Geneva show: Skoda sketches new VisionS

SKODA has launched the teaser campaign for its long-awaited new SUV by releasing three sketches that preview the look of the of the company's “SUV portfolio”.

The show car, dubbed VisionS, will be uncovered at next month's Geneva motor show and gives a glimpse at the design language of future Skoda SUVs.

While more recently Skoda has concentrated on refreshing and expanding its passenger car line-up, the next phase of its expansion plan involves growing its SUV line-up beyond the Yeti crossover.

The VisionS – the 'S' stands for SUV – is a design study but will likely end up as a production model and sit two segments above the Yeti as Skoda's first large SUV.

It is expected to be built on the Volkswagen Group MQB modular platform and share its underpinnings with the production version of VW's CrossBlue concept, that was revealed at the 2013 Detroit motor show.

Some reports have suggested that powertrains will be taken from the Superb line-up – a range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines, while a four-wheel drive system is also expected to be offered on some variants.

Skoda is still yet to announce the name of its production model, but it is widely believed it will take the Kodiak moniker.

The VisionS measures 4700mm long, 1910mm wide and 1680mm high, placing it firmly in the large SUV category along similarly sized offerings such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Those models, as well as the Nissan Pathfinder and new Mazda CX-9 will be key rivals for the Skoda SUV.

Inside, the big SUV has three rows ensuring seating for six and Skoda says it has recreated its “classic large interior that has made the brand popular”.

The VisionS is an extension of the design language previewed on the VisionsC concept from the 2014 Geneva motor show, which has since appeared on production versions of the new Superb and Fabia.

The three sketches show that the VisionS will feature chiselled surfaces and the car-maker says the bonnet relies on “the creative use of plastics” that flow towards the Skoda logo.

A wide grille easily identifies the model as a Skoda, and it carries four tapered, high-set LED headlights. The grille features crystalline elements, which is Skoda's tribute to “the Czech art of crystal-glass design”.

Angular wheel arches are reminiscent of Jeeps, a slightly sloping roof-line gives a sporting appearance and there is a contour line on the upper shoulder of the car.

Skoda's Spanish sister brand Seat will also lift the lid on its first SUV, reportedly dubbed Ateca, at the Swiss automotive extravaganza, but being based on the Leon small car it is unlikely that it will share much with the larger Czech SUV.

More details are expected at the VisionS unveiling next month at the Geneva motor show.