Skoda Kodiaq SUV, based on VisionS concept, to debut at Paris Motor Show; India entry likely in 2017

Czech automobile-manufacturer Skoda unveiled the VisionS design study concept at the 86th Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of this month. It incorporates Skoda's new design language for upcoming SUVs. Based on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, the VisionS is the first vehicle from Skoda to feature six seats across three rows.

The first vehicle to be extracted from the VisionS would be brand's first seven-seater SUV widely rumoured to have the name Kodiaq. The Kodiaq will get a public unveiling at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October. India being a hotbed for SUVs, the Kodiaq's India launch can be expected in 2017.

The Kodiaq will feature a design influenced by Czech cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art. The VisionS study model features precise and crisp body lines and a face similar to the current generation cars of Skoda. The VisionS also features masculine design, which is accentuated by the Island-Green colour. The production-model Kodiaq is also expected to feature the same styling, without major changes.

The VisionS measures 4,700mm in length, 1,910mm in width and 1,680mm in height, and has a 2,790 wheelbase. The concept vehicle features a plug-in hybrid drive. The production-spec Kodiaq is expected to come with the same hybrid powertrain. The internal combustion engine is a 1.4-litre TSI with 154bhp and 250 Nm of torque. This works alongside an electronic motor that provides 53bhp of continuous power and 220Nm peak torque. In addition to this, the engine line-up from the Octavia and Superb sedans that include the 2.0-litre TDI and 1.8-litre TSI engines available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission can be expected.

The new SUV will be positioned above the Yeti crossover and will be pitted against the soon-to-be-launched Volkswagen Tiguan in India.