Skoda VisionS-based SUV to be revealed in Paris

The Skoda ‘Kodiaq’ SUV will be unveiled at the Paris motor show 2016, the brand has confirmed, before going on sale in international markets early next year.

Although stopping short of confirming the car’s name – which has already been trademarked by Skoda and references the Kodiak Alaskan bear – new Skoda boss Bernhard Maier said: “Skoda will be launching a new, large SUV this autumn, thereby strengthening the brand’s position in this important vehicle segment.”

The Kodiaq's exterior design was officially previewed by the VisionS concept in Geneva, but will be slightly toned down for production. Key elements, including the prominent front grille and lighting arrangement, are likely to reach production relatively unchanged. The interior of the VisionS will however see considerable changes, with the SUV likely to get seven seats and a more pared down centre console.

While it's already known that the core of the Kodiaq's engine range will be taken from the Superb, a plug-in hybrid model is also planned, though it will not be part of the launch range. That's because Skoda will launch its first plug-in hybrid model as a variant of the Superb by around 2019.

The new SUV is expected to become a big seller for the company, introducing new customers to the brand and paving the way for future SUV models. It will also introduce a fresh design language which will be seen on all future cars from the brand. A rakish five-door coupé-like SUV is said to follow the Kodiaq, as  well as a performance version with sportier styling, which could carry the vRS badge.

The SUV-coupé, a rival to the likes of the Mercedes GLC Coupé, is currently only slated for China but is likely to come head to Europe as well. Another crossover-style car with "SUV elements" is also in development for the Chinese market and will arrive in 2018. Maier also said that “we might imagine there will be further models” in the SUV family.

Skoda is also known to be working on a bespoke electric vehicle for launch around 2020/21, and although the shape of that model is currently undecided, an SUV or crossover body style appears to be the strong choice.

Darren Moss (Autocar UK)