Skoda VisionS-based SUV India-bound next year

Skoda's large SUV is scheduled to hit Indian shores next year. Unofficially known as the Kodiaq (after the grizzly bear from the Kodiak island in Alaska), the SUV features design cues that preview Skoda’s all-new SUV design language also seen on the VisionS concept that made its debut at the Geneva motor show. It will be based on the VW Group’s MQB-A+ platform.

The design of the new SUV differs slightly from that seen on new cars from the carmaker, as it has a much shallower grille and streaked-back headlights. Skoda designers have also used a unique secondary light in a recessed area under the main headlight. On the inside, the cabin won’t have a completely ‘glass cockpit’ as on the show car. Skoda insiders have, however, confirmed that production versions will get a 12-inch digital instrument panel and a vertically aligned 8-inch screen in the central console – a considerable departure from the brand’s current interior design.

Skoda showcased a pre-production Kodiaq at an event in Prague, Czech Republic.

The new SUV is expected to come with a 193hp diesel and a 223hp petrol, and is likely to get a six- and seven-speed DSG gearbox for the diesel and the petrol (the VW group’s 10-speed DQ511 was earlier said to be part of this car).

Skoda has already started positioning its brand differently in India. The carmaker has taken up the tag of ‘value luxury’ and its new range of SUVs could be the reason for this.

Expected to hit Indian showrooms mid-2017, Skoda has said that the SUV will not sit above the Superb but alongside it. This means we can expect a similar pricing that's between Rs 22 lakh and Rs 30 lakh.

As with all Skoda cars, you can also expect the SUV to offer good value for money. To begin with, it’s big with a length of 4.7 metres – somewhere between an X3 and an X5 – and the wheelbase also measures a large 2.7 metres.

The Skoda SUV will be available in both five- and seven-seat versions.