The styling of the all-new, next-gen Skoda Yeti – set to go on sale internationally in 2018 – has been signed off, design chief Jozef Kaban has confirmed.

Although Kaban wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, he said the Yeti’s current distinctive boxy style wouldn’t be abandoned completely. But he also acknowledged that the Kodiaq, Skoda’s new large SUV, would be similar in look. The new Yeti is expected to make its debut in concept form in mid-2017 before making its international debut the following year.

“It’s no secret we didn’t build the Kodiaq in isolation, and there are aspects of that car that can look good in every segment,” said Kaban. “There was an aspect to the Kodiaq brief that meant we needed to keep in mind that it is a car that is opening the door to a very attractive SUV world. So, of course, it can influence how other SUVs might look.

“I’d say that the next Yeti will look up to its bigger brother, rather than simply being cut from the same cloth. As with any family, the big brother will have influence, but each member of the family will have their own spectacular talents.”

Kaban’s comments are thought to reference some of the Kodiaq’s most distinctive design touches, including the front and rear light elements, the grille design and the car’s front, rear and side profiles.

The new launch is likely to give Skoda the opportunity to move the Yeti onto the VW Group’s MQB platform, bringing with it economies of scale and greater access to the newest generation of engines and technology. As such, it will be powered by the latest petrol and diesel engines and have some advanced technology options from the Kodiaq, potentially including the option of limited autonomous functions to allow it to drive itself in traffic jams.

The switch to the MQB platform also means the new Yeti will sit in the VW Group’s range alongside the Seat Ateca, VW Tiguan and Audi Q2.