Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda is currently working on a new SUV which will be positioned above the Yeti crossover. The full-size SUV with the public unveiling scheduled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October has been rumoured to have the name Skoda Snowman and Skoda Polar.
A report in Autobild confirms that the company has finally decided the name, Kodaik. The SUV will be using an extended MQB platform of the Volkswagen group. The vehicle will be available with standard front-wheel-driven format while an all-wheel-drive model will also be on offer.
The news on design and powertrains are very sketchy now. We can expect a design in line with the other Skoda cars based on the Vision C concept unveiled in 2014. The SUV will feature angular design and sharp creases across the body panels. The SUV will have a more mature design in comparison with the Yeti crossover of Skoda.
Skoda is expected to use the current engine lineup 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. The SUV is also expected with a start-stop system, energy recovery and cylinder deactivation for petrol units. Skoda will also offer a plug-in hybrid in the global market.
The Kodaik is expected to be on sale in Europe by 2016-end and will be built at the company's Kvasiny plant in Czech Republic. The India launch is also expected sometime in 2017. The SUV will be pitted against the Volkswagen Tiguan, which will be sold soon in the country.