Skoda teases fans with images of upcoming SUV
Design sketches preview VisionS concept to be revealed at Geneva Motor Show
Skoda has revealed design sketches of a near production-ready concept version of its upcoming SUV, set to be seen in the flesh at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Called the VisionS, it showcases the tweaked design language the car-maker will employ when it begins to roll out its range of SUVs, thought to be named Kodiak.
The production vehicle the VisionS concept will transform into is touted to be a key player for the Volkswagen-owned Czech firm and at 15.5ft, it will be longer than most of its rivals, such as the Nissan X-Trail, and have a seven-seat option when it hits showrooms. "It's also 1.9m [6.2ft] wide and 1.7m [5.5ft] high. Good, chunky proportions", says Top Gear.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
No powertrain details have emerged, though the production car could start with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol, with various 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels making up most of the choices. A manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be available, powering either the front or all four wheels. A hybrid model is a possibility, given Skoda's access to VW group technology, but the company will be wary of stacking the price too high, says Auto Express.
Most critics are focussing on the design of the VisionS, though. Auto Express notes the slim headlights and prominent front grille influenced by other Skoda models, along with some new additions. The clamshell bonnet is likely to remain a feature of all production SUVs, says the magazine, and the roofline at the back tapers down into a distinctive crease at the back. There's a "slight whiff of BMW X5", they say.
Autocar says it will be on sale early 2017, with a price tag possibly as low as £24,000 – undercutting key rivals such as the Kia Sorento by some money. Three more SUV models will be introduced over the next few years, adds the magazine.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport on TV guide: Christmas 2022 and New Year listings
Speed Read Enjoy a feast of sporting action with football, darts, rugby union, racing, NFL and NBA
By Mike Starling Published
-
Škoda Karoq review: what the car critics say
feature The Karoq balances comfort with sportiness and is as comfortable and fun as ever
By The Week Staff Published
-
House of the Dragon: what to expect from the Game of Thrones prequel
Speed Read Ten-part series, set 200 years before GoT, will show the incestuous decline of Targaryen
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
One in 20 young Americans identify as trans or non-binary
Speed Read New research suggests that 44% of US adults know someone who is transgender
By The Week Staff Published
-
Škoda Fabia review: what the car critics say
feature This fourth-generation Fabia is more aerodynamic and economic than its predecessor
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Turner Prize 2022: a ‘vintage’ shortlist?
Speed Read All four artists look towards ‘growth, revival and reinvention’ in their work
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
What’s on TV this Christmas? The best holiday television
Speed Read From films and documentaries to musicals for all the family
By The Week Staff Published
-
Coco vision: up close to Chanel opticals
Speed Read Parisian luxury house adds opticals to digital offering
By The Week Staff Published