearboxes will mostly be seven-speed duel-clutch units, although six-speed manuals will be available on some models.